Thanku sooo muchhhh lovelies for 1k reads. This means a lot to me. I love you all. Your love and support means everything. Aise hi pyaar dete raho. Aur Votes krte raho plzz.🌷✨🎀

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"ज़रूरी नहीं प्यार शब्दो से जाहिर हों..
और भी कई ज़रिए होते हैं।"

✿⁠✿✿✿

Kiara stood rooted to the spot, frozen. She didn’t even dare to move, let alone speak. It felt as if someone had poured ice-cold water over her. Every gaze in the room felt like a weight pressing down on her, and she cursed herself. Why did I even think of slipping that paper into his bag?

Aarav extended the delicate origami crane toward her, his eyes locked onto her face. She bit her lip, her hands clasped behind her as she gulped, blinking rapidly. Her gaze remained fixed on her shoes. When her eyes finally flickered to the crane in his hand, she slowly let them trail upward—from his fingers to his wrist, his neck, his chin, his lips, his nose—until, finally, they met his eyes.

And in that moment, it wasn’t just her heart that skipped a beat. His did too.

Something clicked. Something undeniable. Is she the one?

But just as quickly as the thought surfaced, Aarav looked away. Blinking twice, then thrice, he gestured toward the crane in his hand. She hesitantly reached out, taking the delicate paper from his grasp.

And then he left.

Just like that.

Kiara felt a pang in her chest. True, she had been terrified of what he might say, afraid of the questions he might ask. But she had never expected this. Not silence. Not him walking away without a single word. It would be a lie to say it didn’t hurt. It did. Deeply. It felt like he had not only ignored her but her feelings too.

She looked down at the crane in her hands. Tears welled up in her eyes. But she swallowed them back with great effort. She wouldn't cry. Not here. Not in front of everyone.

Neil stepped forward, his brows furrowed.

“What is all this?” He looked at Kiara, seeking an explanation.

Vani, Trisha, and Yuvan stood beside her, sensing the weight of the moment. Vani placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Kiara..." she murmured, but she and Trisha gasped when they saw something they had never seen before—tears in Kiara’s eyes.

"Why are you crying?" Trisha asked gently, tilting Kiara’s chin up.

"Kiara, don't cry. I'll talk to Bhai," Yuvan said, trying to console her. He just wanted her to stop hurting.

"Koi mujhe bhi batao... kya ho raha hai? Aur Aarav se kya baat karni hai?" Neil asked again, confused.

Vedant and Rihan exchanged glances, their brows knitting together in uncertainty.

"Vo... I..." Yuvan stammered, unsure of how to explain. His eyes darted toward Kiara, who remained silent, staring at the crane in her hands.

"Arey, bolo?" Vedant pressed.

Before Yuvan could respond, Kiara whispered,

"I love him."

The words were barely audible, but in the silence that followed, they echoed loud and clear.

This wasn’t how she had imagined confessing. But now, there was no escape.

Trisha, Vani, and Yuvan snapped their heads toward her in shock because this was not how she wanted to confess. Neil and Vedant widened their eyes, speechless.

"Him... matlab Aarav?" Neil asked, needing confirmation.

Kiara gave a small nod.

"You love Aarav?" he asked again as if saying it aloud would make it more real.

Another nod.

"Since when?" Vedant finally found his voice.

"Two years," she admitted.

Neil and Vedant’s jaws nearly dropped.

But the one who froze completely was Rihan.

It felt like a dagger had been plunged into his heart.

How? How had he never seen this coming? Was he so lost in admiring her that he failed to notice where her heart truly lay?

Because Rihan—he was the one who had fallen in love with her.

He didn’t know when, he didn’t know how. He just had. He had fallen for her kindness, her carefree spirit, the way she brightened a room without even trying.

And now? Now he realized that while he had been busy falling for her, she had been in love with someone else all along.

His throat tightened. His vision blurred. Why does it hurt this much? Was I that unlucky?

Without a word, he lowered his gaze and slipped away, heading toward the door. He didn’t want anyone to see the emotions battling within him.

But someone did.

Neil’s eyes followed him, a deep frown settling on his face.

✿✿✿✿

In a dimly lit room, Rihan sat on the edge of his bed, his gaze fixed ahead. Across from him, Aarav was engrossed in his book—or at least, that’s what it seemed. Only Aarav knew that while his eyes were on the pages, his mind was elsewhere.

They shared the room, while Neil and Vedant occupied the one next door.

Rihan knew how he had avoided Neil’s questions earlier. Neil had thrown countless inquiries his way, but he had managed to dodge them with half-hearted excuses. Still, he knew the truth wouldn’t stay hidden forever. Sooner or later, Neil would make him speak.

With a quiet sigh, Rihan stood up and grabbed his bag. Just then, a scrapbook slipped from the table and landed on the floor. He picked it up and flipped to the first page, where he had once poured his feelings into every word, writing with a smile on his face. Each sentence held the weight of his love. But now, they were just words—empty and meaningless.

Opening the drawer of his bedside table, his eyes landed on a small bouquet of colourful flowers. He had plucked each flower from the school garden, careful not to be noticed. With his own hands, he had arranged them with love, hoping to propose to her after their performance tomorrow.

But now… how could he?

His gaze flickered towards Aarav, only to find him already staring back with a frown.

"Are you okay?" Aarav asked, his eyes darting between the bouquet and his friend.

To Rihan, Aarav wasn’t just a friend—he was a brother. The same went for Neil and Vedant. The four of them were more than friends; they were family.

And that was exactly why his heart ached.

How could he propose to someone who was already in love with his best friend?

"Rihan!" Aarav called his name, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Hmm? Haa, I'm okay," Rihan replied hastily, placing the bouquet back in its spot. Without a second thought, he grabbed the letter he had written and tore it to pieces, throwing them into the bin.

Aarav’s frown deepened. "That bouquet… and what did you just throw away?"

"Oh, that?" Rihan forced a chuckle. "It was nothing—just a wrong answer I wrote down, so I threw it away. And the bouquet… umm… I had made it for Mom, but I forgot to give it to her." His words stumbled over each other, his excuse sounding unconvincing even to his own ears.

Aarav studied him for a moment before asking again, "Are you really okay?"

"Of course! What could possibly be wrong?" Rihan said, forcing a smile. Then, hesitating for a second, he added, "Aarav… can I ask you something?"

Aarav raised a brow at his friend's unusual behaviour. "Yeah, of course. Why are you asking like that? What's wrong?" He closed his book, walked over to Rihan, and stood beside him near the window.

Rihan hesitated, his fingers tightening around the window ledge. "It’s about what happened in the auditorium today… Kiara—" He stopped for a second before continuing, "Did you know that she has feelings for you?"

Aarav’s brows furrowed. "No… I'm not aware of that."

"But she loves you," Rihan said, tilting his head slightly, his voice firm yet tinged with pain.

Aarav turned to face him. "How are you so sure?"

Rihan averted his gaze, staring out the window into the night. "I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing by telling you this. She has the right to confess her feelings, not me. But…" He sighed, finally looking back at Aarav. "I saw it in her eyes. Love—for you. And she admitted it in front of all of us. She has loved you for the last two years."

His last words came out in a near whisper, as if speaking any louder would make them hurt more.

Aarav stood frozen. Two years? He couldn't believe it.

"You should talk to her," Rihan added quietly. "But you left before she could say anything. She might be hurt." With that, he turned away and climbed into bed.

"Good night," he murmured.

Aarav, still lost in his thoughts, replied, "Good night." He, too, stride towards his own bed.

Lying in bed, his mind raced. Two years… but how? Without ever speaking to me?

Rihan, too, was lost in his own thoughts. Neither of them had any answers.

And before they knew it, sleep slowly claimed them.

✿✿✿✿

The next day, the auditorium buzzed with anticipation as everyone gathered for the fest. Some students were nervous about their performances, while others were confident that they would do their best. Vani and Trisha were especially excited about their performances. Though they were still saddened by what had happened the previous day, they found comfort in Kiara’s reassurance that their friend was fine. Kiara had encouraged them to focus on their performances and give their best.

Last night, Kiara had also given Vani an important piece of advice—she urged her to confess her feelings to Neil before it was too late. Neil had already confessed his love for Vani, but she had yet to express her own feelings.

Today, Vani was determined to finally tell Neil how she felt. However, the lingering sadness for their friend made her hesitate. But after Kiara’s encouraging words, she felt ready—not only for her performance but also for her long-overdue confession.

Behind the stage, all the participants waited for their turn, hearts racing with excitement and nervousness. One by one, students went up to perform, showcasing their talents.

Trisha, too, participated—her art being her chosen medium of expression. She created a breathtaking artwork of Radha and Krishna. The way she captured the depth in their eyes, the divine spark between them—everything about the painting fascinated the audience. As she worked, a serene smile never left her lips, and her own eyes reflected the same sparkle she had painted in Radha and Krishna’s. It was as if their divinity had touched her soul.

The entire audience was mesmerized by her artwork. But Yuvan… Ahmn Ahmn… he was mesmerized by the artist herself. Why? Because, for the first time, he saw a different side of Trisha—the soft glow of happiness on her face, the peaceful expression as she poured her heart into her art. She looked nothing like the fierce, argumentative girl he was used to. This version of Trisha, lost in her art, was enchanting. When she finally finished, the audience erupted in applause, showering her with praise.

Then came the much-awaited dance competition.

As Vani’s turn approached, Neil, without wasting a moment, made a quick excuse to leave his duty of handling the music system with Vedant. Claiming he wasn’t feeling well, he slipped away and joined Aarav and the other students in the audience—just in time to watch Vani’s performance.

🌷(For  better experience, listen to the song 'O Rangrez' while reading this scene.)

The curtains part, revealing Vani, draped in a flowing white traditional outfit. Ghuungroos, in her feet,, chimed with every movement. Neil sits in the second row, unaware of the message woven into her performance. The music begins and she starts to dance, her eyes seeking only his.

ओ रंगरेज़..ओ
रंगरेज़ तेरे रंग दरिया में
ओ रंगरेज़ तेरे रंग दरिया में
डूबना है बस तेरा बन के
हाये नहीं रहना दूजा बन के...

Vani twirled, her arms spreading wide as if surrendering to an unseen force. Her eyes held Neil's gaze, speaking words she could never say aloud. As she danced every moment whispered, ' डूबना है बस तेरा बन के हाये नहीं रहना दूजा बन के....'  She was lost in him, every step a silent promise.

एक भी सांस अलग नहीं लेनी
एक भी सांस अलग नहीं लेनी खेंच
लेना प्राण इस तन के हाए
नहीं रहना दूजा बनके...

She danced closer, her hands tracing unseen patterns in the air weaving an invisible thread between them. Her heart pounded as she swayed, willing him to understand----her every existence intertwined with him. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she spun gracefully. The fabric of her dress fanned out like a blooming flower.

अपने ही रंग में मुझको रंग दे धीमे

धीमे रंग में मुझको रंग दे
सौंधे सौंधे रंग में मुझको रंग दे
रंग देना, रंग देना, रंग दे ना..

With delicate footwork, Vani stepped forward. Her hands folded as if offering herself to the moment. Her eyes never left Neil's, shimmering with an emotion too deep for words. The stage lights dimmed slightly, creating an ethereal glow around her as she whispered through her movements----- रंग देना, रंग देना, रंग देना....'  She realised that she wanted only to be his, to be coloured in his love forever.

घुंघरू है तू, मैं तो हूं पांव पिया
चानना नाना
पीपल तू, मैं तो हूं छांव पिया
तभी हूं मगन...

नैनों में बसे ख्वाब तेरे लहराए
झलके छलके छलके रे
पार से हल्के हल्के
अपने ही रंग में...

Her ghungroo chimed with every beat, a rhythm only he could hear. As she spun near the edge of the stage, her fingers lightly brushed in the air in his direction as if touching an invisible thread connecting them. The lyrics wrapped around them like a secret embrace---- नैनों में बसे ख्वाब तेरे लहराए...'  Her love was unspoken, yet it is danced before him, Undeniable.  Neil's heart skipped a beat as realisation dawned. This is not just a dance. This is for him. A confession. His finger tightens around the armrest of his chair.

माला में आ तुझको पीरो लूं
तुझे पहनूं साजन होठों में

आ सरगम सा बोलूं
तुझे रात दूं साजन...

सजन तीस मेरे पीस दे मुझमें ही
घुल जा, मिल जा, मिल जा सजना
पिघल के मिल जा, मिल जा..
अपने ही रंग में.. हूं..

Vani's movements slowed, her hands coming together in a delicate embrace as if holding an invisible garland meant only for him. Her lips parted slightly, forming silent words just for him---- तुझे पहनूं सजन होठों पे आ सरगम सा बोलूं...' He was her melody, her rhythms and their unspoken vow.
'सजन तीस मेरे पीस दे मुझमें ही घुल जा, मिल जा, मिला सजना...' Her dance reached its crescendo, movements turning softer, more intimate. The music swelled, her body swaying as if carried away by the ties of her own confession. With one final twirl, she stopped right at the edge of the stage, her gaze locked onto Neil's. Her chest rises and falls with the depth of her emotions.

अपने ही रंग में मुझको रंग दे धीमे
धीमे रंग में मुझको रंग दे
सौंधे सौंधे रंग में मुझको रंग दे रंग
देना, रंग देना, रंग दे ना..

हो....
अपने ही रंग में मुझको रंग दे धीमे
धीमे रंग में मुझको रंग दे
सौंधे सौंधे रंग में मुझको रंग
दे ना, रंग दे ना, रंग दे ना...

As the last note lingered in the air, Vani stepped forward, then spun and returned to her position, taking one deep breath. Her hands slowly lowered as she stepped back into the shadows of the stage. But her eyes never left his. Waiting, hopping, pleading. Did he understand? Did he hear or see the love hidden within every step, every turn, every whispered note?

Applause erupted. But he didn't clap. For a moment everything stops. He swallowed, his heart hammering. And then almost, instinctively, his lips curl into a soft, knowing smile. He lifts his hand slightly, just enough that she sees it. A silent acknowledgement, an unspoken promise.

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