🌸🥀"चुपके से लग जा गले से,

ना कुछ पूछो, ना कुछ बोलो...

बस यूँ ही रहने दो, थोड़ा सा रो लें दोनों।"🥀🌸

Happy reading ❤️‍🔥

_________________________________________

Please vote and comment

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Saavi stepped out of the bathroom, towel-wrapping her damp hair as her phone buzzed.

A message from Akshat lit up the screen.

"Hey. I'm sorry. I know we messed up. But please tum mujhse gussa mat hona. Matlab Ansh se ho jao, kyunki Avni mujhse hai. But maine toh kuch nahi kiya. Toh👉👈"

(Hey. I am sorry. I know we messed up. But please dont be angry with me. I mean you can get angry at Ansh because Avni is angry at me. But I haven't dont anything.... so..👉👈)

A small smile played on her lips. A soft blush warmed her cheeks.

She screenshot the message and sent it to Avni.

The reply was instant - and full of rage for Akshat.

Saavi chuckled, placed the phone down, and went back into the bathroom to finish her night skincare routine.

When she returned, her eyes landed on something unexpected on the bed.

Jhumkas. Three pairs.

A surprised smile crept across her lips. They were her favorite.

Next to them was a folded note.

"Choti, sorry yrr. I know tu inse nahi manegi, but I promise I won't do it again. Sorry.

- Shivansh"

(Little sis, I know you won't forgive me with these, but I promise I wont do it again.)

She placed the ghumkas and note back on the bed, her heart softening, but the anger still flickering inside her.

And then she heard it.

His voice.

Shivansh.

He walked in slowly, strumming his favorite guitar, voice low, raw, emotional with the song he always used to sing for her in childhood.

याद है वो बचपन के पल,

जब लड़ते थे हर सुबह, हर पल?

तेरी छोटी सी गुड़िया छुपाना,

या मेरे खिलौनों को तोड़ जाना।

कभी रूठ के तू ना बोलेगी,

कभी मैं ही मूंह फुला बैठा।

पर दिल में तो बस प्यार था,

ये रिश्ता कितना ख़ास था।

(Remember those childhood moments,

when we fought every morning, every moment?

Hiding your little doll,

or you breaking my toys.

Sometimes you wouldn't talk out of anger,

sometimes I'd sit with a sulk.

But in our hearts there was only love,

this bond was so special.)

बहना, सुन मेरी बात,

माफ़ी चाहता हूं आज।

जो भी कहा गुस्से में कभी,

वो दिल से ना था, बहना मेरी।

तू है मेरी दुनिया, मेरा जहां,

तेरे बिना सब है वीरान।

(Sister, listen to me,

I'm asking for forgiveness today.

Whatever I said in anger,

it wasn't from my heart, my sister.

You are my world, my universe,

without you everything feels empty.)

ज़िंदगी की राहों में खो गए,

थोड़े से बड़े, थोड़े अनजान हो गए।

वक़्त की धूल में शायद,

कुछ बातें छिप सी गईं।

पर जब भी याद आती है तू,

आँखों में भर आता है सुकून।

क्या जाने कब तूने सह लिया,

मेरा हर गुस्सा, हर ज़िद को झेल लिया।

(We got lost on the paths of life,

grew a little older, a little more unfamiliar.

In the dust of time perhaps,

some things got hidden away.

But whenever I think of you,

my eyes fill with peace.

Who knows when you endured,

all my anger, all my stubbornness.)

बहना, सुन मेरी बात,

माफ़ी चाहता हूं आज।

जो भी कहा गुस्से में कभी,

वो दिल से ना था, बहना मेरी।

तू है मेरी दुनिया, मेरा जहां,

तेरे बिना सब है वीरान।

(Sister, listen to me,

I'm asking for forgiveness today.

Whatever I said in anger,

it wasn't from my heart, my sister.

You are my world, my universe,

without you everything feels empty.)

Shivansh set the guitar down on the bed, grabbed his ears, and started doing sit-ups right in front of her - still singing.

क़िस्मत से मिले हैं हम,

एक दूसरे के हमदम।

हर मोड़ पे तेरा साथ चाहिए,

बस तेरा प्यार मेरे पास चाहिए।

चल, सब भूल जाते हैं आज,

नयी शुरुआत करते हैं, मेरी राज़।

(By fate we met,

companions of each other.

At every turn I need your support,

I just need your love with me.

Come, let's forget everything today,

let's start anew, my princess.)

बहना, सुन मेरी बात,

माफ़ी चाहता हूं आज।

जो भी कहा गुस्से में कभी,

वो दिल से ना था, बहना मेरी।

तू है मेरी दुनिया, मेरा जहां,

तेरे बिना सब है वीरान।

(Sister, listen to me,

I'm asking for forgiveness today.

Whatever I said in anger,

it wasn't from my heart, my sister.

You are my world, my universe,

without you everything feels empty.)

हमेशा तेरा भाई बनके रहूंगा,

प्यार का ये बंधन सदा निभाऊंगा।

(I will always remain your brother, and will always uphold this bond of love.)

Saavi's eyes welled up. She didn't say a word-just walked up and hugged him, tight.

Sometimes, forgiveness doesn't need words.

"Pagal ho aap," she mumbled, pulling back and sitting on the bed.

[You're crazy]

Shivansh chuckled, setting his guitar aside.

"Ab bhi naraz hai?" he asked softly.

[Still angry?]

Saavi shook her head. "Nahi."

[No]

There was a moment of quiet, then he asked, "Choti... class mein kya hua tha? Prakash sir ne kya bola?"

[Little one... what happened in class? What did Prakash sir say?]

Saavi told him everything.

By the time she was done, Shivansh's jaw was clenched. His relaxed posture had disappeared.

"He insulted you and Avni like that?"

"Aap kyun nahi aaye bhaiya?" Saavi's voice dropped. That question had clearly been waiting.

[Why didn't you come, brother?]

Shivansh looked down. Guilt washed over his face.

"Preeti told me... she told Akshat and me that you both were using our names to do whatever you want. Like we're... shields."

Saavi's eyes widened. "That bitch-"

"Language," Shivansh cut in, raising an eyebrow.

She huffed, crossing her arms.

"Accha, chal. Ab soja," he said, standing and walking to the door. "Aur... fir se sorry."

[Alright, come on. Now sleep.]

[And... sorry again.]

He turned back once, a small, apologetic smile on his face.

"Goodnight, choti."

[Goodnight, little one]

And with that, he left-leaving behind three ghumkas, and the soft echo of a sibling bond patched back together.

The door closed with a soft click, but the warmth of his voice lingered. Her anger was gone-not because he said sorry, but because he meant it.

---

At Singhania's

Avni lay on her bed, legs up against the wall, phone in hand, eyes scrolling without really reading. Her playlist hummed in the background-some old Arijit track on loop.

The door creaked open.

She didn't have to look. Only one person entered without knocking like that.

Akshat.

She rolled her eyes and didn't move, except to scroll harder.

Typical.

He stood in the doorway, already nervous. His guilt was practically radiating off him like heat.

Clearing his throat, he stepped inside.

"Avni... sorry yrr."

[Avni... sorry, dear.]

She didn't even blink. Just slowly turned her head and gave him the glare.

You know the one.

The classic lil-sis-I-will-burn-you-alive glare.

Akshat froze mid-step. That one look said everything:

GET. OUT.

He exhaled sharply, dropped his shoulders, and walked out, mumbling to himself.

"Cool cool cool... plan B."

---

Next Morning - At Aria's Home

Aria woke up to the faint aroma of ghee and cardamom drifting through the air. She walked downstairs, her steps quiet, her mind louder.

Her grandmother had already set the breakfast table. The way she looked up-with calm eyes and a gentle smile-Aria knew she had guessed.

She knew.

What happened last night. What Aria had buried behind forced smiles.

Without a word, Amma turned and walked into the kitchen.

Aria sat down and began eating, though the food tasted like nothing.

When Amma returned, she held out a strip of tablets and a glass of water.

Aria stiffened. Her eyes flickered between the medicine and her grandmother's face.

"Amma... I-"

[Grandmother... I-]

Her voice broke.

She couldn't finish.

Instead, she turned, and hugged her tightly.

Her face buried into Amma's stomach, her shoulders shook as the tears came, silently.

"Shh, meri bacchi," her grandmother whispered, her hand gently stroking Aria's back.

[Shh, my child]

"Let it out... Sab theek hoga."

[Everything will be alright.]

"I'm sorry," Aria managed between sobs.

Amma didn't ask what she was sorry for.

She didn't need to.

She just held her tighter.

Aria took her medicine and goes back to her room to get ready for school. Applied ice on her eyes. And left for school.

---

At the Singhania's

Avni woke up, stretched-and froze.

Her room looked like it had been attacked by a Post-it tornado.

Sticky notes were everywhere-on her wall, mirror, closet, lampshade.

Each one said the same thing. Just one word:

SORRY.

She stared for a second. Then chuckled.

Typical Akshat.

When she walked over to her study table, she saw something else waiting-a neat little pile of her favorite chocolates.

She didn't smile wide. Just a small twitch at the corner of her lips.

Still, she said nothing.

She got ready for school, came downstairs, and quietly ate breakfast-eyes glued to her plate. Akshat kept sneaking glances at her, hoping, praying, pleading internally for some sign she'd forgive him.

She gave him nothing.

They both finished eating, said bye to their parents, and stepped out of the house together.

As they walked side by side in silence, Akshat was dying inside.

How can she still be mad?

She's my little sister. She's supposed to forgive me in five minutes, max.

And then-she stopped.

He blinked, confused.

She turned toward him and silently held out half a chocolate.

No words.

Just that small gesture.

Akshat's eyes lit up instantly. His lips broke into a relieved grin. He knew exactly what that meant.

She'd forgiven him.

He didn't wait-he pulled her into a tight hug.

"I'm so sorry, Avni," he whispered, squeezing her like a teddy bear.

"Hatto bhai," she replied playfully, hugging him back-

[Move away, brother]

-and then stomped right on his shoe.

"OW!"

She smirked. "That was for yesterday."

_________

In School

As Akshat and Rohan walked towards the class, Akshat began telling him how he made up with Avni.

"Bhai, woh ladki nahi, bomb hai bomb," Rohan said with a chuckle, and Akshat rolled his eyes playfully.

(Bro, she's not just a girl, she's a total bomb.)

"Yeh Ansh kyun nahi aaya abhi tak?" Akshat muttered to himself.

(Why hasn't Ansh come yet?)

"Ansh ka wait kar raha hai ya Ansh ki behen ka? Seedha bol na - Saavi kyun nahi aayi abhi tak?" Rohan teased, making Akshat turn red instantly.

(Are you waiting for Ansh or his sister? Just say it-why hasn't Saavi come yet?)

"Bhai, tu sach mein itna pasand karta hai Saavi ko toh bol de na usse," Rohan added as they entered the class and sat down.

(Bro, if you really like Saavi that much, then just tell her.)

"Pagal hai kya? Mere bestfriend ki behen hai woh. Ansh ko pata chala toh maar dalega mujhe," Akshat whispered.

(Are you crazy? She's my best friend's sister. If Ansh finds out, he'll beat me up.)

"Zyada ho gaya. Itna bhi kuch nahi karega," Rohan said, laughing and playfully hitting Akshat on the head.

(You're exaggerating. He won't do that much.)

"Phir bhi yaar... meri himmat nahi hoti," Akshat said, rubbing his head.

(Still, dude... I don't have the courage.)

"Dekh, aa gaya tera saala," Rohan grinned as Shivansh entered the classroom.

(Look, your dude's here.)

Shivansh stepped in, slightly distracted - and bumped into someone near the door.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry!" he said quickly, stepping back.

The girl turned, gave a polite smile, and walked away without a word.

Akshat and Rohan both watched, amused.

Shivansh sighed and joined them at their usual spot.

"Tu hamesha entry dramatic hi karega kya?" Akshat teased, nudging him.

(Do you always have to make such a dramatic entrance?)

Shivansh rolled his eyes and dropped his bag on the desk. "Chup kar. Mood already kharab hai.

(Shut up. I'm already in a bad mood.)

"Arre, kya hua?" Rohan asked, smirking. "Saavi ne breakfast mein mirchi daal di kya?"

(Oh, what happened? Did Saavi put chili in your breakfast?)

Shivansh glared at him. "Tu rehne de."

(You leave it.)

The three of them laughed lightly - the usual chaos of school life settling in again.

---

Aria stood at the school gate for a moment, her hand tightening around the strap of her bag.

Deep breath in.

Smile on.

Mask ready.

She made her way to class and quietly slid into her seat beside Avni and Saavi.

"Ariaaaa, goooddd morninnggg!" Saavi sang, dragging the greeting with dramatic flair.

Aria smiled softly and greeted back.

"Tum dono ki ladai khatam hui apne bhaiyo se?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

(Have you both made up with your brothers?)

"Haan ho gayi!" Saavi grinned wide.

(Yes, we have!)

"Ansh bhaiya ne gana gaya mere liye aur ghumke diye. Phir bataya ki kyun nahi aaye the... toh maine maaf kar diya."

(Ansh brother sang a song for me and took me around. Then he explained why they hadn't come... so I forgave him.)

Avni rolled her eyes playfully.

"Akshat bhaiya ne toh sorry notes chhipka diye pura room mein. Aur chocolates bhi di. Phir jab maine Saavi ka message padha - ki Preeti ki wajah se nahi aaye - toh... maaf kar diya."

(Akshat brother stuck sorry notes all over the room. And gave chocolates too. Then when I read Saavi's message-that they didn't come because of Preeti-I forgave them.)

Aria smiled, nodding gently.

Saavi suddenly turned to Avni, her voice soft, teasing - and her cheeks blooming with a blush.

"Dhani ne tujhe chocolates di? Hayee mera Dhani... kitna pyaara hai na?" she whispered dramatically, hands on her cheeks.

(Dhani gave you chocolates? Oh my Dhani... he's so cute, isn't he?)

"Haan haan, bohot. Itna pyaara hai toh confess kar de na," Avni chimed in with a mischievous grin, her voice both teasing and suggestive.

(Yes yes, a lot. If he's so cute, then confess it.)

Saavi's eyes widened in horror.

"Pagal hai kya?! Mera bhai ka bestfriend hai vo! Agar unhe pata chal gaya toh?!?!" she gasped, throwing her hands up dramatically.

(Are you crazy?! He's my brother's best friend! What if they find out?!)

Avni shrugged.

"Toh kya? Kuch nahi hoga. Bhai ka bestfriend hai, thik hai. Lekin bestfriend ka bhai bhi toh hai vo. Uska kuch nahi?" she smirked, raising an eyebrow.

(So what? Nothing will happen. He's brother's best friend, okay. But best friend also has a brother. Doesn't he count?)

"Abe tu kaunsi villain ban rahi hai, chup baith!" Saavi said, trying to sound angry - but failing to hide her smile.

(What villain are you becoming? Sit down!)

The two kept bickering lightly, laughter and blushes filling their little corner of the class.

Aria, sitting beside them, quietly watched - a small smile playing on her lips.

This kind of talk... this kind of open, messy, joyful talk about feelings...

It was new to her.

Strange.

But not unpleasant.

Just... different.

---

As the bell rang, students began moving through the corridor, heading toward the assembly hall.

Aria walked beside Avni and Saavi, head slightly lowered, her thoughts loud and scattered.

And then-

She bumped into someone.

Strong hands caught her gently by the elbow, steadying her.

She looked up.

Shivansh.

For a second - maybe less - everything else faded.

Their eyes met. Not wide-eyed or startled. Just... still.

"Sorry," Aria whispered.

He didn't speak.

Just gave a small nod. His hand lingered a breath longer, then fell away.

She stepped aside and continued walking, her heart beating louder now.

He didn't follow.

But his eyes did.

From behind her, Shivansh watched in silence - something unspoken flickering in his gaze.

---

As the students lined up in the assembly hall, the sun shone a little too brightly for Avni's mood.

She stood quietly in her line, arms folded, eyes squinting at the stage as the Principal began yet another speech about punctuality and school values.

Her eyes were mid-roll when she felt it-a light tap on her shoulder.

She turned.

Rohan.

He looked like he wasn't sure if this was a good idea.

But he still leaned in, whispering just loud enough for her to hear:

"Tumhare room ke walls ab bhi 'sorry sorry sorry' chilla rahe hain ya clean kar liya sab?"

(Are the walls of your room still shouting 'sorry sorry sorry' or have you cleaned them all?)

Avni gave him a sharp look, lips pressed tight.

"Tumha kya lena dena?" she whispered back, her voice laced with irritation.

(What business is it of yours?)

"Bas... curious tha," he said with a slight smirk. "Waise... sorry ke saath chocolates milti hain toh mujhe bhi gussa karna chahiye kisi pe."

(Just... was curious. By the way... if chocolates come with sorry, then I should get angry at someone too.)

Avni turned fully toward him now, raising one eyebrow.

"Try me, Rohan. chocolate ka toh pata nahi ... seedha thappad milega."

(Try me, Rohan. I don't know about chocolates... but I'll give you a slap.)

Rohan chuckled under his breath, holding up his hands in surrender.

"Bas mazaak kar raha tha, madam. Don't kill me in public."

(I'm just joking, madam. Don't kill me in public.)

She narrowed her eyes-but a corner of her mouth twitched.

Just a little.

He noticed.

---

As the assembly ended and students began moving back to class, Akshat spotted Saavi a few rows ahead-talking animatedly to Aria about something.

The sun hit her face at just the right angle.

She laughed at something Aria said. That carefree, open laugh that he'd secretly started waiting for every morning.

He didn't realise he was staring until Rohan elbowed him.

"Bhai. Kya dekh raha hai? Bijli gir gayi kya?"

(Bro, what are you looking at? Did lightning strike?)

Akshat blinked.

"Huh? Kya?"

(Huh? What?)

Rohan smirked. "Saavi. Again."

Akshat rolled his eyes, trying to act unaffected. "Nahi yaar... bas waise hi."

(No dude... just like that.)

But then - Saavi turned.

Her eyes scanned the crowd and landed on him.

She smiled. That soft, slightly teasing smile. And gave a tiny wave.

Akshat's brain blanked for two seconds. He forgot to wave back.

She tilted her head, confused, then turned back to her group.

Akshat let out a breath and smacked his own forehead.

"Idiot. Ek wave toh kar deta."

(Idiot. At least wave back once.)

Rohan burst into laughter beside him.

"Bhai, tu pyaar mein nahi, paralysis mein lag raha hai."

(Bro, you don't look like you're in love, you look like you have paralysis.)

Akshat groaned. "Maar khaunga main ek din."

(I'm going to get beaten one day.)

"Haan, uske bhai se hi." Rohan said chukling.

(Yeah, by her brother only.)

---

"Ugh, kitna lamba lecture diya Principal ne," Avni muttered as they walked back to class. "Lag raha tha khud hi bhool gaya ho ki bell baj chuki hai."

(Ugh, the Principal gave such a long lecture. It felt like he forgot himself that the bell had rung.)

Aria chuckled softly, hiding a small smile behind her hand. Saavi laughed out loud, shaking her head dramatically.

As they reached their benches, Avni turned to Aria with sudden excitement.

"Waise, Aria... kal Saavi ka birthday hai."

(By the way, Aria... tomorrow is Saavi's birthday.)

Aria blinked, slightly caught off guard by the shift in topic. "Oh... really?"

Before she could say anything more, Saavi practically bounced in her seat and turned to Aria with wide eyes.

"You have to come tomorrow, Aria," she said, clutching her hand dramatically. "Kal mera birthday celebration hai ghar pe - dinner, music, bas close people."

(You have to come tomorrow, Aria. Tomorrow is my birthday celebration at home-dinner, music, just close people.)

Aria hesitated for a moment. Then gave a small, shy nod. "If... if I'm not a problem..."

Saavi frowned instantly. "Problem?! Tu meri dost hai yaar. Tere bina toh mood hi nahi banega!"

(Problem?! You're my friend, dude. Without you, the mood won't be right!)

Aria's lips lifted in a small, genuine smile.

"Okay. I'll come."

Saavi smiled happily, already excited, and Avni fist-pumped like it was a mission accomplished.

---

In 12th Commerce - Free Period

The class buzzed with low chatter as most students relaxed. Rohan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, eyes quietly observing through the open window that peeked into the corridor.

His gaze lingered on Aria walking past-quiet, calm, a little too composed.

He frowned.

"Something's off with that girl," he muttered.

Akshat, sitting beside him, looked up from his doodle-filled notebook. "Kya matlab?"

(What do you mean?)

"Matlab... she's too silent, bro. Jaise... woh har waqt kuch chhupa rahi ho. Normal nahi lagti mujhe."

(I mean... she's always hiding something. She doesn't seem normal to me.)

"Bas introvert hai," Akshat shrugged. "Not everyone screams like Saavi."

(She's just an introvert. Not everyone shouts like Saavi.)

Rohan didn't laugh. He turned toward Shivansh, who was quietly going through his notes.

"Tu toh zyada observe karta hai logon ko, bhai. Kya lagta hai tujhe? Aria... theek hai?"

(You observe people a lot, bro. What do you think? Is Aria... okay?)

Shivansh paused for a second.

"She's quiet. Careful. Lekin abhi tak kuch wrong toh nahi laga mujhe."

(She's quiet. Careful. But I haven't felt anything wrong so far.)

Rohan leaned forward slightly. "Haan, but that's what's bothering me. Na zyada haste dekha, na gusse mein. Na over-friendly, na rude. Bas ek perfect mask. Hamesha. Kisi ko itna control mein kaise rehna aata hai?"

(Yeah, but that's what bothers me. I've seen her neither laugh much, nor get angry. Neither over-friendly nor rude. Just a perfect mask. Always. How can someone be so in control?)

Akshat snorted. "Yeh tu bol raha hai, jo khud har teacher ke samne seedha ban jaata hai."

(You say that, but you're the one who behaves well in front of every teacher.)

But Shivansh was still thinking. Quiet. His fingers tapped the pen slowly on the desk.

"Maybe she is hiding something," he said finally. "But that doesn't mean she's wrong. Everyone hides something."

Rohan shrugged. "Shayad. But kuch na kuch toh hai. And I'm gonna find out."

(Maybe. But there's definitely something. And I'm gonna find out.)

The bell rang.

The boys stood up, grabbing their bags-but Shivansh looked out the window once more, eyes lingering in the distance where Aria had disappeared.

His voice was low, thoughtful.

"Bas ye dekh le, Rohan... ke tu kuch galat na kra. Don't be rude to her."

(Just make sure, Rohan... that you don't do anything wrong. Don't be rude to her.)