"उनकी एक झलक के लिए दिल उतावला था,

✿✿✿✿⁠

The day had finally arrived. Kiara was about to leave for boarding school, accompanied by her brother Karan and her mother, Ishita. Her father, Vikram, was busy with his business deals and couldn't see her off. It was early morning, and the family was all set to head to the airport.

As Kiara stepped out of the house, ready to get into the car, her eyes caught sight of Krish, standing by the gate of his own house. There was something different about him today. His usual mischievous grin was replaced with a sad expression. He stood there, fiddling with the hem of his shirt, his lips forming a small pout.

Curious and concerned, Kiara walked over to him. She knelt down to his level, her playful nature giving way to genuine worry.

"Kya hua, piddi?" she asked softly, tilting her head in confusion.

Krish slowly lifted his gaze, his lashes wet with unshed tears. "Kira didi, aap kab waapas aaoge?" he mumbled, his voice barely audible but heavy with emotion.

Kiara's heart sank. She wasn't used to seeing Krish like this. Their usual banter and playful fights never hinted at such depth of feeling. She blinked, trying to mask her own sudden sadness.

"Main vacations par aaungi na," she said, attempting to lighten the mood. "Aur vaise bhi, tujhe to khush hona chahiye ki main jaa rahi hoon." She ruffled his hair, trying to bring back their usual teasing dynamic.

But Krish shook his head, his eyes shimmering with tears. "Nahi, main khush nahi hoon. Main kisko tease karunga ab?" His voice cracked, revealing his vulnerability.

Kiara sighed, placing her hands gently on his small shoulders. "Krish, baby, main aati rahungi. Phir hum dono ek doosre ko phir se chidhayenge."

"Don't call me baby. I'm a big boy now," Krish said, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Yeah! Yeah! Big boy." She smiled softly.

Just then, Karan called out from behind, reminding Kiara they were getting late. She turned back to Krish, her heart heavy.

"Okay, piddi, ab main chalti hoon. Aur haan, mere jaane ke baad apna koi dushman mat bana lena, okay?" she said with a small smile, trying to cheer him up.

Krish nodded, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "Okay, dushman," he whispered, bumping his tiny fist with hers.

"Bye, Krish," she said, hugging him tightly one last time.

"Bye, Kira didi," he replied, his voice soft but firm.

As Kiara settled into the car's backseat with her mother, she glanced back at Krish one last time. Karan took the passenger seat beside the driver, and soon, they were on their way to the airport.

✿✿✿✿⁠

The car pulled up in front of the grand gates of The Imperial Heritage Boarding School. Kiara stepped out, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and nerves. The majestic building loomed before her, its grandeur both intimidating and exciting.

Karan, carrying her luggage, walked ahead with their mother. Kiara trailed behind, her eyes darting around, taking in the sprawling grounds. The vibrant garden was in full bloom, filled with a variety of flowers. The air buzzed with the chatter of students, some new, others familiar with the place and a small smile crept onto her face. She was ready to embrace this new adventure, even if it meant missing the familiar chaos of home.

The boys were engrossed in a heated basketball match, with some girls and boys cheering them on from the sidelines. As the excitement of the game echoed around, a group of students made their way toward the Head Office, where parents had gathered to discuss the school's rules and regulations.

Karan excused himself to attend an important call, leaving Kiara and Ishita seated together in the waiting area. After a while, the school staff requested all students to step outside, to discuss something with their parents in private.

Outside, Kiara scanned the crowd, searching for her friend, Yuvaan. Lost in thought, she reached into her pocket to call him but sighed in frustration, recalling that he didn't have a phone since he had just arrived at the school a few days ago. Suddenly, a gentle tap on her shoulder pulled her back to reality. Turning around, she was relieved to see Yuvaan standing there.

"Finally, you're here?" Yuvaan asked with a playful grin, his hands clasped behind his back.

"No, I'm still on my way," she replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

At that moment, her brother, Karan, appeared and stood beside Yuvaan, placing a protective hand on Kiara's shoulder. "So, you've met your friend?" Karan asked in a firm tone, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Yuvaan, sensing the tension, grew nervous. "Uh, hi, Bhaiya," he greeted softly. Karan just greeted him back.

Karan, well aware of their friendship, chose not to say anything, even though their families had a strained relationship.

Just then, Ishita emerged from the office, her gaze immediately landing on Yuvaan. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing him. Yuvaan gulped, feeling the weight of her stare, and greeted her with a nervous smile. She merely nodded in response.

Observing the exchange, Kiara couldn't stay silent. "Mumma, stop staring at him like that. He's my friend," she said, her tone firm but respectful.

"So, this is why you were so eager to come here?" her mother questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Kiara shrugged nonchalantly, not wanting to engage further. Her mother, however, wasn't easily convinced. She recalled the day of the results when Kiara had claimed to be meeting Shikha, but Ishita knew better-she had gone to see Yuvaan.

Both Karan and Ishita were aware of Kiara and Yuvaan's close friendship, but their father, Kunal, disapproved of any association with the Mehrotras.

"Fine, but don't get too involved with them. You know na agr tumare papa ko pata chala to kya hoga," Ishita warned, her voice laced with concern.

Kiara nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Shortly after,  Ishita and Karan accompanied her to the dormitory, where the warden gave them a quick tour. As they entered the room, Ishita's eyes scanned every corner, ensuring everything was in place.

When it was time to leave, Ishita's emotions got the better of her. She embraced Kiara tightly, her maternal instincts evident. Karan followed suit, hugging his sister warmly before they bid her farewell, taking her phone with them, Phones are not allowed. (Bechaari🤧)

As the day ended, Kiara settled into her new environment. Just then, a girl walked into the room. Kiara guessed she was her roommate, and she was right. The girl introduced herself as Trisha Khanna.

After a brief introduction, Kiara found Trisha to be a sweet and kind girl, and she felt a little more at ease, knowing she had a friendly roommate by her side.

✿✿✿✿⁠

The morning sun bathed the school in a golden glow, signalling the start of a new journey for the students. Kiara was bustling around, getting ready in her school uniform. She seemed thrilled, though it was unclear if it was for the studies or something else entirely.

Trisha, also dressed and ready, asked Kiara to join her for breakfast, but Kiara gently declined, "I can't eat anything this early." Despite Kiara's advice, Trisha decided to skip breakfast too.

"Don't do that," Kiara chided softly, but Trisha just smiled and shrugged it off.

The two friends made their way towards the assembly ground, chatting lightly. On the way, Yuvaan joined them. Kiara introduced him to Trisha, and they exchanged polite nods.

As they walked, Kiara leaned closer to Yuvaan and whispered, "Hey, listen."

"Yeah?" Yuvaan responded, curious.

"Where's your brother?" Kiara asked, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.

Yuvaan gave her a knowing look. "Why do you want to know?"

"I just... want to see him," she replied with puppy-dog eyes.

Yuvaan smirked and gestured subtly with his head. Kiara followed his gaze, her heart racing.

There he was. In his black pants, a blue blazer, and a white shirt (book ka cover dekh lo🤧✋🏻) and the top buttons were undone, his tie hanging loosely around his neck. He stood with his friends, hands in his pockets, casually tapping his foot. His neatly styled hair had a few strands falling onto his forehead, and his ocean-blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at whatever his friends were saying.

Kiara's breath hitched, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. For a moment, the world around her faded.

And all she could think was,

'Tumse mile, dil mein utha dard karaara, jeene laga wahi jise ishq ne maara.'

As if sensing her gaze, he looked up, and their eyes met. Kiara froze, her eyes widening in shock. Her heart pounded loudly in her chest as he walked toward her. But he simply nodded at Yuvaan and passed by without a word, heading towards the stage. (Popat🧘)

"Stop staring at my brother like that," Yuvaan teased, bumping her shoulder.

"I wasn't!" she protested, though the blush on her face betrayed her.

"Par wo stage par kyu Gaye?" she asked, curious.

"Gayee?" Yuvaan repeated, raising an eyebrow.

She tried to compose herself. "Haan... practice for the future, you know". She blushed.

Yuvaan. "Aye aye, rukja rukja. Gaadi ko break lga apni iss se pehle wo crash ho jaye."

"Kutta," she replied and hit him. "But really, why did he go?"

"He's the Head Boy. With the new session starting, the teachers will soon select a new Head Boy and Girl from the 11th grade. Until then, he's still in charge."

"Oh, okay," Kiara nodded, understanding.

Trisha, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "Can someone explain what's going on?"

"I'll tell you in class," Kiara promised with a smile.

As they reached the assembly ground, they joined their respective lines, ready for the day ahead, guided by none other than the Head Boy himself.

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