It had been a few weeks since that first eye contact in the school assembly,since that strange but soft tug Vaani felt in her chest every time Ekansh was around. Days passed quickly, blending into each other with the rush of school, assignments, and endless laughter-filled moments with friends.
Vaani had got used to the rhythm of her new school now. The unfamiliar hallways no longer felt like a maze, and her little group- tara, Nirma, Kriti, and even Ahaan had become her comfort zone.
Meanwhile, things between her and Tara were stronger than ever. Any tiny gap caused by Vaani's secret crush had long faded. In fact, Tara now took every opportunity to tease her about "Mr. Headboy" and Vaani, after a lot of resisting, had finally admitted how badly that one moment during the assembly had shaken her up.
But if anyone was not focused on most of the time was ekansh.
He was still the same from outside ,quiet, composed , focused but somewhere inside, he wasn't the same boy anymore. Ever since that day, his thoughts weren't as sharp, his mind drifted more often, and though he didn't admit it, he had memorized the exact second Vaani smiled at him during prayer.
Of course, no one else noticed. And he wanted it that way.
To him, it was a distraction he hadn't asked for. But maybe, secretly, he didn't mind it either.
Between Vihaan's flirting, Ayaan's entertainment-seeking chaos, and Ritvik's usual sarcasm, the boys' group was still very much the same. Except for one thing: Ekansh had started paying attention to her. Even if he didn't want to.
As the weeks passed, occasional glances turned into stolen moments.
Nothing loud.
Nothing obvious.
But it was there.
The morning sunlight scattered across the school grounds, casting golden hues on the neatly arranged rows of students standing for the daily assembly. The soft breeze rustled through the trees, and birds chirped in the distance as if joining in their morning prayer. The students, dressed in their uniforms, stood in disciplined rows, their voices rising in unison as they started the prayer, their hands joined together.
As soon as the prayer ended, the disciplined formation quickly broke apart, and the students made their way back to their respective classrooms, chatting and laughing excitedly about the day ahead,others yawned sleepily, still not fully awake.
Inside the classroom, Tara stood near the blackboard, carefully writing the thought of the day in neat letters. Her hand moved with precision, ensuring that every word was clear and properly aligned. Just as she was about to finish, a familiar voice interrupted her from behind.
"Don't you think the letters are too small?" Ahaan's teasing tone carried through the room. He leaned slightly towards his friend, placing a hand on his shoulder, a smirk playing on his lips as he waited for a reaction.
Tara sighed, rolling her eyes but not turning around because she immediately recognized the voice. Without missing a beat, she responded, "Who asked for your advice?" Her voice carried a mix of irritation and amusement as she finally turned on her heels, pointing her finger at him in mock defiance.
Ahaan raised an eyebrow, pretending to look offended. "Who said I was talking to you?" he shot back, mirroring her stance and pointing his own finger at her. His tone was equally playful, but there was an undeniable challenge in his eyes.
Tara scoffed, crossing her arms. "And who told you that I was talking to you? Move. A. Side." Her finger moved in command, her expression bold, as if she was ordering him away like a queen addressing a mere subject.
As their playful banter continued, their classmates chuckled softly, watching the ongoing battle between them, enjoying their banter. Meanwhile, in the corner of the classroom, Vaani was busy scribbling down the last few answers in her notebook, completely unbothered by the scene unfolding before her. Unlike the others, she wasn't amused, because she was used to it. she was just focused on her homework.
Vaani loved painting. It was her escape, her passion. And last night, when she was supposed to be finishing her homework, she had lost track of time while working on a painting. Now, she was paying the price, rushing to complete her assignments before the teacher arrived.
Before Ahaan could come up with another comeback, the classroom door creaked open, and the teacher walked in. Immediately, the room fell into pin-drop silence.
"So, first of all, good morning, everyone," the teacher greeted, her voice calm but authoritative.
"Goodddd moorningggg teeeeachhherrr," the students chorused in unison, some enthusiastic, some barely awake.
The teacher nodded and glanced around the classroom. "Alright, let's start with homework. Those who have completed their work, submit it now. Those who haven't, stand up." Her eyes scanned the students, searching for defaulters.
A few students hesitated before slowly rising to their feet, guilt written all over their faces. Tara, who had been sitting beside Vaani, turned to her and whispered, "Did you finish your homework?"
Vani gave her a smug look and nodded. "Yes."
Tara raised an eyebrow. "So fast? How?"
Vani smirked. "Why? Are you unhappy that I escaped punishment?" she teased, making an annoyed face.
Tara sighed dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "No, yaar. I just thought you hadn't done it either, so we could stand outside together," she said, pretending to be heartbroken.
Both girls burst into laughter, earning a glare from the teacher. Tara quickly straightened up, trying to suppress her giggles, but her amusement only grew when she noticed Ahaan standing among the students who hadn't completed their homework.
"Those who haven't completed their work, go outside," the teacher ordered, and Ahaan sighed in defeat, dragging his feet toward the door along with the other defaulters.
Tara smirked in satisfaction, watching him leave. Serves him right.
During recess, Tara and Vaani sat on a bench in the schoolyard, enjoying their tiffins. The courtyard was buzzing with students laughing, chatting, and playing, the scent of food filling the air.
Tara took a bite of her sandwich and looked at Vani suspiciously. "Seriously though, how did you finish your homework so quickly?" she asked again, her curiosity still lingering.
Vaani grinned mischievously, pretending to zip her lips.
Tara narrowed her eyes. "Tell me!"
Vani sighed dramatically. "Fine! But don't scold me, okay?" she warned, making an innocent face.
Tara raised an eyebrow. "Now I really want to know."
Vani hesitated for a moment before confessing, "It wasn't my book. It was Ahaan's."
Tara's eyes widened. "What the-" Before she could finish, Vani quickly covered her mouth with her hand, stifling her words.
"Shhh!" Vani whispered. "Do you want the whole school to know?"
Tara pushed her hand away. "Wait, wait! How did you get his book?"
Before Vaani could answer, Ahaan walked past them. Tara grabbed his wrist, stopping him. "Oye! Why did Vani have your book?"
Ahaan sighed. "I wasn't interested in the lecture, so I gave it to her to write instead," he said casually, as if it was no big deal.
Tara stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Wow, Ahaan. You are next level lazy,are you even for real" she teased.
Ahaan rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He shook off her grip and walked away.
Tara turned to Vani, still laughing. "He seriously gave you his book because he was bored?"
Vani nodded. "And thanks to that, I didn't get punished."
Tara shook her head. "Unbelievable."
After recess, lectures resumed. As expected, they were just as boring as usual at least for me. Tara, on the other hand, seemed deeply focused, almost too absorbed in the teacher's monotonous explanation. Today, we were sitting on the last bench. She had refused at first, hesitant to break her usual routine, but I had dragged her there anyway.
I let out a slow sigh and glanced around the room. A few students were yawning, others completely zoned out lost in their own little worlds. My eyes wandered until something unusual caught my attention: Ahaan. He wasn't paying attention either, but his lips were moving slightly. I leaned in, curiosity piqued, and noticed he was casually munching on a packet of chips, completely unfazed by the ongoing lecture.
When he noticed me watching, he raised his brows and, without a word, offered me the packet. But instead of taking just one chip like a polite person would, I snatched the entire packet from his hand. He blinked, clearly not surprised, and simply pulled out another one from his bag-clearly prepared.
While I happily munched on the chips, I turned to Tara. She was now wearing a deeply frustrated expression, her attention no longer on the teacher.
"Kya hua? Aisi shakal kyun banayi hai?"
(What happened? Why are you making that face?) I asked, offering a chip.
She hadn't noticed the packet in my hand and replied miserably, "Man kar raha hai is boring lecture se bhaag jaun."
(I feel like running away from this boring lecture.)
Aha! So even the mighty rule-follower Tara was cracking.
Without thinking much, I offered her the chips. Her eyes widened in shock and she whispered in disbelief, "Vaani, class mein aise nahi khate. Yeh rules hain."
(Vaani, you don't eat like this in class. These are the rules.)
I rolled my eyes. Rules. Who cared?
"Tujhe khaani hai toh khaa, aur haan, yeh rules follow karna mere bas ki baat nahi hai."
(If you want to eat, then eat. And yeah, following rules isn't really my thing.)
I said with a playful shrug. She was about to reply when I popped a chip right into her mouth, grinning.
But of course, as luck would have it, Jaya noticed us. She had been watching like a hawk, clearly waiting for the perfect moment to call me out.
Raising her hand dramatically, she said, "Miss, Vaani and Tara are eating something."
Perfect. Just perfect.
The teacher turned toward us, irritation written all over her face. "Vaani and Tara, get out of my class!"
I wasn't about to take the fall alone. Without missing a beat, I pointed and said, "But Ahaan was the one who gave me these chips!"
I turned to look at him, waiting to see if he'd throw me under the bus. But instead, he just sat there with an utterly shocked expression like he hadn't expected me to actually do it.
Without waiting for the teacher to repeat herself, Tara and I got up and walked toward the door. Ahaan gave me a sly smile as I passed.
"It worked."
"My plans always work, I know." I said smugly.
But before I could bask in my small victory, Tara's sharp voice cut through.
"Your plan? Means?!"
Ahaan and I turned toward her she looked absolutely livid.
"Vo... yeh lecture bohot boring tha, toh humne socha ki bahar chalte hain. Fir tune bola ki tu bhi bore ho rahi hai toh maine socha tujhe bhi le lu,"
(Well... this lecture was really boring, so we thought we'd step out. Then you said you were bored too, so I thought I'd take you along as well,) I replied sweetly, putting on my most innocent face.
"Seriously, Vaani?" she said, glaring at me.
Before I could reply, a familiar voice echoed down the corridor.
"Lagta hai aaj chamatkar kaam nahi aaya." (Looks like miracles didn't work today.)
I turned to look it was Vihaan. And of course, he wasn't alone. Ayaan, Ritvik bhai, and... Ekansh. My playful smile faltered for a second when I saw him.
Why does he always make me so aware of myself?
Bhai was already smirking, looking at Tara.
"Kya baat hai, aaj toh monitor sahiba bhi class se bahar hain." (Wow, even the monitor ma'am is out of class today.)
He was clearly enjoying this.
Tara shot a death glare at Ahaan.
"Kisi ki meherbaani hai bhaiya." (Thanks to someone, brother.)
Ahaan shrugged innocently.
"Mujhe kya dekh rahi hai, maine toh chips nahi diya tha." (Why are you looking at me? I didn't give the chips.)
Tara raised a brow.
"Lekin Vaani ko toh diya tha." (But you gave them to Vaani.)
And just like that, the real drama was about to begin.
I sighed internally. This is what happens when you try to enjoy a boring lecture.
"Tum sab yahan bhi shuru ho gaye," (You all started here as well,) the teacher's sharp voice sliced through the corridor's hum as she stepped out of the classroom. Her expression was a mix of annoyance and exhaustion, as though this wasn't the first time she had to deal with something like this today. Her eyes scanned the group, finally settling on me with familiar exasperation.
Crossing her arms, she shifted her gaze to my brother.
"She's really your sister?" she asked him with her brows raised, like the very idea of us being siblings was too much to process.
Bhai averted his eyes to the ground, clearly uncomfortable. A nervous chuckle tickled my throat and, before my brain could filter it, I blurted out with misplaced cheer,
"What a coincidence! Even Mumma and Papa sometimes doubt us too!"
I smiled as if it was the funniest thing I'd ever said. But as I scanned everyone's faces, the weight of silence sank in. It was heavy and awkward. Tara's lips parted in horror, and Ahaan's stunned expression hit me like a wave of reality.
God, Vaani. Really?
The teacher sighed deep and long, the kind that says "I'm too tired for this."
"It was expected from you," she said with a slight shake of her head, as if she had accepted me as her permanent headache.
But when she turned to Tara, her voice shifted-disappointment crept into her tone like a shadow falling across a sunny room.
"But not from you."
Tara looked crushed. She lowered her eyes immediately, her fingers tightening on the hem of her uniform skirt.
"Sorry, miss. This won't happen again."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
The teacher's expression softened just a bit, her arms loosening.
"It's okay. It's your first time, so I'll let it go."
But she wasn't done. Her sharp eyes found their way back to me, and one brow lifted as if to say "your turn now."
"Don't you think you should also say something?" she asked pointedly.
Oh crap. Right. An apology.
"Sorry," I muttered quickly, trying to look regretful even though the corners of my lips were still twitching from the joke. The moment had completely backfired, and my pride was now hiding under the metaphorical table.
She didn't look convinced, but her attention quickly shifted again this time to Ahaan, who looked as if he was hoping to disappear into the wall.
"Aur tumhare baare mein kya kahun? Subah bhi class ke bahar, abhi bhi. Kabhi class mein baithne ka mann karta hai tumhara?" (And what should I say about you? Out of class in the morning, now again. Do you ever feel like actually sitting in class?)
Poor guy. If boredom was an illness, he was definitely a chronic case. I almost laughed, but thankfully stopped myself in time.
The teacher wasn't done. She gestured toward Ekansh, her tone more observational now.
"You're just like Vaani and Ritvik. Bhai-bhai ho, phir bhi ekdum alag." (You're brothers, but still completely different.)
"Kya?!" (What?!)
The word escaped me like a reflex, loud and startled. Every pair of eyes snapped toward me including the teacher's.
"Now what happened to you?" she asked, completely fed up.
I quickly shook my head and looked away, cheeks burning.
Just then, the bell rang, loud and clear, like the universe giving me a lifeline.
"All of you, go back to your class," she ordered, and no one needed to be told twice.
----
We were back in class, and as I sank into my seat, my head still spun from the revelations. Tara leaned in and nudged me gently.
"Tujhe kya hua tha?" (What happened to you?)
I leaned closer and whispered,
"Teacher Ahaan aur Ekansh ko bhai kyun keh rahi thi?" (Why was the teacher calling Ahaan and Ekansh brothers?) My mind was a mess of confusion.
"Kyuki woh dono bhai hain, isliye," (Because they are brothers, that's why,) she said casually, as if I had asked why the sky was blue.
I blinked.
"Toh tune mujhe pehle kyun nahi bataya?" (Then why didn't you tell me earlier?) My voice came out sharper than I intended. It wasn't just the surprise-it was that everyone knew something I didn't. And I hated that feeling.
Before she could reply, the classroom suddenly fell silent again. We looked up. Our teacher had returned, standing at the door, her hands folded behind her.
What now?
"Students, from next week your and 12th class exams will begin. So be prepared. Good luck."
With that, she turned and walked away.
I turned back to Tara, determined to hear the rest of the story but she had already zipped her bag and was practically halfway out of the class.
"Main sab kuch baad mein batati hoon," (I'll tell you everything later,) she said over her shoulder and was gone.
---
After school, I stood by the gate, lost in thought. The wind played with the ends of my shirt as I tried to piece together everything.
"Tune kabhi bataya nahi ki tum Ritvik bhaiya ki behen hai?" (You never told me you were Ritvik bhaiya's sister?)
Ahaan's voice brought me back. He stood beside me, his hands in his pockets, a curious smile on his face.
I smiled back, narrowing my eyes.
"Tune bhi toh nahi bataya ki tera bhi bhai Ekansh hai?" (You also never told me you had an Ekansh.)
He gave a casual shrug.
"Kabhi zarurat hi nahi padi."
(Never felt the need.)
"Mujhe bhi." (Me neither.)
I replied with the same ease, the tension melting a little between us.
He chuckled.
"Vo sab chhod. Exams ka kya plan hai?" (Forget all that. What's the plan for exams?)
I tilted my head, pretending to think.
"Kuch khaas nahi..." (Nothing special...)
Then a sudden idea hit me, full of unexpected excitement.
"Kyun na group study karein? Mere ghar par!" (Why don't we do a group study? At my place!)
His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Sounds good. Okay done. Aaj tere ghar. Bye!" (Today at your house. Bye!)
And just like that, he left, already set on the plan.
---
As I waited, Kriti and Nirma came walking from the other end of the school grounds.
"Tum dono kahan reh gayi thi?" (Where were you two?) I asked, narrowing my eyes a bit playfully.
"Kahin nahi. Teacher ne kuch kaam diya tha," (Nowhere. The teacher gave us some work,) Kriti replied with a shrug, clearly unfazed.
Just then, I spotted Tara walking out as well. Kriti and Nirma strolled ahead, giving me the perfect chance to pull Tara aside.
"Tune mujhe pehle kyun nahi bataya?" (Why didn't you tell me before?) I asked, my voice thick with frustration I had been holding back since class.
She looked at me sincerely, regret painted across her face.
"Yaar, sach mein bhool gayi thi." (Dude, I honestly forgot.)
I stared at her, not entirely convinced.
"Tu itni important baat kaise bhool gayi? Bhoolne ki bimari paal rahi hai kya?" (How can you forget something so important? Are you nurturing a disease of forgetfulness or what?)
I tried to sound annoyed, but my tone softened near the end.
She stood quietly, her eyes downcast, silently accepting my irritation.
I sighed. Maybe I had overreacted.
"Theek hai, sorry. Main bhi thoda zyada react kar gayi." (Okay, sorry. I overreacted a bit too.)
I gently bumped her shoulder with mine, and we started walking together again.
---
As we moved toward the main road, I suddenly remembered.
"Suno, aaj padhne ka mood hai. Toh aaj hum mere ghar study karenge." (Listen, I'm in the mood to study today. So we'll study at my house.)
Tara nodded in response, and after a few more steps, she asked,
"Kriti aur Nirma bhi aayengi na?" (Kriti and Nirma will come too, right?)
"Haan, kyun nahi." (Yes, why not.)
Without missing a beat, I cupped my hands around my mouth and yelled,
"Kriti! Nirma!"
They turned, and I motioned them over.
"Aaj mere ghar pe padhai karenge sab," (Everyone's going to study at my place today,) I said with full confidence, already picturing the snacks and books spread out in my living room.
They looked at each other, and then burst into laughter.
"Mast joke maara!" (Nice joke!) Nirma giggled.
"Tu aur padhai? Ho hi nahi sakta! (You and study? Not possible!) Kriti added, holding her stomach from laughing.
I groaned, rolling my eyes.
"I can be serious too, okay?"
But even I couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips.
The bell of Kapoor House rang through the peaceful afternoon, its chime echoing faintly down the wide hallway. Ritvik, lounging lazily on the couch, let out a groan before dragging himself to the door. He expected a delivery or maybe one of the neighbors, but as he swung the door open, his eyes widened in surprise.
Standing outside were Ahaan, Ekansh, Vihaan, and Ayaan, all with grins on their faces and backpacks slung casually over their shoulders. They looked like they had arrived with a mission,though knowing them, that was always questionable.
"Tum log itne jaldi kaise aa gaye aur yeh yahan kya kar raha hai?" Ritvik asked, pointing directly at Ahaan.
("How did you guys come so early, and what is he doing here?")
Ahaan shrugged with a playful smile. "Aaj humne bhi padhai karne ki sochi hai. Lekin Yuvraj aur Rudra ko kaam tha toh main akela aa gaya."
("We thought we'd study today too. But Yuvraj and Rudra were busy, so I came alone.")
Everyone burst out laughing, the idea of vaani studying being almost too good to be true.
Vihaan added with a smirk, "Vaani padhai karegi?"
("Vaani will study?")
"Kyun? Main nahi kar sakti?" Vaani's voice echoed from the staircase.
("Why? Can't I study?")
All eyes turned to the stairs as Vaani walked down gracefully. She looked calm but determined, and her presence immediately caught their attention.
Ritvik exaggeratedly reached out to touch her forehead. "Nahi, tujhe bukhar to nahi hai? Phir achanak se padhai? Kya hua tujhe?"
("No, do you have a fever or something? Then why the sudden urge to study? What's wrong with you?")
Vaani crossed her arms confidently. "Mere bhi exams start hone wale hain."
("My exams are about to start too.")
Accepting her response with amused glances, they all made their way to the sofa, tossing pillows around and settling in. Just as they started chatting again, the bell rang once more.
This time, Ahaan got up and announced, "Main dekhta hoon kaun hai."
("I'll see who it is.")
He opened the door and froze. Standing there were Kriti, Nirma, and Tara ,three very familiar faces, each with raised brows and impatient eyes. Without missing a beat, they exclaimed in perfect unison, "TU!!"
("YOU!")
Before the tension could thicken, Vaani rushed over. Her instincts kicked in,this was no time for drama.
"Hume room mein baat karni chahiye," she said quickly, grabbing their hands and pulling them toward her room.
("We should talk in the room.")
Upstairs, in Vaani's cozy space filled with books, fairy lights, and a soft lavender fragrance, the girls settled themselves, though Tara's eyes still burned with curiosity.
"Yeh yahan kya kar raha hai Vaani?" Tara asked pointedly.
("What is he doing here, Vaani?")
"Arrey, hum sab group study karne waale the na, isiliye maine isse bhi bula liya. Yeh bhi toh mera dost hai na."
("Hey, we were all going to do group study, right? That's why I called him too. He's also my friend, isn't he?")
"Tu kuch zyada hi dosti nahi nibha rahi hai aaj kal?" Tara narrowed her eyes.
("Aren't you being a little too friendly these days?")
"Toh tujhe kyun jalan ho rahi hai?" Ahaan shot back coolly, clearly enjoying her rising anger.
("Then why are you feeling jealous?")
"Main tujhse baat nahi kar rahi hoon." Tara replied curtly, turning her head.
("I'm not talking to you.")
Trying to keep the peace, Vaani raised her hands and stepped in. "Arrey yaar, woh bhi mera dost hai aur tu bhi. Mujhe dono chahiye. Ab jhagda mat karo, mujhe padhna hai."
("Come on, he's my friend and so are you. I want both of you. Don't fight,I need to study.")
The room fell silent for a second as everyone processed her words. And then, the tension melted. First a chuckle, then full-blown laughter filled the space. Even Tara and Ahaan, previously at odds, found themselves laughing along.
Just then, the door creaked open slightly, and Vaani's mother peeked in.
"Kyun chilla rahe ho? Aur haan Vaani, meri meeting start hone waali hai toh awaaz bilkul bhi nahi chahiye."
("Why are you yelling? And Vaani, my meeting is about to start, so there should be no noise at all.")
She gave them a stern look before disappearing down the hall again.
"Theek hai, ab hum sab padhne baithte hain," Tara said, taking charge.
("Alright, let's all sit and start studying now.")
Books were opened, pens clicked, and for a while, the group actually focused. That was until Ahaan groaned loudly.
"Yaar, yeh baaki sab subjects toh theek hain, lekin Maths banane ki kya zarurat thi?"
("Man, the other subjects are fine, but what was the need to include Maths?")
Vaani, flipping through her notebook, paused with a sigh. "Aisa mat bol yaar, ek hi toh subject aata hai. Usme bhi problem hai."
("Don't say that, man. It's the only subject I'm good at. And even that's causing trouble.")
Ahaan looked at her in shock. "Tujhe Maths aata hai?"
("You know Maths?")
With a proud smile, Vaani responded, "Haan, ek wahi subject toh aata hai. Aa, main sikhaati hoon."
("Yes, that's the one subject I actually know. Come on, I'll teach you.")
And just like that, the chaos settled into something surprisingly productive. They spent the next hour studying together, flipping through pages, solving problems, and exchanging notes. For a moment, it felt like the perfect balance between fun and focus,an oddly rare mix for their group.
Just as the clock marked the end of the hour, a spark lit up in Vaani's eyes. A mischievous idea had bloomed in her mind, and judging by her expression, she wasn't about to let it go.
Something fun was definitely about to begin.
We are directly posting chapters without editing it so we are requesting you to read it from Wattpad if you all want refined chapters we are sorry for the inconveniences.
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