Hello guyss,

Alright, alright, people! Your author has arrived!

I’m finally ready to spill the real tea... hehehe!

Yes, I may have stretched the truth a bit—Riyansh didn’t actually get a call from his bunny! Shocking, right? Sorry, not sorry!

But now, hold tight, because I’m about to tell you what really went down...

So ENJOY (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ )

Next morning...

Thakur Mansion buzzed with the familiar energy of a new day—mornings were always lively in this house, but today was different. Amidst the flurry of preparations, Niya was fully immersed in the one task that truly mattered to her at that moment—waking up her beloved friend... no wait... her dusht friend, Harsh. Yes, as expected, the ever-lazy Harsh had once again cocooned himself under the covers, the blanket pulled tightly around him like a shield from the world.

Meanwhile, Radhika, effortlessly cool as always, had her luggage neatly packed in the corner of the room. But the girl herself? Well, she was in no rush to move—sitting by the table, coffee cup in hand, her dramatic pout adding an extra layer of flair to the whole scene.

Niya, her patience growing thin, stood over Harsh’s bed, her voice cutting through the silence. “Uth jao, dusht! Akhiri baar keh rahi hoon, nahi toh tera Rishikesh jaana cancel!” ”Wake up, you troublemaker! Last warning, or your Rishikesh trip is off!” Niya threatened, punctuating her words with a pillow thrown straight at Harsh’s head.

But Radhika? Completely unfazed, she took another leisurely sip of her coffee, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she watched Niya’s antics unfold like an episode of a morning soap opera.

“Jaldi utho, warna...” Niya’s hands rested on her hips, her tone becoming more authoritative as she towered over the cocooned Harsh.

Radhika, however, leaned back and let out a playful chuckle, clearly enjoying the drama. “Chhod de isse, yeh toh waise bhi bandar hai. Wahan jaake bas uchhalta rahega! Isse accha hai hum isse nahi le chalte!” “Leave him alone, he’s just a monkey anyway. He’ll be jumping around there the whole time! We’re better off not taking him!”

Harsh, who had been blissfully unaware of the conversation until now, shot up suddenly, his eyes wide in disbelief. “Wait, are you guys seriously not taking me along?”

Niya, noticing that Harsh was finally awake, exchanged a look with Radhika. A smirk played on her lips as she said, “You could’ve mentioned that earlier; he would’ve jumped out of bed sooner!”

Radhika shrugged, her grin as mischievous as ever. “Who knew he’d take my words so seriously? I thought he was just a lazy monkey!” She finished her coffee with a flourish and dramatically placed the empty cup on the table, as if to mark the end of her morning performance.

Niya, with a nod of approval, pulled Radhika’s arm over her shoulder. “Chalo, ab ready ho jao!” “Let’s go, get ready now!”

As they left the room, Harsh sat there, still in a daze. The conversation was over, but the question lingered in his mind, the teasing words still echoing in his head. Do I really look like a monkey? He scratched his head, unsure whether to laugh or be offended. But in the end, it didn’t matter much—he was going to Rishikesh after all.

In another room, Abhinav was in the middle of his usual morning routine, his focus sharp as he prepared for the day ahead. He had no idea that just a few steps away, a playful banter was unfolding between his mischievous sister, Niya, and her ever-cool best friend, Radhika. Their laughter, light and carefree, created an atmosphere that was anything but ordinary.

Abhinav, unaware of the commotion, made his way toward the living room. As he entered, the lively duo’s presence brought an easy sense of camaraderie, a warmth that welcomed him like an old, familiar melody. The two were already engaged in some animated conversation, their words floating around like soft whispers, and the room felt like the perfect place to unwind before the chaos of the day started.

He settled into a dining chair, ready to slip into the easy-going conversation, but just as he did, a voice from behind called out, breaking his train of thought.

"Abhi, talk to Papa on the phone once!" Anshika ji, or Mumma Thakur as she was affectionately called, called from across the room. Her tone was as caring as ever, with a touch of maternal command.

"Yes, Maa, I'll do it now," Abhinav replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. With that, he pulled out his phone and made his way to the balcony for a little privacy.

Watching him leave, Niya couldn’t resist a little jab. "Poor my brother, work never leaves him alone!" she teased, her voice carrying a mix of affection and playful mockery.

Radhika, with that serene smile of hers, responded smoothly, “It’s good, right? At least in Rishikesh, he’ll get to chill a little!” Her eyes twinkled as she glanced at Niya, the words shared between them holding a layer of unspoken understanding.

Niya, leaning back and crossing her arms, added with a grin, “Yeah, plus my sister-in-law is coming too.”

The mention of her sister-in-law instantly made the atmosphere around them shift. The excitement of having her join them was palpable, and even though the teasing was light-hearted, there was an undercurrent of warmth, the anticipation of family moments soon to come.

(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)

The morning had already been a whirlwind of teasing, laughter, and playful banter. But now, as the breakfast plates were cleared away, the focus shifted to the one thing that always sparked chaos: driving.

“I’m driving the car!” Niya declared, her eyes gleaming with that signature spark of mischief that only she could carry.

Abhinav immediately shook his head, his tone firm. “No way, Niya. Not today.”

Niya’s lips curled into an exaggerated pout, and with a perfect puppy face, she leaned in, batting her lashes dramatically. “Bhaiya, please na! Dekho, main thodi na gaadi naale mein thok dungi. Please na, bhaiya!” She almost sounded like she was pleading for a life sentence rather than the driver’s seat.

Abhinav rolled his eyes, but before he could speak, Harsh, always the one to add fuel to the fire, jumped in with a deadpan expression. “Bhaiya, please! Mat chalane dena. Ham sabki zindagi aapke haath mein hai!”

(Please, Bhaiya! Don’t let her drive. Our lives are in your hands!)

Radhika, always the one to throw a twist into any situation, didn’t miss a beat. With a sly grin, she leaned back in her seat and chimed in, “Ab toh car Niya hi chalayegi! Hamari driver kaisi ho? Niya Thakur jaisi ho! Bolo, hamari driver kaisi ho? Niya Thakur jaisi ho!” She began chanting the last part like a mantra, her voice rising in excitement.

(Now Niya has to drive! Our driver should be like Niya Thakur! Come on, everyone, say it: Our driver should be like Niya Thakur!)

Niya’s eyes widened with mock pride, her hands clapping excitedly. “Wah wah, meri sherni! Aaj toh driver ki kursi meri hai! Aur bol, aur bol!”

(Wow, my lioness is on fire! Today, the driver’s seat is mine for sure! Say it again, say it louder!)

Abhinav raised his hands in surrender, an exaggerated expression of defeat. “Theek hai, bas karo ye nautanki! Madam, ye seat aapki hui, par please thoda dhyan se!”

(Alright, stop this drama! Madam, the seat is yours, but please drive carefully!)

Harsh, with his trademark sarcasm, added, “Bhaiya, aaj toh hum seedha parlok pahuchenge!”

(Bhaiya, looks like we’re going straight to the afterlife today!)

Niya smirked, tossing a quick glance at him as she sauntered towards the driver’s seat. “Bs tere ko parlok pahuchaungi main car se phekkar,” she retorted, rolling her eyes with a playful challenge.

(I’ll send you to the afterlife by throwing you out of the car.)

Abhinav shot her an amused glance as she climbed into the driver’s seat. He could tell she was enjoying every second of this. He settled into the passenger seat, a slight shake of his head betraying his amusement mixed with a hint of concern. Meanwhile, Radhika and Harsh claimed the backseat, already preparing themselves for the unpredictable ride ahead.

[A/N – You all know, your author has many brothers in the family, but she doesn't have her own real brother. If she did, he would be just like Abhinav ☺️]

Niya revved the engine, the car roaring to life with a deep growl that matched her excitement. The city street stretched ahead, and with her fingers wrapped expertly around the wheel, she was ready to take on the world—whether it was prepared for her or not.

“Dr. Niya, I hope you’ll get us there in one piece. As a doctor, it’s your moral duty, you know,” Harsh’s voice rang out from the backseat, dripping with mock seriousness as he leaned forward, almost like a student scolding his professor.

Niya shot him a sideways glance, her smirk never wavering. “Chinta mat karo, Dr. Joshi. Tumhe maarna hota, toh ek chhota sa injection kaafi hota.

(Don’t worry, Dr. Joshi. If I wanted to kill you, a small injection would’ve done the job.)

Radhika, who had been oddly quiet until now, caught Niya’s teasing through the rearview mirror. The usual twinkle in her eyes seemed dimmed, and her usual playful energy was absent.

Niya’s eyes narrowed in concern, her voice light but with a touch of care. “Kya hua? Aaj sherni itni shaant kyun hai? Aapka shikaar toh aapke saath baitha hai, aur aap yahan chup hain, Radhika ji?”

(What happened? Why is the tigress so quiet today? Your prey is sitting right next to you, and you’re silent, Radhika ji?)

Radhika’s gaze snapped back to the present, her lips pulling into a small, faint smile. “No, no, I was just thinking about something,” she murmured, her voice quieter than usual.

Niya’s gaze softened, a knowing look passing between her and Abhinav. Both of them understood that something deeper was going on, but neither pressed for more. Niya glanced back at Radhika through the rearview mirror, then shifted her attention to the road, her fingers steady on the steering wheel as the car sped forward.

For a brief moment, Niya let herself sink into her thoughts, the hum of the engine blending with the steady rhythm of the road. A quiet curiosity tugged at her—a quiet, unspoken question about what was really going on in Radhika’s mind. But for now, she would let the silence speak.

Niya's POV•

As I watched Radhika slip into her own world again, it hit me like a jolt of electricity—I’m actually going on a trip with the gang again. It had been a while, and the reality of it didn’t quite settle in until that moment.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Seriously, Niya? You just realized? But yeah, I did. Seeing Radhika like that, I realized we were all in for a ride—literally. She’ll have to deal with someone so annoying on this trip, and so will I. But I guess Aman isn’t as annoying to her… and honestly, not to me either. So maybe it won’t be that bad. We’ll see how it goes, right?

I was lost in these thoughts, the road stretching out ahead of me, but I could tell the others were probably thinking I was zoning out too. Well, I was! I mean, it’s not like I wasn’t paying attention, but the hum of the car engine made it easy to get lost in my own head.

But then my brother broke the silence. "Ab tujhe kya ho gaya? Itni shaant kyun ho gayi? Abhi tak toh patar-patar chal raha tha!"

(What happened to you now? Why did you suddenly go so quiet? You were talking non-stop just a moment ago!)

I turned my head slightly to look at him, a little sheepish. "Nai bhaiya, kuch nai, bas aise hi!"

(No, bhaiya, nothing, just like that!)

He didn’t need to press any further; he could tell what was going on in my head. He just nodded and let the silence settle again, but this time, it felt different—uncomfortable, even.

Of course, Harsh couldn’t let that last for long. "Eee tu kuch mat soch, gaadi pe dhyan de!"

(Hey, don’t overthink, just focus on the road!)

I rolled my eyes, shooting a half-smile in his direction, and casually turned the wheel with one hand. It was like a reflex, but everyone was so freaked out about it.

I know how to drive—better than they think—but they can’t seem to get over how overprotective they are. It’s like, every time I get behind the wheel, they transform into a bunch of backseat drivers.

"Bhaiya, please isse bolo ki dono haath se pakde wheel ko, nahi to pata chala, ghumade aur hum dharti ghumle!" Harsh’s voice was almost theatrical, a mock whine making everything sound ten times more dramatic than it needed to be.

(Bhaiya, please tell her to hold the wheel with both hands, or else she’ll spin it, and we’ll end up spinning around the earth!)

The whole car burst into laughter, but it was Radhika who broke her silence first. No way could she let Harsh get the last word. "Tu pehle se hi ghuma hua hai, aur kitna ghumega?"

(You’re already twisted, how much more will you spin?)

And just like that, the car was alive again with laughter, the familiar hehehe energy filling the air. For that brief moment, it felt like we were back to our usual selves—joking, teasing, and forgetting about everything else.

The trip was just beginning, but in that fleeting moment, I realized this was what mattered—this was the part that made it all worth it.

POV end

(⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

[A/N] - Alright, let’s take a sneak peek into how things started on the other side, shall we? Hehe.

The morning began with Riyansh still lost in the warmth of his blanket, deep in slumber, when suddenly... ring ring his phone buzzed. 'Ahem, ahem!'🫣

Half-asleep, his fingers fumbled over the phone, and without checking, he groggily answered the call.

But who could it be this early?

"Hello," Riyansh mumbled, his voice thick with sleep, struggling to lift himself from the haze of slumber.

Aman’s voice came from the other end, cheerful and oblivious to Riyansh’s state. "Hey bro, what’s up!"

"Subah-subah yeh puchhne ke liye phone kiya?" Riyansh grumbled, irritation lacing his tone as he rubbed his eyes.

(You called me this early just to ask that?)

"Nahi, main to yeh puchhne ke liye lagaya tha ki tu ready hai ya nahi!" Aman replied, trying to keep his voice light, but there was an urgency beneath it.

(No, I actually called to ask if you’re ready or not!)

Riyansh blinked a few times, still tangled in the remnants of sleep. "Kisliye ready?" he asked, confusion flooding his mind.

(Ready for what?)

"Aree, tu bhul gaya? Jana nahi hai kya? 8 baj bhi gaye hain! Mujhe pata hai tune office ki leave li hai, par seriously, tu bhul gaya? Mera saaman pack ho gaya, main khud bhi pack ho gaya, aur tu so raha hai!" Aman exclaimed, his voice rising in panic, completely unaware of Riyansh's struggle to wake up.

(Bro, did you forget? We’re going, right? It’s already 8! I know you took leave from work, but seriously, you forgot? My stuff’s all packed, I’m ready, and you’re still asleep!)

Riyansh’s mind raced as he tried to shake off the grogginess. The excitement he had felt last night suddenly rushed back to him, making him realize how much he had been looking forward to this trip. His eyes widened. "Aman, tu serious hai?"

(You’re serious?)

He sat up straight in bed, his hand running through his messy hair, pushing it back as he snapped, ‘Acha, rakh phone ab!’

(Alright, hang up now!)

Aman chuckled, unable to resist teasing him. "Abhi tak tujhe yaad bhi nahi tha, aur ab itni jaldiiii hori haiii, heinnn..."

(You didn’t even remember until now, and now you’re in such a rush, huh...)

Before Aman could finish his teasing, Riyansh cut the call, smirking to himself as he tossed the phone aside.

He jumped up, pulling himself together as quickly as he could, rushing to get ready. A minute later, he was downstairs in the living room where his mom, chachi, and grandparents sat, sipping tea and chatting casually. His dad and chachu were already at the industry—Riyansh had taken leave to prep for the Rishikesh trip.

"Good morning," he greeted them, his voice more awake now, though still a little raspy.

Everyone nodded and smiled, and they all sat together for breakfast. Afterward, he turned to his siblings, his energy already shifting into "go-go-go" mode. "Jaldi jaldi apna apna luggage gaadi mein shift karvao!"

(Quickly, get your luggage loaded into the car!)

Chachi raised an eyebrow, her teasing nature not missed. "What’s going on today? Riyansh seems unusually restless! He didn’t even want to go, and it took a lot of convincing to change his mind. What’s the reason?"

Before Riyansh could respond, dadi jumped in, her voice full of knowing mischief. "Why wouldn’t he be restless? Ruhi is coming too! She should be arriving any moment now!"

A collective pause spread over the room. Riyansh froze. Ruhi?

His mind reeled for a moment, frustration welling up inside him. Why did his family always have to poke at him like this? Why couldn’t they just let him breathe?

Without saying a word, he turned and walked out of the room, heading straight for the door. He didn’t need any more teasing.

As Riyansh made his way out, his dadu shot a sharp look at dadi, muttering under his breath, ‘Kya jarurat thi ye bolne ki?’ His voice carried an edge of irritation, clearly annoyed with the whole situation.

(What was the need to say that?)

Dadi raised her brow but shot back, "Aap to chup hi rahiye, aapne hi rishta rakha hai mere anshu ke samne! Ab maine thoda sa keh diya to aapko mirchi lag gayi."

(You should’ve stayed quiet, you were the one who created this relationship in front of my Anshu! Now that I said a little, you’re offended?)

Dadu’s face softened, a reluctant smile curling at his lips. "Acha, thik hai, galti ho gayi hamse. Aap jeeti, ham haare."

(Okay, fine, I made a mistake. You win, I lose.)

Laughter erupted around the room, the tension in the air easing with their playful banter. Just as the conversation started to get light-hearted again, Ayansh spoke up from the door, his voice loud and commanding. "Chalo, sab log! Bhai bahar wait kar rahe hain!"

(Come on, everyone! The brother is waiting outside!)

And with that, the gang was off—ready or not, the trip was happening.

Aman had just arrived, and the car was soon filled with the sounds of laughter and excitement. Riyansh settled into the driver’s seat, his hands gripping the wheel with a mix of anticipation and impatience. Beside him, Aman slid into the passenger seat, his usual mischievous grin in place. In the back, Rishu, Ayansh, and Ahaan were getting comfortable, their voices a background hum of energy.

As soon as the engine roared to life, Ahaan, unable to resist, let out a playful shout, "Sab bolo, meri bhabhi maan jayegi!" His voice was loud and teasing, echoing through the air with a challenge that stirred the atmosphere in the car.

Riyansh’s sharp gaze snapped to him, an unimpressed frown settling on his face as he shot him a glare. "Shut up, Ahaan," he muttered, his voice cold, clearly not in the mood for his brother's antics. But Ahaan wasn’t fazed. In fact, it only seemed to fuel the playful energy that was already simmering.

Aman, ever the instigator, let out a laugh and added, "Yeah, apni bhabhi maan jayegi!" His tone was exaggerated, almost like he was trying to start a chant.

Ayansh and Rishu, unable to resist the fun, joined in, their voices harmonizing, "Apni bhabhi maan jayegi!" The teasing chorus rippled through the car, creating a light, infectious energy.+

Riyansh rolled his eyes but couldn’t hold back the smallest of smirks. As much as he hated to admit it, he couldn’t ignore how their banter had an effortless way of drawing him into it. Despite the annoyance, it was their noise, their chaos. The car became a microcosm of the playful camaraderie that filled the air every time they were together.

And so, with that banter as their backdrop, the journey ahead began—one filled with playful teasing, bursts of laughter, and the kind of light-hearted banter that would carve these moments into their memory. The road stretched ahead, but it was the laughter and energy inside the car that made this trip unforgettable. Every passing minute added more color to the canvas of their day, creating a ride that would linger in their minds long after they reached their destination.

(⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

The sleek private jet stood poised on the tarmac, the sun gleaming off its polished surface, casting sharp reflections on the surrounding ground. Riyansh, his siblings, and his best friend stood confidently beside it, their collective energy humming in the cool morning air, a buzz of anticipation as they waited for the rest of their crew to arrive .

Ahaan, always the first to notice, let out a smirk, his eyes fixed on the horizon. “Vo dekho vo aa gai!”

(Look, there she is!)

Everyone turned their heads, their eyes following the car that slowly approached. But when it finally stopped, the sight that greeted them could only be described as a spectacle. A girl stepped out, her body-con dress clinging too tightly, the kind of flashy, attention-grabbing outfit that screamed more showing off than dressed for the occasion. Behind her, another girl awkwardly struggled with an overload of bags, almost as if her arms were being weighed down by her need to bring every piece of her world along.

Aman, never one to hold back, muttered under his breath, "I guess she brought her personal fan club along." His words hung in the air with an undeniable cringeworthy edge.

Just as the words settled, Rishu leaned in, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "No, brother, she’s not a personal fan club... she’s her sidekick. What’s her name again? I can’t remember.”

Ayansh immediately jumped in, his face lighting up with recognition. “Who, Zoya Khurana!”

Riyansh’s gaze flickered between his friends, a flicker of annoyance passing over his face. "How do you remember everyone's names like this?" he asked, incredulity dripping from his voice.

Ayansh offered an awkward smile, shrugging his shoulders. "I don’t know, bhai, I just do."

Riyansh shot him a look that clearly said, Seriously?

Before anything more could be said, Ruhi had already reached the group, her smile wide and exaggerated, the kind of fake that made your teeth ache just looking at it. “Hello, guys! It’s been so long. Feels great to meet again!”

The sarcasm in the air could’ve been cut with a knife. Aman and Ahaan, synchronized as always, shot back, their voices dripping with playful disdain, “Well, we’re not feeling that great about it!”

Ruhi's smile faltered, just for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure, turning to Riyansh. “Hey, Ansh! How are you?”

Riyansh’s eyes narrowed instantly, and his tone dropped to a chilling ice. “Don’t ever call me ‘Ansh’ again. Am I clear? Only my loved ones have the right to call me that.”

Ruhi, undeterred, persisted with a voice that oozed desperation, "Arrey, but I’m also a loved one, right?"

Riyansh’s anger flared, his words sharp and cutting. "Who do you think you are to decide?"

A tense silence hung in the air before Ayansh, sensing the storm brewing, stepped in quickly, his voice firm. “Hey, please don’t talk like that. Just because Dadu asked you to come with us doesn’t mean you can behave this way with Bhai. Got it?”

Riyansh, clearly done with the exchange, turned sharply towards the cabin crew, eager to discuss something far more important and desperate to escape the suffocating conversation.

But then, as he was about to walk away, the familiar hum of another car's engine caught his ear. Without even turning around, his lips curled into a smile, an involuntary warmth spreading through him. He knew who it was.

And then, in perfect synchronization with his thoughts, he turned just as the others did. His heart skipped a beat. Rishu’s face lit up with an unmistakable glow, his joy contagious as his eyes fell on the car approaching.

Niya, as always, seemed to glide from the car like she was part of the very air she moved through—graceful, poised, as though the world itself bent just a little in deference to her presence. Abhinav hopped out first, striding to open the door for her, his protective brotherly instincts in full force. Niya flashed him a smile, a small gesture of appreciation that only added to the elegance of the moment.

And then, as if to counterbalance the calm of Niya’s arrival, Harsh opened the car door for Radhika with a flourish.

Radhika glanced at him with a raised eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful smile. “Waah, aaj itni sewa kyun? Hein?”

(Wow, what’s with all this service today? Huh?)

Harsh smirked, his confidence unshaken. "Just felt like opening the car door. Got a problem with that?"

Radhika, ever the firecracker, shot back with a wink. “Why would I have a problem? Acha hato, raste se!”

On the other side, Aman turned to Riyansh, his voice laced with mock indignation. “Look at that! He’s getting too close to my girl! You need to do something!” But Riyansh, lost in the sight of Niya, couldn’t bring himself to care about anything else. His attention was consumed by her—her smile, her presence, the way everything around her seemed to fade just a little bit more when she was near.

It was as though the world had simply shifted, and Riyansh could no longer pretend he didn’t feel the pull. He didn’t respond to Aman’s words. Instead, he allowed himself a moment—just a moment—before he returned to the chaos around him.

Niya’s POV

Bhaiya opened the car door for me, and as I stepped out, I let the moment wash over me. The playful banter between my friends filled the air, their voices blending into a symphony of laughter and teasing. It was a scene so familiar, yet I chose to let it be, finding solace in their presence even if just for a fleeting second.

My gaze wandered to the familiar faces gathered around. But then, my heart skipped a beat as I spotted Rishu. It had been so many years since we last saw each other, and the sight of her made my eyes brim with emotion. Without thinking, I sprinted towards her, enveloping her in the tightest hug I could muster. I could feel her warmth and the laughter we once shared rushing back, and for a moment, time seemed to slow down

"Rishu!" I teased, my voice shaky with affection, "You little rascal! You didn’t even call me! You’re going to treat me like this too?"

Her laughter rang out, full of mischief. "Are you crazy? Even if I didn’t call, I always knew what was going on with you."

I raised an eyebrow, playfully smirking. "Oh really? And how did you find out? Spying on me?"

In the middle of our laughter, I felt a third presence, and before I could even turn my head, I felt a pair of arms wrapping around both Rishu and me. "Hey!" Radhika exclaimed, her voice light with playful reproach, "You two forgot about me! How rude!"

Rishu and I pulled her in without hesitation, our voices chiming together. "No one could ever forget you!"

In that moment, tears welled up in my eyes, but they weren’t tears of sadness—these were tears of reunion, of joy, of memories that stretched back years. The laughter between us three was filled with years of shared moments, our bond unbroken by time or distance.

From behind, Ahaan’s voice rang out, breaking the moment of intimacy. "Agar aap logo ka sakhi milaaap ho gya ho toh, main bhi mil lu apni bhabh..." He hesitated, glancing at Aman and Riyansh with a quick shift in words, "I mean, with my sisters!"

I caught the way he quickly corrected himself, and I couldn’t help but grin. This guy... He hasn’t changed a bit. I shook my head in mock disbelief but smiled all the same.

"Kaise ho, chhote sarkar?" I teased, my voice playful.

Ahaan’s grin widened, his eyes twinkling. "You just wanted to say you’d never leave me, right?"

I laughed, my heart feeling lighter, "Kabhi nahi!"

With that, I turned to greet Ayansh bhaiya, my heart a little fuller with every familiar face I met, every hug I exchanged.

As my eyes skimmed the group, I found myself staring at some faces that felt both familiar and distant. One of them—Ruhi—smirked, her eyes locking with mine as she said, “Hello, Niya! You’ve changed so much!” Her gaze flicked to Riyansh, and her tone dripped with sarcasm. "Logon ke liye bhi aur khud ke liye bhi."

Before I could respond, Radhika, ever the protective friend, stepped in, her words sharp as knives. "What can I say, Ruhi? Change is a good thing. Otherwise, some people never change at all! Just look at you; you’re still not leaving Riyansh bhaiya alone!"

There was a tense pause, and I saw Ruhi’s fake smile falter, the cracks in her facade showing as the weight of Radhika’s words settled. The air grew thicker, everyone waiting for Ruhi’s reaction.

She crossed her arms, her expression turning sulky, but Zoya, always the defender, jumped in. "Ruhi is not like that at all!" She rushed to her friend's side, maintaining the fragile barrier they had built around their egos.

Rishu, who had been observing the exchange, shot Zoya a sharp glare. "Tum to chup hi raho."

The tension between Ruhi and Radhika was palpable, and I could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface. But before it could escalate, my brother—always the peacekeeper—stepped in to greet everyone.

I watched as he hugged Aman bhaiya, Ayansh bhaiya, and then joined the group of friends. The camaraderie between them was a beautiful sight, and I couldn’t help but feel a swell of joy in my chest. Their friendship was timeless, unshakable. The bond they shared was one that no one—no matter how hard they tried—could break.

Soon, my brother moved toward Ahaan, and they exchanged warm greetings, solidifying the unity between all of us. It was in those moments, surrounded by old friends, family, and familiar faces, that I realized how much I had missed these connections, how deeply rooted they were in my heart.

Meanwhile, those two nuisances, Ruhi and Zoya, were completely absorbed in their phones, oblivious to the lively conversations and the camaraderie unfolding around them. Their detachment was almost comical, their faces illuminated by the screens, as if the world around them didn't exist. I couldn't help but roll my eyes, the absurdity of it all grating on my nerves. It felt like their disinterest was the final straw, a silent commentary on the chaos of the moment.

I had greeted everyone... except him. And honestly, why should I bother? What difference would it make? I could almost hear my own thoughts shouting at me to forget about it. Forget about him. He was nothing, just another face in the crowd. But even as I told myself that, the thought lingered like an unwelcome guest at the door.

Determined to push through, I straightened up and turned to the group with a smile that I hoped was both genuine and distracting. "Let me introduce someone special to you all!" I declared, grabbing Harsh’s hand and pulling him into the circle. His hand was warm and firm in mine, grounding me in the present. "This is my—"

Before I could finish, Harsh flashed that trademark grin of his and jumped in, "Best friend."

"Yes, best friend," I echoed, laughing softly, feeling a sense of comfort in his familiar presence. It was strange how easily he fit into the group, how effortlessly he made everything seem normal again.

Aman bhaiya’s reaction, however, was anything but normal. His eyes narrowed, and the subtle tension in his jaw didn’t go unnoticed. He shot a quick glance at Ansh, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Yeah, yeah... Ansh and I have already met him, right, Ansh?" The way his words hung in the air, laced with jealousy, was almost too much to ignore.

Riyansh, ever the observer, flicked his eyes towards Aman bhaiya before giving a barely perceptible nod, his expression unreadable. My own irritation bubbled up, but I fought to keep it in check. Whatever. I huffed, brushing it off, as I muttered under my breath, "Doesn’t matter to me, anyway."

Trying to distract myself from the building tension, I turned my attention back to my sakhiyaan, who were deep in conversation. Their voices were like a soothing balm, and I welcomed the distraction. It had been far too long since the three of us had been able to just be, without the weight of the past or the complications of the present.

But even as I engaged with them, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone’s gaze was on me. I felt it, sharp and persistent, like a weight on my chest. Someone was watching, their eyes burning with something unspoken. My mind raced, but I quickly dismissed the thought. Why am I even thinking about this? I scolded myself. He never spoke up back then, why would he now?

I shook my head, attempting to clear the heavy thoughts. "Looks like I’ll have to get used to this gaze," I thought bitterly, especially since I'll be in front of him for an entire week. I rolled my eyes, irritated at myself for even caring.

“What happened? Where have you been?” Radhika asked, her voice light and teasing.

“Nowhere,” I replied, but before I could say anything else, Radhika gave me a gentle nudge on the shoulder, her eyes flicking to the side, urging me to look the other way.

I turned, my heart skipping a beat as I caught sight of him. Mr. Yaduvanshi. His stride was purposeful, his gaze locked on me with an intensity that felt like a physical force. I felt the air in my lungs freeze, the warmth of the reunion fading into something cold and sharp.

“No!" The word left my mouth before I could stop it. My mind screamed, Why is he coming here? God, please keep him away from me! The very thought of him being near me sent a shiver down my spine, and I quickly looked away, trying to steady my breath.

......𖤐

Woahhhh guys, Riyansh is heading towards Niya! Are you catching my drift? Hmm, hmm...

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