The tree branches swayed slightly ,rustling like they were giggling at the chaos they were witnessing. After climbing the tree, realization hit Vaani like a bucket of cold water. She only knew how to climb not how to get down.
Her heart dropped. Her eyes widened slightly, and she gulped, carefully adjusting her grip on the branch beside her. From the ground, Nirma's voice rang out like a warning bell.
"Kya kar rahi hai Vaani? Niche utar ja, hum bhi aate hain!" Nirma shouted from below, craning her neck.
(What are you doing Vaani? Come down, we'll also climb!)
Tara immediately gave her a light tapli (a flick on the head) and whispered, "Dheere bol, koi sun lega."
(Speak softly, someone might hear us.)
Vaani bit her lip. She could feel a light sweat forming on her forehead. She knew that if anyone could find a way out of this mess, it was only one person Tara. She cupped her hands and shouted, "Tara!"
"Kya hai?" Tara looked up, annoyed.
(What?)
"Upar aana... dekh kitna accha view hai!" Vaani said, trying to divert the conversation.(Come up... look at how nice the view is!)
"Tu niche utregi tabhi na hum aayenge." Tara responded smartly.
(We'll come up only when you come down.)
Vaani mumbled to herself, "Isko kaise bataun... niche utarna nahi aata."
(How do I tell her... I don't know how to get down.)
"Kya boli? Kuch sunai nahi diya!" Tara asked, squinting.
("What did you say I couldn't hear!")
"Tu bhi upar aa ja, bas. Aur kuch nahi." Vaani said louder, avoiding the topic.
(You just came up. That's it.)
With a sigh, Tara grabbed onto the lower branch and climbed up swiftly. In moments, she was beside Vaani.
She looked around and wrinkled her nose. "Kya accha hai ismein? Samne school, peeche dhaba. Chal utar ab."
(What's so good about this? School in front, canteen at the back. Let's go down now.)
"Utarna nahi aata." Vaani admitted in a tiny voice, meant only for Tara to hear.
("I don't know how to get down")
Meanwhile, on the ground, Kriti caught something from the corner of her eye. Her eyes widened as she saw Watchman Uncle approaching the tree. She urgently tapped Nirma on the shoulder and whispered, "Watchman uncle aa rahe hai!"
(The watchman uncle is coming!)
Rudra and Yuvraj also noticed. Without a word, they grabbed Ahaan and pulled him behind the tree. The five of them crouched together, hiding among the leaves and shadows.
Back on the branch, Tara's mouth dropped open. "Kya?!" she exclaimed.
(What?!)
Vaani could only nod, guilt painted all over her face.
"Ab kya karein?" Tara asked, panic rising in her tone.
(Now what do we do?)
"Tujhe to aata hoga na? Tu topper hai!" Vaani accused.
(You must know how to get down, right? You're the topper!)
"Ped pe baith kar nahi padhti main!" Tara snapped.
(I don't study sitting on trees!)
Frustrated, Tara looked around and finally spotted a ladder resting against the boundary wall.
"Woh dekh! Wahan seedi hai!" she exclaimed.
(Look over there! There's a ladder!)
"Haan toh?" Vaani asked, still clueless.
(So what?)
Tara rolled her eyes and gave her another tapli. "Toh hum usse utar sakte hain!"
(So we can use it to climb down!)
"Oh! Haan. Main Ahaan ko bolti hoon." Vaani said with sudden hope.
(Oh! Right. I'll call Ahaan.)
She looked down, but her smile dropped. There was no one there except Watchman Uncle, standing with folded arms and staring up at them.
"Ab toh gaye." Vaani whispered.
(Now we're done.)
"Nahi, yeh uncle acche hain. Kuch nahi karenge." Tara said with hope.
(No, he's nice. He won't do anything.)
"Hote... agar maine subah woh harkat nahi ki hoti toh." Vaani said guiltily.
(Would be... if I hadn't done that thing in the morning.)
Tara raised an eyebrow. "Tune phir kuch kiya hai?"
(What did you do again?)
Vaani's eyes were fixed on the ground more specifically, on Watchman Uncle, who stood with his arms tightly folded, staring directly up at them like a parent who had seen everything.
And in that moment, reality came crashing down.
Vaani's breath caught in her throat as her mind dragged her back to this morning.
Uncle had tried to stop her. He had called after her, his voice stern but not unkind. She'd ignored it because she was late.
Now, sitting helpless on a tree branch, that same man was the only one in sight.
Vaani's heart thudded in her chest.
If she had just shown a little respect... if she had just greeted him properly, explained herself like any sensible student maybe things would have been different. Maybe he would've looked at her now with concern, not quiet judgment.
But that ship had sailed.
"Tum dono upar kya kar rahe ho?" Watchman Uncle called out while raising his brows .
(What are you both doing up there?)
Vaani quickly shouted back, "Apple tod rahe hain!"
(We're picking apples!)
Watchman Uncle looked up at the mango tree with a dry stare. "Waah! Aam ke ped pe apple. Sahi hai, accha future hai tumhara." (Wow! Apples on a mango tree. Great. You have a bright future.)
"Thank you, uncle!" Vaani replied, completely ignoring the sarcasm.
"Beta, woh dekho peechhe kya hai." Watchman uncle said
(Look behind you, kid.)
"Kya?" Vaani asked, still smiling.
("What?")
"Principal Sir." He said clearly enjoyed the view.
Both Tara and Vaani turned pale as they looked behind and saw the Principal Sir walking toward them, fury evident on his face.
"Both of you! What are you doing here?!" Principal Sir shouted.
"Sir, woh... apple tod rahe the." Watchman Uncle replied awkwardly.
("Sir, actually....they were plucking apples".)
"What rubbish!" The principal said angrily.
"Aisa main nahi, woh bol rahi hai." Watchman pointed at Vaani.
(I'm not saying it, she is.)
"Both of you, come down right now!" Principal Sir ordered.
"We can't, sir." they both replied nervously.
"How dare you say no to me?!" He snapped at them.
Tara quickly added, "We mean, sir... we know only how to climb." She sounded embarrassed.
Principal Sir massaged his temples. "Watchman, bring that ladder here."
"Okay, sir," the watchman complied and fetched the ladder.
Once they were down, Tara immediately apologized. "Sorry, sir."
"Would you like to explain why you both did that?" he asked, visibly trying to control his temper.
Vaani looked over and spotted her entire gang hiding behind the tree... laughing.
"Aur hase toh muh tod dungi!"she shouted.
(If you laugh again, I'll break your face!)
"Behave yourself!" Principal Sir roared.
"Sorry sir, but they were laughing at us." Vaani said, pointing toward the tree.
Principal Sir turned and noticed the students peeking. "All of you, come to my office. Now. Which class are you from?"
"12th A, sir." Ahaan responded.
As they walked toward the principal's office, the mood was grim.
"Yaar, is baar toh bura phas gaye." Nirma whispered.
(We're really in trouble this time.)
"Ab kya karein?" Kriti asked.
("Now what should we do?")
"Mana toh nahi kar sakte." Vaani said while smirking.
(We can't say no.)
"Chup Vaani, is time pe bhi masti!" Tara hissed.
(Quiet, Vaani! Still joking at a time like this?)
"Toh kya Principal Sir ko bol dein hum nahi aa rahe?" Vaani asked sarcastically.
(So what, we tell the Principal we won't come?)
"Chup ho jao sab! Socho aage kya karna hai." Yuvraj ordered.
(Shut up everyone, let's think what to do next)
"Pehle office mein chalo, shanti se." Ahaan said calmly.
(First let's go to the office quietly)
"Okay, chalo." Rudra nodded.
("Okay, let's go")
They entered the office.And saw that the principal sir was calling asha miss to come into the office.
All of them realised and said together "Sorry, sir."
"I don't want your sorry." Principal Sir said coldly.
Just then, Mrs. Rao knocked. "Can I come in, sir?"
"What's this behaviour, Mrs. Rao? Students are bunking your class and you don't even know?! Can't you handle a single class or should I replace you?!"
"Sorry, sir. This will never happen again, I promise." she said in a small, apologetic voice.
"You're the ideal teacher of this school and now this?!" His voice laced with anger.
"Sir... it's my fault students aren't interested in my lecture. I will work on myself." She said Guilt all over her face.
"Go and take your lecture now."
She left glancing at them one last time. Principal Sir turned back to the students. "I was proud that the head boy and head girl came from the same class. But now I wish I could eliminate both from the election."
The words hit hard. Vaani felt her stomach twist with guilt. Her throat went dry. She stepped forward.
"Sir... it was all my fault. I told them to come."
Ahaan stood beside her. "No sir, it was my plan."
Yuvraj added, "Climbing the tree was my idea."
"And bunking the lecture was mine." Tara said, honestly.
Kriti spoke last. "It's not Mrs. Rao's fault, sir. She's a great teacher. We're just... irresponsible students."
Principal Sir exhaled sharply. "Bring your parents tomorrow. For today, you are not only suspended from my office but from the school. Leave now. Come tomorrow with your parents only."
They left, the bell ringing in the distance.
Outside the school gate:
"I'm really sorry, guys... Agar maine idea nahi diya hota toh hum sab class mein hote." Vaani said, eyes downcast.
("I'm really sorry guys... If I hadn't suggested that idea then all of us would be in class.")
"You gave the idea, but we didn't say no either." Kriti replied gently.
"Kaash kar dete." Vaani muttered.
("If only would have done.")
"Haan, taaki tu akeli enjoy karti." Ahaan teased.
("Yess, so that you could have enjoyed it alone.")
"Aur main akeli suspend hoti." Vaani said, rolling her eyes.
(And i would have been suspended alone.")
"Unhone humein suspend nahi kiya." Rudra said.
("They haven't suspended us.")
"Half-day ke liye toh bhej diya na." Vaani pointed out.
("But Send off us as half day.")
"Jaroori thodi hai har baar tera plan work kare." Nirma said, half-laughing.
("It's not necessary that a plan will work every time")
"Jab masti saath mein karte hain, to punishment bhi jhel lenge." Yuvraj said.
"Chalo, kuch khaate hain." Tara said, smiling and looking at Vaani.
("Let's go eat something.")
The group walked toward the dhaba, laughing and bickering.
As they entered, the warm smell of butter and masala filled the air. Wooden benches creaked under their weight as each one took their seat, forming a rough circle of slumped shoulders, restless feet, and anxious glances.
But tara and vaani? They were still standing near the dhaba when the silence between them began to feel heavier than usual.
"Sorry yaar... aaj Sir ne teri aur Ahaan ki post par ungli uthayi." Vaani said softly.
("Sorry yaar...Today Sir pointed fingers at your and Ahaan's post")
"Ungli karenge toh ungli uthegi hi na." Tara replied with a soft smile.
("If they point fingers, fingers will be raised in return, right?")
"Lekin aaj unlogo ko bhi dant padi hai jinki koi galti bhi nahi thi," Vaani said, her tone edged with guilt.
.her voice, low but sharp, cut the silence
(But even those who had done nothing wrong got scolded today.)
She was clearly still holding onto what had happened .
Tara shot her a side glance, faking annoyance but her lips were curled in amusement.
"Tune meri place kab se leli?" Tara said, raising her eyebrows.
(Since when did you take my place?)
Vaani blinked in confusion, turning her head toward Tara.
"Matlab?" Vaani asked, a little lost.
(What do you mean?)
Tara waved her hand dismissively, shaking her head as she began walking inside dhaba.
"Nahi aise toh main puchti hu. Ab chal."
(No, I'm usually the one saying that. Now come on.)
They reached the broken corner behind the wall, crossed over carefully, and in a few minutes, the group settled. A makeshift plastic canopy shielded them from the sun while the smell of fried snacks and spices clung to the air. Steel glasses clinked in the background as waiters darted between tables.
They sat at a corner table,
Yuvraj leaned forward, looking at the menu and then at Vaani.
"Kya khaegi Vaani?" he asked casually.
(What will you eat, Vaani?)
But her reply was unexpected. She didn't even look at the menu.
"Nahi mujhe kuch nahi khana."
(No, I don't want to eat anything.)
The table went still for a moment.
Everyone froze. Ahaan, who had just taken a sip of water, nearly choked.
He turned to Rudra and dramatically placed his palm on his cheek like a news reporter about to break shocking headlines.
"Gore se dekhiye, yehi hai Vaani Kapoor jinko sote, jagte, rote, haste, gaate, nachte bhukh lagi rehti hai. Vo aaj khane se mana kar rahi hai. Kya ye unka man hai ya koi saazish? Janne ke liye bane rahiye."
(Look closely, this is Vaani Kapoor the same girl who's hungry while sleeping, crying, laughing, dancing, even breathing and today she refuses to eat. Is this pride or a conspiracy? Stay tuned to find out.)
Rudra raised an imaginary camera to his eye and pretended to zoom in on Vaani, following Ahaan's lead with a grin on his face.
The group chuckled half-heartedly, trying to lighten the mood, but Vaani didn't react.
Vaani leaned forward, "Ahaan, main serious hu."
(Ahaan, I'm serious.)
Her voice was quiet but sincere, with just a hint of exhaustion in it. Everyone went silent for a moment.
Tara narrowed her eyes, reading her best friend's face carefully.
"Kaunse hospital mein?"
(Which hospital?)
The sarcasm wasn't lost, but her tone held concern.
Before Vaani could answer, Nirma clapped her hands together as if to snap everyone out of the mood.
"Chill kar bro, jo hona tha vo ho gaya."
(Chill, bro. What's done is done.)
Kriti, who had been silent for a while, finally smiled faintly.
"Haan, aur ab mai mana nahi karungi."
(Yeah, and now I won't say no to food either.)
Tara looked around the table, her face regaining its usual sharpness.
"Ab kya karna hai ye bata."
(Now tell us what we need to do.)
Vaani took a deep breath. The mood had lightened slightly, and she could finally think straight again.
"Thik hai. Abhi to order karna hai. Khane ke baad batati hu."
(Alright. First let's order. I'll tell you after eating.)
"Thik hai, kya khaegi?" Ahaan asked, finally getting a more normal answer.
(Alright, what will you eat?)
Menus were passed around and orders were placed samosas, Maggi, chai, extra chutney, two plates of pav bhaji, and of course, a round of cold drinks. The waiter scribbled quickly and walked away, his flip-flops flapping as he left.
After everyone had eaten, wiping their hands on tissues and smacking their lips in satisfaction, Rudra leaned back in his chair and suddenly said:
"Dekho!"
(Look!)
Everyone turned toward him, startled, but before he could continue, Vaani cut him off. "Kisko?"
(Look at who?)
"Mera matlab suno." Rudra clarified, rolling his eyes.
(I mean, listen to me.)
"Sunao." Yuvraj nodded.
(Go on.)
"Thik hai, to dekho-" Rudra started again.
(Okay, so look)
"Yaar tu decide kar, sunne ki dekhe?" Ahaan interrupted, laughing.
(Dude, decide whether we should look or listen!)
Tara, tired of the interruptions, raised a hand to silence everyone.
"Koi kuch mat bolo. Vo jo bol raha hai use suno."
(No one speaks. Just listen to what he's saying.)
Rudra exhaled, grateful for Tara's support.
"Thank you, Tara. Main yah keh raha tha ki kuch to rasta nikalna padega. Parents ko nahi bula sakte."
(Thank you, Tara. What I was saying is that we have to find a way out. We can't call the parents.)
The weight of the statement settled over the group. Silence again followed
Nirma spoke up, tapping her fingers on the table determination on her face. "Tum log apna dekh lo. Main to apne chhote bhai nayan ko lekar aaungi."
("You all figure out your own. I'll bring my little brother nayan")
Ahaan nodded thoughtfully. "Yeh sahi hai. Main Ekansh bhaiya ko lekar aaunga. Thoda manana padega, fir bhi."
("That's smart. I'll bring Ekansh bhaiya. Will have to convince him a bit though.")
Vaani looked at Tara now. Her voice was more composed, more strategic. "Tara, tu ek kaam kar."
("Tara, do one thing.")
Tara raised an eyebrow. "Kya?"
("What?")
"Vo meri mummy ka beta hai na, tu unko mana lena. Main mera dekh loongi." ("He's my mom's son, right? You convince him. I'll handle my part.")
Tara crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow and sighed. "Tu kiske sath aayegi?"
("Who will you come with?")
Vaani smirked slightly. "Baad mein bataoongi."
("I'll tell you later.")
Kriti and Yuvraj, still chewing on leftover papad, glanced at each other and spoke in sync:
"Hum kya kare?"
(What should we do?)
Rudra nodded too.
Vaani pointed dramatically.
"Vihaan aur Ayaan hai na? Ek ko tu le le aur ek ko tu."
(Vihaan and Ayaan, right? You take one, and you take the other.)
Kriti raised a hand timidly.
"Aur mera kya?"
(And what about me?)
Before anyone else could answer, Ahaan smiled, already ready:
"Tu mere sath aaja."
(Come with me.)
"Kahan?" Kriti asked, frowning.
(Where?)
Ahaan clarified with a sheepish grin:
"Mera matlab, tu aur mai Ekansh bhaiya ke sath aayenge."
(I mean, you and I will go with Ekansh bhaiya.)
Rudra tapped the table nervously.
"Lekin inko manayenge kaise?"
(But how will we convince them?)
That's when Tara straightened her back, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Ek idea."
(An idea.)
Everyone immediately looked at her heads tilted, ears open, expressions questioning.
"Kal Ritvik bhaiya jaane wale hai na?"
(Ritvik bhaiya is leaving tomorrow, right?)
"Haan! Finally," Vaani said, almost cutting her off in excitement.
"Chup!" Tara shot a warning glare.
(Quiet!)
Then she continued with full command:
"To Ahaan, tu Ekansh bhaiya ko aur Yuvraj, tu Vihaan bhaiya ko aur Rudra, tu Ayaan bhaiya ko call karke kehna ki hum Ritvik bhaiya ko surprise party de rahe hai."
(So Ahaan, you call Ekansh bhaiya; Yuvraj, you call Vihaan bhaiya; and Rudra, you call Ayaan bhaiya and tell them we're throwing a goodbye party for Ritvik bhaiya.)
Vaani raised her hand, voice laced with dry sarcasm:
"Aur mere mummy ke bete ka kya?"
(And what about my mum's beloved son?)
Tara rolled her eyes.
"Unhe mai bol dungi."
(I'll tell him.)
Kriti pulled out her phone, typing notes like a secretary.
"Thik hai. Shaam ko 4 baje... Bruster cafe
(Alright. 4 PM sharp...)
After paying the bill splitting it between dramatic complaints and generous gestures the group finally left, each of them walking home with heads buzzing from plans, mischief, and the knowledge that tomorrow... the real drama was only just beginning.
Ahaan's Home
The front door creaked slightly as Ahaan pushed it open. A wave of cool air hit his face as he stepped inside. The familiar scent of his mother's sandalwood incense still lingered faintly in the air. His backpack swung lazily behind him, nearly slipping off his shoulder as he heard footsteps coming from the hallway.
Just as Ahaan stepped onto the living room rug, he spotted Ekansh, his older brother, heading towards his room, towel slung around his neck, probably fresh after workout. Without a second thought, a wide grin spread across Ahaan's face.
He broke into a sprint.
"Bhaiyaaaa!" he yelled, and before Ekansh could turn around, Ahaan jumped and landed on his back like a koala.
Ekansh stumbled a bit, caught off guard, but then laughed and effortlessly held Ahaan up, used to his little brother's sudden bursts of affection.
"Kya hua?" Ekansh asked, chuckling as he adjusted Ahaan on his back.
(What happened?)
"Kuch nahi. Jaruri hai ,kuch kaam ho to hi aapke paas aau?" Ahaan said,still hugging him from behind.
(Nothing. Is it necessary that I come to you only when I need something?)
Ekansh tilted his head, amused by the reply. He started walking toward his room, Ahaan still clinging like a child.
"Nahi, lekin tu to isliye aaya hai." Ekansh teased, setting Ahaan down as they entered his room.
(No, but that's why you've come, right?)
"Han baat to sahi hai." Ahaan replied sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
(Well, that's not wrong.)
Ekansh sank into his chair, spinning lightly as he waited for the real reason. He was used to Ahaan's drama it always came before a favour.
"Kya hua, bol." he prompted again, stretching his legs.
(What happened, tell me.)
Ahaan jumped onto the bed, lying upside down with his head dangling off the edge, watching the fan whirl above.
"Vo aaj na humne Ritvik bhaiya ke liye party rakhi hai. To aap bhi chalenga na?"
(So today, we've planned a party for Ritvik bhaiya. You'll come too, right?)
Ekansh raised an eyebrow, pretending to be suspicious.
"Aur ye 'hum' kaun hai?" he asked, reclining in his chair.
(And who is this 'we'?)
"Hum matlab main, Rudra, Nirma, Kriti, Yuvraj, Vaani... Han aur vo bhi."
('We' means me, Rudra, Nirma, Kriti, Yuvraj, Vaani... and that one too.)
"Vo kaun?" Ekansh asked, already knowing the answer. He smirked knowingly, fully expecting the name.
(Who's that?)
"Vo miss rule book." Ahaan mumbled, trying to suppress his annoyed face.
(Miss rule book.)
Ekansh laughed out loud this time. His guess had been right. Tara.
"Thik hai. Kitne baje jana hai?"
(Alright. What time do we need to leave?)
"4 baje." Ahaan replied quickly.
(4 PM.)
"Ja, fresh ho ja. Fir chalte hai." Ekansh nodded.
(Go freshen up. Then we'll go.)
Ahaan smiled brightly, heart a little lighter now that step one of the plan was complete. He rushed off to his room, already planning what to wear, humming a random tune under his breath.
Yuvraj's Home
The fan above whirred lazily as Yuvraj changed into his more casual outfit soft cotton shirt and grey joggers. His school uniform lay crumpled on the chair, abandoned. He picked up his phone, his thumbs moving fast as he opened his messaging app. The digital clock on the table blinked "2:39 PM."
His screen lit up with the contact name: Vihaan Bhaiya.
He began typing.
Y: Hii bhaiya.👋
(Hi, bhaiya.)
Yuvraj smiled when the "typing..." indicator appeared almost instantly. Vihaan was online.
V: Bol.
(Say.)
Y: Vo aaj Ritvik bhaiya ke liye surprise party rakhi hai.
(So today we've kept a goodbye party for Ritvik bhaiya.)
A pause.
V: Ooh, to contribution chahiye?
(Oh, so you want a contribution?)
Yuvraj chuckled to himself, shaking his head.
Y: Nahi.
(No.)
V: To kya chahiye?
(Then what do you need?)
Y: Aap.
(You.)
V: Kya!? 😱
(What!?)
Yuvraj slapped a hand over his mouth to hold back laughter before correcting himself.
Y: Mera matlab aap bhi aaiye.
(I mean, you should come too.)
V: Kaun kaun aa raha hai?
(Who all are coming?)
Y: Sab aa rahe hai. Aur Kriti bhi.
(Everyone's coming. And Kriti too.)
Vihaan took a moment to reply, then:
V: Thik hai. Kitne baje?
(Alright. What time?)
Y: 4 baje.
(4 PM.)
Yuvraj exhaled with a sense of victory. One more tick off their mission list. He placed his phone aside and flopped back on the bed.
The clock now blinked at 2:45 PM.
He stretched, eyes heavy from the day's drama and the spicy lunch from the dhaba.
"Thodi der so leta hoon," he murmured to himself as he pulled a cushion under his head.
(Let me nap for a bit.)
Within minutes, he was curled up on his side, lost in the nap.
At Rudra's Home
The house was unnaturally quiet. Only the faint humming of the ceiling fan filled the space as Rudra sat on the edge of the sofa, elbows on knees, eyes glued to the wall clock. It ticked away steadily 2:45 PM.
His leg bounced nervously. He had already checked his phone four times in the last ten minutes, rehearsed what he had to say to Ayaan bhaiya, and mentally calculated how long it would take him to reach the meeting spot. Yet he sat frozen.
Just then, his mother walked out from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. She noticed her son's stillness.
"Kya hua? Ghadi kyun dekh raha hai?"
(What happened? Why are you staring at the clock?)
Rudra looked up with a faint, distracted smile. He didn't answer. He didn't want to lie to her, but he wasn't ready to explain either.
(It's not just the time, Mom... It's everything that's coming with it.) he thought to himself.
He gave her a small shake of the head as if to say "nothing serious", and got up to grab his phone.
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