Aman and Riyansh had just returned from the office, the door barely closing behind them before Riyansh’s voice thundered through the house. "Papaaa! Daduuu! Chachuuu!"
The call rang through the hallways, and within moments, everyone was rushing into the living room, instinctively bracing themselves. Riyansh's anger was a familiar storm, and they knew exactly why it was brewing today.
"Wo... beta..." Riyansh's father, Raj, hesitated, his voice faltering under the weight of his son’s fury.
But before he could finish, Ahaan, ever the one to break tension with his irreverence, blurted out, "Bade papa, Vicks ki goli khao, hichkich door karo. Laun kya aapke liye?" His words were laced with sarcasm and a hint of cheekiness.
He grinned, clearly unbothered by the growing tension.
The room went silent as all eyes turned to Ahaan, glaring with a mix of disbelief and exasperation. Ahaan’s mother, Diya, wasted no time in smacking the back of his head. “Nalayakkk!” Her voice was sharp, the affection buried under the frustration of dealing with Ahaan's antics once again.
Aman, who was still fiddling through the pockets of his shirt and jeans, seemingly lost in thought.
Riyansh’s gaze turned to Aman, his eyes flickering with annoyance. “Now what are you looking for?”
Aman, a little caught off guard, shrugged nonchalantly. “Nothing, I was just looking for a Vicks candy. Maybe I have one."
The room’s attention swiftly shifted to Aman, and Siya was quicker than anyone to react. With an exaggerated sigh, she smacked the back of Aman’s head too, her tone dripping with frustration. “Nalayak!”
The word echoed again, a familiar rebuke that hung in the air like a cloud.
Finally, the atmosphere shifted. Riyansh's anger, though still palpable, found its way into the serious conversation that followed. His voice was cold, cutting through the chatter. "Who agreed on the Makwana deal?"
His father, Raj, glanced at him nervously before Dadu spoke, his voice calm but careful. "Beta, no one has agreed yet. He's an old business client, so we thought, what harm would it do to just talk?"
"Yes, yes, baauji is right," Raj added quickly, hoping to diffuse the tension. "That's exactly what we thought."
Riyansh’s anger flared even hotter. "When everyone knows I don’t like that person, and I don’t like his daughter either, why did you need to agree to his terms?" His voice cut through the room like a blade. "We wouldn’t sign that deal anyway. Besides, that report issue would have sorted itself out. I already spoke to Abhinav."
His words carried a finality, but the anger that seethed behind them was unmistakable. His family knew their boy. He was still furious, his temper barely held in check. They exchanged knowing glances, recognizing the simmering storm within him.
Trying to soothe the tension, Riyansh's grandmother, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward. She placed a hand gently on his shoulder, a touch of warmth meant to calm his fire. "Beta, what's the harm in just talking? After all, you're the eldest in this house. You have to take the lead!"
Her voice, though filled with wisdom, couldn’t erase the hardness in Riyansh’s expression. But it was a reminder. He was the one they all looked to, the one who had to shoulder more than just his own anger.
Riyansh, his hand slowly lowering from his forehead in exasperation, let out a breath that seemed to carry the weight of the world. His voice, a mixture of frustration and pleading, cut through the silence. “Please, dadi, for God’s sake, don’t say anything I can’t refuse!”
The room froze. The air thickened with tension, everyone holding their breath, knowing that Riyansh's temper had already reached its boiling point.
"Beta, no one is asking you to say yes. Just talking is what matters; you can decide later," his grandfather’s voice was calm, wise, but there was a hint of firmness beneath the surface.
Riyansh's jaw clenched, his muscles taut with anger as he stood up abruptly. His voice shook with the weight of his frustration. “Dadi, this isn’t a child’s play! Am I supposed to just marry anyone? This is marriage! You’re asking me to make the biggest decision of my life, and I’m not ready for it yet!”
The room held its collective breath as Ahaan, who had been quietly observing the heated exchange, finally decided to break the tension. “Dadu, why are you worried? Sister-in-law will be here in a few days!”
A ripple of shock spread through the family. Rishu and Aman shared a facepalm, their expressions so priceless that it almost lightened the mood. Everyone’s eyes were wide, and Diya, Ahaan's mother, was the first to react.
“Beta, have you lost your mind? You've been saying ‘sister-in-law’ nonstop!” She sounded more baffled than angry, but her tone was sharp.
Rishu quickly jumped in, his grin impossible to ignore. “Uh... it’s nothing, chachi. You know how he talks without thinking! Right, Ahaan?”
Ahaan, a little caught off guard, flashed an awkward grin. “Yes, but I still said the right thing!”
Before anyone could respond, Aman chimed in with a grin of his own, “Take it easy, brother, easy! You can’t just say anything. And Diya chachi, meri bali nahi chadi hai, I swear!”
Riyansh’s gaze turned into a glare so intense it could have burned a hole through Ahaan. In an instant, Ahaan’s mouth snapped shut, and he gulped, suddenly aware of the storm brewing in Riyansh’s eyes. But before he could say anything more, Dadu’s voice cut through the tension like a rope snapping.
“Riyansh!” The command was enough to pull him back into the conversation, his focus snapping back to his grandfather.
“Beta, if there’s someone, you can tell us without hesitation.”
Riyansh’s anger simmered silently, his thoughts running like a whirlpool in his mind. If she agrees, then I’ll tell you, he thought, but the words never escaped his lips.
Dadu, noticing the storm in Riyansh’s eyes, called out again, more insistent this time.
Riyansh’s resolve broke like glass. His fists clenched as he stood tall, his voice icy with finality. “No, Dadu, there’s no one like that. I don’t want to get married. You can find a girl for Ayansh instead!”
Riyansh’s father, Raj , stepped forward, attempting to reason with him, his voice gentle yet firm. “Beta, you’re grown up. What harm is there in just talking once?”
But the final straw had been reached. Riyansh slammed his foot down on the sofa, his frustration spilling over in a loud exclamation. “Enough is enough! I don’t want to hear anything!” His voice rang out, cutting through the room like a whip. Without another word, he stormed off toward his room, his movements swift and determined, like a comet streaking across the night sky.
His mother, Siya, saw him heading to his room and followed immediately, her voice soft yet insistent. “Beta, just listen to me!”
Riyansh paused at the door, his fists still clenched, his body tense as if he were fighting an internal battle. His eyes locked on his mother for a moment, but then, without a single word, he turned and continued walking, as if lost in a world of his own thoughts.
Siya’s worry deepened, her concern for her son clearly evident. Aman, ever the optimist, placed a hand on her shoulder, attempting to ease her mind. “Siya Maa, don’t worry. You know he always has a stove on his head! He’ll cool down in a bit.”
Siya looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and a quiet hope. She gently shook her head, placing her hand on Aman's shoulder. A small, almost imperceptible smile played at the corner of her lips, her faith in her son unshaken. "He'll be alright," she said softly, though her voice was laced with worry.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Meanwhile, across town in Thakur Mansion, the atmosphere was light, filled with the playful chatter of Radhika and Niya, who were sitting together in their room, lost in a world of their own.
And now, dear readers, let’s take a sneak peek into the conversation of these two mischief-makers.
"I'm totally up for going... and I’m going!" Niya declared with a cheeky grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Radhika shot her a teasing glance. "I can see that. But, honestly, I’m so glad that at least those two understood their relationship!" Niya added, a sudden softness in her voice, her eyes reflecting a flicker of emotion.
"Are you going back after the trip?" Radhika asked, her tone quieter, almost hesitant, as though she didn’t want to bring up something that could cause a rift in the mood.
"Yeah, I’m thinking about it. Anyway, if I stay here, he will keep showing up!" Niya said with a shrug, walking toward the cupboard. Her words held an underlying frustration, though she tried to hide it with a lightness in her step.
Radhika raised an eyebrow. "Where are you off to now?"
Niya spun around, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, I got you a monkey, kept it in the bag. Just going to grab that!" she teased, her voice laced with amusement.
Radhika, momentarily puzzled, blinked before realization hit. "Oh! But isn’t he already outside?" she said, her mind jumping to Harsh, and both of them burst out laughing, the sound light and carefree, echoing through the room.
A moment later, Niya handed Radhika the gift she had brought for her. Radhika's eyes widened, her joy barely contained, and she looked at the gift as if it were a treasure.
"Listen, take it now, but remember, I’m definitely trying it too!" Niya said with a playful smirk, her tone almost daring Radhika to argue.
"Why? You brought it for me, didn’t you?" Radhika replied, raising an eyebrow, as if questioning the very idea that Niya wouldn’t want a piece of the fun.
"Fine, what's yours and what's mine!" She added, feigning frustration, though her lips twitched into a grin. The two of them burst into laughter, unable to contain their amusement at the playful back-and-forth.
And just like that, the warmth and energy of their friendship filled the room, leaving a trail of laughter in its wake.
Now, let's leave these two lively souls, caught up in their world of fun, and shift our focus elsewhere...
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Riyansh sat alone in his room, silence enveloping the space like a thick fog. The weight of the heated argument earlier still lingered, pressing down on his chest. Ever since he'd stormed off, he hadn’t stepped out, nor had he allowed anyone in. The door to his room stood locked, a clear barrier between him and the world outside.
His face was a canvas of conflicting emotions—anger simmering beneath the surface, laced with a sorrow he didn’t want to acknowledge. His eyes, usually sharp and commanding, now stared blankly at the wall, as if seeking answers to questions he wasn’t ready to ask. Every breath he took felt heavier than the last, his thoughts a tangled web he couldn’t escape from.
Outside, Aman stood by the door, his patience wearing thin. He knocked softly at first, then a little harder, calling out, "Riyansh, man! Don’t take it so seriously. Come on, open the door. Let’s talk this out!"
But inside, Riyansh remained unmoved. His body slumped against the bed, his face buried into a pillow, seeking refuge in its quiet comfort. The muffled sound of Aman’s voice barely registered. The door, like his heart, remained firmly shut.
Finally, Aman threw up his hands in frustration, muttering under his breath, "Mujhe nahi lagta itna meri Radhe pareshan karegi jitna ye manushya mujhe pareshan karta hai... Kher, chhodo."
(I swear, even my Radhe won’t give me as much grief as this guy does… But whatever, let it be.)
He turned to leave, but not without a parting jab. "Main ja raha hoon, ghuse rehna apni is gufa mein!"
(Fine! I’m going! Stay locked up in your cave, bro!)
As Aman walked into the living room, his expression gave away his frustration. Ahaan, lounging on the sofa with a mischievous grin, noticed it immediately. "What happened, bro? Why the long face? Aap is tarah kyun muh banaye hue hain jaise kisi ne muh pe tawa fek ke maar diya ho!"
(Why do you look like someone threw a frying pan straight at you?)
Aman let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. "Kya bolun, mera dost paraya ho gaya hai."
(What can I say? My friend’s turned into a stranger.)
Before Ahaan could respond, the serious voices of the elders caught their attention. Raj Papaji was speaking firmly, "We’ll have to agree to the Makwana deal, no matter what kind of snake he is. There’s profit to be made, and that’s what matters."
Akhil Chachaji nodded in agreement. "Bhaisaab is right. This could secure us financially for years."
Aman, who couldn’t keep quiet any longer, jumped in, "Sorry to interrupt, Uncle, but this is a terrible idea. You all know exactly what Makwana’s like. If Riyansh marries his daughter, it won’t just be a bad deal—it’ll be a disaster for his life!"
Before Aman could continue, Dadu raised a hand, his calm voice cutting through the room. "Beta, what harm could there be in just meeting her once? And since you kids are heading out on a trip, why not bring Ruhi along? Let Riyansh and Ruhi spend some time together. Who knows, maybe his heart will soften!"
For a moment, there was complete silence, as if the entire room had collectively stopped breathing. Then, Ayansh, who had just entered from outside—exchanged wide-eyed glances. The shock on their faces was priceless, as if Dadu had just announced the end of the world.
Finally, Aman broke the silence, his voice dripping with disbelief. "Dadu, aap keh rahe hain uska dil ‘soften’ hoga? Aap toh patthar pe quick bond dalne ka kaam karne ja rahe hain!"
(Dadu, you think his heart will ‘soften’? What you’re attempting is like trying to glue a stone together with quick bond!)
The tension shattered as the room erupted into laughter. Ahaan, still grinning, added, "Right? Even super glue wouldn’t stick them together with how Bhaiya is acting!"
Raj Papaji cleared his throat, trying to regain control of the room. "Chalo, chalo, jokes aside! This is no laughing matter. We can’t ignore the deal. We’ll have to tackle it strategically."
The laughter faded, but the boys exchanged knowing looks, the lightheartedness lingering. While the elders strategized, they knew one thing for certain—convincing Riyansh to go along with this plan would be nothing short of a herculean task.
"But Uncle," Aman said, his voice firm, his usually playful demeanor replaced with an air of seriousness, "you know how Makwana is. And Riyansh? He’s like a bull in a china shop—if this deal goes through, it'll shatter everything. It'll ruin his life!"
Dadu leaned back in his chair, his hands resting on his cane, his eyes clouded with thought. "I understand your concern, beta," he said softly, his voice carrying the wisdom of years. "But what if a little time with Ruhi could change his perspective? Relationships can be unpredictable; sometimes, all it takes is a gentle push in the right direction."
Aman threw up his hands, a dry chuckle escaping his lips. "Gentle push? Uncle, this isn’t a push. This is more like shoving him off a cliff and hoping he sprouts wings on the way down!"
The room erupted in laughter, the tension dissipating as the others exchanged amused glances. Even Dadu’s lips twitched in a reluctant smile as Ahaan added, "Or better yet, hoping the cliff has a trampoline at the bottom, 'cause Bhai won’t fly!"
Ayansh, who had been quiet until now, leaned against the wall, a smirk playing on his face. "Gentle push or not, Dadu, you do know Bhai, right? He’s not exactly the ‘soften and mold’ type."
Dadu raised a hand, signaling for the jokes to end. "Beta, I’ve seen more seasons in life than all of you combined. Sometimes, even the most rigid stones can be reshaped—not with force, but with time and patience. Mark my words, this trip will be a turning point."
As the room quieted, Aman folded his arms and muttered under his breath, "Turning point? More like a disaster waiting to happen."
[And now, dear readers, to ease the suspense a little, here’s a juicy hint—Ruhi Makwana isn’t just anyone. She’s actually Riyansh’s admirer and his schoolmate! 😁 Let’s just say she’s got her own little game plan brewing, and it might not be as innocent as it seems...]
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
THAKUR'S MANSION »»»
The dining table was buzzing with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of cutlery—though missing two familiar faces. Nishant Ji was out of state on urgent business, and Aashika Ji was also away. Still, the rest of the family kept the atmosphere alive with their lively banter.
Niya sat with a mildly annoyed expression, her hands tapping the edge of her plate as she turned to her brother Abhinav. "Why did Papa have to leave now? Couldn't he have waited till I left? Was this work really that urgent?"
Abhinav, ever the calm one, chuckled and replied, "Beta, agar jaroori nahi hota toh woh kyun jaate? And anyway, you’re leaving the day after tomorrow. He’ll catch up later."
Meanwhile, Radhika sat across from them, barely listening as she scrolled through her phone, occasionally glancing up with a half-smile.
Harsh, sitting to Niya’s right, piped up with his usual mischievous grin. "Haan, meri packing toh ho chuki hai! But batao, yeh ride humein leke ja kaha rahi hai?"
Niya smirked, switching to her rarely-used Bundeli accent, "Kaye bhajja kaaye kho tum kaha jan lage?"
Abhinav burst into laughter, almost spitting out the water he was drinking, while Radhika looked up from her phone, grinning wide. Niya hardly ever spoke in her native accent, so whenever she did, it was always a delightful surprise.
Harsh blinked, confused. "Eee, what did you just say?"
Radhika chimed in, her tone teasing. "She’s asking where you think you’re going, bandar!"
Harsh gasped dramatically, his hand clutching his chest like he’d been mortally wounded. "Wait, you guys aren’t taking me along? How could you? Mera kya hoga?"
Niya rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with mock irritation. "Aisa sada muh mat bnao, tumhe pta hai tum kya lagte ho aise mein!"
Before Harsh could reply, Radhika, not missing a beat, added with a sly grin, "Suar jaise, kya?"
Abhinav burst into hearty laughter, nearly slapping the table, while Niya doubled over, holding her stomach. Harsh, on the other hand, looked utterly betrayed, his pout growing deeper.
"Okay, okay!" Niya managed between her laughter. "Chalo, Mr. Piggy, aapko le hi chalte hain!" She nudged him playfully on the shoulder.
Harsh groaned, folding his arms. "Mujhe ye kehna band karo, bandariya kahi ki!" His tone was annoyed, but his eyes glinted with mischief.
Niya narrowed her eyes at him, feigning offense. "If you call me bandariya again, I’m canceling your trip. Understood?"
Harsh backtracked immediately, raising his hands in surrender. "No, no! I didn’t mean you’re bandariya," he said quickly, pointing at Radhika. "She is! Right, Radhika Ji?"
Radhika raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk forming on her lips. "Oh, really? Bandar toh tu hai. Mujhe bandariya mat bol. In fact, apni wali dhoondh le, aur usko bandariya bana le!"
Harsh grinned, catching the banter. "Ee meri wali pe mat ja! Meri singleness ka fayda uthaya ja raha hai, emotional damage diya ja raha hai!" He wiped an imaginary tear from his eye, his exaggerated expression making everyone burst out laughing.
Abhinav, watching the back-and-forth like a tennis match, shook his head with a smile. "Tum log kabhi sudhroge nahi. Bas apni ladayi me mujhe mat ghaseetna!"
Radhika leaned forward, still giggling. "Haan, ab toh lagta hai apne bandar hone ka tumne khud hi maan liya, Dr. Joshi!"
Niya seized the moment, wagging her finger dramatically. "Haan! Ab apni prajatiyon ka gungaan karna band karo warna main yahan se chali jaungi!"
The room roared with laughter as everyone surrendered to the lighthearted chaos. The teasing, camaraderie, and mischievous exchanges created a bond so palpable it warmed the entire room, turning an ordinary evening into a memory they’d all cherish.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
The Night Before the Trip »»
The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows across the room as Niya sat on the floor, her suitcase open but far from packed. Her fingers moved slowly, folding and unfolding the same shirt, her mind elsewhere. She stared blankly at the half-empty suitcase, the weight of unspoken emotions pressing down on her chest. The night before the trip always felt bittersweet—an ending and a beginning rolled into one.
Radhika, already packed and brimming with excitement, walked in, her heels clicking softly against the wooden floor. She plopped her two neatly packed bags by the door and grinned. "Niya, seriously? You haven’t even packed half of it? Kya kar rahi ho tum?"
Niya looked up, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I’m packing, Radhi," she replied, her tone exasperated but lacking the usual fire.
"This isn’t packing; this is overthinking disguised as packing," Radhika teased, sitting cross-legged on the bed. She pulled a cushion into her lap, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "What’s going on, drama queen? Why the heavy mood?"
Niya sighed, tossing the shirt into the suitcase with a little too much force. "I don’t know... I guess it just feels weird. Like, what if this trip changes everything? I mean, I want it to... but at the same time, I don’t." Her voice faltered, and she avoided Radhika’s gaze, busying herself with arranging her toiletries.
Radhika tilted her head, her teasing smile softening. "That’s what trips are for, Niya. They shake things up, give you a fresh start, or sometimes just remind you of who you are. Stop overthinking, yaar." She reached over and playfully nudged Niya’s shoulder. "And hurry up, because I’m not letting you spend the whole night sulking over socks and scarves."
Abhinav was busy too, packing some things for Rishu in his bag, trying to make sure she had everything she needed.
Abhinav sat cross-legged on his bed, carefully packing a few things into his bag. But they weren’t for him. A small stash of Rishu’s favorite items lay beside him—her go-to snacks, two bars of her favorite chocolate, and a tiny pouch of almonds she always insisted on carrying.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Meanwhile, at Yaduvanshi Mansion...
Riyansh folded his shirts with an almost childlike excitement, carefully placing them into his suitcase. For someone who rarely let his emotions show, tonight was different. A hopeful smile played on his lips as his thoughts drifted to Niya. Maybe this trip will be my chance. My chance to apologize, to make things right, to bring her back into my life. The idea filled him with a nervous energy that he hadn’t felt in years.
In stark contrast, Ahaan's room was a battlefield. Clothes, shoes, and random items were strewn across every surface like a tornado had passed through. Rishu, fresh from packing her own bags, entered the chaos in search of a charger, only to let out an ear-splitting scream.
Ahaan turned, startled. "Kya hua? Aise kyun chillayi? Abhi abhi chudel se singing classes leke aayi hai kya?" he asked, feigning concern, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
(What happened? Why are you screaming like that? Did you just come back from a ghost's singing class?)
Rishu glared at him, hands on her hips. "Pagal! Yahan bhukamp aaya tha kya? Kaisa haal bana rakha hai kamre ka!"
(Idiot! Did an earthquake hit your room? Look at this mess!)
Unbothered, Ahaan chuckled. "Dekh bhen, mujhe pata hai tu thodi ladkiyon jaisi nahi hai... matlab..."
(Look, sis, I know you're not like those typical girls... meaning...)
"Matlab tu ladki banega?" Rishu cut him off, raising an eyebrow. "Aur kehna kya chahte ho ki main ladki jaisi nahi hoon? Maine bhi saman pack kiya, par tere jaise nahi! Ham wahan shaadi mein nahi ja rahe hain!"
(Meaning you're going to turn into a girl? And what are you trying to say—that I'm not like a girl? I packed my stuff too, just not like this! We're not going there for a wedding!)
"Kya pata, hum shaadi mein hi ja rahe hain," Ahaan replied with a sly grin, clearly enjoying her annoyance.
(Who knows, maybe we are going to a wedding.)
Rishu's loud exclamation echoed through the mansion, and within moments, Riyansh, Ayansh, and the others rushed into the room as if summoned by some invisible force
Riyansh, assessing the situation, smacked Ahaan lightly on the back of his head. "Kuch bhi bolta hai, gadha!"
(You idiot! Why do you just say random things?)
"Ab aap mujhe gadha bole ya ghoda, sach thodi badlega! Hein na Ayansh bhai?" Ahaan countered, a mischievous grin plastered on his face.
(Whether you call me an idiot or a horse, it won't change the truth, right, Ayansh bhai?)
Ayansh, caught off guard, asked, "Meaning?"
"Did Riyansh bhai not tell you that you'll be the first to get married?" Ahaan teased, his grin widening.
"Whattttt?" Ayansh’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "Yeh kya bakwaas kar raha hai?"
(What nonsense is this?)
Riyansh shook his head, suppressing a smile. "Ee Rishu, tape leke aa aur iske muh mein laga de. Kal tak khulna nahi chahiye," he said, pointing at Ahaan with mock seriousness.
(Rishu, get some tape and seal his mouth. It shouldn't open until tomorrow.)
The elders, who had been silently observing the chaos, exchanged amused yet bewildered glances. Their expressions seemed to say, "Yeh humaari hi aulaade hain? Kya kar sakte hain bechare."
(Are these really our kids? What can we do?)
Finally, Raj Papaji had had enough. His authoritative voice thundered through the room, "Bohut ho gaya! Chup chap saman pack karo aur so jao!"
(That’s enough! Pack your things quietly and go to bed!)
Rishu, ever the opportunist, slipped out of the room before anyone could notice, while Ahaan dashed into the bathroom, locking the door like it was his sanctuary. Riyansh, calm and composed, simply walked back to his room, ignoring the chaos behind him.
But Ayansh? He wasn’t ready to let it go. Running after Riyansh, he pleaded, "Bhai, batao na! Kaunsi shaadi? Kaisi shaadi? Kiski shaadi? Mujhe bhari jawani mein pati nahi banna! Bacha lo bhai!"
(Bro, tell me! What wedding? Whose wedding? I don’t want to become a husband at this young age! Save me, bro!)
Riyansh paused outside his room, turning back with a smirk. "You're of marriageable age, Ayansh. Why not? And by the way, isn’t Rukhi also coming to Rishikesh?"
Ayansh froze, his jaw dropping. "Rukhi? Rishikesh? Mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha!"
(Rukhi? Rishikesh? I don’t understand anything!)
You heard it right, pyare reader's!
These people are off to Rishikesh!
Ayansh froze, his jaw dropping. “Rukhi? Rishikesh? Mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha!”
(Rukhi? Rishikesh? I don’t understand anything!)
“Rukhi!” Ayansh repeated, laughing nervously, momentarily forgetting his panic. “It’s not Rukhi, bro! Her name is Ruhi!” he corrected Riyansh, rolling his eyes dramatically, as though even the mention of her name warranted a sigh.
Riyansh smirked knowingly, crossing his arms. “huhh jo bhi ho! Dekh raha hoon, naam toh bada yaad hai tujhe. Best of luck, my dear brother!”
(Oh, so it’s Ruhi? I see you remember her name well. Best of luck, my dear brother!)
Ayansh’s amusement vanished instantly, and his eyes widened in horror. “No, no, bro! You know what kind of girl she is, right? Are you seriously planning to throw me into this disaster?” His voice cracked, his hands gesturing wildly in exaggerated protest.
Riyansh grinned, clearly enjoying Ayansh’s melodrama. “Hey, relax! I’m just saying handle her, not marry her. Ab shaadi ki baat baad mein karenge!” he teased, giving Ayansh a firm pat on the shoulder. “Good night, little bro!”
With that, Riyansh walked off, his tone light, leaving Ayansh rooted to the spot.
Ayansh trudged into his room, his thoughts spiraling into chaos. He plopped onto his bed with a groan, staring at the ceiling as Ruhi’s face flashed in his mind—her sharp wit, her bossy tone, her endless ability to catch him off guard.
“Handle her?” he muttered under his breath. “Yeah, right. Like I have a choice.”
But somewhere deep in his heart, amidst the dread and confusion, there was something else—an undeniable curiosity, a faint flicker of excitement he refused to admit even to himself. As the night deepened, his mind lingered on possibilities he wasn’t sure he wanted to face.
After all, what could possibly go wrong?
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Next morning »»
The quiet stillness of the early hours was broken only by the soft hum of the house coming to life. Riyansh, oblivious to the world outside, lay deep in sleep, the comfort of his bed wrapping around him like a cocoon. The warm golden rays of the sun filtered through the curtains, gently caressing his face, pulling him closer to the world of consciousness.
His phone, lying innocently beside him on the nightstand, buzzed suddenly, breaking the peaceful silence. The screen lit up, and the name "Bunny🐰" flashed brightly across the display, lighting up the room as if signaling the arrival of something—or someone—important.
Riyansh groaned, his eyelids fluttering open, but instead of reaching for the phone immediately, he let out a slow, deliberate stretch. The day had barely begun, but already, he knew...
Hehehehe... Why should I spill the beans on what happens next?
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