"वो प्यार, प्यार ही क्या जो कैद बन जाए...
सच्चा प्यार तो वो है, जिसमें दो रूहें आज़ाद हो जाए।"

✿✿✿✿

The stage lights dimmed, leaving a softv golden hue over Kiara and Rihan as they stood facing the audience. The audience whispered among themselves as the music started, setting the melancholic
Yet soothing tone. Aarav sat Somewhere in the middle rows, hand clasped, eyes shifting between the stage and the floor, uncertain of what he felt. Rihan stood tall, his heart pounding not with the stage fright but with the weight of his unspoken feelings. Kiara stood beside him, guitar in her hands and took a deep breath. Her gaze scanned the crowd until it rested on Aarav, but she instantly diverted her gaze.

And then the first note played.

Maana ke hum yaar nahin
Lo tay hai ke pyaar nahin....x2

Kiara's voice was gentle yet firm, her eyes searching Aarav's face, trying to understand the silence he had given her.
Every word she sang carried an ache. An unfulfilled longing.

Rihan, on the other hand, sang with restraint. His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed his emotions as he looked at Kiara. This song was not just a melody; it was truth, a silent confession.

Phir bhi nazrein na tum milaana
Dil ka aitbaar nahi
Maana ke hum yaar nahi…

Kiara's gaze wavered, unsure whether to meet Aarav's eyes or look away. But he wasn't looking at her at least--- not when she needed him to. Meanwhile, Rihan's voice softened as he sang, his eyes occasionally lingering on Kiara. His heart knew Kiara's pain----- loving someone who didn't see you that way.

Raaste mein jo milo toh
Haath milaane ruk jaana
Ho…
Saath mein koi ho tumhare
Door se hi tum muskaana...

As the song continued, Kiara's voice carried a gentle plea. Her Voice took on a lighter tone as if she was reasoning with herself. Maybe things would be so awkward. Maybe she and Aarav could still share fleeting moments of familiarity.

Rihan's voice was deeper and steadier, almost pleading if nothing else; he wanted to be acknowledged. Even if she never loved him, he didn't want to be invisible.

Aarav from the audience felt the wave of those lines. His fingers curled slightly on his lap. He could feel her words directed at him. But did he even deserve them? Rihan, however, sang this line differently. He wasn't just addressing Kiara ---- he was telling himself to be okay with watching her love someone else.

Lekin muskaan ho aisi
Ki jisme ikraar nahi (x2)

Nazron se na karna tum bayaan
Woh jis’se inkaar nahi
Maana ke hum yaar nahi…

Kiara's voice trembled slightly as she held onto the note, her smile faltering. Aarav saw it---- her hesitation, the unsaid words behind her eyes. Rihan's voice, meanwhile, was controlled but held a quiet resignation. He could smile for her, but he wouldn't let his love slip through.

The audience was silent, mesmerized. Kiara and Rihan stood close, yet emotionally distant. Their voice weaving, bittersweet melody. Aarav clenched his jaw, feeling something stir inside him---- guilt, regret or maybe something he wasn't ready to name.

Phool jo band hai panno mein
Tum usko dhool bana dena

Baat chhide jo meri kahin
Tum usko bhool bataa dena

Lekin wo bhool ho aisi
Jis’se bezaar nahin...x2

When Rihan sang, there was a quiet heartbreak in his voice. As if telling her/himself that some memories refuse to turn to dust. Kiara's voice was almost a whisper now as if letting go of the past. If Aarav couldn't accept her feelings, she had to bury them.

When Kiara sang the next line, her lips curved into a faint, sad smile. Maybe she had to be forgotten too. Aarav swallowed hard.

Did he want to forget?

Did he want her to forget?

Rihan, however, sang this line with a different weight---- he was telling himself to let go of the love he has never confessed. Rihan's voice softened as he turned his head slightly, stealing one last glance at Kiara.

Tu jo soye toh meri tarah
Ik pal ko bhi karaar nahin
Maana ki hum yaar nahi…

The final note lingered in the air. Kiara's voice held raw emotions, her eyes fixed on Aarav, hoping for something---- anything---- from him. But he sat there, frozen in his own turmoil.

Rihan, on the other hand, sang this line nothing for Kiara but for himself. If she would lose sleep over Aarav. He would lose sleep over her.

As the song ended, the auditorium erupted in applause, but for the three of them, the moment remained frozen. Kiara looked at Aarav one last time, her eyes filled with questions. Aarav looked down, unable to meet her gaze. He wanted to say something, but he didn't move, as if realizing---- too late, that he might have just lost something he never fully understood.

And Rihan? He just smiled a bittersweet smile, because he already knew how this story would end.

Rihan was the first to retreat behind the stage, his heart heavy with unspoken emotions. Kiara followed shortly after.

One thing had become painfully clear to him—he had found someone to love. But both the timing and the person were wrong. He didn’t want Kiara to feel the way he did. He had seen love in her eyes, but it wasn’t for him. A dull ache settled in his chest as reality hit him hard—she was never meant to be his.

The results were announced soon after. Trisha won the art competition, leaving everyone mesmerized by her talent. Vani emerged victorious in the dance competition. With only a few students participating in the fest, every contestant received a prize for showcasing their skills. In the singing competition, there were only two participants—Kiara and Rihan. Both were awarded prizes by the principal.

Afterwards, they stepped into the green room, where other participants were already present. Trisha, upon spotting Kiara, rushed to her and hugged her tightly.

“You sang beautifully,” she praised, her excitement evident. Then, turning to Rihan, she added, “And you! I heard your singing for the first time. Your voice is magical.”

Rihan offered her a small smile. “Thanks,” he murmured before excusing himself and settling into a chair in the corner.

Moments later, Neil entered the room. He was there to meet Vani, of course, but she was nowhere to be seen. Spotting Trisha sitting with Kiara, he approached them.

“Trisha… umm… where’s Vani?” he asked. His question immediately caught the attention of the others in the room.

Trisha smirked, fully aware of what was going on. “She went to the washroom,” she answered, watching him with teasing eyes.

“Oh… okay.” Neil tried to ignore the amused expression on her face.

As his gaze wandered around the room, he noticed Rihan sitting alone, hunched forward with his elbows on his knees and his head lowered. Frowning, Neil strode toward him and sat beside him, playfully bumping his shoulder.

“Kya hua? Why do you look so down? Your performance went well, just like always,” Neil said, placing an arm on Rihan’s shoulder.

Rihan straightened slightly, forcing a small smile. “Nothing… just…” His words trailed off as soft giggles caught his attention.

His eyes flickered toward Kiara, who was laughing with Trisha over something. His heart clenched. If this was never meant to be, why did fate make him feel this way?

Neil followed his gaze, and something clicked in his mind. He had noticed slight changes in Rihan’s behaviour lately, but now, everything made sense.

“I know something’s up,” Neil said, pointing a finger at him. “Tell me the truth. And don’t even think about lying.”

“There’s nothing—”

“Sach bolega? No? Fine, I’ll guess,” Neil cut him off. His tone suggested he already had an idea.

“Let’s see… you’re in love with someone?” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

Rihan’s eyes widened in shock. He never expected Neil to guess it right—on the first attempt, no less. But he quickly shook his head in denial.

“Don’t lie. I’ve been in your shoes before,” Neil smirked.

“Been?” Rihan asked, his curiosity piqued. “Wait… did she say yes?”

Neil nodded, a grin spreading across his face.

Rihan’s surprise melted into happiness for his friend. Despite his own pain, he was genuinely glad for him. “That’s great. I’m happy for you.”

Rihan already knew everything because Neel himself told him. He did not tell Vedant and Aarav because of Vani.

“Thanks. But now, let’s get back to you.” Neil leaned closer. “Who’s the girl?”

Rihan’s gaze unknowingly drifted toward Kiara, sitting a few feet away with Trisha.

Neil followed his line of sight and tapped his chin in thought. “Umm… Trisha?” he guessed with slight hesitation.

Rihan scoffed, wrinkling his forehead. “Shut up. She’s like a sister to me.”

Neil made an ‘Oh’ shape with his mouth before glancing back at the only other girl sitting there—Kiara. His eyes snapped back to Rihan.

“Ki… Kiara?” he whispered.

Rihan didn’t answer. Instead, he lowered his head again. That was all the confirmation Neil needed.

Before they could say anything else, Their eyes flickered toward the door, where Aarav stood beside Vani. However, Aarav didn’t notice her presence; his entire focus was on the two boys. Vani had been heading toward the green room, but when she heard Kiara’s name in their conversation, she stopped in her tracks.

Aarav had come here to find them, but what he overheard only deepened his confusion. His mind raced with thoughts, and he had been determined to talk to Kiara. But now, he was more uncertain than ever. Without saying a word, he turned to leave.

(*Bhagta hi rehta hai!)

Rihan immediately got up and rushed after Aarav. Neil started to follow but then hesitated, turning toward Vani instead. He wanted to speak with her, but----

"I’ll talk to you later," he said with a small smile before walking away.

Vani entered the room and sat down on one of the chairs near her friends. She was utterly baffled by everything that was happening. Looking at Kiara, she saw that her friend was already watching her intently.

"What happened?" Kiara asked, noticing Vani’s unreadable expression.

Should I tell her everything? What if she gets upset? She’s already hurt.

"Oh, just say it already! What’s wrong with everyone these days? Everyone always looks so lost," Trisha said in confusion.

Taking a deep breath, Vani explained everything to both of them. She anxiously turned to Kiara, waiting for her reaction.

Kiara, however, was completely bewildered. When did this even happen? How? She recalled that they had barely spoken—just exchanged a few friendly words. He has feelings for me? But I never did anything that would make him fall for me...

Without another word, she stood up and walked out of the room, with Trisha and Vani following close behind.

✿✿✿✿

"Aarav, at least listen to him," Neil called out.

Aarav stopped in his tracks and turned around.

They were standing on the school playground, where only a few students were scattered at a distance.

"Aarav, whatever this is, it’s only from my side. She doesn’t even know anything about it.

Neil observed Aarav’s expressions carefully. He had always insisted that he felt nothing for Kiara, but now? Neil wasn’t so sure.

“How long have you loved her?” Aarav finally asked, his voice neutral.

Rihan averted his gaze. “I don’t know. It just… happened.”

“Then why the hell did you tell me yesterday that she loves me?” Aarav’s voice rose slightly.

“Because she does,” Rihan replied, matching his tone.

Aarav was taken aback. “But what about you?” he asked, his voice quieter, lighter this time.

He couldn’t understand how Rihan could say something like that if he had feelings for her. Shouldn’t this be painful for him?

Rihan sighed. “Whatever I feel is one-sided. I don’t want to be the third person between you two. Maybe she’s not meant for me.” He forced a small smile.

“Are you mad?”

“No, I’m just smarter than you,” Rihan smirked. “Don’t run from your feelings. And definitely not because of your families.”

Aarav’s eyes widened.

“How do you know?” he asked, startled.

Rihan chuckled softly. “Told you—I’m intelligent.”

Neil shook his head, whispering to himself, “Their situation is even more complicated than mine.”

Before Rihan could say anything else, his gaze flickered behind Aarav. His breath hitched.

Kiara stood there, with Trisha and Vani beside her.

“Kiara…” he mumbled.

She strode toward them, her expression unreadable.

“Umn..va..Vani told me everything,” she said, her voice steady.

Neil looked at Vani, who confirmed it with a nod.

Rihan hesitated before speaking. “I… I’m sorry.”

Aarav glanced at Kiara, but she didn’t even spare him a look.

And that’s when he felt it.

A sharp, unfamiliar ache in his chest.

Was it hurt?

Kiara took a deep breath and awkwardly replied, "R... Rihan, I respect your feelings. B... But... I'm sorry..."

Before she could finish, he cut her off.

"It's okay, you don't have to be sorry. I understand." His voice was calm, but there was a hint of sadness in it.

"The thing is, I had no idea that you already had feelings for someone." His gaze shifted towards Aarav, who lowered his eyes. "If I had known, I would never have come between you two."

Kiara noticed how Rihan looked at Aarav while saying that. She turned to him—only to find Aarav already looking at her. Her eyes widened. He already knows everything? But how? She quickly looked away, feeling uneasy.

Sensing her discomfort, Aarav spoke.

"Rihan told me everything."

Her head snapped towards Rihan in shock.

"Ah...I'm sorry, I hope you don't mind," Rihan said, scratching his forehead awkwardly.

"Kiara, I had to tell him because—"

Neil interrupted. "You did the right thing, Rihan." He stepped forward, standing beside Rihan, facing Kiara and Aarav. "Otherwise, he—" Neil pointed at Aarav— "would have never realized anything."

Kiara's face flushed with embarrassment as Neil openly spoke about her feelings in front of Aarav.

"Kiara, I never wanted to come between you two, and I never will," Rihan said sincerely. "I know about your feelings, so you don’t have to worry about me. We can still be friends… right?" He asked with a hopeful smile.

Kiara hesitated for a moment before giving him a small smile and nodding.

"Of course! Who knows, maybe the universe has someone even better in store for you," Neil teased, lightening the emotional atmosphere. He playfully shot Kiara an uninterested look, making Rihan chuckle.

Kiara narrowed her eyes at Neil and whisper-yelled, "What's your problem? Beech kyu bol rahe ho?"

Neil simply rolled his eyes, making her even more annoyed.

"Neil, don’t make fun of her," Trisha chimed in. "Agar Kiara ni hoti toh, Vani would have never said yes to you."

The moment the words left her mouth, Trisha’s eyes widened in realization, and she bit her tongue.

Vani’s eyes went wide as well. She turned towards Aarav, who was now looking at Neil, waiting for an explanation.

Neil took a deep breath and declared, "I love her."

"Neil!" Vani called out, clearly flustered.

"But how long were we going to hide it, Vani? It is what it is," Neil said, standing firm in his decision.

"Bhaiya..." Vani looked at Aarav, her voice hesitant.

"I already knew, Vani," Aarav said calmly.

"Since when?" Neil asked, slightly taken aback.

"Since it all started," Aarav admitted. "And if you were anything less than genuine, I would have put a stop to it long ago."

Vani nervously fidgeted with her fingers. "And Vedant bhai?" she asked cautiously.

"He knows too," Aarav reassured her. "Don’t worry, we have no problem— as long as he treats you right." Aarav gave Neil a pointed look.

Neil smiled and stepped forward, pulling Aarav into a hug. "Thank you, bhai. You don't worry" As he pulled away, Vani also stepped forward and gave her brother a side hug.

"Bhai, please talk to her," Vani urged, her voice sincere. "I’m not asking you to love her, but at least tell her how you feel. She deserves to know."

For the first time, Vani spoke so seriously about something because she had seen her friend's pain. She knew how much it hurt.

Aarav simply nodded.

"Anyway, can we go now? I’m starving," Neil announced, grabbing everyone's attention.

"And please, let’s all forget this and make a fresh start," Rihan said with a soft smile.

Everyone smiled at him, though there was a hint of sadness. Rihan was always the one who thought about others before himself. Kiara was grateful that he understood her and didn’t create unnecessary drama. Aarav, too, felt bad for him. A part of him wanted to tell Rihan that he didn’t need to suppress his feelings for Kiara. But something held him back—maybe because deep down, Aarav himself felt something for her.

Neil, draping an arm around Rihan’s shoulder, walked towards the school mess alongside Trisha and Vani. "Don't worry, Rihan, we’ll find you someone even better," he grinned.

Vani and Trisha enthusiastically agreed, making Rihan chuckle.

As Kiara followed behind them, listening to their conversation, she smiled softly.

Suddenly, she felt someone grasp her wrist. A shiver ran down her spine as her heartbeat quickened. The world around her seemed to fade, leaving only the warmth of that touch. And then, for the first time since she had set foot in this school, she heard his voice, calling her name—soft, gentle, almost like a whisper carried by the wind.

"Kiara..."

Her name had never sounded so beautiful.

*******************************

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Ek baar delete ho chuka hai mere se hi pata ni kese, phir se likha.😭

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