Chapter 6

Author's note

Hi lily's I'm back with new chapter, and its going to be Chaotic chapter 🙃 as I know and ahead is your choice, now enjoy the chapter

श्री गणेशाय नमः।

तेरी कृपा से हर शुरुआत हो आसान,

विघ्न हटें, मिले हर काम को सम्मान।

लेखनी को दे तू आशीर्वाद,

हर शब्द बने एक खूबसूरत जज़्बात।...

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Author's pov

It was Sunday.

A peaceful, quiet, no-one-dare-to-wake-me-up kind of Sunday.

And Vani Rathor was sleeping like she had no responsibilities, no stress… and absolutely no intention of waking up before 12.

Until—

“VANIII… uth jao!”

A sudden shake on her shoulder.

Vani groaned, pulling her blanket tighter. “Maa… please… sone do na…”

“Ek din,” Vidhya Rathor sighed dramatically, “bas ek din bolti hoon jaldi uth jao…”

“Toh mat bolo na…” Vani mumbled half-asleep.

There was silence.

Suspicious silence.

Then, in a dangerously calm voice, her mom said,

“Thik hai… mat uth. Main sabko bol deti hoon ki tum uthna hi nahi chahti…”

Vani’s eyes snapped open.

“Kisko sabko?” she asked, peeking out of the blanket.

“Guests.”

“WHAT?!” Vani shot up instantly. “Aaj Sunday hai! Kaun aa raha hai?!”

Before her mom could answer, the door burst open—

“Drama queen finally uth gayi?”

Vihaan Rathor, her one-year-younger-but-acts-like-bodyguard brother, leaned against the doorframe.

“TU CHUP!” Vani threw a pillow at him. “Tu mujhe kyun nahi uthaya pehle?!”

“Main kyun uthata?” he smirked. “Mujhe toh maza aa raha tha.”

“Wow. Such a caring brother.”

“Always,” he said proudly.

From the hallway, another voice came—

“Vani beta, jaldi aao!”

That was Siya chachi.

“Dekha?” her mom crossed her arms. “Ab bina muh dhoye jaake milo sabse.”

Vani gasped. “Maa, aap meri insult karwana chahti ho?!”

“Bilkul,” Vihaan replied before Vidhya could. “Main toh already ready hoon popcorn ke saath.”

“VIHAAN!”

Just then, Kiara peeked in, grinning. “Good morning, sleeping beauty. 11 baj chuke hain.”

Vani froze. “…11?!”

“Correction,” Kiara smirked, “11:30.”

“MAIN MAR GAYI.”

She jumped out of bed, almost tripping over her blanket.

Behind her, Vihaan laughed. “CEO ki beti ho… thoda toh standard rakho.”

Vani turned dramatically. “Main Ranveer Rathor ki beti hoon, mujhe sone ka poora haq hai.”

“Papa ko bolu?” he raised an eyebrow.

Vani paused. “…Main ready ho rahi hoon.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

And just like that—

Vani Rathor’s peaceful Sunday officially ended.

Vani didn’t walk to the bathroom.

She ran.

“MOVE!” she shouted, nearly crashing into Vihaan on the way.

“Arre—!” he jumped aside. “Road hai kya yeh?!”

“Emergency hai!” she yelled, slamming the bathroom door shut before anyone could say another word.

Inside, she stared at herself in the mirror.

Hair = disaster.

Face = half-asleep zombie.

Situation = public humiliation incoming.

“Great,” she muttered. “Just great.”

Outside, Vihaan knocked loudly. “Kitna time lagega?! Guests wait kar rahe hain!”

“Unko bolo wait karein!” she shouted back. “Main aise thodi jaaungi!”

“Waise hi jao, reality check mil jayega sabko,” he smirked.

“VIHAAN, I SWEAR—!”

“Okay okay, sorry,” he laughed, clearly not sorry at all.

Meanwhile, downstairs…

The Rathor house was already buzzing.

Ranveer Rathor sat in the living room, calm and composed as always, going through something on his tablet. Beside him, Anirudh Rathor was on a call, discussing something work-related even on a Sunday.

“Yeah, we’ll finalize it tomorrow,” Anirudh said, walking toward the balcony. “No delays.”

Siya walked in with a tray of snacks, placing it neatly on the center table. “At least pretend it’s Sunday,” she said, raising an eyebrow.

Ranveer smiled slightly. “Business doesn’t take days off.”

“Neither does your daughter’s sleep,” Vidhya muttered, entering the room.

Kiara flopped onto the sofa. “Badi mummy, Vani di abhi tak ready nahi hui?”

“Bas aa hi rahi hogi,” Vidhya said, though her tone clearly meant no, she’s not.

Upstairs...

Vani finally stepped out of the bathroom, looking somewhat human again.

Vihaan looked her up and down. “Hmm… 5/10.”

She gasped. “EXCUSE ME?!”

“Improvement hai,” he shrugged.

Vani narrowed her eyes. “Tu ruk. Ek din na—”

“Aaj nahi,” he interrupted. “Aaj guests ka din hai.”

She took a deep breath. “Kaun hai waise?”

Vihaan smirked. “Jaake dekh lo.”

“I hate you.”

“I know.”

As Vani walked downstairs, she tried to mentally prepare herself.

Stay normal. Don’t embarrass yourself. Don’t trip. Don’t say anything weird.

Simple.

Right?

Wrong.

The moment she stepped into the living room, all eyes turned toward her.

“Good morning,” she said, trying to sound normal.

“Good afternoon,” Kiara corrected instantly.

“Kiara…” Vani whispered through gritted teeth.

Ranveer looked up and smiled. “Finally.”

“Sorry, Papa,” she said quickly. “Woh… Sunday…”

“Haan haan,” he waved it off. “Baitho.”

Vani sat down, still trying to figure out who exactly the “guests” were.

Then the doorbell rang.

Everyone paused.

Siya looked toward the entrance. “I’ll get it.”

Vani frowned slightly. Aur guests?

She glanced at Vihaan, who was already smirking like he knew something.

“Stop that,” she whispered.

“Stop what?” he said innocently.

“That I-know-something-you-don’t face.”

He just grinned wider.

Great.

Just great.

A moment later, Siya returned…

And she wasn’t alone.

Behind her stood three familiar figures.

Vani blinked.

Once.

Twice.

“Oh no.”

Vihaan leaned closer and whispered, “Surprise.”

Aarav.

Reyansh.

…and Eshaan.

Vani’s brain officially stopped working.

Out of all the people in the world…

“Hi,” Aarav said casually, walking in like he owned the place.

“Namaste, Uncle,” Reyansh added politely.

Eshaan didn’t say anything at first. He just looked at her—

And smiled.

Not a big smile. Not dramatic.

Just a small, calm one.

And somehow… that was worse.

“Tum log?” Vani finally managed.

“Problem hai?” Aarav raised an eyebrow.

“Haan— matlab nahi— matlab…” she stumbled.

Vihaan coughed loudly. “English ya Hindi, decide kar lo pehle.”

“VIHAAN!"

Everyone laughed.

Perfect.

First impression ruined.

“Sit, sit,” Ranveer said warmly. “Make yourselves comfortable.”

They settled in, completely at ease.

Vani, on the other hand, was not at ease.

At all.

Kiara leaned toward her. “Di, tumhare ‘friends’ kaafi interesting hain.”

“Chup,” Vani muttered.

Across the room, Eshaan finally spoke. “You look… different.”

Vani froze. “Different matlab?”

“Jaise abhi abhi uthi ho,” Aarav jumped in.

“Shut up!” she threw a cushion at him.

Reyansh laughed. “We came early, sorry.”

“Early?” she repeated. “It’s Sunday!”

“Exactly,” Vihaan said. “Entertainment ka best time.”

“Main tujhe—”

“Violence is not the answer,” he said calmly.

“For you, it is.”

More laughter.

Great.

Amazing.

Wonderful.

Vani Rathor wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

But then—

“Chai ya coffee?” Siya asked.

“Anything is fine,” Eshaan replied.

His voice was calm. Steady.

Vani glanced at him again.

And for a second… everything else faded.

The noise. The chaos. The embarrassment.

It was just—

Him.

Standing there like he belonged.

Like this was normal.

Like she was the only one overthinking everything.

“Vani?” Vidhya’s voice snapped her back.

“Haan?”

“Serve karo.”

“Oh— haan.”

She quickly stood up, picking up the tray.

Don’t drop anything. Don’t trip. Don’t embarrass yourself again.

Step one—success.

Step two—

“Careful,” Eshaan said softly as she almost missed a cup.

She looked up at him.

“Thanks,” she mumbled.

“No problem.”

And there it was again.

That small smile.

That stupid small smile.

Why was it affecting her so much?

Ugh.

She turned away quickly.

This is nothing.

Just a normal day.

Just guests.

Just… him.

Right?

Right.

And just like that, Vani Rathor realized something very important—

Her peaceful Sundays were officially over.

And maybe.

Something else was just beginning.

Just when Vani thought things couldn’t get more embarrassing-

Ding-dong.

Again.

She froze mid-step.

“Please tell me aur koi nahi hai,” she whispered.

Vihaan grinned. “Abhi toh party shuru hui hai.”

“VIHAAN—”

Before she could finish, Kiara ran to the door this time. “I’ll get it!”

“Mat ja—!” Vani tried to stop her.

Too late.

The door opened.

“HELLLOOO RATHOR HOUSE!”

Shreya’s voice echoed through the house like she owned it.

“Tum log?!” Vani nearly dropped the tray.

Arushi walked in right behind her, calm as always, but with a knowing smile. “Good morning… ya good afternoon?”

“Shreya, volume kam,” Vani muttered, embarrassed.

“Why?” Shreya looked around dramatically. “Sabko already pata hai tum late uthi ho.”

“MAIN TUMHE—”

“Relax,” Arushi stepped in, laughing softly. “We just came to save you.”

“Save?” Vani blinked.

“Haan,” Shreya nodded seriously. “Yeh sab seniors ke beech tu akeli phas gayi thi na.

From the couch, Aarav leaned back. “Excuse me?”

“Excused,” Shreya replied instantly.

Reyansh choked on his drink.

Vihaan clapped slowly. “I like her.”

“Obviously,” Shreya smirked. “Good taste hai tumhara.”

“SHREYA!” Vani whispered-yelled. “Behave!”

“Main toh bilkul behave kar rahi hoon,” she said innocently, then looked at Eshaan. “Hi, by the way.”

Eshaan nodded slightly. “Hi.”

Arushi walked over to Vani and quietly took the tray from her hands. “Tu bas baith. Aur damage control kar.”

“Damage control?!” Vani stared at her. “Mera life control se bahar ja raha hai!”

“Dramatic,” Shreya said, sitting beside Kiara like they were already best friends. “Mujhe pasand hai.”

Kiara grinned. “Same.”

“Great,” Vani muttered. “Ab tum dono bhi team bana lo.”

“Already ban gayi,” Shreya winked.

Within minutes, the living room turned into full chaos.

Shreya arguing with Aarav

Vihaan supporting whoever was more entertaining

Reyansh trying (and failing) to keep peace

Kiara enjoying the drama like a live show

And in between all that—

Vani sat there, half-annoyed, half-smiling.

Because somehow…

This mess?

Felt like home.

Arushi nudged her lightly. “Better now?”

Vani sighed. “Thoda.”

Then her eyes, of course, went to him again.

Eshaan wasn’t saying much.

Just watching.

Observing.

And every once in a while…

Looking at her.

She quickly looked away.

“Stop staring,” Arushi whispered.

“I’m not staring!”

“Hmm.”

“Shut up.”

Arushi just smiled.

“Okay listen!” Shreya suddenly stood up. “Game khelte hain.”

“NO,” Vani said immediately.

“YES,” everyone else replied.

“Democracy sucks,” she muttered.

“Truth or dare,” Shreya announced.

Vani closed her eyes. “Mera downfall officially shuru ho gaya.”

Vihaan grinned. “Main first.”

“Of course,” Vani sighed.

And just like that…

The calm, peaceful Sunday Vani wanted—

Turned into something way louder, way messier…

And way more unforgettable.

“Okay listen!” Shreya clapped her hands. “Circle banao sab!”

“Yeh school hai kya?” Aarav muttered.

“Shut up and sit,” she pointed.

Within seconds, everyone adjusted—some on the sofa, some on the floor, some just leaning wherever they found space.

Vani sat between Arushi and Kiara.

Unfortunately…

Eshaan was right in front of her.

Great.

“Rules simple hain,” Shreya began. “No skipping. No backing out. Jo choose kiya, woh karna padega.”

“Yeh dangerous lag raha hai,” Reyansh said.

“Bilkul hai,” Vihaan grinned.

“Main nahi khel rahi,” Vani said.

“Too late,” Arushi pulled her back. “You’re in.”

“Traitor.”

“Always.”

“First turn—” Shreya spun a bottle placed in the center.

It slowed down…

…and stopped.

“VIHAAN!” everyone shouted.

He leaned back like a king. “Bring it on.”

“Truth ya dare?” Shreya smirked.

“Dare.”

Vani groaned. “Of course.”

Shreya thought for two seconds. “Go and tell your mom that you secretly eat all the snacks she hides.”

Silence.

Then—

“NO WAY,” Vihaan said.

“Rules,” Shreya shrugged.

Everyone started chanting, “Go! Go! Go!”

“Tum sab dushman ho,” he muttered, standing up.

Vani folded her arms. “Ja na, bodyguard.”

“Tu ruk,” he pointed.

They all watched as he walked toward the kitchen.

A few seconds later—

“MOM, MAIN SNACKS CHUPKE KHATA HOON!”

Dead silence.

Then Vidhya’s voice—

“VIHAAN RATHOR?!”

The entire room exploded in laughter as he ran back.

“Main barbaad ho gaya,” he said, sitting down dramatically.

“Worth it,” Aarav laughed.

“Next!” Shreya spun again.

This time…

The bottle pointed at—

“VANI.”

She froze.

“No.”

“Yes,” everyone said together.

“Main jaa rahi hoon,” she tried to stand.

Arushi pulled her back. “Sit.”

“Tum meri best friend ho ya villain?”

“Depends.”

Shreya leaned forward. “Truth ya dare?”

Vani hesitated.

Dare = risk.

Truth = bigger risk.

“…Truth.”

“Awww,” Shreya smirked. “Safe khel rahi ho?”

“Question pucho.”

Shreya’s eyes sparkled. “Okay… tell us—have you ever had a crush on someone?”

Silence.

Complete silence.

Vani blinked.

Once.

Twice.

“This is illegal,” she said.

“Nope,” Vihaan said. “Answer.”

“Skip kar sakti hoon?”

“No.”

“Shreya, I hate you.”

“I love you too, now answer.”

Vani looked around.

Kiara—excited.

Aarav—grinning.

Reyansh—curious.

Vihaan—too interested.

Arushi—already knowing something.

And then—

Eshaan.

Just sitting there.

Watching her.

Not forcing.

Not teasing.

Just… waiting.

Her heart started beating faster.

“Answer, Vani,” Shreya sang.

Vani looked away quickly.

“…Yes.”

“OOOOOOHHHHH!” the room erupted.

“Kaun?!” Aarav leaned forward.

“Naam bolo!” Vihaan added instantly.

“Bas question tha—have you ever—aur maine answer de diya,” Vani crossed her arms.

“Cheating!” Shreya protested.

“Smartness,” Vani corrected.

Arushi hid a smile.

Eshaan said nothing.

But his expression changed—just slightly.

And Vani noticed.

Why does that matter…?

“Next turn,” Reyansh said quickly before things got more awkward.

The bottle spun again.

Slower this time.

And stopped.

On—

“…Eshaan.”

The energy shifted.

Even Shreya paused for a second.

Then she smirked. “Truth ya dare?”

Eshaan didn’t hesitate. “Truth.”

“Boring,” Aarav said.

“Safe,” he replied calmly.

Shreya leaned forward, clearly planning something.

“Okay… tell us—have you ever liked someone… seriously?”

Vani’s breath hitched.

Why does this feel worse than my question?

Everyone went quiet.

All eyes on him.

Eshaan didn’t rush.

Didn’t avoid.

He just… answered.

“…Maybe.”

“Maybe?!” Vihaan frowned. “Yeh kya hota hai?”

“It means,” Eshaan said calmly, “it’s not that simple.”

“Deep,” Reyansh nodded.

“Complicated,” Aarav added.

Shreya narrowed her eyes. “Someone here?”

Eshaan didn’t answer.

He just looked—

For a second.

At Vani.

Then looked away.

“Next turn,” he said.

And just like that…

The game continued.

But something had changed.

Something subtle.

Something unspoken.

And Vani felt it.

Right there—

In the middle of all the chaos, laughter, teasing…

There was a quiet moment.

Just for a second.

Just between them.

And it scared her a little.

Because now…

This didn’t feel like just a game anymore.

“Next turn!” Shreya spun the bottle like her life depended on it.

It spun fast… faster… then slowly—

Stopped.

“AARAV!” Vihaan shouted.

Aarav cracked his knuckles. “Finally.”

“Truth ya dare?” Shreya asked.

“Dare,” he smirked.

“Of course,” Vani muttered.

Shreya didn’t even think twice. “Go outside and shout ‘I LOVE MY SCHOOL’ at full volume.”

Silence.

Then—

“No,” Aarav said flatly.

“YES,” everyone yelled.

“Main Rathor house ke bahar apni insult nahi karunga.”

“Karni padegi,” Vihaan dragged him up.

“Leave me—!”

Too late.

Within seconds, Aarav was pushed near the main door.

“LOUDLY!” Shreya warned.

He looked back at them. “Tum sab yaad rakhna.”

Then he opened the door and shouted—

“I LOVE MY SCHOOL!!!”

A random dog barked.

Someone in the distance laughed.

Aarav slowly closed the door and turned back.

“I hate all of you.”

“Worth it,” Kiara said, clapping.

“Next!” Shreya spun again.

Bottle stopped.

“KIARAAA!”

Kiara sat up straight. “Bring it on.”

“Truth ya dare?”

“Dare.”

Shreya grinned wickedly. “Go and call Anirudh uncle ‘bro’ once.”

Kiara blinked. “Main zinda nahi bachungi.”

“Go,” Vani said sweetly.

“Tum sab villains ho.”

Kiara walked slowly toward the balcony where Anirudh was still on call.

Everyone leaned forward, watching.

“papa…” she said softly.

“Haan beta?” he replied, still focused on work.

Kiara took a deep breath.

“…Bro?”

Silence.

Anirudh turned.

Slowly.

“…Kya kaha tumne?”

“Nothing,” she ran back instantly.

The room BURST into laughter.

“Respect gone,” Reyansh said.

“Completely,” Aarav nodded.

“Next!” spin.

This time—

“REYANSH.”

He sighed. “Mujhe shanti se jeene do.”

“Truth ya dare?” Shreya smiled.

“…Dare.”

“Good choice,” she said. “You have to imitate Ranveer uncle for one minute.”

Reyansh froze. “Main mar jaunga.”

Vani grinned. “Go on.”

Reyansh stood up, straightened his posture, picked up a random book like a tablet—

“Hmm… business doesn’t take Sundays off.”

The room exploded.

“Perfect!” Vihaan clapped.

“Investment plan ready hona chahiye,” Reyansh continued seriously.

Even Ranveer, who had just entered, paused… then smiled slightly.

“Good observation,” he said.

Reyansh almost fainted. “Sorry, uncle.”

“Continue,” Ranveer said calmly.

Everyone LOST IT.

“Next!” spin.

The bottle slowed…

…and stopped.

“SHREYAAA!”

“Finally,” Vani said, cracking her fingers. “Mera badla.”

“Try me,” Shreya smirked.

“Truth ya dare?”

“Dare.”

Vani smiled sweetly. Too sweetly.

“Go to the kitchen… and tell Maa that you broke something.”

“WHAT?!” Shreya shouted.

“Go.”

“Nahi.”

“Rules.”

“Tumhari dushman hoon main.”

“I know. Now go.”

Everyone chanted again.

Shreya stomped to the kitchen.

A few seconds later—

“AUNTY… woh… maine kuch tod diya…”

“KYAA TOD DIYA?!” Vidhya’s voice came.

“Main mazaak kar rahi thi!” Shreya ran back instantly.

“SHREYA!” Vidhya called from inside.

“I’M SORRY!” she hid behind Vani.

“Justice,” Vani smirked.

“Next…” Shreya spun again.

This time—

The bottle slowed…

slowed…

…and stopped.

Dead center.

Between—

Vani and Eshaan.

The room went silent.

Then—

“OOHHHHHHHH!”

Vihaan practically screamed.

“Double turn!” Aarav grinned.

“No,” Vani said immediately.

“Yes,” Shreya said calmly.

“Tum dono—truth or dare?”

“Separate,” Vani insisted.

“Together,” Shreya corrected.

“THIS IS ILLEGAL.”

“Dare,” Eshaan said suddenly.

Everyone paused.

Then slowly turned to Vani.

“…I hate my life,” she whispered.

“Dare,” she said.

Shreya’s smile turned evil.

“Perfect.”

She looked at both of them.

“Tum dono ko… ek dusre ke baare mein 3 honest things bolni hongi.”

Silence.

“NO,” Vani said instantly.

“YES,” everyone else.

“No backing out,” Aarav added.

“Ladies first,” Vihaan said.

Vani glared at him. “Main tujhe baad mein dekh lungi.”

She looked at Eshaan.

He was calm.

Of course he was.

Why is he always calm?!

“Fine,” she said. “3 things.”

She took a deep breath.

“First… you’re… quiet.”

“True,” Reyansh nodded.

“Second… you’re… confusing.”

Aarav laughed. “Facts.”

Vani hesitated.

Third one.

Why was this so hard?

“…and…”

She looked at him again.

Big mistake.

“…you’re… nice.”

“Bas?” Shreya raised an eyebrow.

“Bas.”

“Safe khel liya,” Vihaan whispered.

“Shut up.”

“Now you,” Shreya turned to Eshaan.

Everyone leaned forward.

Even Vani.

Why am I nervous…?

Eshaan thought for a second.

Then spoke.

“First… you talk a lot.”

The room laughed.

“Rude,” Vani said.

“True,” Arushi added.

“Second… you overthink.”

Vani froze slightly.

…okay, that hit.

“And third…”

He paused.

And this time—

He didn’t look away.

“…you’re stronger than you think.”

Silence.

No laughter.

No teasing.

Just—

Silence.

But something had shifted again.

Between laughter, noise, teasing—

There were moments.

Small ones.

Quiet ones.

And Vani felt it.

That weird, confusing feeling again.

The one she didn’t understand.

The one she didn’t want to understand.

But maybe…

She was already starting to.Next turn!” Shreya spun the bottle again, eyes sparkling like she’d been waiting for this moment her whole life.

The bottle spun… slowed…

…and stopped.

Right on—

Vani.

“No,” she said immediately. “Spin again.”

“Nope,” Shreya leaned forward. “Tumhari kismat strong hai aaj.”

“Main khel hi kyun rahi hoon…” Vani muttered.

“Truth ya dare?” Aarav grinned.

She narrowed her eyes. “Truth.”

“Coward,” Vihaan said.

Vani turned slowly. “…Dare.”

“Good choice,” Shreya’s smile turned dangerous.

Vani’s stomach dropped. “Mujhe yeh smile pasand nahi aa rahi.”

“You shouldn’t,” Arushi whispered.

Shreya clapped once. “Okay Vani Rathor… your dare is—”

Everyone leaned in.

“Tumhe Eshaan ko call karna hoga… on speaker… and confess that you like him.”

Dead.

Silence.

“WHAT?!” Vani practically jumped. “ARE YOU INSANE?!”

“Valid question,” Reyansh nodded.

“THIS IS TOO MUCH!” Vani stood up. “I refuse.”

“No backing out,” Vihaan said instantly.

“Main ghar chhod ke jaa rahi hoon.”

“Gate band hai,” Kiara smiled sweetly.

“Tum sab mere enemies ho.”

“Obviously,” Shreya said. “Phone nikalo.”

Vani looked at Arushi. “Please.”

Arushi raised her hands. “Main neutral hoon.”

“Traitor number 2.”

“Jaldi karo!” everyone started chanting.

“NO!”

“YES!”

“NO!”

“YES!”

Finally—

Vani grabbed her phone dramatically.

“Fine,” she said. “But I hate all of you.”

“Accepted,” Aarav said.

She unlocked her phone.

Her hands were slightly shaking.

Why am I nervous…? It’s just a prank.

Right?

Right.

She dialed.

Put it on speaker.

The phone started ringing.

Once.

Twice.

Three times—

“Pick mat karo… pick mat karo…” she whispered.

Click.

“Hello?”

The room went still.

Every. Single. Person.

Stopped breathing.

Vani froze.

Because—

That voice.

Was sitting right in front of her.

Eshaan raised an eyebrow slightly.

“…Vani?” he said again, slowly.

Silence.

Then—

The entire room EXPLODED.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA!”

“OH MY GOD!”

“THIS IS GOLD!”

Vihaan fell back laughing. “Khud ke saamne call kar diya!”

Aarav couldn’t breathe. “Legendary move!”

Shreya was on the floor. “I DIDN’T EVEN PLAN THIS!”

Vani looked at her phone.

Then at Eshaan.

Then back at her phone.

Then back at him.

Her brain shut down.

“…I hate my life,” she whispered.

Eshaan ended the call calmly… still looking at her.

“Confession abhi bhi pending hai,” he said.

“NO IT’S NOT!” she panicked. “Game khatam! Main nahi khel rahi!”

She threw a cushion at Shreya.

“YOU SET ME UP!”

“I DIDN’T KNOW!” Shreya laughed.

“TU RUK—”

Vani stood up, fully red, fully embarrassed, fully done with existence.

“I’m leaving.”

“Sit down,” Vihaan pulled her back.

“Nahi!”

“Drama mat kar,” he smirked.

“MAIN SERIOUS HOON!”

Arushi leaned in, whispering, “Relax… it was funny.”

“FUNNY?! MERI IZZAT—”

“Already gayi,” Kiara added helpfully.

“KIARA!”

Meanwhile…

Eshaan was still calm.

Of course he was.

Always calm.

“Tum itna panic kyun kar rahi ho?” he said casually.

Vani turned to him slowly.

“Because… THIS IS EMBARRASSING!”

“Hmm,” he nodded.

Then added—

“Cute bhi.”

Silence.

Again.

“WHAT?!” Vani stared at him.

Aarav smirked. “Oho.”

Reyansh looked away, smiling.

Shreya grabbed Arushi’s arm. “I ship this.”

“Same,” Arushi whispered.

“SHUT UP!” Vani shouted.

Her face was completely red now.

“Main jaa rahi hoon,” she said again, this time actually walking away.

“Jaao,” Vihaan said. “Par game toh khatam nahi hua.”

“MERI LIFE KHATAM HO GAYI HAI!”

She stormed out of the room.

Behind her—

Laughter.

Endless laughter.

In the hallway, Vani leaned against the wall.

Heart racing.

Face burning.

“Stupid game… stupid people… stupid—”

“…me?” a voice came.

She froze.

Slowly turned.

Eshaan.

Of course.

“Tum yahan kyun aaye?” she asked.

“Tum bhaag ke aa gayi,” he replied simply.

“I wasn’t running.”

“Hmm.”

She looked away.

Awkward silence.

For once—

No chaos.

No noise.

Just them.

“Waise…” he said quietly.

Vani stiffened.

“Jo dare tha…”

“FORGET IT!” she said instantly. “Woh mazaak tha.”

“I know.”

“Good.”

Pause.

Then—

“…par answer phir bhi jaan na hai.”

Her heart skipped.

She looked at him.

He wasn’t joking.

Wasn’t teasing.

Just… asking.

And suddenly—

This didn’t feel funny anymore.Vani folded her arms, trying to look normal.

“Answer jaan na hai?” she repeated. “Kyun?”

Eshaan leaned slightly against the wall, calm as always. “Bas… curiosity.”

“Tumhe har cheez ki curiosity hoti hai?”

“Important cheezon ki.”

Vani blinked.

Important?

She looked away quickly. “It was just a dare. Don’t take it seriously.”

“I didn’t say I was.”

“Good.”

Silence.

Again.

This time… not awkward. Just quiet.

Eshaan spoke softly, “But tum itna panic kyun kar rahi thi?”

“Because—” she stopped. “Because it was embarrassing!”

“Hmm.”

“And everyone was staring!”

“Hmm.”

“And—” she sighed. “Leave it.”

He watched her for a second.

Then said—

“Waise… agar main wahan nahi hota…”

Vani looked at him.

“…toh tum bol deti?”

Her heart did that stupid skip thing again.

“NO!” she said instantly. “Bilkul nahi!”

He raised an eyebrow slightly.

“…shayad,” she added under her breath.

“Hmm.”

“Don’t ‘hmm’ me!”

A small smile appeared on his face.

And there it was again.

That calm, annoying, confusing smile.

Vani groaned. “You’re impossible.”

“So I’ve been told.”

Before she could reply—

“VANIIII!”

Shreya’s voice echoed from inside.

“Bach gayi,” Vani muttered.

“Come back!” Vihaan shouted. “Revenge round!”

“NO!”

“YES!”

Vani blinked.

Her heart skipped.

What…?

“Okay WOW,” Shreya broke the moment. “That got deep.”

“Too deep,” Aarav said.

“Emotional damage,” Vihaan added.

But Vani didn’t react.

She was still looking at him.

And for once—

He wasn’t looking away either.

“Next turn!” someone said loudly, trying to bring back the chaos.

But something had shifted again.

Between laughter, noise, teasing—

There were moments.

Small ones.

Quiet ones.

And Vani felt it.

That weird, confusing feeling again.

The one she didn’t understand.

The one she didn’t want to understand.

But maybe…

She was already starting to.Next turn!” Shreya spun the bottle again, eyes sparkling like she’d been waiting for this moment her whole life.

The bottle spun… slowed…

…and stopped.

Right on—

Vani.

“No,” she said immediately. “Spin again.”

“Nope,” Shreya leaned forward. “Tumhari kismat strong hai aaj.”

“Main khel hi kyun rahi hoon…” Vani muttered.

“Truth ya dare?” Aarav grinned.

She narrowed her eyes. “Truth.”

“Coward,” Vihaan said.

Vani turned slowly. “…Dare.”

“Good choice,” Shreya’s smile turned dangerous.

Vani’s stomach dropped. “Mujhe yeh smile pasand nahi aa rahi.”

“You shouldn’t,” Arushi whispered.

Shreya clapped once. “Okay Vani Rathor… your dare is—”

Everyone leaned in.

“Tumhe Eshaan ko call karna hoga… on speaker… and confess that you like him.”

Dead.

Silence.

“WHAT?!” Vani practically jumped. “ARE YOU INSANE?!”

“Valid question,” Reyansh nodded.

“THIS IS TOO MUCH!” Vani stood up. “I refuse.”

“No backing out,” Vihaan said instantly.

“Main ghar chhod ke jaa rahi hoon.”

“Gate band hai,” Kiara smiled sweetly.

“Tum sab mere enemies ho.”

“Obviously,” Shreya said. “Phone nikalo.”

Vani looked at Arushi. “Please.”

Arushi raised her hands. “Main neutral hoon.”

“Traitor number 2.”

“Jaldi karo!” everyone started chanting.

“NO!”

“YES!”

“NO!”

“YES!”

Finally—

Vani grabbed her phone dramatically.

“Fine,” she said. “But I hate all of you.”

“Accepted,” Aarav said.

She unlocked her phone.

Her hands were slightly shaking.

Why am I nervous…? It’s just a prank.

Right?

Right.

She dialed.

Put it on speaker.

The phone started ringing.

Once.

Twice.

Three times—

“Pick mat karo… pick mat karo…” she whispered.

Click.

“Hello?”

The room went still.

Every. Single. Person.

Stopped breathing.

Vani froze.

Because—

That voice.

Was sitting right in front of her.

Eshaan raised an eyebrow slightly.

“…Vani?” he said again, slowly.

Silence.

Then—

The entire room EXPLODED.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA!”

“OH MY GOD!”

“THIS IS GOLD!”

Vihaan fell back laughing. “Khud ke saamne call kar diya!”

Aarav couldn’t breathe. “Legendary move!”

Shreya was on the floor. “I DIDN’T EVEN PLAN THIS!”

Vani looked at her phone.

Then at Eshaan.

Then back at her phone.

Then back at him.

Her brain shut down.

“…I hate my life,” she whispered.

Eshaan ended the call calmly… still looking at her.

“Confession abhi bhi pending hai,” he said.

“NO IT’S NOT!” she panicked. “Game khatam! Main nahi khel rahi!”

She threw a cushion at Shreya.

“YOU SET ME UP!”

“I DIDN’T KNOW!” Shreya laughed.

“TU RUK—”

Vani stood up, fully red, fully embarrassed, fully done with existence.

“I’m leaving.”

“Sit down,” Vihaan pulled her back.

“Nahi!”

“Drama mat kar,” he smirked.

“MAIN SERIOUS HOON!”

Arushi leaned in, whispering, “Relax… it was funny.”

“FUNNY?! MERI IZZAT—”

“Already gayi,” Kiara added helpfully.

“KIARA!”

Meanwhile…

Eshaan was still calm.

Of course he was.

Always calm.

“Tum itna panic kyun kar rahi ho?” he said casually.

Vani turned to him slowly.

“Because… THIS IS EMBARRASSING!”

“Hmm,” he nodded.

Then added—

“Cute bhi.”

Silence.

Again.

“WHAT?!” Vani stared at him.

Aarav smirked. “Oho.”

Reyansh looked away, smiling.

Shreya grabbed Arushi’s arm. “I ship this.”

“Same,” Arushi whispered.

“SHUT UP!” Vani shouted.

Her face was completely red now.

“Main jaa rahi hoon,” she said again, this time actually walking away.

“Jaao,” Vihaan said. “Par game toh khatam nahi hua.”

“MERI LIFE KHATAM HO GAYI HAI!”

She stormed out of the room.

Behind her—

Laughter.

Endless laughter.

In the hallway, Vani leaned against the wall.

Heart racing.

Face burning.

“Stupid game… stupid people… stupid—”

“…me?” a voice came.

She froze.

Slowly turned.

Eshaan.

Of course.

“Tum yahan kyun aaye?” she asked.

“Tum bhaag ke aa gayi,” he replied simply.

“I wasn’t running.”

“Hmm.”

She looked away.

Awkward silence.

For once—

No chaos.

No noise.

Just them.

“Waise…” he said quietly.

Vani stiffened.

“Jo dare tha…”

“FORGET IT!” she said instantly. “Woh mazaak tha.”

“I know.”

“Good.”

Pause.

Then—

“…par answer phir bhi jaan na hai.”

Her heart skipped.

She looked at him.

He wasn’t joking.

Wasn’t teasing.

Just… asking.

And suddenly—

This didn’t feel funny anymore.Vani folded her arms, trying to look normal.

“Answer jaan na hai?” she repeated. “Kyun?”

Eshaan leaned slightly against the wall, calm as always. “Bas… curiosity.”

“Tumhe har cheez ki curiosity hoti hai?”

“Important cheezon ki.”

Vani blinked.

Important?

She looked away quickly. “It was just a dare. Don’t take it seriously.”

“I didn’t say I was.”

“Good.”

Silence.

Again.

This time… not awkward. Just quiet.

Eshaan spoke softly, “But tum itna panic kyun kar rahi thi?”

“Because—” she stopped. “Because it was embarrassing!”

“Hmm.”

“And everyone was staring!”

“Hmm.”

“And—” she sighed. “Leave it.”

He watched her for a second.

Then said—

“Waise… agar main wahan nahi hota…”

Vani looked at him.

“…toh tum bol deti?”

Her heart did that stupid skip thing again.

“NO!” she said instantly. “Bilkul nahi!”

He raised an eyebrow slightly.

“…shayad,” she added under her breath.

“Hmm.”

“Don’t ‘hmm’ me!”

A small smile appeared on his face.

And there it was again.

That calm, annoying, confusing smile.

Vani groaned. “You’re impossible.”

“So I’ve been told.”

Before she could reply—

“VANIIII!”

Shreya’s voice echoed from inside.

“Bach gayi,” Vani muttered.

“Come back!” Vihaan shouted. “Revenge round!”

“NO!”

“YES!”

Eshaan stepped back slightly. “Chalo.”

“Main nahi aa rahi.”

“Darr gayi?”

She glared. “…Main kisi se nahi darti.”

“Prove it.”

“Fine.”

And just like that—

She walked back in.

Big mistake.

“WELCOME BACK!” Shreya announced dramatically. “Special round—Vani revenge edition!”

“Main nahi khel rahi.”

“Too late,” Aarav said.

“Tum sab ko na—”

“Sit,” Arushi pulled her down again.

“Why are you like this?”

“Entertainment.”

“Okay,” Shreya clapped. “This time—rapid fire dares. No thinking.”

“Yeh toh illegal hona chahiye,” Reyansh muttered.

“First—” she pointed randomly.

“VANI.”

“Of course.”

“Your dare—”

Vani closed her eyes. “Bhagwan, please—”

“Go and take Vihaan’s phone… and post ‘I miss my sister’ on his status.”

Silence.

Then—

“DO IT!” everyone screamed.

Vihaan stood up instantly. “TRY KAR KE DIKHA!”

Vani cracked her fingers. “Challenge accepted.”

“Touch mat karna mera phone!”

Too late.

Vani lunged.

Vihaan ran.

“CATCH HIM!” Aarav shouted like it was a cricket match.

The whole room turned into a battlefield.

Vani chased Vihaan around the sofa.

Kiara moved aside, laughing.

Reyansh tried to block but failed.

Arushi just watched like this was daily entertainment.

“DE PHONE!” Vani yelled.

“OVER MY DEAD BODY!” Vihaan shouted back.

“HO JAYEGA!”

She finally grabbed his arm—

“Got you!”

“Leave me!”

“Password bata!”

“Never!”

“Fine.”

She held the phone up dramatically.

“Face unlock,” she smirked.

“NO—”

Too late.

Unlocked.

“NOOOOO!” Vihaan screamed.

Within seconds—

Status uploaded.

“I miss my sister 😔❤️”

The room went SILENT.

Then—

EXPLOSION.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA!”

“THIS IS ICONIC!”

“Screenshot le lo koi!”

Vihaan stared at his phone like his soul left his body.

“…You’re dead,” he said slowly.

Vani flipped her hair. “Worth it.”

“Next!” Shreya was unstoppable now.

“ESHAAAN.”

Everyone turned.

“Oho,” Aarav leaned forward.

“Dare?” Shreya asked.

“Dare,” he said calmly.

“Of course,” Vani muttered.

Shreya smirked.

“Your dare—sit next to Vani… and don’t break eye contact for 30 seconds.”

Silence.

“NO,” Vani said immediately.

“YES,” everyone else.

“This is harassment.”

“Sit,” Vihaan said sweetly. “Revenge.”

“Main tujhe—”

Too late.

Eshaan had already shifted.

Right next to her.

Too close.

Way too close.

“Start!” Shreya shouted.

Vani looked anywhere but him.

“Eyes,” Aarav reminded.

“Main nahi kar rahi—”

“Rules,” Arushi said calmly.

Vani slowly turned.

And looked at him.

Big mistake.

Because—

He was already looking at her.

Calm.

Focused.

Like this was nothing.

Why is he not awkward?!

10 seconds.

Vani blinked.

“Blink allowed hai,” Reyansh said helpfully.

“Thanks,” she muttered.

15 seconds.

Her heart was racing.

Why?

It’s just eye contact.

20 seconds.

“Stop smiling,” she whispered.

“I’m not.”

“You are!”

“Maybe.”

25 seconds.

This was getting worse.

Everything felt… slower.

Quieter.

Even with everyone around.

30 seconds.

“DONE!” Shreya shouted.

Vani instantly looked away.

“Finally!”

“Interesting,” Aarav smirked.

“Bahut interesting,” Vihaan added.

“Shut up,” Vani snapped.

Eshaan just leaned back like nothing happened.

Of course he did.

“Okay last round!” Shreya declared.

“No more,” Vani said.

“One last,” Arushi smiled.

“Fine.”

The bottle spun one final time.

And stopped.

Right in the middle.

Everyone.

“Group dare,” Shreya grinned.

“Dangerous,” Reyansh said.

“Sabko ek embarrassing secret bolna padega.”

“NO WAY,” Aarav said.

“YES WAY.”

“Main jaa raha hoon,” Vihaan stood up.

“Sit down.”

Chaos again.

Arguments.

Laughing.

Shouting.

Everyone talking over each other.

And in the middle of all that—

Vani sat there.

Breathing.

Smiling a little.

Because somehow...

This loud, messy, crazy moment-

Felt perfect.

She glanced sideways.

Eshaan was already looking at her again.

She rolled her eyes slightly.

But didn't look away this time.

And just like that-

That Sunday became the kind of day...

No one would forget."Group dare," Shreya repeated, grinning like a villain.

"Sabko ek embarrassing secret bolna padega. No lies. No skipping."

"Main jaa raha hoon," Aarav stood up.

"Sit," three voices said together.

"Yeh dictatorship hai," he muttered, sitting back.

"Order decide karte hain," Reyansh said. "Varna yeh kabhi khatam nahi hoga."

"Perfect," Shreya pointed. "Vihaan first."

"WHY ME?!"

"Because karma," Vani smiled sweetly.

Vihaan rolled his eyes. "Fine."

He sat straight, thinking.

"...I once cried," he said.

"WOW," Vani deadpanned. "National news."

"LET ME FINISH!"

Everyone laughed.

"...I cried because Vani didn't talk to me for two days."

Silence.

Vani blinked.

"Wait... what?" Kiara looked confused.

Vihaan shrugged, suddenly awkward. "Bas... bachpan ki baat hai."

"Awwwww," Shreya dragged the word.

"SHUT UP," he snapped.

Vani tried not to smile. "...Drama king."

"Tu chup reh."

"Next-KIARA!" Shreya clapped.

Kiara grinned. "Easy."

"No confidence," Aarav said.

"Dekhte hain," she smirked.

"...I once told my teacher that my homework notebook got stolen."

"Classic," Reyansh nodded.

"Reality?"

"I forgot it at home."

"BASIC," Vani laughed.

"Creative tha," Kiara defended.

"REYANSH!"

He sighed. "Mujhe kyun lag raha hai yeh regret hoga..."

"Bol," Aarav smirked.

Reyansh rubbed his neck. "...I once sent a message to the wrong person."

"Kitna wrong?" Shreya leaned in.

"...I meant to send it to Aarav... but sent it to my mom."

Everyone paused.

"What message?" Vihaan grinned.

Reyansh closed his eyes. "...'Bro, that teacher is so annoying.'"

The room EXPLODED.

"NO WAY!"

"Tu gaya!"

"Aunty ne kya kaha?!"

Reyansh covered his face. "She replied-'Very good, beta.'"

Even Vani couldn't breathe from laughing.

"AARAV!"

"Main nahi bol raha."

"Rules," Shreya said.

He sighed dramatically. "Fine."

"...I once tried to impress someone by acting cool..."

"Failed?" Vani smirked.

"Very much."

"Details!" Kiara demanded.

"I tripped," he said flatly.

"HAHAHAHA!"

"In front of her?" Shreya asked.

"...Yes."

"Legend," Vihaan said.

"ARUSHI," Shreya turned.

Arushi raised an eyebrow. "Tum sab ready ho?"

"Suspicious," Vani said.

Arushi smiled slightly. "...I know most of your secrets already."

Silence.

"WHAT?" everyone shouted.

"I observe," she shrugged.

"Dangerous," Aarav whispered.

"Very," Reyansh nodded.

Vani looked at her. "...You're scary."

"Thank you."

"SHREYA!"

"Finally," she flipped her hair.

"Let's hear it," Vani crossed her arms.

Shreya grinned. "...I once created a fake fever to skip exam."

"Standard," Vihaan said.

"...For three days."

"WHAT?!"

"Dedication," Aarav nodded.

"Acting skills," Kiara added.

"Respect," Reyansh said.

"Tum log galat cheezon ko appreciate karte ho," Vani said.

"And now..." Shreya's eyes sparkled.

"VANI."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"NO."

"YES."

Arushi leaned in. "Bol de. Itna bhi dangerous nahi hoga."

"Tumhe sab pata hai already," Vani muttered.

"Exactly."

Everyone waited.

Vani sighed.

"...I once stalked someone's profile... for like... two hours."

Silence.

Then-

"ONLY TWO?" Shreya gasped.

"Rookie numbers," Kiara added.

"WHO?" Vihaan leaned forward.

"No name!" Vani said instantly.

"Suspicious," Aarav smirked.

Vani avoided eye contact.

Big mistake.

Because-

Everyone followed her gaze.

Straight to-

Eshaan.

Dead silence.

"OH. MY. GOD." Shreya whispered loudly.

"Caught," Vihaan said.

"Red-handed," Aarav added.

"I HATE ALL OF YOU," Vani covered her face.

"Last..." Shreya turned slowly.

"ESHAAAN."

The room went quiet again.

He sat calmly, like always.

"Secret?" Reyansh asked.

Eshaan thought for a second.

Then said-

"...I notice more than I show."

Simple.

Short.

But-

Something about it...

Felt heavy.

"Cryptic," Aarav said.

"Deep," Shreya nodded.

"Scary," Vihaan added.

Vani didn't say anything.

Because suddenly...

That line made too much sense.

"Game over!" Shreya clapped.

"No more secrets," Reyansh said quickly.

"Agreed," Aarav nodded.

Everyone slowly relaxed.

Still laughing.

Still teasing.

Still chaotic.

But Vani stayed quiet for a second.

Because now she knew-

He notices.

More than he shows.

And that thought alone...

Was enough to make her nervous again.

Then Vihaan nudged her.

"Stalker."

"SHUT UP!"

And just like that-

Chaos returned."Stalker," Vihaan whispered again.

"SHUT. UP." Vani hit him with a cushion.

"2 hours?" Kiara added. "Dedication."

"Main sabka phone check karungi," Vani warned.

"Start with yours," Aarav smirked.

"Tum sab ko na-"

"Okay okay!" Shreya clapped. "Secrets khatam, but teasing unlimited."

"Great," Reyansh sighed. "Exactly what we needed.

For the next few minutes, the room was pure chaos again-

Aarav teasing Vani non-stop

Vihaan repeating "stalker" every 10 seconds

Kiara laughing like this was the best day ever

Shreya adding fuel to every fire

Arushi just sitting there, enjoying like she predicted all of this

"Bas karo yaar!" Vani groaned. "Itna bhi funny nahi hai!"

"Very funny hai," Vihaan said.

"Main jaa rahi hoon."

"Jaao," Shreya smirked. "Rooftop pe jaake stalk kar lena."

"SHREYA!"

"Actually..." Reyansh stretched. "Rooftop sounds good."

"Haan yaar," Aarav agreed. "Yahan noise zyada ho gaya."

"Finally," Arushi stood up. "Fresh air."

"Main nahi aa rahi," Vani said.

"Tu aa rahi hai," Shreya pulled her.

"Force mat karo!"

"Already kar diya."

A few minutes later...

Everyone was on the rooftop.

Evening had started settling in.

The sky was soft-orange fading into pink, a slight breeze making everything feel calmer after all that chaos.

For once...

No shouting.

No running.

Just quiet laughter.

"Yeh better hai," Reyansh said, sitting on the edge.

"Peaceful," Aarav added.

"Finally," Vani muttered.

"Stalker ko peace chahiye," Vihaan whispered.

"VIHAAN!"

Everyone laughed again.

They all spread out-

Some sitting on the floor, some leaning against the wall, some just staring at the sky.

Kiara was telling some random story.

Shreya and Aarav had started arguing again.

Reyansh was half-listening, half-relaxing.

Arushi sat quietly beside Vani.

"Better?" she asked softly.

"...Yeah," Vani admitted.

Arushi smiled. "Good."

Then she got up.

And just like that-

Vani was alone.

Well...

Not exactly.

Because-

"Tum itni jaldi calm ho jaati ho?"

Eshaan's voice came from beside her.

She turned.

He was standing there.

Again.

Why was he always just... there?

"Main calm nahi hoon," she said.

"Lag toh raha hai."

"Acting."

"Good acting."

She rolled her eyes. "Tum bhi Shreya ke team mein ho kya?"

"Nahi," he said simply. "Main apni team mein hoon."

"Selfish."

"Practical."

For a moment, both of them just looked out at the sky.

Quiet.

Comfortable.

Very different from before.

"Waise..." he said after a pause.

Vani stiffened slightly. "Phir se wahi topic?"

"Maybe."

She sighed. "Tum nahi maanoge na?"

"Depends."

"On?"

"Tum kya bolti ho."

She looked down.

Why was this suddenly serious again?

"Woh jo game tha..." she started slowly, "it wasn't real."

"I know."

"Then why-"

"Because tumne 'shayad' bola."

She froze.

He noticed that?

Of course he did.

"I didn't mean it like that," she said quickly.

"Like what?"

"Like..." she struggled. "Like something serious."

He nodded slightly.

"Okay."

Bas.

"Okay?" she frowned. "Bas itna?"

"What else?"

"I don't know! Reaction?"

He looked at her properly now.

And for once-

There was a hint of something different in his eyes.

"Har cheez pe reaction zaroori nahi hota," he said quietly.

That shut her up.

Because-

That felt real.

Too real.

Behind them-

"GROUP SELFIE!" Shreya shouted.

"AAO SAB!" Kiara waved.

"Bach gaye," Vani muttered.

"Ya phir interrupt ho gaye," Eshaan said calmly.

She looked at him.

"...same thing," she said.

He almost smiled.

"JALDI AAO!" Vihaan shouted.

"Coming!" Vani replied.

She started walking.

Then paused.

Turned slightly.

"Waise..."

Eshaan looked at her.

"...tum bhi confusing ho."

He raised an eyebrow. "Fair."

And that was it.

They joined the group.

Phone held up.

Everyone squeezing in.

"Closer!" Shreya said.

"Space nahi hai!" Aarav argued.

"Adjust karo!" Kiara laughed.

Vani ended up-

Right between everyone.

And somehow-

Eshaan next to her again.

"Smile!" Reyansh said.

Click.

Another one.

Click.

And one more-

"Funny face!" Shreya shouted.

Everyone made random expressions.

Except-

Vani.

Who was half-smiling...

Because for once-

Everything felt right.

After the photos-

More talking.

More laughing.

More small moments.

But now...

It was softer.

Quieter.

Different.

As the sky turned darker-

Lights from the city slowly appeared.

And Vani sat there...

Between chaos and calm.

Between friends and something more.

Between what she understood-

And what she didn't.

And maybe...

That's exactly where her story was meant to be.

Right now."DINNER READY!"

Vidhya's voice echoed from downstairs.

"Finally," Aarav stretched. "I'm starving."

"Tum toh hamesha hungry rehte ho," Reyansh said.

"Personality hai meri."

"Food personality," Kiara added.

Everyone started heading downstairs, still talking over each other.

Vani walked a little slower this time.

Why?

No idea.

Okay... maybe idea hai.

Because-

Eshaan was walking right behind her.

Ignore. Just ignore.

"Tum slow kyun chal rahi ho?" his voice came.

"Main slow nahi hoon."

"Hmm."

"Tum fast ho."

"Okay."

"...Okay?"

"Okay."

She turned slightly. "Tumhe problem hai kya?"

"Abhi nahi."

"Abhi?"

"Future uncertain hai."

She stared at him. "...You're weird."

"So I've been told."

"AAO SAB!" Siya called from the dining area.

The table was already set.

And not just set-

Fully loaded.

"WOW," Shreya's eyes widened. "Main yahin shift ho rahi hoon."

"Permission denied," Vani said instantly.

"Too late."

Everyone took their seats-

And of course...

Chaos continued.

"Main yahan baithunga," Aarav said.

"Main pehle aaya tha," Vihaan argued.

"Main guest hoon," Aarav countered.

"Main ghar ka hoon," Vihaan snapped.

"Main senior hoon," Aarav smirked.

"Main bhooka hoon," Vihaan said.

"Fair point," Reyansh nodded.

In the middle of all this-

Vani quietly sat down.

Bad decision.

Because-

Eshaan sat next to her.

Again.

WHY ALWAYS NEXT TO ME?!

Across the table, Shreya noticed and immediately smirked.

"No," Vani whispered. "Don't start."

"Main kuch bol hi nahi rahi," Shreya said innocently.

"Tumhari shakal hi suspicious hai."

"Start karo," Ranveer said calmly.

And just like that-

Everyone attacked the food.

"THIS IS AMAZING," Aarav said with full emotion.

"Control," Reyansh whispered.

"Impossible."

"Vani," Vidhya looked at her. "Tum itni chup kyun ho?"

"Main chup nahi hoon," she said quickly.

"Shock," Vihaan added. "Aaj ka biggest miracle."

"TU CHUP."

Everyone laughed.

"Waise..." Kiara leaned forward. "Game ka best part kaunsa tha?"

"Vani ka dare," Vihaan said instantly.

"VIHAAN!"

"Speaker wala," Aarav added.

"STOP."

"Confession pending hai abhi bhi," Shreya grinned.

"MAIN KHANA KHANE AAYI HOON YA MARNE?!"

Even Siya laughed. "Kya ho raha hai tum logon ke beech?"

"Nothing, chachi," Vani said quickly.

"Everything," Shreya corrected.

Beside her-

Eshaan quietly ate.

Of course.

No reaction.

No teasing.

Just calm.

Vani nudged him slightly.

"Tum kuch bol kyun nahi rahe?"

He looked at her. "Main enjoy kar raha hoon."

"This is enjoyment?"

"Haan."

"Strange."

"Tum interesting ho."

She blinked.

"Food ki baat kar raha hoon," he added.

"Sure," she muttered.

"Reyansh beta," Vidhya smiled. "Aur lo."

"Thank you aunty," he said politely.

"See," Vani whispered to Aarav. "Perfect child."

"Fake," Aarav whispered back.

"I heard that," Reyansh said.

"Good."

Meanwhile-

Vihaan was still not over it.

"I miss my sister 😔❤️," he read from his phone dramatically.

"DELETE IT!" Vani shouted.

"Never."

"Maa-"

"Tumne hi dala hai," Vidhya said calmly.

"Not helping."

"Okay serious question," Shreya suddenly said.

"Danger," Aarav whispered.

"Sabka favourite person kaun hai yahan?"

"Food," Aarav said.

"Self," Vihaan added.

"Peace," Reyansh said.

"Drama," Kiara smiled.

"Observation," Arushi said.

"Sleep," Vani muttered.

"Interesting," Shreya nodded.

Then-

She looked at Eshaan.

"And you?"

Everyone went quiet again.

Eshaan didn't rush.

Didn't overthink.

He just said-

"Depends."

"On?" Aarav asked.

He glanced sideways.

Just for a second.

"...mood."

Vani looked down quickly.

Why does he do that?

Dinner continued-

More jokes.

More teasing.

More random arguments.

But now-

There were small pauses.

Small glances.

Small moments.

After dinner-

Everyone leaned back, full and tired.

"Best Sunday ever," Kiara said.

"Worst," Vani corrected.

"Same thing," Shreya grinned.

As everyone started getting up-

Vani stayed seated for a second.

Just breathing.

Just thinking.

Just-

Feeling everything at once.

"Chal," Vihaan pulled her arm. "Help kar."

"Main guest hoon."

"Tu host hai."

"Unfair."

"Life."

As she stood up-

She turned slightly.

Eshaan was already looking at her again.

Of course.

"Stop that," she said.

"Stop what?"

"Looking."

"Okay."

He didn't stop.

She rolled her eyes.

But didn't look away.

And just like that-

Dinner ended.

But something else?

Was still continuing.

Slowly.

Quietly.Next Day - School

Monday morning.

The most dangerous day of the week.

And today?

Even worse.

Because Vani Rathor walked into school with one clear goal-

Act normal.

"Good luck with that," Arushi muttered beside her.

"I am normal," Vani said.

"Sure," Shreya smirked. "Speaker-call girl."

"SHREYA!"

The moment they entered the corridor-

Something felt... off.

People were looking.

Whispering.

Smiling.

"Oh no," Vani froze. "What did you do?"

"Main?" Shreya blinked innocently.

"Tum dono ne kuch kiya hai."

Arushi raised her hands. "Main toh silent hoon."

"Then why is everyone staring?!"

Right then-

A random girl passed by and whispered loudly to her friend,

"Wohi hai..."

"WHICH wohi?!" Vani panicked.

Shreya started laughing.

"SHREYA. WHAT. DID. YOU. DO."

"Nothing big..."

"SHREYA."

"Bas... thoda sa..."

"SHREYA!"

"...I posted yesterday's selfie."

Silence.

Vani blinked.

"...Selfie?"

"Haan."

"Bas selfie?"

"...and caption."

Vani's eyes narrowed. "Kya caption?"

Shreya grinned.

"Sunday well spent 💕"

"THAT'S NORMAL!" Vani snapped.

"Comments read kiye?" Arushi asked softly.

Vani froze.

"...No."

"Don't," Arushi said.

"Show me," Vani demanded.

Shreya handed her the phone.

Vani opened the post.

First few comments-

"Cutee group 😍"

"Goals"

"Who's that guy next to Vani 👀"

She paused.

Scrolled.

"Something's cooking 😏"

"Vani + ???"

"I ship this already"

Vani's soul left her body.

"...I'm transferring schools."

"Relax," Shreya said. "It's just fun."

"FUN?!"

"Good morning," a familiar voice came.

Vani froze.

Slowly turned.

Aarav.

Reyansh.

...and Eshaan.

Of course.

"Tum log..." she whispered. "Tumhe pata hai?"

"Everything," Aarav smirked.

"Comments bhi?" Reyansh added.

"Delete the post," Vani said calmly.

"No," Shreya said calmly.

"Main phone tod dungi."

"Try."

"Waise," Aarav crossed his arms, "speaker-call wali baat bhi viral ho sakti hai."

"DON'T YOU DARE."

"Interesting content hai," Vihaan (who just walked in) added.

"TU SCHOOL KYUN AAYA?!" Vani snapped.

"Main yahan padhta hoon," he said.

"Unfortunately."

Eshaan didn't say anything.

Just stood there.

Watching.

Again.

Why does he always watch like that?!

"Assembly!" someone shouted.

"Saved," Vani muttered.

Assembly Ground

Everyone lined up.

Vani stood with Shreya and Arushi.

Trying.

Very hard.

To avoid looking at a certain direction.

Failed.

Because-

Her eyes automatically went-

To the senior line.

And there he was.

Standing casually.

Like nothing happened.

Like yesterday wasn't chaos.

Like she wasn't overthinking everything.

He noticed.

Of course he did.

And-

He didn't look away.

Vani instantly turned back.

"Stop looking," Arushi whispered.

"I'm not looking!"

"Hmm."

"Shut up."

"Attention!"

The principal's voice echoed.

The assembly started.

Prayer.

Announcements.

Random speech nobody was listening to.

Except-

Half the time, Vani's brain wasn't even there.

Because-

She could feel it.

That weird awareness.

Like someone was-

Looking.

Again.

After assembly-

Corridors = full chaos.

"Class chalo," Shreya said.

"Main bunk kar rahi hoon," Vani replied.

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Okay fine," she sighed.

As they walked-

"Vani."

She stopped.

Turned.

Eshaan.

Again.

"Tum har jagah kyun aa jaate ho?" she asked.

"Coincidence."

"Suspicious coincidence."

He almost smiled.

"Post dekha?" he asked.

She closed her eyes. "...Haan."

"Reaction?"

"I'm deleting my existence."

"Late."

"Thanks for support."

"Anytime."

They stood there for a second.

Hallway noise around them.

But somehow-

Still a small quiet bubble.

"Waise..." he said.

Vani tensed. "Phir se?"

"Relax."

"I don't trust that word anymore."

He leaned slightly closer.

"Tum itna overthink kyun karti ho?"

"Because things are happening!"

"Kya?"

She stopped.

Because-

What was happening?

"...I don't know," she admitted.

"Exactly," he said.

"That doesn't help!"

"Good."

"Tum irritating ho."

"Tum interesting ho."

She blinked.

Again.

Same line.

Same effect.

Why...?

"VANI!" Shreya shouted from a distance. "CLASS!"

"Coming!" she replied.

She looked back at him.

"...Bye."

"Bye."

But-

She didn't move immediately.

And neither did he.

For a second.

Just one.

Then-

"STALKER!" Vihaan shouted from behind.

"VIHAAN I WILL-"

And just like that-

Chaos returned.

Classroom

Vani dropped into her seat.

Head on desk.

"Main thak gayi hoon."

"Day just started," Arushi said.

"Already over."

"Drama queen," Shreya laughed.

But inside-

Vani knew one thing.

Something had changed.

After that Sunday.

After that game.

After those moments.

And now?

School wasn't just school anymore.

It was-

Complicated.

Messy.

And a little bit...

Exciting.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

To Yahan per chapter samapt Hota Hai.

Dhanyawad