Vanshika stirred in her sleep and slowly sat up, stretching lazily. A soft yawn escaped her lips as she rubbed her eyes, still half-asleep.As she finally opened them—She froze.Right in front of her stood Ishana and Navya… staring at her with wide grins.

“AAAAA!” Vanshika screamed.

“AAAAA!” Ishana and Navya screamed back at the same time.

“Ayee bhak! Kyun chilla rahi ho dono?!” Vanshika snapped, clutching her blanket.

“Tu chilayi toh hum chilaye!” Navya shot back instantly.

“Abbe—” Vanshika was about to retort when—

KNOCK KNOCK……..

Ishana walked to the door and opened it.Standing there were Raghav, Abhiman, and Vihaan.

“Kya hua? Tum sab kyun chillaye?” Abhiman asked, already stepping inside casually.

“Vanshi chilayi, isliye hum chilaye,” Navya explained, folding her arms.

Vihaan raised an eyebrow, looking at Vanshika.“Tu kyun chilla rahi thi? Bhoot dekh liya kya?”

Vanshika glared at him and pointed toward Ishana and Navya.“Haan! Subah subah uthte hi agar ye dono pishachini mere saamne aayengi toh main chilaungi hi na!”

“Tu chilayi toh hum chilaye!” Navya shot back instantly.

“Abbe—” Vanshika was about to retort when—

KNOCK KNOCK……..

Ishana walked to the door and opened it.Standing there were Raghav, Abhiman, and Vihaan.

“Kya hua? Tum sab kyun chillaye?” Abhiman asked, already stepping inside casually.

“Vanshi chilayi, isliye hum chilaye,” Navya explained, folding her arms.

Vihaan raised an eyebrow, looking at Vanshika.“Tu kyun chilla rahi thi? Bhoot dekh liya kya?”

Vanshika glared at him and pointed toward Ishana and Navya.“Haan! Subah subah uthte hi agar ye dono pishachini mere saamne aayengi toh main chilaungi hi na!”

“WHAT?!” Ishana gasped dramatically. “Main pishachini lag rahi hoon tujhe?”

“Mirror dekha hai subah?” Vanshika shot back.

Navya clutched her imaginary pearls.“Excuse me! Itni pretty pishachini duniya mein nahi milegi tujhe!”

Vihaan burst out laughing.“Pretty pishachini… wah kya combo hai!”

Abhiman sat on the couch, shaking his head.“Subah subah full entertainment mil gaya.”

Raghav, meanwhile, stood quietly near the door—his gaze fixed on Vanshika.Messy hair.Sleepy eyes.Oversized t-shirt.And yet… she looked beautiful.A small smile appeared on his face.Vanshika caught his gaze and frowned slightly.

“Kya dekh rahe ho?”Raghav shrugged casually, stepping closer.

“Kuch nahi… bas soch raha tha subah subah itna drama kaise ho sakta hai.”

“Very funny,” she muttered, rolling her eyes—but a faint smile tugged at her lips.Ishana suddenly clapped her hands.

“Okay okay! Enough nonsense. Everyone ready ho jao.”

“Kyuuun?” Vanshika narrowed her eyes suspiciously.Navya quickly looked at Ishana, then back at Vanshika.

“Aise hi… breakfast ke liye jaana hai.”

“Hmm…” Vanshika squinted at them. “Tum log kuch plan kar rahe ho na?”

“Bilkul nahi!” all three—Navya, Ishana, and Vihaan—said at the same time.Raghav coughed lightly, hiding his smile.Abhiman smirked.

“Trust issues ho gaye hain madam ko.”

Vanshika crossed her arms.“Hone bhi chahiye. Tum log seedhe kaam kab karte ho?”

Vihaan stepped forward dramatically.“Dekho Vanshi, hum itne bhi bure nahi hain.”

“Tum ho,” she replied instantly.Everyone laughed.

Raghav leaned slightly closer to her and murmured softly,“Bas ready ho jao… aaj ka din accha hoga.”

“Very funny,” she muttered, rolling her eyes—but a faint smile tugged at her lips.Ishana suddenly clapped her hands.

“Okay okay! Enough nonsense. Everyone ready ho jao.”

“Kyuuun?” Vanshika narrowed her eyes suspiciously.Navya quickly looked at Ishana, then back at Vanshika.

“Aise hi… breakfast ke liye jaana hai.”

“Hmm…” Vanshika squinted at them. “Tum log kuch plan kar rahe ho na?”

“Bilkul nahi!” all three—Navya, Ishana, and Vihaan—said at the same time.Raghav coughed lightly, hiding his smile.Abhiman smirked.

“Trust issues ho gaye hain madam ko.”

Vanshika crossed her arms.“Hone bhi chahiye. Tum log seedhe kaam kab karte ho?”

Vihaan stepped forward dramatically.“Dekho Vanshi, hum itne bhi bure nahi hain.”

“Tum ho,” she replied instantly.Everyone laughed.

Raghav leaned slightly closer to her and murmured softly,“Bas ready ho jao… aaj ka din accha hoga.”

She looked at him for a second… something in his tone calming her instantly.

“Fine,” she said finally. “Give me 20 minutes.”

“10 minutes,” Navya corrected.

“15,” Vanshika negotiated.

“Done,” Ishana said quickly.

“Chalo chalo!” Abhiman clapped. “Girls get ready fast, warna tum log shaam tak ready nahi hongi.”

“OUT!” all three girls shouted together, pushing the boys toward the door.As Raghav stepped out, he turned once and glanced at Vanshika.She was already arguing with Navya again.He smiled.

After getting ready, Vanshika and Ishana finally stepped out of their room.The hotel corridor was quiet, the soft golden lights reflecting against the polished marble floor.Vanshika was busy adjusting her hair while looking into her phone camera, completely focused on fixing the soft waves falling over her shoulders. Her long hair was left open, cascading beautifully down her back.She was wearing a fitted black knee-length dress that hugged her perfectly, elegant yet effortlessly classy. Over it, she had layered a long black shrug that flowed gracefully around her with every step, giving her that soft K-drama heroine vibe. The silver chain around her neck rested delicately against her collarbone, while her black high heels clicked sharply against the floor, adding confidence to every step she took.

Beside her, Ishana looked equally stunning.

She wore a soft white knee-length dress with delicate sleeves, making her look fresh and graceful. Instead of wearing her shrug properly, she had casually draped it over her arm, adding effortless style to her look. Her white shoes gave her outfit a cute and comfortable touch, while her loose curls framed her face perfectly.

“Navya kaha hai?” Vanshika asked, still adjusting her hair without looking up.

“Pata nahi… Vihaan ke saath gayi hai,” Ishana replied casually while typing something on her phone.

Vanshika immediately looked up, eyebrow raising.

“Vihaan ke saath?”

“Haan,” Ishana said normally.

Vanshika narrowed her eyes dramatically.

“Kahi kuch—”

“Chal na yaar,” Ishana interrupted instantly. “Ye dono ek saath? Kabhi nahi.”

“Actually dono ladte hi rehte hai,” Vanshika muttered, chuckling slightly.

By the time they reached the hotel lobby area where everyone was waiting…

Vihaan and Navya were already fighting.

“Tumhari wajah se late hua!” Navya snapped.

“Meri wajah se? Madam khud aadha ghanta mirror ke saamne thi!” Vihaan argued back.

“Because unlike you, I actually look presentable!”

“Excuse me? Main naturally handsome hoon.”

“Delusion bhi dangerous level ka hai.”

Vanshika and Ishana stopped beside them, exchanged one look… and shook their heads together.

“Same old story,” Ishana muttered.

Meanwhile—

Raghav looked up.And then forgot everything around him.His gaze landed on Vanshika… and stayed there.The black dress complimented her perfectly, elegant yet dangerously beautiful. The long shrug moved softly around her as she walked, making her look straight out of a dream. Her open hair framed her face beautifully, and the confidence with which she carried herself made her even more breathtaking.But it wasn’t just the dress.

It was her.

The way she tucked her hair behind her ear absentmindedly.The way her brows furrowed while listening to Vihaan and Navya fight.

The way she looked effortlessly beautiful without even trying.

Raghav’s breath slowed.

His eyes softened unconsciously as he watched her laugh lightly at something Ishana whispered.

And suddenly, Abhiman’s words from last night echoed in his head—

“Banda full-on pyaar karta hai usse…”

For the first time…

Raghav didn’t deny it immediately.

On the other side, Abhiman’s gaze had shifted toward Ishana.

And just like always… she had unknowingly stolen all his attention.The white dress made her look soft, bright, almost angelic. Her curls bounced lightly as she walked, and the little annoyed expressions she kept making at Navya and Vihaan’s argument only made her look cuter.

But what Abhiman loved most…

…was her energy.

Loud. Dramatic. Chaotic.Yet somehow the warmest person in every room.A smile slowly appeared on his lips as he watched her fix her shrug while still typing furiously on her phone.

God.

He was so gone for her.

“Bhai…” Vihaan suddenly said loudly, snapping both Raghav and Abhiman out of their thoughts.

The two immediately looked away.

Vihaan smirked.

“Subah subah kaunsi movie chal rahi thi dimaag mein?” he asked suspiciously.

“Shut up,” both Raghav and Abhiman replied together.

And that only made him laugh louder.

Then Vihaan froze.

He looked at Abhiman suspiciously.

“Ye ‘shut up’ bola samajh aata hai…” Vihaan said suspiciously, narrowing his eyes at Raghav.

“But tu kyun bola be?” he asked, now staring directly at Abhiman.

Abhiman instantly straightened.

“M-main? Maine kya bola? Kuch bhi…”

Raghav smirked immediately, finally getting his chance for revenge.

“Arey sahi kaha tune,” he said casually.

Abhiman’s eyes widened.

“Ayy chup!” he whispered harshly.

“Chal hatt,” Raghav muttered, brushing him off before looking back at Vihaan with fake seriousness.

Then—

“Ishana se pyaar karta hai ye.”

Abhiman almost died on the spot.

“RAGHAV!” he hissed under his breath.

Vihaan stared at both of them silently for a few seconds.

Then suddenly—

“Saalo… tum dono ko meri hi behene milli?” he said dramatically.

“Abbe dheere bol!” Abhiman panicked immediately, glancing toward the girls. “Warna woh sun legi!”

“Accha theek hai…” Vihaan nodded seriously.

Then he leaned closer and loudly whispered—

“Tum dono ko MERI behene hi milli thi kya?!”

Raghav burst out laughing.

Abhiman slapped a hand over his face.

“Ye mera dost hai… mujhe yakeen nahi ho raha.”

Vihaan folded his arms dramatically.

“Mujhe pehle bata dete. Main bachpan se rakhi bandhwa deta tum dono ko.”

“Pagal hai kya?” Abhiman muttered.

“But mera confirm hai ki main pyaar karta hoon,” Abhiman suddenly said proudly while pointing at Raghav, “iski tarah confused nahi hoon.”

Raghav immediately glared at him.

“Oye—”

Vihaan gasped dramatically.

“Matlab tu maan raha hai?!”

“Maine aisa kab bola?” Raghav shot back instantly.

Abhiman smirked mischievously.

“Bhai kal raat pura philosopher bana hua tha—

‘What is this feeling… why does she matter so much…’”

“ABHIMAN!” Raghav snapped.

Vihaan bent forward laughing.

“Bas kar bhai… banda yahin confess kar dega aaj.”

“Tum dono bohot maar khaoge,” Raghav muttered.

Meanwhile, a few feet away—

Ishana looked toward them suspiciously.

“Ye teeno itna hass kyun rahe hain?”

Navya narrowed her eyes.

“Definitely humari burai kar rahe hain.”

Vanshika folded her arms.

“Mujhe toh lagta hai kisi ka secret pakda gaya hai.”

On the other side, all three boys froze for a second.

“Bach gaye,” Abhiman whispered dramatically.

“For now,” Raghav muttered.

Vihaan, however, still looked deeply offended.

“Waise seriously,” he said, shaking his head, “meri hi behene milli tum dono ko…”

And this time even Raghav couldn’t stop laughing.

“Chal na ab chhod,” Abhiman muttered quickly, glaring at Vihaan.

“Aur khabardaar jo Ishana ko bola toh… warna teri pol khol dunga.”

Vihaan instantly folded his arms dramatically.

“Konsi pol?”

Abhiman smirked mischievously.

“Yahi ki tu Navya ko stalk karta hai.”

“HA TOH?!” Vihaan replied without hesitation. “Woh bhi mujhe karti hai.”

“What?!” Raghav and Abhiman shouted together.

Their voices echoed loudly enough for the girls to hear.

“Kya hua?” Vanshika asked suspiciously while walking toward them with Ishana.

All three boys straightened immediately.

“Ahm… kuch nahi,” Abhiman replied awkwardly. “Bas match fix thi.”

“Abhi konsa match chal raha hai?” Navya asked, narrowing her eyes.

Without missing a beat, Vihaan answered,

“Australia vs New Zealand.”

“Accha? Aaj match hai?” Vanshika asked genuinely.

“Ha re! Jaake check karle ja,” Vihaan said hurriedly.

The girls looked at them weirdly.

Then Ishana muttered, “Tum log seriously pagal ho.”

As soon as the girls looked away again—

“Tum log pagal ho kya?!” Vihaan whisper-yelled. “Aise kaun chillata hai?!”

“Tum dono pagal ho,” Raghav and Abhiman said together.

Abhiman pointed accusingly at Vihaan.

“Dono ke dono ek dusre ko stalk kar rahe ho!”

Vihaan shrugged shamelessly.

“So what? Aaj kal ka trend hai.”

Raghav stared at him in disbelief.

“Trend?”

“Haan bhai,” Vihaan nodded seriously. “Pyaar vyaar old school ho gaya. Stalking is modern romance.”

Abhiman looked horrified.

“Mujhe dosti todni hai.”

Vihaan ignored him completely and continued proudly,

“Waise bhi… main bas dekh raha hota hoon ki madam kya kar rahi hai.”

“Madam?” Raghav repeated slowly, smirking now.

Vihaan froze.

Abhiman immediately grinned wickedly.

“OOHHH… MADAM?”

“Shut up,” Vihaan muttered.

But unfortunately for him—

Navya had heard it.

She slowly turned toward him, eyebrow raised.

“Madam?” she repeated.

Vihaan blinked once.

Twice.

Then pointed at Abhiman.

“Isne bola.”

“BEWAFA!” Abhiman gasped dramatically.

Navya crossed her arms, trying not to smile.

“Haan haan… samajh gayi.”

Vihaan rubbed his forehead.

“Mere hi dost mere dushman hain.”

Meanwhile, Vanshika stood there watching the chaos unfold with amusement dancing in her eyes.

And Raghav…

Raghav wasn’t even paying attention to the conversation anymore.Because she was laughing.Actually laughing.Free. Light. Happy.And somehow…that alone made his entire morning better.

“Ammm… chalo ab sab,” Ishana said quickly, trying to move everyone before another secret got exposed.

Everyone finally started walking toward the hotel exit.

But halfway there, Vanshika suddenly stopped.

She looked around the lobby carefully.

“Ek minute…” she frowned. “Baaki students kaha hai? Aur professors wagera kaha hai?”

The others exchanged glances.

Then Abhiman casually replied,

“Woh log chale gaye.”

“What?!” Vanshika looked at him in shock.

“Haan, chale gaye,” Vihaan confirmed, trying hard not to laugh.

Vanshika’s eyes widened.

“What do you mean by chale gaye?! Bhadwo late ho gaye hum?!”

“Areey nahi!” Navya said quickly. “Humne hi bola ki hum late aayenge kyunki hum log kahi aur ja rahe hai.”

Vanshika narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“Aur hum kaha ja rahe hai?”

Ishana immediately grinned brightly and held her arm dramatically.

“Ghumi ghumi!”

Vanshika blinked once.

“…What?”

“Ghumi ghumi,” Ishana repeated proudly.

Vihaan nodded seriously.

“Haan. Scientific term hai.”

Abhiman added with fake wisdom,

“Means outing.”

Raghav shook his head, trying not to smile.

Vanshika looked between all of them suspiciously.

“Mujhe tum sab pe bilkul bharosa nahi ho raha.”

“Good,” Navya replied instantly. “Mat kar.”

“Tum log pakka kuch gadbad kar rahe ho.”

“Bilkul kar rahe hain,” Vihaan muttered under his breath.

Navya elbowed him immediately.

“Chup!”

Vanshika folded her arms.

“Dekho… agar tum log mujhe kidnap karne wale ho na toh pehle hi bata do.”

Abhiman gasped dramatically.

“Arey wah! Itna budget hota toh hum tujhe New York mein kyun ghumate?”

“Exactly,” Ishana nodded. “Kidnapping is expensive.”

Raghav finally stepped beside Vanshika, lowering his voice slightly.

“Relax, Vanshi,” he murmured softly. “Bas enjoy karo.”

And annoyingly……that worked.

The tension in her shoulders eased a little as she looked at him.

“Fine,” she sighed dramatically. “But agar kuch weird hua na…”

“Then?” Vihaan challenged.

“I’ll personally throw all of you into Hudson River.”

“Dekha?” Navya said proudly. “Mood better ho raha hai iska.”

Everyone laughed.

And with that—

the six of them stepped out of the hotel together, ready for whatever chaos the day had planned for them.

They walked through the lively streets of New York, the cold breeze brushing past them as the city buzzed with life around them.

Vanshika kept looking around curiously while the others exchanged secretive glances among themselves.

After a while, they finally stopped in front of a huge building.

The moment Vanshika looked up and read the name—

The New York Public Library

—her eyes widened instantly.

Before anyone could even say a word—

She ran inside.

“Shuru ho gaya iska…” Vihaan muttered dramatically.

Ishana chuckled.

“Novels ki deewani hai ye. Pakka poori library khareed legi.”

Raghav just smiled softly.

“Chalo.”

The others followed her inside.

The library was breathtaking—towering shelves filled with books, warm golden lighting, the faint scent of paper and coffee lingering in the air.

For a moment, they lost sight of Vanshika completely.

“Ye gayi kaha?” Navya whispered.

“Book section mein hi hogi,” Abhiman replied confidently.

They looked around for her… but couldn’t find her anywhere.

Then—

“Ishu!!”

A whisper suddenly came from one of the shelves.

Ishana turned around immediately.

And froze.

Vanshika stood there holding a book against her chest, smirking mischievously.

Ishana’s eyes widened in horror and excitement together.

“OH MY GOD!!! YE BOOK YAHA HAI!!!!”

She literally ran toward Vanshika.

The two girls instantly started giggling like maniacs.

“No way no way no way—”

“I TOLD YOU ISKA INTERNATIONAL EDITION HAI!”

“Look at the coverrrrr!”

“STOP THIS IS SO PRETTY!”

Both of them were already discussing plot theories, characters, and scenes at lightning speed.

Vihaan stared blankly at them.

“Pehle woh pagal hui…” he muttered while pointing at Vanshika, “ab ye.”

Abhiman sighed dramatically.

“Books ka nasha dangerous hota hai.”

Vihaan nodded seriously.

“Inn dono se toh better Navya hai. Chup chap humare paas khadi hai.”

Then he turned.

…and froze.

Navya was nowhere near them.

Instead—

She was standing near another corner of the shelf, holding a book close to her chest.

Giggling.

Then she kissed the cover dramatically and looked up at the ceiling as if thanking her ancestors personally.

Vihaan blinked slowly.

“I take my words back.”

Raghav burst out laughing quietly while Abhiman held his forehead.

“Sab ke sab mentally unstable hain,” Abhiman muttered.

“Booktok girls,” Vihaan whispered fearfully. “Dangerous species.”

Meanwhile, Vanshika looked happier than she had in days.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she flipped through pages, completely immersed in her little world.

And Raghav…

Raghav couldn’t stop looking at her.Because seeing her smile like that?

That was worth every bit of this plan.

“Chalo,” Vihaan sighed dramatically, fixing his jacket, “apni apni waliyo ke paas jaate hai.”

Raghav and Abhiman immediately looked at him.

“Apni apni kya?” Raghav repeated slowly.

Vihaan ignored him completely and started walking toward Navya.

“Madam emotionally attached ho chuki hain books se. Rescue operation zaruri hai.”

Abhiman chuckled and shook his head before walking toward Ishana and Vanshika with Raghav beside him.

Meanwhile—

“NO BUT LISTEN,” Ishana whispered excitedly, flipping through the pages, “agar iska second part bhi yaha hua na, I’m not leaving this place.”

“Second part?” Vanshika scoffed dramatically. “Mujhe poori series chahiye.”

“Expected.”

The two girls giggled again.

Raghav stopped a few steps away, watching Vanshika carefully.Her entire face had changed.No stress.No fear.No overthinking.

Just happiness.Pure happiness.And somehow that sight alone relaxed something inside him too.

Abhiman leaned beside Ishana casually.

“Madam, library lootne ka plan hai kya?”

Ishana looked up instantly.

“Haan.”

Abhiman blinked.

“…At least honest toh ho.”

She grinned proudly before showing him the book dramatically.

“Look at this cover! Isn’t it gorgeous?”

Abhiman looked at the book for exactly two seconds.

Then at her.

“Yeah,” he said softly, “very gorgeous.”

Ishana completely missed the meaning behind his words.

“RIGHT?!” she gasped excitedly. “I KNOW!”

Raghav, standing beside him, smirked knowingly.

On the other side—

Vihaan finally reached Navya.

She was still staring emotionally at the book in her hands.

Vihaan crossed his arms.

“Done thanking your ancestors?”

Navya glared at him instantly.

“You won’t understand the emotions.”

“Thankfully.”

She hugged the book protectively.

“Do you even know how hard it is to find this edition?”

Vihaan leaned slightly closer, pretending to inspect it seriously.

“Hm. Looks expensive.”

“It IS expensive.”

“Acha,” he nodded thoughtfully. “Toh wapas rakh do.”

Navya gasped in betrayal.

“Tum insaan ho ya rakshas?!”

Vihaan smirked proudly.

“Depends.”

She narrowed her eyes at him before clutching the book tighter.

“Touch bhi mat karna.”

He laughed softly at her reaction.

For a moment, all six of them were simply… enjoying.No tension.No danger.No stress.

Just laughter echoing softly between shelves full of stories.

And maybe…

they didn’t realise it yet—

But they were slowly becoming each other’s favorite story too.

“Ishu!” Vanshika whispered excitedly from another aisle. “Ho sakta hai jo jo books humare TBR mein hai woh yaha mile! Let’s search!”

Ishana’s eyes lit up instantly.

“Actually tu waha ja… main idhar wali side check karti hoon.”

“Yes!” Vanshika nodded, already moving away before Ishana could even finish.

Abhiman sighed dramatically before looking at Raghav.

“Tu uske saath ja… main Ishana ke saath jaata hoon.”

Raghav nodded casually, though internally he was already following Vanshika without a second thought.

Vanshika stopped near one of the large shelves, carefully scanning the rows of books.

Her eyes suddenly widened.

“No way…” she whispered.

A huge smile spread across her face instantly.

She quickly pulled out two books from the shelf—the exact editions she had been searching for forever.

“Oh my God…”

She held them against herself happily, already turning to search for more.

That’s when Raghav walked toward her.

For a moment, he just stood there quietly.

Watching her.

The excitement in her eyes.

The way she looked genuinely happy over something so small.

The soft smile on her lips.

It did something dangerous to his heart.

He stepped closer and gently took the books from her hands.

“Mujhe do,” he said casually.

Vanshika looked at him.

“Areey, thak jaoge.”

She had already turned back toward the shelf, still searching for more books.

Raghav smirked slightly.

“Meri stamina pe doubt mat karo, Ms. Sharma.”

For one second—

Vanshika froze.

Her brain processed the word.

Stamina.

Her eyes widened slightly before she immediately pretended like nothing happened and continued staring at the books very seriously.

(A/N: Kya matlab ladki tharki hai 😏)

Very seriously.

Too seriously.

Raghav noticed instantly.

And then—

He chuckled.

A low, amused chuckle.

Vanshika cleared her throat awkwardly and randomly picked another book just to avoid looking at him.

Meanwhile inside her head—

CONTROL YOURSELF VANSHIKA SHARMA!!!!!

Raghav leaned slightly closer, clearly enjoying her reaction now.

“Kya hua?” he asked innocently. “Aise kyun freeze ho gayi?”

“K-kuch bhi toh nahi hua,” she replied quickly.

“Hm.”

That smug little smile on his face made her want to throw a book at him.

“You’re irritating.”

“And you’re overthinking.”

“I’m not!”

Raghav chuckled again.

God.

Teasing her was becoming his favorite thing.

Meanwhile Vanshika internally wanted the floor to swallow her whole.

He slowly leaned towards her ear and whispered,

“Stamina ke baare mein soch rahi ho?” Raghav asked, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

“K-kya bol rahe ho?” Vanshika stammered instantly, looking anywhere but at him. “Chup chaap books pakdo.”

Raghav’s smile widened at her flustered state.

He leaned a little closer, just enough for his voice to lower.

“Relax, Ms. Sharma,” he murmured playfully.

Vanshika’s fingers tightened slightly around the book in her hand.

Her cheeks had already turned a soft shade of pink, and the more he looked at her, the more nervous she became.

She finally looked up at him—

—and forgot what she was about to say.

Because he was already looking at her.

Not teasingly this time.

Softly.

Deeply.

The noise of the library slowly faded around them.

People moved past the shelves. Pages turned somewhere nearby. Soft footsteps echoed faintly across the floor.

But for those few seconds…

…it felt like none of it existed.

Raghav’s gaze stayed fixed on her face, noticing every tiny detail—the way a strand of hair had fallen near her cheek, the way her lashes fluttered nervously, the way she kept trying to act unaffected even though her expressions betrayed her completely.

And Vanshika…

Vanshika could hear her own heartbeat.

Loud. Fast. Restless.

There was something dangerously calming about the way he looked at her. Like he wasn’t just seeing her—

He was understanding her.

Without words.

Without explanations.

His presence had become strangely comforting to her.

Too comforting.

And maybe that’s why moments like these scared her a little too.

Because every time he came closer…

…she found herself falling a little harder.

Raghav slowly adjusted the books in his hands, but his eyes never left hers.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

Meanwhile Vanshika’s mind had completely stopped working.

“Tum…” she started softly, then stopped again.

“Hm?” he hummed quietly.

But before she could say anything—

“VANSHIKAAAAA!”

Ishana’s loud voice echoed across the aisle.

Both of them blinked out of the moment instantly.

Vanshika immediately stepped back, clearing her throat awkwardly.

And Raghav?

He just looked away slightly… hiding the smile that still remained on his face.

“K-kya hai?” Vanshika called out, trying very hard to sound normal.

“Areeyyy! Mil gayi!” Ishana exclaimed excitedly, holding up a book like she had discovered treasure.

Vanshika looked at the cover and immediately nodded.

“Okay lele… I’ll look for more.”

“Okieeeee!” Ishana grinned happily before turning back toward the shelves again.

Meanwhile, Abhiman stood beside her holding an entire stack of books in his hands.

And smiling.

Not because of the books.

But because of her.

The excitement in her voice, the spark in her eyes, the little jumps she did whenever she found something she wanted—

He found all of it adorable.

“Ye bhi hai!” Ishana gasped again before quickly pulling out another book and handing it to him.

Abhiman took it obediently.

Then another.

And another.

Until he finally looked at the growing pile in his hands.

“Ishu…”

“Hm?” she hummed distractedly, still searching.

“Mujhe lag raha hai tu library nahi… shifting karwa rahi hai.”

Ishana looked at him innocently.

“Bas thodi si books hai.”

Abhiman stared at the mountain in his hands.

“Thodi si?”

“Emotional support books,” she corrected seriously.

Abhiman laughed softly.

On the other side, Vanshika was still pretending to focus on books while internally trying to calm her heartbeat.

Meanwhile Raghav stood beside her casually, but his eyes kept drifting toward her every few seconds.

He could still see the blush lingering faintly on her cheeks.

And honestly?

He liked that a little too much.

Vanshika suddenly picked another book quickly.

“Ye bhi chahiye,” she muttered.

Raghav took it from her silently and added it to the pile in his arms.

A few seconds later—

Another book.

Then another.

Then another.

Finally he raised an eyebrow.

“Tum books lene aayi ho ya poora section?”

Vanshika looked at him innocently.

“Books are investments.”

“Hm,” he nodded seriously. “Aur mujhe lag raha hai tum bankrupt karogi mujhe.”

She gasped dramatically.

“Excuse me? Maine kab bola pay karo?”

“Accha?” Raghav smirked slightly. “Toh abhi jo puppy eyes bana ke books utha rahi ho woh kya hai?”

“I don’t do puppy eyes.”

“You literally do.”

“Nahi karti.”

“Do karti ho.”

Vanshika narrowed her eyes at him.

Then suddenly smiled sweetly.

“Fine.”

Before Raghav could react—

She dumped two more books into his hands.

Raghav stared at her in disbelief.

And Vanshika simply walked ahead proudly.

A laugh escaped him instantly as he followed her again.

After almost an hour of chaos, excitement, screaming over books, and emotionally attacking their wallets…

…the six of them finally gathered near the billing counter.

The boys looked at the gigantic pile of books in disbelief.

Vihaan blinked slowly.

“Yaha kya karne aaye the…”

Then he looked at the bags.

“…aur hua kya.”

Abhiman adjusted the books in his arms and sighed dramatically.

“Jaane de… at least enjoy toh kiya.”

“Woh toh hai,” Vihaan agreed with a smirk.

Meanwhile the girls looked completely satisfied with life.

Especially Vanshika.

For the first time in days, she looked genuinely relaxed.

After a while, they finally paid the bill and stepped out of the library carrying multiple shopping bags.

The cold New York breeze hit them softly.

“Ye bhaari hai,” Ishana complained immediately while adjusting the bag in her hand.

Before she could struggle further—

Abhiman silently took it from her.

Without a single word.

Ishana blinked once.

Then smiled softly.

“Thank you.”

Abhiman shrugged casually.

“Tum bas books dhoondo. Weightlifting main kar lunga.”

Ishana laughed lightly.

On the other side—

“Meri nail!” Navya gasped dramatically while holding her bag carefully.

Vihaan instantly snatched it from her hand.

“Tod de beta… tod de,” he muttered sarcastically while carrying it himself.

Navya glared at him.

“You’re making fun of my pain.”

“Pain?” Vihaan scoffed. “Madam, ye nails weapons hain.”

“Jealous ho?”

“Terrified hoon.”

Everyone laughed.

Meanwhile, Vanshika simply shook her head at all of them and starte

d walking ahead while scrolling through her phone, carrying her own bag.

Raghav watched her for a second before quietly walking beside her.

Without saying anything—

He took the bag from her hand.

“Raghav—” Vanshika looked at him immediately.

“Main utha sakti hoon,” she said.

“I know,” Raghav replied calmly. “But jab main hoon toh kyun uthana?”

For a second, Vanshika just looked at him.

Then slowly…

A small smile appeared on her lips.

And something inside Raghav softened instantly seeing that smile.

The two of them continued walking beside each other quietly through the streets of New York.

Comfortable.

Easy.

Natural.

While behind them—

The others walked together, still arguing and talking nonsense among themselves.

“Tumne itni books kyun li?”

“Because healing.”

“Therapy cheaper hoti.”

“Books ARE therapy.”

Their laughter echoed softly through the streets.

And for a while…

everything felt peaceful.

“ICECREAMMMM!!!” Navya suddenly screamed dramatically.

Before anyone could react—

She ran across the sidewalk toward the ice cream truck like her life depended on it.

Ishana’s eyes widened instantly.

“Oh my God wait for me!”

And she ran behind her too.

Vanshika looked toward the truck for one second—

Then immediately ran as well.

“Areeyyy mere liye ruko!!!” she shouted while rushing toward them.

The boys stared at the three girls sprinting away.

Vihaan blinked slowly.

“Inko dekh ke lag raha hai hum inhe bhooka rakhte hain.”

Abhiman sighed dramatically.

“Books aur ice cream… bas isi pe chalti hai inki life.”

Raghav just chuckled softly while watching Vanshika laugh freely as she ran ahead.

God.

He really liked seeing her like this.

The boys followed them at a much calmer pace.

Meanwhile Raghav pulled out his phone and made a quick call.

Within minutes, a sleek black car stopped beside them.

A security guard stepped out respectfully.

“Sir.”

Raghav handed over all the shopping bags to him. Abhiman and Vihaan did the same immediately.

“Hotel bhej dijiye,” Raghav instructed calmly.

“Yes, sir.”

The guard nodded respectfully before placing all the bags inside the car and driving away.

Vihaan stretched his shoulders dramatically afterward.

“Ahh… freedom.”

“Tumne toh do hi bags uthaye the,” Abhiman deadpanned.

“Weight emotional bhi hota hai.”

“Shut up.”

By the time the boys reached the truck—

The girls were already arguing over flavors.

“Nahi yaar chocolate best hai!”

“Absolutely not. Cookies and cream superior hai.”

“Tum dono ki taste buds broken hain,” Vanshika declared proudly while pointing at another flavor.

The ice cream vendor looked completely overwhelmed.

Raghav stopped beside Vanshika.

“Konsa logi?” he asked softly.

Vanshika looked at the flavors thoughtfully for a few seconds.

Then suddenly pointed excitedly.

“That one.”

Raghav looked at it.

“…Bubblegum?”

“Haan.”

He stared at her in disbelief.

“You’re mentally unstable.”

She gasped dramatically.

“Excuse me?! Bubblegum ice cream is elite.”

“Elite?” Vihaan repeated. “Ye toothpaste jaisa hota hai.”

“Tum chup raho,” all three girls snapped together.

Abhiman looked terrified.

“Women are scary.”

“Facts,” Vihaan nodded seriously.

A few minutes later, everyone finally got their ice creams.

And within seconds—

“BHAI!” Vihaan shouted. “Isne mera ice cream taste kiya!”

“Because yours looked better!” Navya argued back.

“TOH APNA KHAREEDTI!”

“Sharing is caring.”

“That’s stealing.”

Meanwhile, Ishana and Abhiman were quietly discussing flavors while Vanshika stood beside Raghav happily eating her ice cream.

A tiny bit of ice cream accidentally smudged near the corner of her lip.

Raghav noticed immediately.

Without even thinking—

He reached out slightly.

Vanshika looked at him in confusion.

Raghav gently wiped it away with his thumb.

Vanshika froze, her breath hitching at the unexpected intimacy of his touch.

“Raghav!” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

His eyes never left hers. Slowly, deliberately, he brought his fingers to his mouth and sucked off the remaining ice cream. The motion was casual, almost innocent, yet it sent a shiver down her spine.

“It actually tastes good,” he said, the corner of his lips curling into that infuriatingly charming smirk.

Vanshika’s eyes widened, her cheeks flushing red. She looked down at her ice cream, suddenly very aware of his nearness.

“Besharam” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Just then—

Vanshika’s phone started ringing.

She pulled the phone out from the pocket of her shrug and looked at the caller ID.

A soft smile instantly appeared on her face.

Maa ❤️

Without wasting another second, she walked a little away from the group and picked up the call.

“Mummmaaaa!!!” Vanshika said happily.

On the other side, Rishika chuckled softly.

“My baby kaisa hai?”

“Main ekdum mast!” Vanshika replied immediately. “Aap batao?”

“Main bhi theek hoon,” Rishika said warmly. “Aur waha New York mein sab kaisa hai? Enjoying?”

“ABSOLUTELY, maa!” Vanshika exclaimed excitedly. “Bahut maza aa raha hai!”

Then suddenly her eyes widened again remembering something.

“Aur aapko pata hai?!” she said excitedly, practically bouncing on her feet now. “Yaha mujhe meri TBR ki saari books mil gayi, mumma! I’m SO happy!”

Rishika laughed hearing her excitement.

From a little distance away, the other five watched her quietly.

The way she scrunched her nose while talking…the way her expressions changed every two seconds…the way she bounced excitedly on her feet like a child…

Everything about her looked lighter today.

Happier.

Raghav’s gaze softened unknowingly while watching her laugh into the phone.

And Ishana noticed it immediately.

A smirk appeared on her face.

“Plan kaam kar raha hai,” she whispered proudly.

“Obviously,” Navya grinned. “Hum genius hain.”

Vihaan scoffed dramatically.

“Please. Main genius hoon. Tum log assistants ho.”

“Chup,” Abhiman muttered instantly.

Meanwhile Vanshika continued talking excitedly—

“Nahi maa seriously… yaha ka library HEAVEN tha!”

“Accha?” Rishika chuckled. “Aur baaki sab?”

Vanshika turned slightly and looked toward her friends.

Vihaan and Navya were fighting over ice cream again.Ishana was laughing loudly.

Abhiman looked done with everyone’s existence.

And Raghav…

He was already looking at her.

Like always.

A small smile appeared on her lips unconsciously.

“Sab bahut acche hain, maa,” she said softly. “Sach mein.”

And for the first time in days—

She truly meant it.

After talking for a little longer, Vanshika finally disconnected the call and walked back toward the group, still smiling softly.

The moment she reached them, Vihaan narrowed his eyes dramatically.

“Kya baat hai…” he said suspiciously. “Madam toh bahut khush lag rahi hain.”

“Obviously,” Vanshika replied proudly while holding her ice cream. “Mumma se baat hui hai.”

“Aunty se baat karne ke baad toh tera mood automatically accha ho jaata hai,” Navya said.

“Facts,” Ishana nodded seriously.

Vanshika smiled softly at that before looking around.

“Ab kaha?” she asked.

Ishana and Navya exchanged excited glances.

“Abhi…” Ishana grinned dramatically.

“…Times Square jayenge!”

Vanshika’s eyes widened instantly.

“SHUT UP!”

“Very politely,” Vihaan nodded.

“No way!” Vanshika looked genuinely excited now. “Seriously?!”

“Haan baba seriously,” Abhiman laughed.

“OH MY GOD!” Vanshika almost bounced again. “Main bachpan se dekhna chahti thi!”

Raghav couldn’t help but smile seeing her excitement.

Meanwhile Vihaan looked offended.

“Waah,” he muttered. “Itni excitement library mein bhi nahi thi.”

“Thi,” Navya corrected. “Tumne notice nahi kiya.”

“Main trauma handle kar raha tha.”

Everyone laughed.

“Chalo phir,” Raghav finally said softly.

And with that—

the six of them started walking again through the buzzing streets of New York, heading toward one of the most vibrant places in the city—

while Vanshika walked ahead excitedly, already looking around like an excited child seeing her dream slowly come true.

After a while, they finally reached Times Square.

Bright lights illuminated the entire area, giant digital billboards flashing across towering buildings while the streets buzzed with people, music, laughter, and life.

The moment they entered—

Ishana and Navya literally ran ahead.

“Oh my God look there!”

“WAIT LET’S CLICK PICTURES!”

“NO FIRST LET’S GO THERE!”

Behind them, Abhiman and Vihaan hurried after the two girls like exhausted babysitters.

“AREY RUKO!”

“Tum dono giraogi khud ko!”

“Navya road pe mat bhaag!”

Meanwhile—

Vanshika walked much more slowly this time.

Her hands were tucked inside the pockets of her long shrug as she looked around quietly, taking in the beauty of the place.

Beside her walked Raghav, his phone pressed against his ear.

“Haan maa… dhyaan rakh raha hoon,” he said patiently.

On the other side, Parvati sounded unconvinced.

“Mujhe bharosa nahi hai.”

Raghav sighed softly.

“Maa, sach mein rakh raha hoon.”

“Raghav,” Parvati said dramatically, “main tujhe bachpan se jaanti hoon. Tu khud ka dhyaan mushkil se rakhta hai.”

Vanshika, overhearing the conversation, tried hard not to laugh.

Raghav noticed immediately.

He narrowed his eyes slightly at her.

And Vanshika instantly looked away innocently.

“Maa…” Raghav muttered helplessly.

“Vanshika hai na waha?” Parvati suddenly asked.

Raghav glanced beside him.

Vanshika was looking around at the lights, a soft smile resting on her lips as the colorful reflections danced across her face.

“Haan,” he replied quietly.

“Accha toh phir thik hai,” Parvati said immediately.

Raghav blinked.

“Maa?”

“Uske saath hai toh mujhe tension kam hai.”

Vanshika heard that this time and looked toward him in surprise.

Raghav just shook his head helplessly while she smiled softly.

“Waise,” Parvati continued suspiciously, “tum dono akele toh nahi ghoom rahe na?”

“Maa!”

From ahead, Vihaan shouted dramatically—

“RAGHAV! ISHANA AUR NAVYA FIR BHAAG GAYI!”

“Dekha?” Raghav immediately said into the phone. “Main call rakhta hoon.”

Parvati laughed softly.

“Enjoy karo. Aur Vanshika ka dhyaan rakhna.”

Raghav’s gaze instinctively shifted toward her again.

“Hamesha,” he replied quietly.

Then he disconnected the call.

Vanshika looked at him for a second.

And somehow…

that one word stayed in her heart longer than it should have.

Raghav looked at Vanshika carefully while they walked through the crowded streets of Times Square.

That’s when he noticed it.

The tip of her nose had turned slightly red.

Even her cheeks looked pink from the cold.

He frowned immediately.

“Tumhe bukhar hai?” Raghav asked seriously.

Vanshika looked at him in confusion.

“Nahi.”

“Come on, Vanshika,” he said, stopping slightly in front of her. “Tumhari naak laal hai.”

Vanshika blinked once before laughing softly.

“Ohhh… woh?” she said casually. “Actually thand zyada hai na, isliye naak laal ho gayi. Common hai.”

But Raghav still didn’t look convinced.

“Tumhare haath aur face bhi laal ho gaye hain thode.”

Vanshika shrugged lightly, rubbing her hands together a little.

“Mujhse utni thand bardasht nahi hoti… isliye ye sab hota hai.”

Raghav looked at her for a moment.

Then without saying anything—

He stepped closer.

Vanshika looked up at him in confusion.

Before she could ask—

Raghav gently took her cold hands in his.

Vanshika froze instantly.

His hands were warm.

Very warm.

And the sudden contrast sent a soft shiver through her.

Raghav rubbed her hands lightly between his palms, trying to warm them up.

“You should’ve told me,” he muttered softly.

Vanshika looked at him quietly.

The lights of Times Square reflected in his eyes while the cold wind brushed past them, yet somehow standing near him felt warmer than anything else around her.

“I’m okay,” she whispered softly.

“Hm,” he hummed absentmindedly, still warming her hands. “Phir bhi.”

Her heartbeat betrayed her instantly.

Because it wasn’t just what he did.

It was the way he did it.

Naturally.

Like taking care of her was something instinctive to him now.

Vanshika looked down slightly, trying to hide the small smile forming on her lips.

Meanwhile, from a little distance away—

Vihaan looked toward them and dramatically nudged Abhiman.

“Dekho dekho…”

Abhiman followed his gaze and sighed immediately.

“Ye dono toh officially gaye.”

“Bilkul,” Vihaan nodded wisely. “Bas inhe hi nahi pata.”

On the other side, Ishana and Navya were too busy clicking pictures to notice anything.

And honestly?

That was probably for the best.

“Abbe…” Abhiman said slowly while looking toward Raghav and Vanshika, “main soch raha hoon inhe yaha akele chhod dete hain… kuch bahana bana ke.”

Vihaan followed his gaze.

Raghav was still holding Vanshika’s hands, talking to her softly while she looked at him with that small smile she always tried to hide.

A smirk immediately appeared on Vihaan’s face.

“Sahi hai,” he nodded wisely. “Thoda quality time spend karenge. Tab tak hum Navya aur Ishana ko sambhalte hain.”

“Ha chal,” Abhiman grinned before both of them started walking toward the pair.

“Raghav sunn!” Abhiman called out.

Raghav looked toward them.

“Bol.”

Abhiman casually pointed somewhere behind them.

“Hum chaaro waha ja rahe hain. Tum log baad mein aa jana, tab tak hum dekh ke aate hain.”

Raghav narrowed his eyes suspiciously immediately.

Too suspiciously.

Abhiman just winked at him.

And that told Raghav everything.

Raghav shook his head helplessly.

“Jao.”

“Chal,” Vihaan said quickly before pulling Abhiman away dramatically.

Then he turned toward the girls.

“Ishana! Navya! Chalo waha chalte hain!”

“Kaha?” Navya asked curiously.

“Bas chalo na!” Vihaan insisted.

The girls shrugged and nodded before following the two boys.

Within seconds—

Raghav and Vanshika were left alone in the middle of the glowing chaos of Times Square.

For a moment neither spoke.

People passed around them.

Bright lights flashed everywhere.

Music echoed faintly from nearby streets.

But somehow…

the silence between them felt comfortable.

Vanshika looked around before glancing toward him.

“Ye log jaan bujh ke gaye na?” she asked knowingly.

Raghav chuckled softly.

“Obviously.”

Vanshika shook her head with a smile.

“Pagal hai sab.”

“Hm,” Raghav agreed quietly while looking at her. “Lekin acche pagal hain.”

A small laugh escaped her lips.

And once again—

Raghav found himself staring at her longer than he should.

“Waha chale?” Vanshika asked softly, pointing toward a brightly lit street ahead where music and laughter echoed through the cold night.

“Chalo,” Raghav replied quietly.

But even as they started walking—

He never let go of her hand.

Instead, his fingers remained wrapped around hers naturally, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

And strangely…

neither of them pointed it out.

They walked side by side through the glowing streets of Times Square, surrounded by flashing lights, street performers, tourists, and the endless buzz of New York City.

Vanshika looked around with sparkling eyes, taking everything in excitedly.

Meanwhile Raghav?

He was barely looking at the city anymore.

Because somehow…

she was more distracting than Times Square itself.

Every few seconds she would stop to look at something—

a huge billboard,

a street performance,

a cute souvenir shop—

and every single time, excitement lit up her face so beautifully that Raghav couldn’t help smiling.

At one point, she suddenly stopped near a street musician playing soft guitar.

“Listen…” she whispered softly.

Raghav looked toward the musician briefly.

Then at her.

And once again—

he found himself paying more attention to her reactions than the actual music.

Vanshika closed her eyes for a second, enjoying the melody while the cold breeze played with her hair.

Raghav’s gaze softened unconsciously.

God.

This girl had no idea what she was doing to him.

Vanshika opened her eyes again and noticed him staring.

“Kya?” she asked with a tiny smile.

Raghav blinked out of his thoughts immediately.

“Kuch nahi.”

“Liar.”

“Hm,” he admitted quietly this time.

That made her smile widen slightly.

The two of them continued walking again slowly.

Their hands still intertwined.

Neither wanting to let go first.

Hours passed by in laughter, chaos, pictures, food, random arguments, and endless roaming through the glowing streets of New York.

Everyone had slowly drifted into their own little moments.

Not far away from the others—

Abhiman and Ishana stood near a small pet shop.

Inside, a tiny golden puppy sat near the glass, staring at Ishana with huge puppy eyes while wagging its tail excitedly.

Ishana immediately melted.

“Awwww… kitna cute hai na, Abhi?” she whispered softly, crouching a little near the glass.

But Abhiman…

Abhiman wasn’t looking at the puppy.

He was looking at her.

“Hm,” he hummed absentmindedly.

Ishana looked back at the puppy again, smiling brightly.

“Isko ghar le jaane ka mann kar raha hai.”

“Tumhe har cute cheez ghar le jaane ka mann karta hai,” Abhiman muttered with a smile.

“Obviously.”

Then suddenly she pointed excitedly somewhere ahead.

“Abhi! Waha chale?”

Abhiman looked where she was pointing.

“Chalo.”

And the two of them started walking slowly through the crowd together.

Cold air brushed past them while the lights of Times Square reflected beautifully around them.

For a few moments neither spoke.

Then suddenly—

“Ishana…”

“Hm?” she looked at him.

Abhiman looked ahead quietly before asking softly,

“Pyaar ke baare mein kya jaanti ho?”

Ishana froze slightly.

Then slowly turned toward him.

“Pyaar?” she repeated softly.

Abhiman nodded.

For a moment, she stayed quiet.

Then she looked ahead again, her expression softer now.

“Pata nahi…” she admitted honestly.

Abhiman looked at her carefully.

And Ishana continued quietly—

“Shayad… pyaar comfortable hota hai.”

Her voice was soft, thoughtful.

“Like…” she smiled faintly, trying to explain, “jab kisi ke saath silence bhi awkward na lage.”

Abhiman’s heartbeat slowed.

Ishana looked up at the bright lights above them before speaking again.

“Jab bina reason smile aa jaaye kisi ko dekh ke…”

A small smile unknowingly appeared on Abhiman’s lips.

“Jab unki problems sunke khud bura lage…”

She paused slightly.

“Jab unke saath normal moments bhi special lagne lage…”

Abhiman stared at her quietly.

Meanwhile Ishana was completely unaware of what her words were doing to him.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and laughed softly.

“Waise mujhe na exact definition nahi pata…” she admitted. “But I think pyaar complicated nahi hona chahiye.”

Her eyes softened slightly.

“It should feel peaceful.”

Abhiman felt something tighten painfully and beautifully inside his chest.

Because God—

without even realising it…

she had perfectly described what he felt for her.

Ishana looked back at him curiously.

“Kyu pooch rahe ho?”

Abhiman blinked out of his thoughts instantly.

Then he smiled softly.

“Aise hi.”

But his heart already knew—

For him…

love looked exactly like her.

“Tumhe kabhi kisi se pyaar hua hai?” Abhiman asked softly.

Ishana shook her head lightly.

“Nahi.”

Then she smiled a little.

“Jaise Vanshi apne Piya ke liye wait kar rahi hai na…” she said while looking ahead at the bright streets, “waise hi main bhi kar rahi hoon.”

Abhiman looked at her quietly.

Ishana continued dramatically,

“But main zyada wait nahi karungi.”

That made Abhiman raise an eyebrow.

“Accha?”

“Haan,” she nodded proudly. “Jaise hi koi accha ladka milega na…”

Then suddenly she clenched her fist dramatically.

“…usse daboch lungi. Aur kabhi jaane nahi dungi.”

Abhiman almost laughed at how serious she sounded.

But at the same time—

His heart skipped.

Because honestly?

He wouldn’t mind that at all.

A small smirk appeared on his lips.

“Jald hi mujhe daboch logi,” he muttered under his breath.

“Huh?” Ishana immediately looked at him.

Abhiman blinked once before instantly looking away.

“Kuch nahi.”

Ishana narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“Maine kuch suna.”

“Nahi suna.”

“Abhiii…”

“Chalo,” he said quickly, trying to hide his smile.

Ishana continued staring at him suspiciously for a few seconds before finally shaking her head.

“Tum bohot ajeeb ho.”

Abhiman chuckled softly.

If only you knew.

Meanwhile, beside him, Ishana kept walking happily, completely unaware that the boy next to her—

was already hopelessly in love with her.

Vanshika and Raghav sat quietly on a bench a little away from the crowd.

The loud chaos of Times Square still echoed faintly around them, but somehow this small corner felt calm.

Peaceful.

The cold breeze brushed past softly while the city lights reflected beautifully around them.

Above them, the dark sky stretched endlessly, glowing faintly between the towering buildings.

“This is peaceful,” Vanshika whispered softly, leaning back against the bench.

“It is,” Raghav replied quietly.

A small smile appeared on Vanshika’s lips as she looked up at the sky again.

For a few moments, neither spoke.

And strangely…

they didn’t need to.

Raghav slowly turned his head toward her.

And once again—

he found himself looking at her longer than necessary.

The soft city lights fell across her face beautifully. Her open hair moved gently with the wind while her eyes stayed fixed on the sky, calm and thoughtful.

There was something different about her tonight.

She looked lighter.

Like for a few hours, she had finally forgotten the fear and stress haunting her mind for days.

And seeing that…

made something warm settle inside Raghav’s chest.

Vanshika suddenly looked toward him.

He didn’t look away this time.

Their eyes met quietly.

No teasing.

No chaos.

No jokes.

Just silence.

A soft, comfortable silence.

Vanshika’s heartbeat slowed strangely under his gaze.

Because the way he looked at her sometimes…

…it felt dangerous.

Not in a bad way.

But in a way that made her feel too much all at once.

Like he was slowly becoming a habit she wouldn’t be able to live without.

A strand of hair blew across her face because of the wind.

Without thinking—

Raghav reached forward and gently tucked it behind her ear.

Vanshika’s breath hitched softly.

His fingers brushed against her skin for barely a second…

…but it was enough.

Enough to make her heart race again.

Raghav’s hand lingered near her face for a moment longer than it should have.

And neither of them moved away.

The city around them continued glowing brightly—

but for those few seconds…

it felt like only the two of them existed there.

“I think it isn’t,” Raghav said suddenly while still looking at her.

Vanshika frowned slightly and turned toward him.

“Kya?”

Raghav looked away for a second before shaking his head lightly.

“Kuch nahi.”

“Bolo na, Raghav,” Vanshika insisted softly, gently pushing his shoulder with hers. “Kya bol rahe ho?”

A small smile appeared on Raghav’s lips.

“Kuch nahi…” he paused deliberately before adding quietly,

“Vinnie.”

Vanshika froze instantly.

For a second she genuinely thought she heard wrong.

“V… Vinnie what?” she asked slowly.

Raghav looked completely calm.

“Your nickname obviously.”

Vanshika stared at him.

“Since when do I have that nickname?”

“Since now.”

Her heart did something very dangerous at that.

The way he said it so naturally… so casually… like it belonged to her.

Like he had a right to call her that.

Vanshika immediately turned her face away to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks.

And the smile too.

A very stupidly happy smile.

Raghav noticed both instantly.

His own smile widened slightly.

“You’re blushing,” he said quietly.

“I’m not.”

“You literally are.”

“It’s cold.”

“Hm,” he nodded knowingly. “Of course.”

Vanshika glared at him softly while trying not to smile again.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Vinnie?”

She looked away again immediately.

God.

Why did hearing him say that sound so good?

Raghav leaned back against the bench comfortably, still watching her reactions with amusement.

“Kinda suits you though.”

“Stop smiling like that,” Vanshika muttered.

“Like what?”

“Like you know something.”

Raghav chuckled softly.

Maybe he did.

Because every passing moment around her made one thing clearer to him—

he was falling harder than he realised.

“I’m tired…” Vanshika said softly, stretching a little. “Chale kya wapas? Aur ye log kaha hai?”

“Let me call them,” Raghav replied while pulling out his phone.

He dialed Abhiman’s number.

After a few rings, the call connected.

“Kaha ho tum log?” Raghav asked.

On the other side, Abhiman sounded way too casual.

“Hum toh hotel mein aa gaye.”

“What?!” Raghav frowned immediately.

“Haan,” Abhiman replied innocently. “Actually Ishana aur Navya bahut thak gayi thi, so hum unko leke aa gaye. Tujhe phone kiya tha but shayad network issues the, isliye call connect nahi hua.”

Raghav narrowed his eyes slightly.

He knew exactly what these idiots were doing.

“Okay,” he sighed. “Hum aate hain.”

Then he disconnected the call.

“Kya hua?” Vanshika asked.

“Woh log hotel chale gaye.”

“What?!” she looked shocked.

“Haan. Ishana aur Navya thak gayi thi so woh log directly chale gaye. Call kiya tha but network issues ki wajah se connect nahi hua.”

Vanshika sighed softly.

“Chalo phir… hum bhi chalte hain.”

“Hm.”

The two of them stood up from the bench and started walking through the crowded streets again.

But compared to before—

the crowd had increased alot now.

People moved hurriedly around them while loud music and city noises echoed everywhere.

Instinctively, Raghav held her hand again and kept her close beside him while walking.

“Aaj bada maza aaya,” Vanshika said softly with a smile.

“Hm.”

She looked at him immediately.

“Kya hmm hmm laga rakha hai? Baat bhi kiya karo, Mr. Sharma.”

“Hm.”

Vanshika stared at him for a second.

Then burst out laughing.

“Phir se hmm? Pagal ho.”

And right then—

Someone rushing through the crowd accidentally pushed her hard in hurry.

Before she could lose balance—

Raghav caught her instantly.

One hand holding her firmly before she could fall.

“I’m so sorry!” the person apologized quickly before disappearing into the crowd again.

“It’s alright,” Vanshika said politely.

She turned to continue walking again—

But before she could even take a step—

Raghav suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to himself.

Vanshika’s breath hitched softly.

The sudden closeness made her heartbeat skip instantly.

Raghav looked around at the crowd briefly before looking down at her.

“Bheed zyada badh rahi hai,” he said quietly.

Then his hold around her waist tightened just slightly.

“Stay close.”

And God—

the way he said those two words…

felt far more dangerous than it should have.

They continued walking through the crowded streets, Raghav’s arm still securely around Vanshika’s waist as he carefully guided her through the people.

The cold breeze had become stronger now, making the city lights look even prettier against the dark night sky.

And then—

Vanshika suddenly stopped.

Her eyes widened slightly while looking somewhere ahead.

“Raghav!!”

“Haan?” he looked at her immediately.

She pointed excitedly toward a beautiful garden nearby glowing softly under warm lights.

Flowers lined the pathways while tiny fairy lights wrapped around trees, making the entire place look magical in the middle of the bustling city.

“Waha chale kya?” Vanshika asked excitedly. “It’s really beautiful. Let’s go na.”

Raghav raised an eyebrow.

“Abhi toh tum thak gayi thi?”

Vanshika ignored that completely and lightly pulled his hand.

“Chalo naaa…”

Raghav looked at her dramatic expression for a second before chuckling softly.

“Chalo.”

And just like that—

the two of them walked toward the garden together.

The moment they entered, the noise of the city reduced instantly.

Everything felt calmer there.

Soft lights illuminated the pathways while flowers swayed gently with the cold breeze.

Vanshika looked around in awe.

“This place is so pretty…”

Raghav looked at her instead.

You’re prettier, his heart whispered before he could stop it.

Vanshika walked a little ahead slowly, looking around happily while her open hair moved softly with the wind.

And Raghav simply followed her quietly.

Watching her enjoy the little things.

Watching her smile.

Watching her exist.

Because somehow…

that had become enough for him.

Vanshika slowly walked deeper into the garden, completely mesmerized by the beauty around her.

Then suddenly she stopped near a small flower bed.

A soft smile appeared on her face.

She carefully kneeled down in front of the flowers, gently touching the petals while admiring them like a child discovering something magical.

The fairy lights above softly illuminated her face while the cold breeze played with her hair.

A little behind her—

Raghav stood quietly watching her.

And once again…

he couldn’t look away.

There was something so peaceful about her in moments like these.

No walls.

No stress.

No pretending.

Just her.

Lost in tiny moments of happiness.

“Is she your girlfriend?”

A warm voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

Raghav looked to his side and saw an old couple standing nearby, both smiling softly while looking toward Vanshika.

Raghav instinctively looked at her again.

Then shook his head lightly.

“Nope.”

The old man raised an eyebrow knowingly.

“So… do you love her and couldn’t say it to her?”

Raghav froze slightly at the direct question.

His eyes unconsciously shifted back toward Vanshika.

She was still smiling softly at the flowers, completely unaware of the conversation happening behind her.

Raghav stayed quiet for a moment before answering honestly—

“I don’t know.”

The old couple exchanged amused glances.

“I don’t know whether I love her…” Raghav admitted softly, his gaze fixed on Vanshika.

“…or it’s just an attraction.”

The old man chuckled quietly.

And the old woman smiled gently before speaking,

“Then let me ask you something.”

Raghav looked toward them.

“When she smiles…” the old woman said softly, “does your heart feel lighter?”

Raghav unconsciously looked at Vanshika again.

Yes.

“Do you notice small things about her without trying?”

Her red nose because of cold.

The way she bounced while talking to her mother.

The way she got excited over books.

The way she smiled differently when she was truly happy.

Yes.

“Do you feel protective toward her?”

Raghav’s jaw tightened slightly remembering her fear, her stress, the way he instinctively stayed close whenever she looked uneasy.

Yes.

“And when she’s upset…” the old man added quietly, “does it bother you more than your own problems?”

Raghav didn’t answer.

Because he already knew the answer.

The old couple smiled knowingly seeing his silence.

The old man stepped closer slightly and patted Raghav’s shoulder warmly.

“Son,” he said softly, “attraction catches your eyes.”

Then he looked toward Vanshika lovingly.

“But love…”

A small smile appeared on Raghav’s lips as he watched her laugh softly at something completely random.

“…love makes you look at someone the way you’re looking at her right now.”

Raghav stayed silent after that.

Because for the first time—

someone had said his feelings out loud so clearly that he couldn’t even deny them properly.

His eyes slowly shifted back toward Vanshika again.

She had stood up now and was carefully walking along the pathway, lightly touching the flowers with her fingertips while looking around with wonder.

Completely unaware…

that someone was standing there slowly falling for her harder every second.

The old woman smiled softly seeing the look in his eyes.

“You already know the answer,” she said gently.

Raghav exhaled quietly.

“Maybe,” he admitted.

The old man chuckled.

“Trust me, son. At our age, these things become easy to notice.”

Raghav looked toward them again.

The old man wrapped an arm around his wife lovingly.

“When you truly love someone…” he said softly, “their happiness starts mattering more than your own confusion.”

Those words hit somewhere deep inside Raghav.

Because wasn’t that exactly what had been happening?

Her smile relaxed him.

Her sadness disturbed him.

Her fear made him restless.

And her happiness…

God.

He could spend hours just watching her smile.

“You know,” the old woman added warmly, “love doesn’t always arrive loudly.”

Raghav listened quietly.

“Sometimes,” she smiled, “it slowly becomes a habit.”

His eyes unconsciously drifted back toward Vanshika again.

And suddenly—

everything started making sense.

Why he kept searching for her in crowds.

Why he noticed every tiny expression on her face.

Why her voice calmed him down.

Why her pain felt personal to him.

Why being close to her felt right.

The old man followed his gaze and laughed softly.

“You look at her like she’s your peace.”

Raghav’s heartbeat slowed strangely.

Because that word…

Peace.

That’s exactly what she felt like.

Meanwhile, a little ahead—

Vanshika finally turned around.

“Raghav!” she called softly.

The moment her eyes landed on him—

she smiled.

And just like always…

his chest tightened beautifully.

The old woman noticed it immediately and chuckled lovingly.

“There,” she whispered. “That reaction itself is your answer.”

Raghav looked at Vanshika quietly for a few seconds.

Then slowly—

a small helpless smile appeared on his lips.

Because maybe…

he had stopped being confused long ago.

He just hadn’t accepted it yet.

“I’m sure,” the old man said warmly before leaving, “soon you’ll realise that you love her deeply.”

Raghav looked at the couple quietly for a moment.

Then a small smile appeared on his face.

The old couple smiled back knowingly before slowly walking away together.

Raghav stood there watching them disappear into the crowd for a few seconds.

And then—

“Raghav!!”

His attention instantly shifted toward Vanshika.

“Aaya,” he replied softly before walking toward her.

Vanshika was standing near a pathway covered in tiny fairy lights, her eyes sparkling while she looked around excitedly.

The flowers around her swayed gently with the cold breeze, making the entire scene look unreal.

“Dekho na…” she said softly while pointing around happily. “Isn’t it pretty?”

Raghav stopped beside her.

But instead of looking around—

he looked at her.

The lights reflected beautifully in her eyes. Her cheeks were slightly pink because of the cold while her smile remained soft and genuine.

And suddenly—

without even thinking—

“Not more than you,” he said quietly.

Vanshika froze.

Then immediately looked at him with wide eyes.

Raghav himself realised what he had said a second later.

But strangely…

he didn’t take it back.

Instead he just kept looking at her.

Vanshika’s cheeks turned even redder now.

“Hatt besharam,” she muttered softly before lightly smacking his arm.

Raghav laughed quietly.

A real laugh.

And God—

that sound alone made Vanshika’s heart flutter embarrassingly fast.

She quickly looked away to hide her smile.

Meanwhile Raghav simply stood there beside her…

feeling strangely at peace.

Because maybe the old couple was right.

Maybe this wasn’t confusion anymore.

Maybe somewhere between her smiles, her chaos, her late-night talks, her excitement over books, and the way she instinctively looked for him in crowds—

he had already fallen for her completely.

“Chale ab?” Raghav asked softly.

Vanshika nodded with a small smile.

And just like that—

they left the beautiful garden behind and headed back toward the hotel together.

______________________________________________________________________________________

After the chaos-filled day, endless roaming, books, ice cream, Times Square, teasing, and laughter—

all six of them finally gathered in the dining area of the hotel after freshening up.

The warm lighting and calm atmosphere felt comforting after the cold outside.

On one side of the table—

Vanshika, Ishana, and Navya sat together eating while talking nonstop among themselves.

“Main seriously bol rahi hoon,” Navya said dramatically, “New York mujhe adopt karle.”

“Pehle tu khud ko sambhal,” Ishana replied.

Meanwhile Vanshika quietly smiled while listening to their nonsense and eating her pasta.

On the other side—

Raghav, Abhiman, and Vihaan sat watching a cricket match on TV while eating.

Typical boys.

“ABBE SHIT YAAR!!” Abhiman suddenly shouted dramatically while holding his head looking at the screen.

“Catch tha woh!” Vihaan yelled.

Raghav sighed disappointedly too.

“Easy tha yaar.”

The girls immediately looked toward them.

“Kya hua?” Ishana asked.

“Drop catch,” Abhiman muttered like someone personally betrayed him.

Navya looked at the screen blankly.

“Mujhe cricket aaj tak samajh nahi aaya.”

Vihaan gasped dramatically.

“National disrespect.”

“Tum log 11 bande milke ek ball ke peeche bhaagte ho,” Navya argued back. “Usme samajhne kya hai?”

Abhiman almost dropped his spoon.

“Ye insult thi.”

“Bilkul thi,” Vihaan nodded seriously.

Meanwhile Vanshika looked toward the TV casually.

Then suddenly—

“Arre ye out nahi hai,” she said while eating calmly.

The three boys froze.

Slowly turned toward her.

“Kya?” Raghav asked.

“Bat pehle ground pe lagi thi,” Vanshika replied casually. “Clearly visible hai.”

The boys immediately looked back toward the replay on screen.

A second later—

“AREYYY HAAAN!”

“OH SHIT!”

“Yaar ye toh bach gaya!”

All three looked back at Vanshika in shock.

Raghav raised an eyebrow.

“Tumhe cricket samajh aata hai?”

Vanshika looked offended immediately.

“Excuse me? Hyderabad mein rehke cricket nahi samjhe toh nikaal dete hain city se.”

Vihaan burst out laughing.

“Valid.”

Ishana smirked proudly.

“Vanshi secretly sports girl hai.”

“Secretly?” Navya scoffed. “Ye har cheez mein talented hai. Irritatingly talented.”

Vanshika dramatically flipped her hair.

“Thank you thank you.”

Raghav leaned back in his chair quietly watching her laugh again.

And unknowingly—

a small smile appeared on his face too.

“Waise konsa match hai?” Navya asked while coming toward the boys with her plate.

“IPL,” Vihaan replied without looking away from the screen.

“And konsi team hai aaj?” Ishana asked, she too joining them with her food.

“MI vs RCB,” Abhiman answered.

“RCB?!” Vanshika gasped dramatically.

And immediately—

she came and sat near them.

“Hatt suar,” she said to Vihaan while pushing him slightly to make space for herself.

“Shuru ho gaya iska RCB ka daura,” Vihaan muttered.

“Chup reh,” Vanshika shot back instantly.

Then she immediately looked toward the screen excitedly.

“Virat aaya kya??”

“Nahi abhi nahi,” Raghav replied, amused by her sudden excitement.

“Hushhh!” Vanshika grinned proudly. “Let’s go RCB!”

Then dramatically raising her fist—

“Ee sala cup namde!”

“Ee sala cup lollipop,” Vihaan replied immediately.

And then—

THUD

“AHH!”

Vanshika smacked the back of his head hard.

“Zyada bola na balcony se gira dungi,” she warned dramatically.

“Violence!” Vihaan complained while rubbing his head.

“Deserved,” Abhiman nodded wisely.

Navya laughed loudly while Ishana almost choked on her drink.

Meanwhile Raghav was just sitting there watching Vanshika argue like a complete child with the boys.

And somehow—

he found it ridiculously adorable.

“Accha accha,” he chuckled softly. “No violence. Let’s see the match.”

“Obviously RCB jeetegi,” Vanshika declared confidently.

Vihaan looked at her in disbelief.

“Confidence dekho.”

“Manifestation bolte hai isse.”

“Delusion bolte hai.”

“Maar khaega.”

Raghav laughed quietly seeing the two fight again while the match continued in the background.

A few minutes later—

Virat finally came on screen.

And instantly—

“VIRATTTTTT!” Vanshika screamed dramatically.

The entire dining area turned toward them.

Raghav closed his eyes briefly while trying not to laugh.

Vihaan held his ears dramatically.

“Bhai ye woman nahi loudspeaker hai.”

“Respectfully behave,” Vanshika warned him proudly while staring at the TV like her life depended on it.

Meanwhile Raghav leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes shifting between the screen…

…and her excited face.

Because honestly?

Watching her enjoy little things like this had slowly become his favorite part of the day.

Vanshika sat completely focused on the screen.

Her entire plate of food was lying

abandoned beside her—

waiting patiently for her attention.

But madam was fully invested in the match now.

“Six hai… six hai…” Vanshika whispered dramatically while staring at the screen intensely.

And then—

“YESSSS!!”

She almost jumped from her seat excitedly.

“AREY!” Vihaan held his chest dramatically. “Heart attack dilayegi ye ladki.”

“RCB fans are emotionally unstable,” Abhiman nodded wisely.

“Chup dono,” Vanshika muttered without even looking at them.

Just then—

her phone started ringing.

Without taking her eyes off the screen, she picked up the call immediately.

“Helloooo!!!”

On the other side, Vanshraj spoke calmly,

“Princess.”

“Yesh papa,” Vanshika replied absentmindedly while still staring at the TV.

Raghav looked at her and chuckled softly.

Vanshraj sighed knowingly from the other side.

“Ye pakka match dekh rahi hai,” he muttered to himself before speaking louder, “beta dinner karna mat bhoolna match ke chakkar mein.”

“Haan haan papa, nahi bhoolungi,” Vanshika replied quickly. “Kar rahi hoon.”

Everyone immediately looked at her untouched plate.

Vihaan snorted loudly.

“Jhooti.”

Vanshika glared at him instantly.

Then immediately looked back toward the TV again.

“And now let me watch papa, I’ll call you later!”

Vanshraj sighed helplessly.

“Alright… but dinner kar lena.”

“Yesh papa!”

Then the call disconnected.

The moment it ended—

“Kar rahi hoon?” Vihaan repeated dramatically while looking at her untouched food. “KYA kar rahi ho?”

“Emotionally kha rahi hai,” Navya replied seriously.

Abhiman nodded.

“Spiritual dinner.”

Raghav shook his head with a quiet laugh before finally pulling her plate slightly closer toward himself.Vanshika didn’t even notice.

Her eyes were still glued to the screen.

A second later—

Raghav picked up her spoon casually.

“TUM LOG DEKHNA ABHI SIX AAYEGA—”

“Vanshika.”

“Haan haan bolo—”

Before she could finish—

Raghav held the spoon in front of her.

The moment Raghav held the spoon near her—

she absentmindedly opened her mouth.

And he fed her calmly.

For two whole seconds—

everyone froze.

Then—

“OHHHHHHHHHHH!” Navya, Ishana, Abhiman, and Vihaan shouted together dramatically.

Not even a little subtle.

But Vanshika?

Zero reaction.

She was still too busy staring at the TV.

“AREY RUN RUN RUN!”

Meanwhile Raghav sat beside her casually feeding her another bite like this was completely normal.

Abhiman slowly looked toward Vihaan.

“Bhai…”

Vihaan looked emotionally affected.

“Main inki shaadi mein dance karunga.”

Navya smacked his arm immediately.

“Shaadi pehle meri hogi.”

“Tum dono ki hogi bhi ya tum log bas ladte rahoge?” Ishana asked innocently.

“Personal attack,” Vihaan muttered.

Meanwhile Raghav once again held another spoon toward Vanshika.

Without even looking—

she ate again.

Still watching the match intensely.

“OUT HAI KYA?!”

“Review chal raha hai,” Abhiman answered automatically while still staring at the two of them in disbelief.

Raghav shook his head softly seeing how completely lost she was in the match.

Then quietly moved her glass toward her.

“Water.”

“Hm.”

She drank from it absentmindedly too.

The other four stared at them silently for a few seconds.

Then simultaneously—

“Ye dono gaye,” Abhiman whispered.

“Bilkul gaye,” Vihaan nodded.

Ishana looked at Vanshika fondly and smiled softly.

Because after days—

her bestfriend genuinely looked relaxed.

Happy.

And somehow…

most of that peace seemed connected to the boy sitting beside her.

Meanwhile Raghav looked at Vanshika again.

Her expressions kept changing every few seconds according to the match—

stress, excitement, anger, happiness—

and honestly?

He could sit there watching her like this for hours.

And after an hour of nonstop screaming, arguments, stress, celebrations, and near heart attacks—

the match finally ended.

And RCB won.

The moment the final ball happened—

“YESSSSSSSSSS!!!” Vanshika screamed dramatically while jumping up from her seat.

“RCBBBBB!!!”

She pointed proudly toward everyone.

“Bola tha jeetegi!”

“Haan haan,” Vihaan muttered tiredly.

“Ee sala cup namde!” Vanshika shouted proudly again.

“Ee sala humare kaan kharab,” Vihaan complained while covering his ears.

Navya burst out laughing.

Meanwhile Ishana looked at Vanshika’s now empty plate and Smirked.

“Ek second…”

Then slowly looked toward Raghav.

“Ye poora dinner isne khud khaya ya—”

“Raghav ne khilaya,” Abhiman answered instantly.

Vanshika froze.

Silence.

Slowly…

very slowly…

she looked toward her empty plate.

Then toward Raghav.

Then toward the spoon in his hand.

And finally—

realisation hit her.

Her eyes widened instantly.

“WAIT—”

The other four immediately burst out laughing.

“Oh my God!” Navya held her stomach laughing. “Ab realise hua madam ko!”

“Tu pura time baby ki tarha khana kha rahi thi,” Vihaan said dramatically.

“I DID NOT!”

“You literally did,” Ishana laughed.

Vanshika immediately looked at Raghav in embarrassment.

“You fed me?!”

Raghav looked completely calm.

“Hm.”

“RAGHAV!”

“What?” he chuckled softly. “Tum match mein busy thi.”

Her cheeks turned red instantly.

“Oh my God…”

Meanwhile the others continued laughing mercilessly.

“Bhai,” Abhiman wiped fake tears dramatically, “ye toh already married couple vibes de rahe hain.”

“Bilkul,” Vihaan nodded proudly.

Vanshika grabbed a tissue and threw it at both of them.

“Shut up!”

Raghav quietly watched her flustered face and smiled to himself.

Because honestly?

Seeing her like this was becoming dangerously addictive.

On the balcony of the hotel room—

Raghav stood quietly under the dark night sky.

The city lights glowed below while cold wind brushed past him softly.

Inside the room, Abhiman and Vihaan were already asleep after the chaos-filled day.

But Raghav…

sleep was far away from him tonight.

Because his mind kept replaying everything.

The old couple’s words.

The way Vanshika smiled today.

The way she unconsciously stayed close to him.

The way his heart reacted to every little thing related to her.

He sighed quietly and ran a hand through his hair.

Then slowly pulled out his phone.

His fingers hovered over a number for a few seconds.

He locked the phone again.

Then unlocked it once more.

After standing there in silence for another moment—

he finally dialed the number.

A few rings later, the call connected.

“Hello?”

“Papa,” Raghav said softly.

On the other side, Rajeev chuckled warmly.

“Kya baat hai… bete ko finally papa ki yaad aa hi gayi.”

Raghav smiled faintly.

“Come on papa, subha hi toh baat hui thi aapse.”

“Haan toh subha hui baat ko kitna time ho gaya.”

Raghav chuckled softly.

“Chal bata,” Rajeev said knowingly. “Kisliye phone kiya? Aur mujhe lag raha hai ye Vanshika ke baare mein hai.”

Raghav froze slightly.

“Aapko kaise pata?”

“Beta,” Rajeev laughed softly, “baap hoon tera.”

Raghav went quiet after that.

For a few seconds only silence remained between them.

Then finally—

very quietly—

“Papa…” Raghav spoke.

“Hm?”

“Am I in love with her?”

On the other side, Rajeev went silent for a moment.

Not shocked.

Just… thoughtful.

Then a soft smile appeared on his face.

“Raghav,” he said gently, “main tujhe bachpan se jaanta hoon.”

Raghav leaned against the railing quietly listening.

“Tu kabhi kisi ke liye itna restless nahi hua.”

His eyes unconsciously drifted toward the city lights.

“Tu kabhi kisi ko itna notice nahi karta tha.”

Raghav remembered every tiny thing about Vanshika all over again.

Her expressions.

Her habits.

Her smiles.

Everything.

Rajeev continued softly,

“Beta attraction mein insaan sirf saamne wale ko dekhta hai…”

Then his voice softened even more.

“Lekin pyaar mein… insaan saamne wale ko samajhne lagta hai.”

Raghav closed his eyes briefly.

“Tu uski khushi notice karta hai.”

“Uska stress notice karta hai.”

“Uski aadatein yaad rakhta hai.”

“Uska mood change hone se pehle samajh jaata hai.”

Every word felt painfully accurate.

And Rajeev smiled knowingly on the other side.

“Sabse badi baat pata hai kya hoti hai?”

Raghav stayed silent.

“When someone becomes your peace without even trying.”

Those words hit him deeply.

Because that was exactly what Vanshika had become.

His peace.

Even in chaos.

Rajeev chuckled softly.

“Tu jawab already jaanta hai, Raghav.”

Raghav looked up at the sky quietly.

His heart strangely felt calmer now.

Like something inside him had finally stopped fighting the truth.

“Raghav… jab tu chota tha na…”

A faint smile appeared on Raghav’s lips hearing his father’s tone.

“Tu har cheez se bhaagta tha. Emotions se bhi.”

Raghav chuckled quietly.

“Papa…”

“Nahi sach,” Rajeev laughed softly. “Tu kabhi kisi ko itni importance deta hi nahi tha. Friends the… log the… but tere aur unke beech hamesha ek distance hota tha.”

Raghav stayed quiet.

Because somewhere…

that was true.

Then Rajeev’s voice softened again.

“Lekin ab…” he paused knowingly. “Ab teri awaaz change ho jaati hai jab tu uske baare mein baat karta hai.”

Raghav froze slightly.

“Papa…”

“Tu notice karta hai usse,” Rajeev continued gently. “Aur beta… kisi ko notice karna aur kisi ko dekhna mein bohot difference hota hai.”

Raghav looked down quietly.

Rajeev’s words slowly started settling deep inside him.

“Tu uski aadatein yaad rakhta hai?”

“Yes…”

“Uske upset hone se tujhe farak padta hai?”

Raghav didn’t even need to think.

“Yes.”

“Uski smile dekh ke automatically smile aa jaati hai?”

A small smile unknowingly appeared on Raghav’s lips right then.

Rajeev smiled softly on the other side.

“Bas.”

Raghav exhaled quietly.

“But papa… what if it’s just attraction?”

Rajeev chuckled softly hearing that.

“Raghav… attraction bohot loud hota hai.”

His voice turned deeper now. Meaningful.

“Attraction looks at beauty.”

“But love…” he paused softly.

“Love notices fear hidden behind smiles.”

Raghav’s heartbeat slowed.

Because instantly—

he remembered Vanshika forcing herself to stay strong while being scared inside.

Rajeev continued,

“Attraction gets bored after seeing someone everyday.”

“Love?” he smiled faintly. “Love finds new reasons everyday to stay.”

Raghav closed his eyes slowly.

Every memory with her replayed inside his mind.

The library.

The airplane.

Her excitement over books.

Her screaming for RCB.

The way she unconsciously trusted him.

The way she looked peaceful beside him.

And suddenly…

nothing felt confusing anymore.

Rajeev’s voice softened even more now.

“Beta… pyaar hamesha confession se start nahi hota.”

Raghav listened silently.

“Kabhi kabhi…” Rajeev whispered softly, “pyaar care se start hota hai.”

His grip tightened around the phone.

“Tum pehle unka dhyaan rakhna shuru karte ho…”

“Phir unki aadat lag jaati hai…”

“Phir unki absence disturb karne lagti hai…”

“And one day…”

Rajeev smiled knowingly.

“…you realise their happiness has become your peace.”

Raghav looked up at the night sky.

His chest felt heavy.

Not painfully.

But emotionally.

Because for the first time—

he stopped trying to deny it.

And once he stopped denying it…

the truth became terrifyingly clear.

Rajeev spoke again softly,

“Sach bataun?”

“Hm…”

“Tu usse sirf pasand nahi karta, Raghav.”

His eyes slowly closed.

“Tu usme apna ghar dhoondhne laga hai.”

That line broke something inside him beautifully.

Because suddenly—

everything made sense.

Why he always searched for her first in crowds.Why her smile calmed him down.Why he couldn’t ignore her sadness.Why staying beside her felt natural.

Why the thought of losing her felt wrong.

Very wrong.

A deep silence settled between father and son.

Then softly—

almost like accepting it to himself for the first time—

“Jab main teri maa se mila tha na…” Rajeev Malhotra said softly.

“Main bhi bilkul aise hi confused tha jaise tu hai abhi.”

Raghav stayed silent, listening carefully.

A faint nostalgic smile appeared on Rajeev’s face as he continued,

“Mujhe lagta tha maybe bas attraction hai. Shayad temporary hai. Shayad waqt ke saath chala jaayega.”

He chuckled softly.

“Lekin phir dheere dheere mujhe realise hua…”

His voice softened deeply.

“…it isn’t attraction.”

A smile appeared on Raghav’s face unknowingly.

“I’m in love. Deeply in love with her.”

The words settled heavily inside Raghav’s heart.

Rajeev continued quietly,

“Pata hai kab realise hua?”

Raghav leaned against the railing silently.

“Kab?”

“When her pain started hurting me more than my own.”

Raghav’s eyes slowly lowered.

“Jab uski smile mere din ka best part ban gayi…”

“Jab uske bina normal cheezein bhi adhuri lagne lagi…”

“Jab har achi buri baat sabse pehle usse batane ka mann karta tha…”

A soft breeze passed through the balcony.

And suddenly—

Raghav saw Vanshika in every single line.

Rajeev laughed quietly remembering old memories.

“Aur phir…” he paused meaningfully.

“Pyaar kab junoon aur shiddat mein badal gaya…”

“…pata hi nahi chala.”

Those words hit Raghav differently.

Because maybe…

that was already happening to him too.

Slowly. Silently.

Without him even noticing.

Rajeev continued softly,

“Pyaar bohot ajeeb hota hai, beta.”

“Ye shor nahi karta.”

“Ye bas dheere dheere insaan ki rooh mein utar jaata hai.”

Raghav closed his eyes.

And suddenly—

he remembered every little moment again.

Her sleeping peacefully on his shoulder.

Her holding him tightly when she was scared.

Her laugh.

Her chaos.

Her comfort around him.

Her.

Always her.

Rajeev smiled knowingly on the other side.

“Tu jaanta hai tujhe pyaar ho gaya hai jab…”

Raghav listened quietly.

“…tumhari duniya mein sab same hota hai.”

“Bas ek insaan uss duniya ka center ban jaata hai.”

Raghav’s heartbeat slowed.

Because somewhere deep down—

Vanshika had already become exactly that for him.

The center.

Rajeev then asked softly,

“Sach sach bata…”

“Hm?”

“Aaj agar Vanshika tere saath na hoti…”

“…toh tera New York trip itna hi accha hota?”

Without even thinking—

“No.”

The answer came instantly.

And that one word itself gave him his final answer.

Rajeev smiled softly.

“Bas beta.”

“Yahi pyaar hai.”

“Jab aap kisi ko sach mein pasand karte ho na…” Rajeev Malhotra said softly.

“Tab unki har choti cheez matter karne lagti hai.”

Raghav listened quietly.

Rajeev’s voice turned deeper now. More emotional.

“Agar usse chhoti si bhi kharoch aa jaaye…”

“…ya woh humari nazron ke saamne se thodi der ke liye bhi gayab ho jaaye…”

He paused for a second.

“…toh insaan khud ko sambhal nahi paata.”

Raghav’s fingers tightened slightly around the phone.

“Bas uski chinta hoti hai.”

And suddenly—

memories hit him all at once.

The panic he felt when Vanshika looked stressed.

The way he instinctively searched for her in crowds.

How restless he became whenever she looked scared or upset.

Rajeev continued softly,

“Pyaar mein insaan possessive kam…”

“…protective zyada ho jaata hai.”

Raghav slowly closed his eyes.

Because God—

that was exactly what he had become around her.

Always watching her carefully.

Always staying close unconsciously.

Always making sure she was okay.

Rajeev smiled faintly on the other side.

“Tu notice karta hai na usse?”

“Yes…” Raghav whispered quietly.

“Uska mood?”

“Yes.”

“Uski fake smile?”

Raghav’s chest tightened instantly.

“Yes.”

Rajeev sighed softly like he already knew.

“Beta… jis din kisi ki aankhon ka dard tumhare dil tak pahunchne lage na…”

“…samajh jaana tum bohot buri tarha pyaar mein ho.”

Those words affected him deeply.

Because he remembered that night—

when Vanshika silently hugged him after the call.

The fear in her eyes.

The way she tried acting strong.

And how badly he wanted to take every bit of stress away from her.

Rajeev’s voice softened even more now.

“Pyaar sirf butterflies nahi hota, Raghav.”

“It’s care.”

“It’s fear.”

“It’s peace.”

“It’s wanting to protect someone even from the things they never tell you about.”

A painful smile appeared on Raghav’s lips.

Because without realising—

he had already started loving her in every possible way.

“Papa…” Raghav said softly.

“Hm?” Rajeev replied gently.

For a moment—

Raghav said nothing.

He just stood there under the dark night sky, cold wind brushing past him while his heart strangely felt calm for the first time in days.

Like everything inside him had finally stopped fighting the truth.

Then slowly—

a small helpless smile appeared on his lips.

And in a soft voice filled with realization, emotion, and surrender—

“I love her.”

Silence.

Not an awkward silence.

A meaningful one.

The kind where words settle deeply inside the soul.

Rajeev smiled softly on the other side.

Because he could hear it in his son’s voice.

The certainty.

The depth.

The love.

Finally, he chuckled quietly.

“Mujhe pata tha.”

Raghav laughed softly under his breath.

And God—

even saying those words aloud felt different.

Beautiful.

Terrifying.

Peaceful.

Like finally accepting something his heart had known long before his mind did.

Rajeev spoke gently,

“Kaisa lag raha hai?”

Raghav looked up at the night sky.

Then unknowingly smiled while thinking about Vanshika.

“Peaceful.”

That answer alone made Rajeev emotional.

“Bas beta,” he whispered softly. “Sacha pyaar insaan ko restless nahi… complete feel karwata hai.”

Raghav leaned back against the railing quietly.

A thousand memories replayed inside his mind.

Her laugh.

Her chaos.

Her stress.

Her excitement.

Her smile.

Her.

Everything somehow came back to her.

Rajeev then said softly,

“Ab samajh aaya tu itna change kyun ho gaya?”

Raghav smiled faintly.

“Hmm.”

“Tu pehle kabhi kisi ke liye itna soft nahi hua.”

Raghav looked down quietly.

Because it was true.

Only Vanshika brought this side out of him.

Rajeev’s voice softened again.

“Take care of her.”

Those words affected him deeply.

Because suddenly—

it no longer felt like just a feeling.

It felt like responsibility.

Emotion.

Home.

“I will,” Raghav whispered instantly.

And he meant every single word of it.

Rajeev smiled proudly on the other side.

“Accha…” he teased softly after a moment. “Meri future bahu ko pata hai kya?”

Raghav immediately groaned.

“Papa…”

Rajeev laughed loudly.

But meanwhile—

Raghav’s eyes unconsciously drifted toward the city lights again.

And somewhere between the chaos of New York…

a boy who once called it confusion—

had finally accepted that he was hopelessly, deeply, and irrevocably in love with her.

“I’m so stupid…” Raghav laughed softly at himself, shaking his head lightly.

Rajeev smiled hearing the emotion in his voice.

“Ki main samajh hi nahi paaya.”

Raghav looked up at the sky quietly.

“Sabne samjhaya mujhe…”

A helpless smile appeared on his lips.

“Aapne… maa ne… chote papa...chhoti maa… dadu…dadi...”

Then he laughed softly remembering his friends.

“Abhi… Vihaan…”

“Sabne.”

He closed his eyes briefly.

“But main hi samajh nahi paaya.”

Rajeev listened silently.

Then he chuckled warmly.

“Nahi beta.”

Raghav frowned slightly.

“Pyaar samajhne mein waqt lagta hai.”

His voice softened deeply.

“Especially un logon ko…”

“…jo emotions ko logically samajhne ki koshish karte hai.”

That made Raghav laugh softly because that was exactly him.

Rajeev continued,

“Tu pyaar feel kar raha tha…”

“Bas usse naam dene se darr raha tha.”

Raghav went quiet.

Because maybe…

that was true.

Rajeev smiled knowingly on the other side.

“Tu confuse nahi tha, Raghav.”

“Tu bas accept nahi karna chahta tha ki ek ladki tere liye itni important ban gayi hai.”

Raghav’s heartbeat slowed.

Because God—

that line hit hard.

Rajeev then said softly,

“Pyaar jab hota hai na beta…”

“…toh insa

an ko khud pe control nahi rehta.”

“Tu uske liye naturally care karta hai.”

“Usse protect karta hai.”

“Usse khush dekh ke khush hota hai.”

“Uske dard se disturb hota hai.”

“And slowly…”

His voice lowered emotionally.

“…woh insaan tumhari aadat nahi…”

“…zaroorat ban jaata hai.”

Raghav looked down silently.

Because somewhere between all the chaos—

Vanshika had already become exactly that.

A need.

Rajeev smiled softly.

“Sach bol.”

“Hm?”

“Aaj agar Vanshika kisi aur ke saath hoti…”

“…toh tujhe farak padta?”

Raghav’s jaw tightened instantly.

And without hesitation—

“Bahut.”

Rajeev chuckled knowingly.

“Bas.”

Raghav sighed quietly.

Then suddenly laughed softly again.

“Ab soch raha hoon kitna obvious tha.”

Rajeev grinned.

“Bohot.”

“Maa ko pehle din se pata tha.”

“WHAT?” Raghav looked shocked.

Rajeev laughed loudly now.

“Beta teri maa ne toh ussi din bol diya tha ki mera beta gaya.”

Raghav covered his face with one hand.

“Oh God…”

Rajeev smiled fondly hearing him.

“Tu uske saath alag hota hai, Raghav.”

That line made him pause.

“Alag?”

“Hm.”

“Lighter.”

“Softer.”

“Happier.”

Raghav slowly smiled.

Because for the first time—

he noticed it too.

And maybe that’s what love really was.

Not dramatic confessions.

Not grand moments.

Just one person slowly becoming the best part of your life without you even realizing it.

“God…” Raghav laughed softly, running a hand through his hair.

Raghav looked up at the night sky and smiled helplessly to himself.

“God, papa…” he whispered softly.

“I really love her.”

On the other side, Rajeev’s smile widened emotionally.

“I know, mere bacche,” he said gently.

“I know.”

Those three words affected Raghav more than he expected.

Because suddenly—

everything felt real.

Beautifully real.

Rajeev chuckled softly.

“Waise ek baat bolun?”

“Hm?”

“Tu abhi exactly waise behave kar raha hai jaise main teri maa ke pyaar mein behave karta tha.”

Raghav laughed quietly.

“Seriously?”

“Bilkul.”

Rajeev’s voice turned nostalgic.

“Har waqt bas ussi ke baare mein sochna…”

“Uski har choti cheez yaad rehna…”

“Uska mood samajh jaana bina bole…”

“Uske aas paas automatically protective ho jaana…”

Raghav slowly closed his eyes.

Because every single thing matched perfectly.

Rajeev smiled softly and whispered,

“Pyaar bohot khoobsurat cheez hoti hai, Raghav.”

“Ye insaan ko badal deta hai.”

“Better bana deta hai.”

Raghav leaned against the railing quietly.

And for the first time—

he wasn’t scared of the feeling anymore.

Instead…

his heart felt warm.

Full.

Complete.

Rajeev then asked softly,

“Ab kya karega?”

A small smile appeared on Raghav’s lips instantly.

His eyes unconsciously drifted toward the room where Vanshika was probably sleeping peacefully.

Then quietly—

with affection overflowing in his voice—

“Usse aur zyada pyaar.”

“Thanks, papa,” Raghav said softly, smiling to himself.

Immediately—

Rajeev scoffed dramatically.

“Kheench ke ek thappad maarunga agar thank you bola toh.”

Raghav burst out laughing.

“Papa—”

“Baap ko koi thank you bolta hai kya?” Rajeev complained dramatically.

Raghav shook his head while laughing softly.

“Accha baba sorry.”

“Hm. Better.”

For a few seconds both father and son simply smiled quietly.

Then Rajeev’s voice softened again.

“Khush hai na?”

That question made Raghav pause.

He looked toward the night sky again.

And unknowingly—

Vanshika’s smiling face appeared in his mind.

A small peaceful smile spread across his lips.

“Bahut.”

Rajeev smiled emotionally hearing that one word.

Because as a father—

nothing mattered more than hearing happiness in his son’s voice.

“Bas phir,” he whispered softly. “Usse kabhi akela mat feel hone dena.”

Raghav’s expression softened instantly.

“I won’t.”

And he meant it with his whole heart.

Rajeev chuckled lightly after a moment.

“Waise teri maa ko bataun?”

“PAPA NO.”

Rajeev laughed loudly hearing his panic.

“Accha theek hai nahi bataunga.”

“Please.”

“Lekin beta…”

“Hm?”

“Waise bhi usse already pata hai.”

Raghav groaned loudly and covered his face with one hand.

“Oh God…”

Rajeev laughed even harder now.

“Goodnight, lover boy.”

“Papa!”

“Accha accha jaa,” Rajeev chuckled warmly. “Soo jaa.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, beta.”

The call disconnected.

And for a few seconds—

Raghav just stood there silently holding his phone.

A smile still remained on his lips.

Because tonight…

he hadn’t just realised his feelings.

He had accepted them.

Completely.

Hopelessly.

Beautifully.

The call had already disconnected.

But Raghav still stood there in the balcony quietly.

The cold night breeze brushed past him softly while the city lights shimmered below.

And for the first time in a long time—

his heart felt unbelievably light.

A small smile slowly appeared on his lips as he looked up at the sky.

Then softly…

almost like a confession meant only for the night to hear—

“My Vansh…”

His smile deepened slightly.

“My Vinnie…”

The nickname itself made warmth spread through his chest.

And then finally—

with so much love in his voice that even he couldn’t believe it—

“My jaan.”

The words left his lips naturally.

Possessively.

Lovingly.

And God—

he had never meant anything more sincerely.

Raghav closed his eyes briefly and leaned back against the railing.

Every memory of her replayed inside his head like a beautiful film.

Her laugh.

Her blush.

Her chaos.

Her stubbornness.

Her excitement over books.

Her screaming during the match.

The way she hugged him when she was scared.

Everything.

A helpless smile escaped his lips again.

Because somewhere along the way—

without permission—

without warning—

that girl had become his entire peace.

And now that he had finally accepted it…

there was no going back.

Not anymore.

Raghav stood there under the night sky for a long time.

A smile remained on his lips while his heart repeated only one thing over and over again—

Her.

Everything was her.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Did Raghav finally realise his love in the best way possible or WHATTT 😭✨

And tell me honestly… which dialogue hit you the hardest in this chapter? 👀💌