🌸🥀हाँ, कोई कहता, "इश्क़ हमें आबाद करता है"

कोई कहता, "इश्क़ हमें बर्बाद करता है"

ज़ेहन की तंग दीवारों से उठ कर

मैं कहता हूँ, "इश्क़ हमें आज़ाद करता है"🥀🌸

Happy reading

___________________________________________

The morning after the house activity felt different. The school corridors buzzed with a lighter, happier energy. Students smiled more, laughed easily, and exchanged stories about the event. Everyone was glad it went well-but at the same time, a quiet sadness lingered. There was no prize this month, no extra celebrations-just memories they wished could last a little longer.

In the corner of the classroom, Aria, Saavi, and Avni sat together, waiting for their first class to begin. Their chatter was soft, but their faces still held the glow of yesterday's excitement.

"Bhaiii, Aria!" Saavi's eyes sparkled as she leaned toward her friend. "Kya mast dance karti hai tu! Itne achhe steps the!"

(Wow, Aria! You danced so beautifully! Such perfect steps!)

Aria's cheeks warmed, and she smiled gently. "Thank you, Saavi... But you were amazing too! Your debate-so confident and sharp! And Avni, your voice... it's magical!"

(Thank you, Saavi... But you were amazing too! Your debate-so confident and sharp! And Avni, your voice... it's magical!)

Saavi and Avni grinned, exchanging a look of shared pride.

"Aur Radhika ma'am bhi kitni khush thi na!" Avni added, her eyes twinkling.

(And Radhika ma'am looked so happy!)

"Yeah..." Aria nodded, her smile softening. Her gaze drifted to the window, where the morning sun poured in like a warm blessing.

It had almost been a month since she had joined the school. So much had changed. The unfamiliar faces that once made her anxious were now warm smiles she could trust. The classroom that once felt cold and strange was now a space where she laughed, argued, and belonged.

A few incidents with Preeti had left shadows, but they were fading. Overall, everything felt good. More than good-it felt like home. She had friends now. A group. She was learning to adjust, to open up.

Saavi and Avni had become her closest friends. Rohan and Akshat were also kind and helpful, always there when needed. But then there was Shivansh...

Her heart skipped slightly at the thought.

He was... different.

His deep, steady eyes-never staring, never making her feel awkward-lingered just long enough to make her feel seen. The way he always offered help without making a show of it. The way he stood by her quietly, his presence comforting without overwhelming.

And that day... when she had been locked inside the activity room... his calm words, his patient gaze-it had wrapped around her like a shield. She could still feel how it had steadied her.

A soft smile curved on her lips as her fingers traced the edge of her notebook. She wasn't sure what it was-but something about him made her feel safe.

Maybe this is what belonging feels like, she thought.

The bell rang, and their attention returned to the classroom. But the warmth of friendship, laughter, and a quiet hope stayed with them, like sunlight after a storm.

___

The first class of Political Science began with a burst of energy. Everyone seemed eager-it was the first lecture. The teacher's voice rang out clearly as she explained the Constitution, outlining its principles and significance.

Aria, Saavi, and Avni sat together, their pens moving quickly across the pages as they took notes and highlighted important points. Occasionally, they exchanged glances, and jokes.

But by the end of the class, their focus began to waver. The long explanations and constant note-taking had drained them. As the final bell rang and the teacher packed up her materials, the trio exchanged tired smiles.

The moment the class ended, Aria stood up with a sigh and headed toward the water point. As she walked, her fingers absentmindedly played with her class pass, untangling and tangling it around her wrist. Her eyes were half-lost in thought as she traced the edges of the card with her thumb.

Just as she reached the water point, she didn't notice someone coming from the opposite direction. The next moment, she bumped into them-and before she could react, she stumbled backward, losing balance.

For a brief second, time seemed to freeze.

THUD!

Aria fell backward onto the ground. She blinked, startled, and looked up-only to see Shivansh standing there, equally frozen. Concern clouded his eyes, and his cheeks flushed red.

Without wasting another second, he crouched down beside her. "I'm sorry, Aria... I didn't see you. Are you okay? Come, I'll take you to the medical room," he stammered, his voice filled with worry.

Aria blinked at his sudden rush of words-and then, unable to help herself, she chuckled softly.

Shivansh went still, as if struck by lightning. He had seen her smile before, yes, but this... this laugh was different. It was the first time he had heard it. His eyes widened, frozen in awe.

She chuckled for him.

"I'm fine... relax," she said, still smiling gently.

Shivansh let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Slowly, he stood up and extended his hand to help her up, though a hint of embarrassment still colored his face.

"I'm sorry, Aria," he said again, his voice softer this time.

Aria smiled and shook her head. "No... it was my fault too. I wasn't paying attention."

Shivansh gave a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck as if trying to erase his awkwardness.

For a fleeting moment, the air between them felt lighter-less formal, more human. Neither spoke, but both understood that something unspoken had shifted between them.

Shivansh cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Aisa kyun hota hai humse baar-baar? Bumping into each other," he said with a small, amused smile.

(Huh... umm, thank you... and your song... I mean, your voice is really good too.)

Aria smiled back and gave a playful shrug, as if to say, who knows?

His smile widened. "By the way... you dance really well," he added, his tone casual but sincere.

(By the way... you dance really well.)

Aria blinked, caught off guard. Saavi and Avni had said similar things before, but hearing it from him felt... different. Her cheeks tinged with warmth. "Huh... umm, thank you..." she murmured, eyes lowering slightly before she gathered courage and added with a soft smile,

"And your song... I mean, your voice is really good too."

Shivansh's eyes sparkled for a moment, surprised by her compliment. He gave a small nod, as if the praise meant more than he expected.

For a brief second, the awkwardness melted into something comfortable-a quiet connection, shared smiles, and the gentle start of something neither of them dared to name yet.

Aria moved toward the water point, lifting the bottle with a soft smile. Shivansh quickly stepped aside, carefully maintaining a respectful distance, his eyes never leaving her. His heart beat a little faster, but he quickly composed himself, pretending to adjust his sleeves.

As she took a sip, a soft breeze ruffled her hair, and Shivansh's eyes followed the way her fingers brushed it back behind her ear. His cheeks colored, and he looked away as though embarrassed by his own attention.

After drinking, she turned toward him, nervous but polite.

"I... I'll go now... I have class. Bye," she said, her eyes briefly meeting his before darting away.

(I... I'll go now... I have class. Bye.)

Shivansh smiled, nodding slowly.

As she started to leave, he stood frozen for a moment, as if trying to memorize the sight-her light steps, , the slight glow on her cheeks from the walk in the corridor. He shook his head as if trying to clear his thoughts, but the smile lingered.

"God... what's happening to me?" he muttered under his breath, brushing his hair back and stealing one last glance before turning away. His face was flushed.

____

Just before the history teacher could enter, Aria came back and quietly took her seat.

"Bhai, sabse boring hai ye history aur history wala sir... ehhhhhh!" Saavi groaned dramatically, making a fake crying face.

(Bro this is most boring class and its teacher too)

Avni playfully hit her on the head.

"Bas kar yaar," she whispered, trying to hide her smile.

(Enough)

Aria couldn't help but chuckle softly, watching her friends' antics.

As the history class began, the atmosphere was anything but lively. Students struggled to keep their eyes open-one was resting her head on the desk, another was doodling absentmindedly, and a few kept glancing toward the door as if waiting for it to end.

The teacher's voice droned on in the background, but it barely registered. Someone yawned loudly, another stifled a giggle, and one boy even pretended to fall asleep, complete with a snore.

After what felt like an eternity-45 long minutes-the class finally ended, and everyone sighed in relief as if they had survived a battle.

As the teacher gathered his notes, one student whispered under his breath, "Finally..."

The whole classroom burst into laughter at his mock whisper, some even nudging each other, trying not to giggle too loudly.

Aria smiled softly as she packed her books into her bag. "Ab kaunsi class hai?" she asked casually.

("Now which class is next?")

"Economics," Avni replied, pulling out her books with a resigned expression.

"NOOOO!" Saavi groaned, throwing her hands up dramatically. "Who keeps economics after history? They want to kill us!"

The class erupted in laughter once again, students slapping desks and exchanging amused glances.

Aria laughed and shook her head. "Toh kya karein? Leni padhegi class..."

("So what do we do? We'll have to attend the class...")

Saavi's eyes sparkled mischievously. She grinned devilishly. "Class bunk!"

Aria blinked in surprise. Avni shot her a worried look. "Pagal! New teacher hai vo. Kya image rahegi?"

("Are you crazy! It's a new teacher. What kind of impression will that give?")

Saavi shrugged her shoulders, already slinging her bag over one shoulder. "Nahi, main nahi lene wali. Bunk karungi! Tum dono bhi chalo," she urged.

("No, I'm not going. I'm bunking it! You both come too!")

Aria hesitated, worried but tempted. "Bunk? Are you sure, Saavi? I'm scared... what if we get caught?"

Saavi smirked confidently. "Kuch nahi hoga! Chalo!" she said, zipping her bag with a determined click.

(Nothing will happen. Lets go.")

Avni rolled her eyes but sighed in defeat, knowing Saavi wouldn't let it go. She packed her bag silently, giving in to the plan.

Saavi turned to Sanya, a girl sitting nearby, and whispered, "Oye, le, humara bag chhupa de,"

("Hey, hide our bags.")

Sanya grinned, eyes sparkling with excitement at the mischief, and quickly slipped their bags under the bench, hiding them from sight.

The three exchanged glances-half nervous, half thrilled-as they prepared to skip the dreaded economics class together.

Saavi gave a dramatic wink to Aria and Avni. "Bas! Ab mission start!"

("Done! Now the mission begins!")

Aria bit her lip, trying not to laugh but clearly excited. Avni raised her eyebrows and whispered, "Yeh sach mein karne wali hai..."

("She's really going to do it...")

Some students nearby snickered, already amused by the group's antics. One boy whispered, "ya pakda gaya toh maza aayega,"

("If they get caught, it'll be fun to watch.")

Chalo, washroom chalte hain. Dus minute baad waha se bahar aayenge... tab tak sab class mein honge. Phir ground mein chalte hain aur baaki students mein mix ho jaayenge,"

("Come on, let's go to the washroom. We'll come out after ten minutes... by then everyone will be in class. Then we'll head to the ground and blend in with the other students.")

Saavi said with full confidence, walking ahead without looking back. Avni rolled her eyes but smirked, following her anyway. Aria's eyes darted between them-nervous about getting caught but thrilled to be doing something daring for the first time.

They reached the washroom, giggling quietly as they leaned against the walls, whispering about how the next part of their plan would go. Aria laughed softly, excitement and fear mixing in her chest. Saavi whispered, "Bas, kuch nahi hoga. Masti karte hain."

("Nothing's going to happen. Let's just have fun.")

After ten minutes, they peeked out, straightening their back and smoothing their hair before stepping into the corridor. Their faces were determined-until they froze.

Standing right ahead, hands crossed over his chest, was Mr. Prakash, the history teacher. His sharp eyes locked on them, dark with disapproval. His lips pressed into a thin line, and the corners of his mouth curled downward in a frown.

"Class bunk?" he barked.

("Bunking class?")

His tone was harsh, almost like he enjoyed catching them. Everyone knew he was the strictest teacher, the one who already disliked Saavi and Avni-and now Aria too because she always stayed with them.

Aria's eyes widened with fear. She bit her lower lip, glancing at her friends for help. Saavi stood frozen, mouth slightly open. Avni blinked rapidly, jaw tightening.

"Sir... vo... vo hum log..." Saavi stammered, trying to explain.

But before she could say more, he cut her off sharply.

"What's your class?"

"Economics..." Avni replied quietly.

"The new teacher... Rishabh?" His lips curled in disdain, not even calling him 'sir.'

The girls nodded helplessly.

"Chalo, tumhe principal office ka darshan karaata hoon,"

("Come, I'll give you a tour of the principal's office.")

Without waiting, he started walking toward the office, his steps slow but purposeful.

The trio exchanged nervous glances. Aria's eyes were filled with fear. Avni's face hardened, glaring at Saavi as if blaming her for dragging them into trouble. Saavi's lips pressed together, trying to stay calm but failing.

With heavy steps, they followed Mr. Prakash down the corridor-each heartbeat louder than the last.

The corridor felt longer than usual as they walked behind Mr. Prakash. Aria's heart pounding. Avni kept throwing sharp looks at Saavi, even though she won't blame her for this or even get angry, who looked guilty but determined to stay calm.

Finally, they reached the heavy wooden door of the principal's office. Mr. Prakash pushed it open with dramatic force, as if the moment had been planned.

Inside, the principal's room was neat and orderly. Files were stacked in perfect piles, and a large desk sat in the center with a nameplate reading "Principal - Mr. Mehta." The air smelled faintly of paper and polish. The soft ticking of a wall clock added to the calm atmosphere, but the presence of Mr. Prakash with a stern expression made the room feel tense.

"Sir..." Mr. Prakash greeted, standing at attention.

The principal looked up from his papers and nodded, silently giving him permission to enter.

Without wasting time, Mr. Prakash stepped inside, followed by the trio-Aria, Saavi, and Avni-each with nervous eyes and tightly gripped bags.

"What's going on, Prakash sir?" the principal asked in a calm but concerned tone.

"Sir, these girls were bunking class," Mr. Prakash replied, his eyes flickering with disapproval as he pointed toward them.

The principal's eyes softened briefly but disappointment was clearly visible as he turned toward the girls.

"Well, girls... what am I hearing?" he asked, his voice firm yet not harsh.

The trio exchanged nervous glances. Aria's fingers twisted, Avni bit her lower lip, and Saavi avoided eye contact for a brief moment. Mr. Prakash stepped closer and explained how he had caught them and that their economics class was the one they had skipped.

"Call Rishabh sir too," the principal instructed, turning to Mr. Prakash.

"Yes, sir," he replied, stepping out to make the call.

The principal's gaze returned to the girls, serious but composed.

"Girls, I am very disappointed," he said, his voice steady. "I didn't expect this from you three. Avni, you are the captain of our girls' hockey team. Saavi, you are the head of the debate club. And Aria... I've seen your dance performance, and I've read reports from your class. Where is this discipline?" His words were firm, but his eyes held concern, not anger.

The girls lowered their heads in shame.

"Sorry, sir," all three murmured together.

The principal gave a slight sigh, as if he wanted to say more but chose to trust they understood.

Just then, Mr. Prakash re-entered the room. "Sir, I've sent helpers to call him," he said curtly.

The principal nodded, his eyes thoughtful.

After a brief pause, Mr. Prakash's eyes narrowed as he added, "Sir, we should call Saavi's and Avni's brothers too-Shivansh and Akshat. They should know what their sisters are doing... bringing shame to their names."

At his words, Saavi and Avni's eyes widened in panic. They exchanged a quick glance, their faces draining of color.

The principal's expression hardened. "Prakash sir, mind your words," he said sharply but controlled. "You're talking about students. Bunking class doesn't bring shame. Yes, they have broken the rules, but 'shame' is a word that should not be used lightly."

Mr. Prakash clenched his jaw, his fists tightening briefly at his sides, but he lowered his head and nodded in agreement.

The principal's tone softened once more, though his resolve remained firm. "However, we should call their brothers. We need to inform their families anyway-let's tell thier brothers rather then family. I will call aria grandmother later myself."

Mr. Prakash, still stiff, nodded once more and stepped out to send the helpers to call Shivansh and Akshat.

Inside the room, Saavi and Avni sat frozen, their hands clenched together, while Aria's eyes darted between them and the principal, anxious about what was to come.

The principal looked at them with a mix of disappointment and care, as though silently saying he hoped this moment would teach them something, but not break them.

____

XII Commerce

A school helper quietly entered the classroom and whispered something to the teacher.

The teacher turned to the students and announced, "Shivansh, Akshat... principal sir is calling you both. Go."

Shivansh and Akshat looked up, exchanged a quick glance, and their expressions flickered between curiosity and annoyance.

Rohan raised an eyebrow at them. They shrugged and silently got up, leaving the classroom, every step carrying the weight of anticipation.

_____

Shivansh and Akshat entered the principal's office and immediately saw the girls sitting there. Both exchanged a concerned glance.

"Sir, may we come in?" Shivansh asked politely.

The principal nodded.

"Sir... you called us?" Akshat asked, his eyes flicking between the girls and the principal.

"Yes, boys. There is a problem," the principal said calmly but firmly.

The brothers' gaze landed on the trio, their concern growing with each passing second.

Saavi and Avni sat frozen, their hands clenched tightly in their laps. Saavi's looked down while Avni's eyes darted nervously between the brothers and the principal.

Aria, slightly smaller in stature compared to the rest, fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, her heart racing.

Before the principal could continue, Rishabh sir entered the office.

His eyes immediately fell on the girls, and from their guilty posture-slumped shoulders, fidgeting hands-he could tell they had bunked class.

"Sir," Rishabh sir greeted politely, and the principal nodded, motioning him to come in.

Turning to Mr. Prakash, the principal said calmly, "Sir, I think you should step out now."

Mr. Prakash's jaw tightened, clearly unhappy, but he knew better than to argue. With a reluctant nod, he exited, leaving the principal, the girls, the brothers, and Rishabh sir in the room.

The tension in the office was palpable. Saavi and Avni exchanged worried glances, while Aria's hands twisted nervously in her lap.

"Okay, so... Shivansh, Akshat, your sisters... and Aria bunked Rishabh sir's class," the principal finally said, his tone calm but firm.

Shivansh's eyes widened instantly. He turned sharply to Saavi, who looked down, biting her lip.

Akshat's gaze landed on Avni, who gave a small, sheepish shrug.

Both brothers exchanged a quick glance, a silent understanding passing between them, and then shot the girls a glare that was half annoyance, half "you're in so much trouble."

Rishabh sir glanced at them, a small smile playing on his lips. "So... I'm this boring, terrible teacher, is that it?"

The trio immediately shook their heads, a little too fast.

"No, sir!" Saavi said, trying to sound convincing.

Aria glanced at him nervously, biting her lip, while Avni quickly nodded, her eyes wide.

Shivansh and Akshat exchanged amused but disapproving glances at their sisters.

"Really?" Shivansh muttered under his breath, making Saavi's cheeks heat up as she realized just how unimpressed he was.

"So what now, Rishabh sir? They bunked your class. You decide," the principal asked, looking at him expectantly.

The girls shared nervous glances. Shivansh and Akshat looked at each other, silently hoping their sisters wouldn't get into serious trouble.

Rishabh sir sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Let them go. I'll talk to them. And they won't bunk class again... at least, not mine," he said, earning a small raise of the principal's eyebrow.

The group let out a collective, quiet sigh of relief.

"Shivansh, Akshat, make sure this doesn't happen again from them," the principal added firmly.

"It won't, sir," both boys said firmly, their eyes still locked on Saavi and Avni.

"And Aria," Rishabh sir added, turning to her, "I will call your grandmother." Aria nodded nervously, her stomach twisting a little.

"You all can go now," the principal said, dismissing them.

Everyone left the office, a mixture of relief, lingering tension, and unspoken lessons hanging in the air.

We will talk about this blunder after school," Akshat said firmly, glancing at Saavi and Avni.

The trio exchanged nervous glances, knowing this wasn't over.

"Bhai...vo..." Avni started, but Akshat cut her off with a sharp look, silencing her instantly.

Saavi's eyes met Shivansh's, and she immediately saw the disappointment in his gaze.

"Go to class," Shivansh said, already turning to walk off with Akshat.

The girls hesitated for a moment, then quietly followed, their minds buzzing with both fear and relief.

___

After school, the girls waited nervously for their brothers. Aria stood beside them, trying hard to control her laughter at their worried faces.

Soon, Shivansh and Akshat arrived on their bikes, parking them and stepping down. Rohan, already aware of what had happened, grinned mischievously.

"Explain," Shivansh said, his gaze fixed on them.

("Explain," Shivansh said.)

"Bhaiyaa...vo na...hum...thoda...bore ho rahe the...nahi, matlab thak gaye the...isliye...vo..." Saavi stammered, her words tripping over each other under her brother's intense gaze.

("Brother...um...we were a bit...bored...no, I mean tired...so...that's why...um...")

"Isliye bunk kar diya? Really? Kya socha tha tum teenon ne?" Akshat scolded, his voice firm but not angry.

("So you bunked the class for that? Really? What were you three thinking?")

The trio looked down, guilt written all over their faces.

"Aur ek minute...iska idea kiska tha?" Shivansh asked sharply.

("Wait a minute...whose idea was this?")

The three exchanged quick glances.

"Yeh Avni ka hoga pakka," Rohan said, grinning.

("It must have been Avni's idea, for sure.")

"Chup reh, tera muh phod dungi!" Avni shot back, glaring at him.

("Shut up, I'll punch your mouth!")

"I am waiting for the answer," Shivansh said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Mera idea tha, bhaiya," Saavi admitted, nervously.

("It was my idea, brother.")

Shivansh crossed his arms, looking at them with a mix of disappointment and amusement.

"Saavi, Avni...Aria...bunking class? Really? Tum log soch bhi ke liye?"

("Saavi, Avni Aria...bunking class? Really? Did you even think?")

Akshat shook his head, sighing.

"Next time, socho phir karo. Nahi toh...humara patience khatam ho jayega."

("Next time, think before you do this. Otherwise...our patience will run out.")

The trio looked down, biting their lips.

"Samajh gaye bhaiya," they said in unison.

("Understood, brothers.")

Shivansh gave a final sharp look, then nodded.

"Chalo, ab jao. Aur seriously, class mat bunk karna."

("Alright, go now. And seriously, don't bunk class again.")

________

Aria reached home and saw her grandmother sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone.

"Dadi..." Aria said softly, moving closer.

("Grandma...")

Her grandmother looked up with a playful smile.

"Your school called, Aria. You bunked class?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Aria's cheeks flushed as she muttered,

"Y...yeah..."

Her grandmother chuckled, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Ehm, next time don't get caught. Achha se karna."

("Hmm, next time don't get caught. Do it properly.")

Aria's eyes widened in surprise, and then she giggled along, the tension dissolving instantly.

"Jao, change kar ke aao. Main lunch laga deti hoon." her dadi said, getting up with a smile.

("Go, change and come. I'll set the lunch.")

Aria's face lit up. She was happy her grandmother wasn't mad. She hurried to her room, humming softly, and changed into a fresh outfit. As she walked down the stairs, her mind wandered to Shivansh, a small smile playing on her lips.

She sat at the dining table with her grandmother, still lost in thought.

"Aria, aaj hume dinner pe jaana hai," her dadi Rani ji said warmly.

("Aria, today we have to go for dinner,")

"Ek family NGO ko donate karti hai kaafi time se. Unse achha relation hai. Toh 7 baje ready ho jaana."

("A family has been donating to an NGO for a long time. We have a good relationship with them. So be ready by 7 o'clock.")

At the mention of dinner plans, Aria stiffened. She didn't feel like going, didn't want to meet people, and felt her stomach knotting.

She hesitated, but the warmth in her grandmother's eyes made her nod quietly. She wasn't ready to refuse, and deep down, she didn't want to disappoint her.

____

At 7, Aria was ready-baggy jeans, a loose white cotton kurti, her hair tied in a simple ponytail, and small silver earrings. Yet, a heaviness lingered in her chest as she slid into the car beside her grandmother.

As the car started, Aria sat quietly, staring out of the window. Her grandmother, sensing her mood, gently pulled out her phone. Without asking much, she tilted the screen toward Aria's face, her eyes inviting her to look.

Aria hesitated for a brief second, then glanced at the phone. Her grandmother's fingers moved smoothly, scrolling through videos, pictures, and messages, occasionally pausing to let Aria's eyes rest on the screen. Each time Aria's gaze wandered or tension clouded her expression, her grandmother subtly adjusted the phone's angle, gently coaxing her back to the screen.

As the car finally came to a stop, Aria looked up-and froze.

"Shivansh..." she whispered, her breath catching. Her heart raced, thudding harder against her chest. She bit her lower lip, suddenly self-conscious about her baggy jeans and simple kurti, as if everyone could see her awkwardness.

Her grandmother, Rani ji, smiled softly, eyes crinkling with amusement. She knew-she had guessed from their earlier conversations about school, friends, and the way Aria's eyes lit up when Shivansh's name came up.

"Come, beta," Rani ji said gently, taking her hand and ringing the doorbell.

After a few seconds, the door swung open, and Saavi stood there, grinning widely in surprise.

"ARIAAAAA!" she squealed, pulling Aria into a tight hug.

For a brief moment, Aria stiffened-she wasn't used to such open displays of affection. But then, a shy smile crept onto her lips. Her eyes softened.

Rani ji, standing behind them, looked on in quiet astonishment. Seeing Aria so at ease-smiling, allowing herself to be touched-filled her with a warm surprise. It was as if a hidden part of her granddaughter had stepped out, blossoming in the presence of new friends.

Saavi warmly led them inside. The living room was cozy and lively, filled with the soft chatter of family members. Raja ji, Rajveer, Sonali, Anjali, Raghav-and Shivansh-were already seated, chatting and laughing.

As soon as they spotted Rani ji and Aria at the entrance, everyone stood up, offering welcoming smiles.

Shivansh's eyes froze the moment they met Aria's. His gaze lingered, widening in quiet surprise. He noticed the subtle things-her hands fidgeting nervously, the tiny, delicate earrings that twinkled as she moved, the soft fabric of her full-sleeved kurti, and the two stray strands of hair that always fell across her forehead like a gentle shield.

For a brief second, everything around him blurred, and all he could see was her-a shy presence that somehow felt effortless and pure. His heart skipped, though he quickly looked away, pretending nothing had happened. But the warmth in his eyes didn't go unnoticed by those around him.

Welcome ji, welcome!" Raja ji's voice boomed cheerfully as he stood up to greet Rani ji and Aria, the head of the family radiating warmth.

Aria smiled softly and folded her hands, "Namaste," as she greeted everyone in the room. Her eyes scanned the group-Rajveer, Sonali, Anjali, Raghav-and she offered a polite nod to each.

Just then, little Rivaan squirmed out of Anjali's arms, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw Aria. Without a second thought, he dashed across the room and clung tightly to her leg.

"Preety didiiiii!" he giggled, his laughter ringing through the living room.

Aria's eyes sparkled with delight. She crouched slightly, her fingers brushing through his soft hair. "Aww, hello, champ!" she whispered with a smile, gently ruffling his head.

Everyone chuckled as the tension eased. The maids entered quietly, carrying a tray with glasses of water. They placed them in front of the guests before stepping aside.

"Thank you for coming, Raniji," Rajveer said respectfully, offering a welcoming smile.

"Oh, arey, thank you for inviting us," Rani ji responded warmly, adjusting her dupatta with a soft laugh.

Raja ji leaned back in his chair, eyes twinkling with mischief as he grinned at Rani ji.

"Aisa kaise nahi invite karta, Raniji? Apni Rani ko kaun wait karwata hai?" he teased, his tone light and playful.

Rani ji's eyes crinkled with laughter as she exchanged smiles with him, clearly amused by his antics.

Aria's eyes went wide, and before she could react, she nearly choked on her sip of water. Her cheeks flushed pink as she quickly covered her mouth, eyes darting between the two elders, surprised at their playful flirtation.

Seeing this, Shivansh sprang up without hesitation and handed her his neatly folded handkerchief. His eyes showed concern, but a subtle smile lingered at the corner of his lips.

Saavi, barely holding back her laughter, leaned toward Aria and gently rubbed her back, teasing her with a knowing smile.

The room burst into light laughter as the elders continued their playful banter, the atmosphere filled with familial affection, warmth, and a touch of humor-reminding everyone that bonds are built not just through blood, but through shared moments, laughter, and love.

As the conversation continued and light laughter filled the room, the doorbell rang once more.

A maid quickly rose from the corner and went to open the door.

"Maaaa..." came a sweet, familiar voice from outside.

Everyone turned instinctively toward the entrance.

There, standing with travel bags in hand, were Tanya and Aditya-freshly returned from their trip to UP.

Sonali and Anjali's faces lit up, and they rushed forward with open arms. "Tanya!" "Aditya!" they called, enveloping them in warm hugs, their eyes shining with affection.

The family welcomed them inside, exchanging smiles and soft words. Aditya, catching sight of Rani ji seated gracefully in the living room, immediately bent down and touched her feet in respect.

As he straightened up, his gaze fell upon Aria-standing near the doorway, uncertain, her eyes wide and searching.

For a brief, frozen moment, Aditya's eyes locked onto Aria's. His expression changed instantly-color drained from his face, his breath caught, and he froze.

Aria, unsure and nervous, stared back at him, confused by the sudden reaction. She hadn't met him before, and her fingers clutched the fabric of her kurti as anxiety crept in.

The room seemed to pause-the laughter and chatter died down as everyone followed the silent exchange, watching curiously but saying nothing.

Without a word, Aditya's eyes shifted toward Rani ji. Their gazes met briefly-just a small, knowing look- raniji gave a nod which only he understood.

"Adi, chalo fresh hoke aate hain," Tanya said softly, already turning toward their room.

(Adi, come let's get fresh.)

Aditya nodded quietly. He followed her inside but didn't move further. He sat down on the bed, his shoulders sagging, and buried his face in his hands.

"Tanu... what happened?" Tanya asked, her brows knitting in confusion and concern.

Aditya's voice trembled as he whispered, "Tanu... Tanu... th... that girl... she is... UP... 5 saal pehle... UP..."

(Tanu... Tanu... that girl... she is... UP... from five years ago...)

Tanya froze, the color draining from her face. She stared at him, stunned, as the weight of his words hung between them-too heavy to speak aloud.

"No.." Tanya whispered back.

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Hey pyraa loogzz 🪷

How was the chapter?

And cliffhanger 😈?

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