𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝟗

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"प्यार उसको भी है, प्यार  तुझको भी है।
पर कहने से ये दिल हर बार कतराता है।”

✿✿✿✿


Every eye widened in shock as Aarav revealed the reason behind the long-standing rivalry between the Mehrotras and the Agarwals. The group stood outside the classroom, absorbing the weight of his words. Trisha and Vani exchanged uneasy glances, concerned about Kiara's feelings. Neil, on the other hand, simply shrugged. Thinking of their fathers’ intense glaring competition, he had expected a much bigger reason behind their enmity, but what he heard seemed like just another business rivalry.

Rihan and Vedant glanced at Yuvan and Kiara, but the two seemed unaffected. Their friendship had always been their priority, and until now, they had never allowed their parents' issues to come between them.

Kiara had never been worried about her and Yuvan's friendship, but now, a new concern took root in her heart. If Aarav ever reciprocated her feelings, would their parents accept them? Would they ever be able to look past their differences?

Yesterday, when she saw her father and his father glaring at each other with such hatred, it unsettled her. It wasn’t the first time she had witnessed their hostility, but this time, it felt different. She wasn’t just an observer anymore—she was afraid. Afraid of what the future held for her and Aarav.

'Afraid of what their fathers had in store for them.'

"Honsla rakh behan," Vani said, placing a reassuring hand on Kiara’s shoulder.

Trisha nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Koi baat nahi."

"Aise behave kyu kar rahi ho jaise koi guzar Gaya ho?" Kiara asked, confused.

"Kyuki koi guzar gaya hai," Trisha replied, placing a hand on her other shoulder.

"Kya?" Kiara frowned.

"Your love. It died before it even got a chance to begin." Both sighed dramatically, shaking their heads in disappointment.

Kiara narrowed her eyes. "Tum dono ko pata hai main 6 number ke shoes pehnti hu?"

"Yeah, we know," they answered in unison.

"Aur ye bhi pata hoga jab padegi toh dard bhi hoga?"

"Humara shoes number 7 hai," they responded proudly as if that made them superior.

"Jitna chota number utni zyada chot," Kiara shot back.

Unbeknownst to them, someone had been silently admiring her. The way she playfully fought with her friends, the way her laughter filled the air—every passing day, that person felt more drawn to her.

Before they could continue their banter, the school bell rang, signalling the start of the next class. Everyone hurried inside.

✿✿✿✿

During class, the teacher made an announcement.

"The school fest is coming up, and students have the opportunity to participate in various activities—singing, dance, art, games, and more. Those interested should submit their names to the school leaders, Kiara and Yuvan. And for the singing competition, participants will be paired with someone."

Yuvan leaned toward Kiara. "You should participate in singing." He knew how much she loved singing and playing the guitar.

"And you’ll sing with me?" she teased, raising an eyebrow. Yuvan rolled his eyes. They both knew he was a terrible singer.

"Ever since you two became leaders, Hume toh bhul hi Gaye ho tum dono," Vani complained, feigning disappointment.

"Shut up!" Yuvan said. "We’ve just become a little more responsible… unlike some people." His eyes landed on Trisha.

"Why are you looking at me?" she snapped. "I’m busy too, okay"

"Stop arguing and focus," the teacher scolded.

With that, the class continued. When it ended, the teacher instructed all participants to gather in the auditorium for practice.

  ✿✿✿✿


At the auditorium, students were chatting and laughing until the teacher arrived. As per the instructions, everyone settled down.

Kiara participated in singing, Trisha in the art competition, and Vani in dance. Yuvan, as a school leader, was managing everything alongside his brother, Aarav, as per the teacher's order. Because Kiara was busy in her practice. Neil and Vedant had taken charge of the music system—an excuse they frequently used to skip class.

Rihan, as always, had joined the singing competition. Everyone knew about his exceptional voice, and many believed he should pursue singing as a career. But he always dismissed the idea, claiming it was just a hobby, something that brought him peace.

By the teacher’s order, Kiara was paired with Rihan for the duet. The teacher left, instructing them to start practising.

With a bright smile, Kiara stepped onto the stage and picked up the guitar. She ran her fingers over the strings, relishing the moment. It had been so long since she last played—her parents hadn’t even let her touch the guitar during her board exams. She had missed this, missed the joy of music.

Her eyes unconsciously drifted to Aarav, who was busy helping Yuvan with some paperwork. A familiar wave of emotions washed over her.

The letter she had sent him. The origami crane she had secretly placed in his locker, in the sports room with the help of Vani, Trisha, and even Yuvan. Yet, Aarav had remained indifferent. As if nothing had happened. And that scared her.

For some, these gestures might seem childish or insignificant. But for those who love deeply, without even realizing when or how they fell, these little things mean everything. They offer hope. Hope that one day, maybe—just maybe—the person they love will love them back.

Across the room, someone else was watching her.

Standing on the stage, guitar in hand, her silky brown hair tied in a ponytail, a few loose strands framing her face—she looked effortlessly radiant in the sunlight streaming through the windows. The blue skirt, tie, white shirt, blue blazer, and black shoes completed the picture, but it was her presence that made her shine.

For the one admiring her, this sight was nothing short of divine.

‘Even if I close my eyes, I won’t see darkness. I’ll see only her. Only this light radiates from her existence.’

He didn’t know when or how it happened, but he had fallen for her. And he wanted to tell her before it was too late. He just needed the right moment.

After practice, Kiara sat down with Trisha and Vani.

Neil, standing near the stage with Vedant, smirked mischievously as he picked up a cracked DVD. Holding it under the sunlight, he tilted it just enough for the reflection to hit Vani’s eyes.

She instinctively raised her hand to shield her face. Peeking through her fingers, she caught Neil grinning at her and winked.

Her cheeks turned crimson.

She glanced at her brother, Vedant, who remained completely unaware of what his best friend was doing beside him.

Kiara and Trisha didn’t miss the interaction. Their brows shot up as they exchanged glances before turning their attention back to Neil and Vani. But as soon as Neil noticed them watching, he swiftly put the DVD away and pretended to focus on Vedant.

Vani stood up, ready to leave, but Kiara grabbed her wrist.

"And where do you think you’re going? what’s going on between you and Neil?" Kiara questioned, pulling her back into her seat.

"W-What do you mean?" Vani stammered, scratching her forehead.

"Between you and Neil," Trisha clarified, her gaze flickering between them.

"Nothing. Nothing at all," Vani said, forcing a smile.

"Don’t lie. Uss din jab letter rkhne gye the, I saw everything between you two," Kiara smirked. "Bata kya chal raha tere or uss Neel Peele ke beech." she asked.

"Neel peela? His name is Neil." Vani said and frowned.

"Look at that reaction! Something is going on!" Kiara teased.

Vani sighed in defeat. She knew there was no escape now. She glanced at Neil, but he had conveniently disappeared. Taking a deep breath, she finally told them everything.

Trisha gasped. "Then what are you waiting for? Just say yes already!"

"I’m afraid of my brothers," Vani admitted.

"I get it, but how long are you going to make him wait?" Trisha asked.

"She’s right. You need to decide," Kiara added.

But Vani remained silent, worry clouding her features. Trish and Kiara exchanged a glance and decided not to push further—for now.

During the lunch break, the auditorium was nearly empty, with only Trisha, Vani, and Kiara remaining while the other students had gone for lunch.

As Kiara idly glanced around the room, her eyes landed on a familiar bag—his bag. A soft smile curved her lips as she reached into her own bag, pulling out a small scrap of paper. With delicate precision and quiet affection, she folded the paper into a crane, just as she had done before.

Meanwhile, Trisha and Vani were engaged in their usual chatter, oblivious to Kiara’s actions.

Once she was done, Kiara rose from her seat, the tiny origami crane resting gently in her palm. As she approached the bag, hesitation gripped her. Taking a deep breath, she reached out to place the crane inside—

A sudden voice from behind startled her.

The crane slipped from her fingers, fluttering to the floor. Eyes wide with shock, she turned around—only to find Neil and Rihan standing before her.

"What were you doing?" Neil asked, his gaze sharp.

Before she could muster a response, footsteps echoed through the auditorium. Aarav, Vedant, and Yuvan had arrived, their eyes drawn to the small paper crane lying on the ground.

Yuvan, Trisha and Vani widened their eyes.

Aarav stepped forward, picking up the delicate creation. His fingers traced the familiar folds—identical to the ones he had been receiving in the past days. His eyes flickered between Kiara and the crane, suspicion and curiosity mingling in his expression.

Kiara’s heart pounded. She clasped her hands tightly, fingers trembling. Her body stiffened, nerves gripping her like a vice. As she hesitantly lifted her gaze, her honey-brown eyes met Aarav’s ocean-blue eyes filled with questions.

He said nothing.

Yet, as he studied her nervous posture, the way she fidgeted, the way her head remained slightly bowed—he couldn’t ignore the possibility.

Was she the one?

For now, he chose not to ask anything.

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

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The Next chapter will be out after Shivratri.🌷
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