🙏 Ganpati Bappa Morya! 🤍
May Bappa shower His blessings on all of you.
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Happy Reading! 🌸
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At last, the day had arrived when Wani had to leave for her hostel.
A faint sadness had settled over the Deshmukh House. Everyone had gathered in the hall, while Wani was getting ready in her room. Sidharth and Hriday were placing the luggage in the car.
Stepping out of her room, Wani walked toward the staircase and looked around quietly. She couldn't see anyone.
So she called out loudly, "Aai... Baba... Aaji... Ajoba... Aba... Majle Baba... Chhoti Aai... Badi Aai... Dada, kahan ho sab?" As she continued calling everyone, she hurried down the stairs.
Just then, someone replied from the hall, "Are, amhi sagle ikde ahot." The voice was soft and gentle. (Hey, we are all here.)
Wani immediately ran into the hall and let out a deep sigh of relief. A warm smile instantly appeared on her face. She slowly lifted her gaze and found the entire Deshmukh family sitting together in front of her.
Kadambari gently said, "Jao, tino sabko namaskar karo."
Being the eldest, Sidharth went first, followed by Hriday, who respectfully took blessings from every elder one by one.
Then it was Wani's turn.
With a gentle smile on her face, she first walked toward Kaushalya and Vishwanath Deshmukh—her grandparents. She slightly bent down to touch Kaushalya's feet.
"Namaskar karte, Aaji," she said softly.
Kaushalya lovingly caressed Wani's head and said, "Bappa tujhe sagle swapna pure karude. Ani tula yashachi payri chadu de." She then kissed Wani's forehead with affection.
(May Lord Bappa fulfill all your dreams and bless you with success at every step of your life.)
Wani then turned toward Vishwanath. She was about to bend down to seek his blessings by touching his feet when he suddenly stood up and exclaimed in a loud voice,
"Ye kya kar rahi hai? Tujhe kitni baar kaha hai mere pair nahi chhoona. Tu sunti kyun nahi hai? Paap lagvayegi kya apne Ajoba ko?"
For a brief moment, the entire house fell silent.
Wani looked straight into her grandfather's eyes with a faint smile and replied,
"Are Ajoba, paap-vaap kuch nahi lagta. Aur aap hi to kehte ho na ki main aapki beti hoon? To beti ko bina apna aashirwad diye bhejoge kya?"
Saying that, she adorably turned her face away.
Vishwanath had never liked the idea of any woman or girl touching a man's feet. He had never allowed the women of his family to bow before any man. He had always given them the same respect, dignity, and rights as men.
Vishwanath's POV
A gentle smile appeared on Vishwanath's face as he pulled Wani into a warm hug.
"Mera aashirwad to hamesha se tere saath hai. Iske liye tujhe mere ya kisi aur ke pair chhoone ki zarurat nahi hai. Samjhi, majhi balla?"
The love in his voice for Wani was clearly visible.
After that, Wani respectfully took blessings from each elder one by one before standing beside Hriday and Sidharth.
Smiling warmly, Malhar said, "Chaliye sab ek picture lete hain. Is pyaare se moment ki. Baad mein sab apne-apne ghar wapas chale jayenge."
Glancing toward his elder brothers, he continued,
"Manik Dada Palghar chale jayenge aur Manohar Dada Pune. Aai-Baba Kolhapur kal ya parson chale jayenge."
A slight sadness was evident in his voice.
Manohar got up from his seat, walked straight to the bedroom, brought back the camera, handed it to Malhar, and said,
"Le, laga ise. Tab tak hum sab photo ke liye tayyar hote hain."
He then walked back to stand beside his wife.
Kadambari looked around with slightly worried eyes and said,
"Are, par hum kis pose mein rahenge? Koi to batao. Sab idhar-udhar ghoom rahe ho."
She placed a hand on her forehead while looking at everyone. Meanwhile, the rest of the family began finding their places.
Sidharth stepped forward and softly said,
"Kaku, kya hum sab..."He stopped midway.
Kadambari immediately understood what he was trying to say. Soon, everyone else also understood his idea and started arranging themselves accordingly.
Meanwhile, Malhar finished setting up the camera and looked at everyone. A smile of relief spread across his face before he walked over and joined the family.
Vishwanath and Kaushalya stood proudly in the center.
On their right stood Manikrao and Manjiri, with Sidharth standing between them, lovingly holding both of his parents.
On their left stood Manohar and Vandana, with Hriday standing between them, holding each of their hands.
In the front row, seated on the floor, were Malhar and Kadambari, with Wani sitting between them. Malhar and Kadambari formed a heart with their hands around Wani, while she placed both her hands near her cheeks with a bright smile.
Then, a familiar sound came from the camera.
Click.
As soon as Malhar checked the camera, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
"Perfect! Ab is photo ko frame karke hall mein lagayenge."
A gentle smile spread across everyone's faces.
To them, it wasn't just a photograph. It was a precious memory frozen in time. Years later, whenever they looked at that picture and saw their children smiling so innocently, this very moment would come alive again—a memory forever etched in their hearts.
Kaushalya lovingly looked at her three grandchildren and called out,
"Bala, idhar aao teeno." Her voice was calm, gentle, and filled with affection.
Sidharth, Hriday, and Wani walked over and stood before her. The love and respect they held for their Aaji were clearly reflected in their smiling faces.
Kaushalya picked up three small velvet boxes placed beside her.
"Hostel jaane se pehle meri taraf se ek chhota sa gift."
The three exchanged curious glances.
She first opened one box and carefully took out a beautiful gold chain. It had a sleek rope-style design with a delicate Bappa pendant.
Smiling warmly, she gently placed it around Sidharth's neck.
For a moment, Sidharth simply stared at the chain. Then a wide grin spread across his face.
Without saying another word, he wrapped his arms tightly around Kaushalya.
"Wow... Aaji! Thank you so much. Ye mujhe kab se chahiye thi. Aap bina bole meri har baat kaise samajh jaati ho?" His excitement was impossible to hide.
Chuckling softly, Kaushalya lovingly patted his back before opening the second box.
She took out another identical chain and lovingly placed it around Hriday's neck.
The very next second, Hriday gently cupped her face, kissed her forehead, and dramatically declared, "Are wahhh... Kaushalya! Tumne to dil jeet liya." said in his signature mischievous, theatrical tone.
Kaushalya instantly caught hold of his ear.
"Are ande se nikle pille! Apni Aaji ko naam se bulayega?"
The entire family burst into laughter. Holding his ear, Hriday winced dramatically.
"Aaa... Are Aaji! Mazaak tha. Ab kaan chhod bhi do."
Kaushalya finally let go, and both of them laughed together.
Making her way between Sidharth and Hriday, Wani folded her arms and stood in front of Kaushalya.
Pouting slightly, she asked, "Aur meri chain kahan hai?"
Kaushalya looked around dramatically before placing a hand over her mouth.
"Are Bappa re... Main to tere liye lana hi bhool gayi."
For a brief moment, Wani froze. Her cheerful smile slowly disappeared.
She simply stared at her Aaji, trying to figure out whether she was serious or teasing her.
Just then, she felt something cool touch the back of her neck.
Before she could turn around, a delicate gold chain was gently fastened around her neck.
Surprised, she quickly looked behind her.
Standing there with a warm smile was Vishwanath.
He gently adjusted the chain before saying,
"Meri laadki ko kaise bhool sakte hain hum?"
The chain was simple yet elegant, crafted with a delicate design and adorned with the same beautiful Bappa pendant.
The moment Wani looked at it, her eyes sparkled with happiness.
Without thinking twice, she threw herself into Vishwanath's arms. "Thank you, Ajoba!"
Vishwanath smiled lovingly and kissed the top of her head.
Unable to contain her excitement, Wani ran around the hall, happily jumping like a little child.
Her cheerful laughter echoed throughout the house.
Watching her, Hriday immediately joined in. Raising both his hands in the air, he began jumping exactly like Wani.
Seeing the two of them, Sidharth shook his head and laughed.
"Dekho... Do bandar ek saath!"
Everyone burst into laughter. For a few precious moments, no one remembered that Wani was leaving.
The sadness that had filled the Deshmukh House melted away, replaced once again by laughter, teasing, and the warmth of a family that cherished every moment they spent together.
At last, the moment arrived when everyone walked toward the car to see them off.
Until a few moments ago, the Deshmukh House had been echoing with laughter.
Now...
It had to return to the silence that would embrace it for some time.
Manikrao looked at everyone before speaking.
"Chalo... ab der ho rahi hai. Train ka samay bhi ho raha hai." His voice was calm, yet the heaviness hidden beneath it was impossible to ignore.
In an instant, the smiles on everyone's faces slowly faded.
Sidharth, Hriday, and Wani quietly looked around the house one last time.
Their eyes wandered across every familiar corner.
The staircase where they had raced each other countless times...
The hall that had witnessed endless laughter...
The walls that silently held years of beautiful memories...
Every little corner felt impossible to leave behind.
Without saying anything, the three of them quietly got into the car.
Before the car pulled away, they lowered the windows and waved one last time.
A gentle smile rested on their lips, but the moisture in their eyes spoke far more than words ever could.
Malhar slowly started the car.
For quite some time...
No one spoke.
Only silence accompanied them throughout the journey.
Soon, the car reached the railway station.
The train was already waiting at the platform.
After bidding one final goodbye to their family, Sidharth, Hriday, and Wani boarded the train.
A few moments later...
The whistle echoed through the station.
Slowly...
The train began moving.
Standing near the door, Wani kept waving at her family until they completely disappeared from her sight.
Only then did she quietly return to her seat.
The journey continued peacefully.
Wani settled beside the window.
Resting her chin against the glass, she silently watched the changing scenery outside.
A gentle smile curved her lips.
After an entire year...
She was finally going back to the hostel she had once called her second home.
The thought of meeting Kaira and Rishika again filled her heart with excitement.
A few seats away, Hriday sat quietly beside the window.
A small smile lingered on his face, making it clear that he, too, was looking forward to returning.
Meanwhile, Sidharth leaned comfortably against his seat, listening to music through his earphones.
Though his face remained as calm and unreadable as ever...
The quiet happiness in his eyes was impossible to miss.
Hours passed.
The train gradually slowed down.
A familiar announcement echoed throughout the coach.
"Agla station... Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus... Mumbai."
The moment she heard the announcement, Wani immediately looked outside.
A bright smile appeared on her face.
Mumbai...
The same crowded platforms...
The rushing local trains...
The endless crowd...
The familiar skyline...
Everything looked exactly the way she remembered.
It had been an entire year since she had last seen the city.
Yet somehow...
It still felt like home.
"Finally... Mumbai." she whispered, her voice carrying quiet happiness.
Soon, the train came to a complete halt.
Sidharth and Hriday took down the luggage while Wani eagerly stepped onto the platform.
The familiar rush of Mumbai instantly welcomed them.
People hurried toward their destinations.
Announcements echoed from every direction.
Cool morning air brushed gently against their faces.
For a brief moment, Wani simply stood there, quietly taking everything in.
Not because it was new...
But because she had missed it.
Soon, the three of them made their way out of the station.
Standing near the entrance, Sidharth took out his phone and calmly booked a cab.
Meanwhile...
Wani and Hriday had already started clicking pictures in the bright morning sunlight.
Laughing, posing, and teasing each other, they looked exactly like they had never left.
After a while, Wani walked over to Sidharth.
Gently shaking his arm, she made an adorable puppy face.
"Dada... aap bhi photo lo na hamare saath." she requested sweetly, her innocent voice making it almost impossible to refuse.
Without saying much, Sidharth removed one earbud and looked at her.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
He quietly nodded.
Within a few minutes, the three siblings clicked several more pictures together.
Just then...
Their cab arrived.
The driver stepped out and opened the boot.
Before anyone could stop her, Wani hurried toward her suitcase.
She tightly grabbed its handle and pulled with all her strength.
"Aaa... uth na... itna bhi bhaari mat ban..." she muttered stubbornly, her voice filled with determination.
The suitcase refused to move even an inch.
Standing a few steps behind her, Sidharth silently watched the entire scene.
Shaking his head ever so slightly, he walked forward.
Without saying a word, he took the suitcase from her hands and effortlessly lifted it into the boot.
Only then did he calmly look at her.
"Do idhar. Main rakh deta hoon." His deep, composed voice remained as calm as always.
After placing the suitcase inside, he added,
"Tera intezar kiya to shaam ho jayegi." Wani immediately puffed her cheeks.
"Hmph..." she huffed, clearly offended. Ignoring her tiny protest, Sidharth simply pointed toward the cab.
"Baith." His voice was short, calm, and carried the quiet authority of an elder brother.
Mumbling something under her breath, Wani quietly climbed inside the cab.
The very next second—
Thud!
Something suddenly landed on Wani's lap.
Startled, she immediately looked outside the window.
"What the hell, Dada! Ye kaun karta hai?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with irritation as she glared at the two brothers.
Standing outside with his hands tucked into his pockets, Hriday grinned mischievously.
"Dikhta nahi kya? Maine kiya." he replied proudly, his playful voice carrying not even the slightest hint of regret.
Wani narrowed her eyes.
"Pagal." she muttered, shaking her head in annoyance.
Hriday only laughed louder.
A few moments later, after loading the remaining luggage, Sidharth and Hriday got into the cab.
Soon, the cab pulled away from the station.
Wani rested her head against the window and quietly watched the familiar streets passing by.
The busy traffic...
The speeding local trains...
The roadside cafés...
The tall buildings...
Nothing had changed.
After an entire year, Mumbai still carried the same fast pace she remembered.
A small smile unknowingly appeared on her face.
It truly felt good to be back.
Meanwhile, Hriday kept looking outside from time to time, humming a song under his breath.
Sidharth, on the other hand, remained busy checking a few messages on his phone.
Within some time, the cab finally stopped in front of their hostel.
The three siblings stepped outside.
The moment Wani saw the familiar hostel building standing before her, her eyes sparkled with excitement.
A bright smile instantly spread across her face.
She had waited an entire year for this day.
Behind her, Sidharth quietly spoke,
"Tu yahin ruk. Main luggage nikal deta hoon aur room tak pahucha dunga." His voice was calm and reassuring.
Wani looked at him and smiled.
"Okay, Dada." she replied softly before stepping aside.
Just then, Hriday pointed toward a small Ganpati temple standing a short distance away.
"Wahan Bappa ka mandir hai. Jaake darshan karke aa." His voice was gentle, carrying his usual warmth.
Wani looked toward the temple.
A soft smile appeared on her lips.
Without wasting another second, she happily nodded.
"Haan... abhi aati hoon." she said cheerfully before walking toward the temple.
Meanwhile, Sidharth and Hriday began unloading the luggage from the cab.
The gentle sound of temple bells echoed through the peaceful surroundings.
As Wani stepped inside the temple, the soothing fragrance of incense welcomed her.
A feeling of peace instantly settled within her heart.
Standing before Bappa's idol, she folded her hands and slowly closed her eyes.
For a few quiet moments...
Nothing else existed.
Only her prayers...
And Bappa.
A calm smile rested on her face as she silently thanked Him for bringing her back to the place that had once become her second home.
A few peaceful moments passed.
As Wani slowly opened her eyes, a gentle smile rested on her lips.
Just then...
A flower placed near Bappa's feet quietly slipped onto the marble floor.
Without thinking twice, she bent down to pick it up.
At that very moment...
Another hand reached for the same flower.
Their fingertips brushed against each other ever so lightly.
The unexpected touch made Wani pause.
Slowly...
She lifted her gaze.
And for a brief moment...
Time itself seemed to stop.
Standing before her was a young boy.
He was tall, well-built, and carried himself with effortless confidence. His sharp jawline perfectly complemented his handsome features, while his hazel eyes held an unusual calmness that instantly caught Wani's attention.
She couldn't look away. There was something about those eyes...
Something strangely familiar...
Something that made her heart skip a beat.
For a few silent moments, she remained completely lost in them.
Before she could even realize what she was doing, the words slipped out of her mouth.
"Nice eyes..." she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
A faint smile appeared on the young man's lips.
"Thanks." he replied in a deep, calm voice.
His smile was small.
Yet strangely comforting.
Without saying another word, he gently picked up the flower and placed it in Wani's hand.
Their fingers brushed once again.
This time...
Neither of them moved for a second. Then, giving her one last glance, he quietly turned around. Wani's eyes unconsciously followed him. Somehow...
Her heart wasn't ready to let this stranger disappear so soon.
After taking a few steps, the young man suddenly stopped.
For reasons even he couldn't understand...
He slowly turned back.And there she was.
Still standing in the same place. Still looking at him.
Once again...
Their eyes met.
Neither of them smiled.
Neither of them spoke.
Neither of them knew the other's name.
Yet somehow...
The silence between them felt more meaningful than words.
For a few lingering moments, it seemed as though the entire world around them had faded away.
Only two strangers...
Connected by nothing more than a single glance.
Standing before Bappa, neither of them realized that this unexpected meeting was not just a coincidence.
Perhaps...
It was destiny quietly introducing two souls whose paths had already been written together.
After a long moment, the young man finally looked away and walked out of the temple.
Only after he disappeared from sight did Wani lower her gaze.
A faint smile unknowingly curved her lips.
Carefully holding the flower close to her heart, she turned around and walked back toward the hostel.
She had no idea...
That the stranger she had just met...
Would one day become the most unforgettable chapter of her life.
Wani stood outside her old hostel room like a statue. A bright smile lit up her face as countless memories from a year ago came rushing back.
Taking a deep breath, she gently placed her hand on the wooden door and slowly pushed it open.
The moment she stepped inside, she stopped in her tracks.
A soft smile spread across her lips.
For a few silent moments, she simply looked around.
The room was spotless. The beds were neatly made, the blankets were perfectly folded, and every book was arranged properly on the study tables. Not a single cloth, paper, or speck of dust was scattered anywhere.
The walls still carried the photographs, wall stickers, and little decorations she had once put up herself.
Beside her framed photograph rested a small idol of Bappa.
The room didn't just look clean...
It felt as though it had been waiting for her to return.
Wani quietly admired everything around her.
Just then, someone suddenly covered her eyes from behind.
Startled, she exclaimed,
"Aa... Tu nahi sudharegi na?"
She immediately removed the hands from her eyes and turned around.
Standing behind her was a girl wearing a pink top with black diamond-pattern jeans. Her mischievous smile, sparkling eyes, and playful expression reflected her cheerful personality.
She was none other than Kaira Singhania.
Holding Wani by both shoulders, Kaira spun her around excitedly.
"Aaa... Wani! Tu aa gayi! I am so, so happy!"
The very next second, she pulled Wani into a tight hug.
Wani hugged her back just as tightly.
The two best friends swayed from side to side, unable to hide their excitement.
"Main bhi yaar! Ek saal baad mil rahe hain. Tujhe bata nahi sakti main kitni khush hoon. Rishuuu kahan hai?" Before Kaira could answer...
A deep voice echoed from behind.
"Bhoooo..."
"Aaaa!" Wani screamed, instantly turning around.
Standing near the bathroom door was another girl, laughing while shaking her head playfully.
She wore a light blue crop shirt with white jeans. Her sweet smile, deep black eyes, and adorable face made her look even more charming.
She was Rishika Singh.
Without wasting another second, Wani ran toward her. "Aaj main tujhe nahi chhodungi!"
Rishika immediately ran around Kaira, laughing loudly.
"Ruk ja tu! Abhi batati hoon tujhe!" Wani shouted. Still running, Rishika teased, "Kuch interesting ho to hi batana!"
After chasing each other around the room for a while, both of them finally fell onto the bed, laughing uncontrollably.
Seeing them, Kaira jumped onto the bed as well.
Within seconds, the room echoed with the laughter of all three friends.
The walls that had remained silent for an entire year finally came alive once again.
After a while, Wani lay down between Kaira and Rishika, smiling as she looked at both of them.
For a moment...
It felt as though nothing had changed. Suddenly, she sat up and folded her arms.
Pretending to be angry, she pouted. "Is ek saal mein tum dono ne mujhe yaad tak nahi kiya. Ek call bhi nahi."
Kaira and Rishika exchanged a glance before sitting beside her.
Rishika smiled softly. "Kisne kaha humne tujhe yaad nahi kiya? By God, teri yaad hume roz aati thi."
Rolling her eyes, Wani looked at her suspiciously.
Kaira immediately spoke in her usual dramatic style. "Haan! Roz subah uthte hi sabse pehle teri photo dekhti thi." She proudly pointed toward the study table.
Curious, Wani followed her finger. The moment her eyes landed on the table...
She froze. Her framed photograph stood neatly beside Bappa's idol. Right in front of it lay a few fresh flowers.
Wani slowly turned toward Kaira with a completely blank expression. "Are behan... main mari nahi hoon."
Rishika instantly buried her face in a pillow to stop herself from laughing.
Completely unfazed, Kaira shrugged. "Phoolon ki mala thodi chadhayi hai... sirf phool rakhe hain."
Wani folded her arms. "Par kyun?"
Before Kaira could answer—
Thak! Thak! Thak!
Someone knocked loudly on the door.
Wani gently placed a hand on her forehead.
Shaking her head with complete confidence, Kaira replied,
"Are, sirf phool rakhe hain. Mala kahan se dikh gayi tujhe? Dhyan se dekh." Rolling her eyes, Wani let out a helpless sigh. "Haan haan... wahi wahi. Phool."
Seeing the two of them argue, Rishika burst into laughter.
Just then...
Thak! Thak! Thak!
The sound of someone struggling to open the door echoed through the room.
Wani walked over and unlocked it.
The moment the door opened, the girl standing outside lost her balance and stumbled inside.
The books in her hands flew into the air, loose papers scattered across the floor, and the flower pot she was carrying nearly slipped from her grip.
Without wasting a second, Wani bent down to help her gather everything.
As the girl looked up, their eyes met.
She had dark brown eyes, long black hair tied half-up, an innocent face, and a warm smile.
She was Mouli Shrivastava.
Collecting her books, she smiled softly.
"Ayyo... Thank you so much." Then she looked properly at Wani.
For a few seconds...
She simply kept staring. A bright smile slowly spread across her face.
Without saying anything, she rushed forward and hugged Wani tightly.
"Ayya... Waniii! Finally tum aa gayi! Main tumhara kab se wait kar rahi thi. Tumko dekhke bahut happy feel ho raha hai. Ye dono roz tumhare baare mein baat karta tha."
Wani blinked in surprise.
She looked toward Kaira and Rishika in confusion.
Realizing what she had done, Mouli lightly slapped her own forehead.
"Ayyo! Main apna introduction hi bhool gaya." She quickly extended her hand. "Hi... Main Mouli Shrivastava. Tumhara new roommate... aur new friend bhi."
Her innocent smile instantly made Wani smile back. "Hello Mouli. Nice to meet you."
Mouli happily nodded.
Wani looked at Kaira and Rishika. "Iske baare mein bataya kyun nahi?"
Before either of them could answer, Mouli spoke first. "Main hi mana kiya tha. Mujhko surprise dena tha."
Kaira laughed. "Madam ko grand entry chahiye thi."
Everyone laughed.
Mouli suddenly remembered something and looked at Wani. "Wani... tumko pata hai? Ye Kaira roz subah aur shaam tumhara photo ke saamne baithta tha. Phool rakhta tha... diya jalata tha... aur pata nahi kya-kya pray karta tha." She dramatically rolled her eyes.
The moment Wani heard that, she burst into laughter. Holding her stomach, she managed to say,"Kya? Majhya photo la baghun prarthana karaychi?"
(Do I have to pray while looking at my photo?" )
Mouli looked completely confused. She slowly turned toward Kaira. "Ye kya bola?"
Before Kaira could answer, Rishika laughed.
"Jo tune bola... usne bhi wahi bola."
Kaira let out a dramatic sigh. Pointing toward Mouli, she said, "Jaise tu Minma hai..."Then she pointed toward Wani. "...waise hi ye Gangubai."
For two whole seconds... Wani and Mouli simply stared at each other.
The next moment—
Both of them burst into laughter. Rishika rolled onto the bed laughing uncontrollably.
Even Kaira couldn't keep a straight face anymore.
The room once again echoed with the loud laughter of all four girls.
After a few minutes, everyone's laughter finally settled down.
Just then, Kaira's eyes landed on the flower pot resting beside Mouli.
She immediately picked it up. Her expression changed. "Are... ye to mera flower pot hai! Tere paas kaise aaya?"
Mouli answered casually, "Hriday diya. Bola tum hostel gate pe bhool gaya tha."
The moment Hriday's name came up, Wani slowly looked toward Kaira.
A teasing smile appeared on her lips. "Achha... to Mr. Hriday flower pot delivery bhi karte hain?"
Kaira's eyes widened instantly. "Are nahi! Galat mat samajh. Ye pot mujhe Kirt Bhaiya ne diya tha. Hriday bas wapas deke gaya tha."
She quickly placed the flower pot back on the table.
Wani folded her arms and smiled mischievously. "Achha ji..."
Kaira immediately looked away. Her silence itself was enough to make the other three girls smile.
Flashback
Kaira stood near the hostel gate, waiting impatiently for Wani.
Every few seconds, she looked toward the entrance.
"Kahan reh gayi ye?" she mumbled to herself.
Just then, her eyes landed on someone standing a little distance away.
A smile instantly appeared on her face.
Dressed in a light yellow shirt with black trousers, the top two buttons of his shirt open and a pair of sunglasses resting on his face, Sidharth stood quietly checking his phone.
Looking at him, Kaira smiled to herself.
"Haye Sid... Tum itne cute kyun ho yaar?" As if he had sensed someone staring at him, Sidharth looked up.
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
A faint smile appeared on his lips before he calmly walked toward the boys' hostel.
Kaira couldn't stop smiling.
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. "Nahi patega woh."
Rolling her eyes, Kaira turned around. Standing behind her was Hriday.
His hands were tucked into his pockets, and the mischievous smile on his face made it clear he had heard everything.
"Kyun? Tumhe meri khushi dekhi nahi jaati kya?" Kaira shot back.
Hriday chuckled. "Khushi to theek hai... par sapne thode reality wale dekha karo." Kaira folded her arms."Seedha bol na."
Hriday shrugged. "Uski girlfriend hai... Khushi Didi."
The smile on Kaira's face slowly disappeared.
After a few seconds, she asked quietly, "Sach?" Hriday nodded. "Haan."
Seeing her disappointed face, he couldn't resist teasing her. "Waise uska bhai abhi single hai. Try karna hai to kar lo."
The very next second—
Thap!
Kaira smacked his arm. "Chup kar, gadhe!" she said sharply, her voice laced with anger.
Hriday laughed loudly. "Are! Maar kyun rahi hai?"
Kaira glared at him. "Tere peeche padne se achha hai main puri zindagi Sidharth ke peeche hi padi rahun." Hriday's smile slowly faded.
He gently caught both her wrists.
Looking straight into her eyes, he said in a calm yet confident voice, "Theek hai... Yaad rakhna. Ek din tum khud mere liye tadpogi. Phir dekhte hain kaun kiske peeche padta hai."
For a moment...
Kaira couldn't say a single word.
Avoiding his gaze, she quickly freed her hands. "Kabhi nahi!" She turned around and hurried toward the hostel.
In her rush, she unknowingly left the flower pot behind.
Hriday picked it up. "Oy! Flower pot to leti ja!" But Kaira never looked back.
She disappeared inside the hostel.
Hriday looked at the flower pot, smiled helplessly, and quietly walked away.
Present
"...Bas, itni si baat thi." Kaira finished the story with a shrug.
Mouli nodded. "Ayyo... Isliye Hriday mere ko diya." Kaira nodded in agreement.
Wani looked at her with a teasing smile. "Hmm... Story to kaafi interesting thi."
Kaira immediately grabbed a pillow and lightly hit Wani with it.
"Bahut bolne lagi hai tu." Wani laughed and hugged the pillow.
Within seconds, all four girls started laughing again.
Time flew by in endless conversations, teasing, and sharing old memories.
By the time they looked outside, evening had already turned into night.
The four friends went to the dining hall together, had dinner while chatting nonstop, and then returned to their room.
After arranging their books, uniforms, and bags for the next day, they talked for a little while longer.
Gradually, sleep began taking over. One by one, they climbed onto their beds.
The room that had echoed with laughter throughout the day slowly became silent.
Within a few minutes...
All four girls had peacefully drifted off to sleep, completely unaware that the coming days were about to change their lives forever.
*******†********†*******†*********†****** ***
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