"Haan, tu toh teen saal se nahi dekhi unhe," Richa chimed in, her excitement palpable. "Jab wo wapas aaye the, toh tu gayab thi, performance ke liye gayi thi kahin. Ab finally, calls aur letters ke jagah samne se dekhegi tu unhe... teen saal baad! Bhai, I can't imagine!"
[Yes, you haven't seen him for three years. When he came back, you were missing, off to some performance. Now finally, instead of calls and letters, you'll see him face to face... after three years! Bro, I can't imagine!]
Siya felt a lump forming in her throat, her emotions swirling uncontrollably. Her grip tightened on the bouquet she still carried, but she forced herself to smile-a bright, wide smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm so excited," she said, her voice betraying none of the turmoil within.
Arushi, however, wasn't convinced. Her brows furrowed as she studied Siya's face. "Par teri smile aisi kyun hai?" she asked, her tone curious yet concerned.
[But why is your smile like this?]
Before Siya could answer, someone called Arushi's name from across the hall. She turned toward the source of the voice, her thoughts momentarily distracted. Meanwhile, Richa's eyes landed on someone who had just entered the hall.
"Akash aa gaya!" Richa exclaimed, her tone cheerful. "Main abhi aayi," she added, hurrying toward him, leaving Siya standing alone with her thoughts.
Siya exhaled slowly, her smile faltering as she looked down at the bouquet in her hands. The noise of the bustling hall faded into the background as her mind wandered back to the memories she had been trying to avoid all evening. Three years. Three long years since she had last seen Shashwat. The weight of that time, and the emotions she had bottled up, felt heavier than ever.
Would he have changed? Would he still be the same Shashwat she had held onto in her memories?
A familiar voice broke her thoughts.
"Soya Bhabhi!!"
Siya turned around swiftly to see Darsh grinning from ear to ear, his boyish charm lighting up the space as he made his way toward her. The nickname made her chuckle, and she embraced him in a warm hug.
"Darsh! Tu kaisa hai?" she asked, pulling back slightly to look at him.
"Main toh mast hoon!" he replied with a laugh. "Divya bhi aayi hai tere saath?" Siya asked, glancing around for her.
"Haan, aayi toh thi. Vihaan ke saath hogi kahin," Darsh replied, rolling his eyes playfully at the mention of Vihaan. "Aur aap kab aaye?"
"Bas abhi abhi," Siya said with a smile, her tone warm.
As they spoke, Richa approached, and beside her was Akash. Siya's face lit up, her grin spreading wide at the sight of him after such a long time. Taking a step forward, she instinctively opened her arms slightly, ready to greet him with the warmth they had once shared.
But Akash extended his hand instead, his expression reserved. "Hi, Siya," he said, his tone polite but distant.
Siya froze momentarily, the brightness in her smile dimming as her heart sank. For the past two years, every time she returned to Mumbai and met Akash, she had felt something had shifted in him. He was no longer the lively, teasing friend she had once known. He was quieter, more restrained, as if a wall had grown between them. But this was the first time he had greeted her so formally.
Masking her disappointment with a practiced smile, Siya extended her hand and shook his. "How is everything?" she asked, her voice steady, though her heart felt heavy.
"Thik hai," Akash replied with a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Before the silence could stretch uncomfortably, Divya and Vihaan entered the scene, walking toward them. Akash's face softened slightly as he noticed them, and he reached out to pat Divya's head affectionately.
"Aa gayi tu? Aur tum teeno ki studies sahi chal rahi hai na?" Akash asked, his tone more natural now as he addressed Divya, Darsh, and Vihaan.
Suddenly, Arushi came rushing toward the group, her face flushed from running.
"Richa! Teri mummy aa rahi hain!" she exclaimed breathlessly.
Richa's eyes widened in panic, and she instinctively straightened her posture. "Kya?" she whispered, her voice filled with dread. Before she could process it, her mother appeared, walking gracefully toward them, her gaze calm but sharp.
"Namaste, aunty!" Siya greeted warmly, stepping forward to hug her.
"Siya! Vapas kab aayi tu?" Richa's mother asked, her tone soft and affectionate as she looked at Siya.
[Siya! When did you come back?]
"Bas abhi, aunty. Direct yahin aa rahi hoon," Siya replied with a polite smile.
[Just now, aunty. I'm coming straight here.]
Siya, sensing Richa's inner turmoil, bit back a chuckle and turned to distract her aunt with conversation. As the exchange continued, Richa's eyes darted around the room, searching for Akash. Her instincts told her he had vanished the moment he heard her mother was approaching.
Sure enough, her gaze landed on a tall figure crouched awkwardly behind a large painting stand near the back of the hall. She squinted and immediately recognized Akash. He was partially hidden but had positioned himself poorly, as a corner of his shoulder and the tips of his shoes were still visible.
Richa pressed her lips together to suppress her laughter. Typical Akash, she thought, shaking her head.
Meanwhile, her mother leaned slightly toward Siya and asked in a low voice, "Woh...Akash yahaan aas paas toh nahi tha na?" Her tone was cautious, almost conspiratorial.
Siya's face lit up with amusement at the question, but she quickly masked it with an innocent smile. "Nahi, aunty. Maine toh nahi dekha," she replied, glancing pointedly in the direction where Akash was hiding.
The exhibition hall was bustling with activity. People admired the paintings adorning the walls, their eyes scanning each piece with appreciation. Arushi stood in a corner, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, a mix of nervousness and excitement coursing through her. This was her first exhibition, and while the compliments she overheard lifted her spirits, she was waiting for someone in particular.
She glanced at the entrance every now and then, hoping to see a familiar face walk through the doors. Her family, busy with the arrangements, kept giving her reassuring smiles, but it did little to calm her jittery nerves.
A soft tap on her shoulder made her turn around abruptly. One of the staff members, a young girl, stood in front of her, holding a clipboard. "Ma'am," she began, a smile spreading across her face, "the first painting has been sold!"
Arushi's eyes widened in disbelief, and a grin broke across her face. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.
The girl nodded. "Yes, ma'am! Congratulations!"
Arushi exhaled a sigh of relief, her heart swelling with joy. "Who bought it? I want to thank them personally," she said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.
Before the girl could respond, a hand appeared in front of her, holding a pen and a small notepad. "Autograph, please, ma'am," a familiar voice drawled.
Arushi turned, her eyes meeting Reyansh's mischievous grin. He stood there, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, his confident demeanor drawing attention even in the crowded hall.
"You?" she exclaimed, her smile widening.
"Me," Reyansh replied, his tone nonchalant yet warm. "Didn't I tell you I'd be the first to buy your paintings?"
Reyansh extended his hand with a playful smirk. "Ab autograph toh do," he demanded teasingly.
Arushi chuckled, holding his hand gently. She looked around to ensure no one was nearby. The corner of the exhibition hall was secluded, providing just enough privacy. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned forward and kissed his palm, leaving a faint lipstick mark.
"Done," she said with a cheeky grin, her eyes meeting his.
Reyansh raised an eyebrow, pretending to inspect the mark. "Agar autograph dena hai toh yahan nahi," he said, his voice dropping to a low, teasing murmur as he leaned closer to her.
[If you want an autograph, it's not here.]
Arushi's eyes widened in panic. "Reyansh! Sab yahin hain," she whispered urgently, glancing at the girl who was standing a few feet away, clearly gawking at their interaction with wide eyes.
[Reyansh! Everyone is here.]
Reyansh turned to the girl with an amused smirk. "Aapko dekhna hai?" he asked in a mock-serious tone.
[Do you want to watch?]
The girl's eyes widened further, and she quickly shook her head, mumbling something unintelligible before scurrying away.
Arushi sighed in relief but then gasped softly as Reyansh turned back to her, his eyes filled with mischief. Before he could say anything, she stood on her tiptoes and pecked his lips lightly.
"Ab khush?" she asked, stepping back with a small, satisfied smile.
[Happy now?]
Reyansh blinked, clearly unimpressed. "Ye kya tha?" he asked, tilting his head and crossing his arms.
[What was that?]
"Abhi bas isse hi kaam chala lo," she replied with a playful shrug, turning to leave.
[For now, just manage with this.]
But Reyansh wasn't one to let her go so easily. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly. His lips found her cheek, pressing a series of quick kisses there before he nuzzled against her skin, rubbing his cheek against hers.
"Reyansh!" she exclaimed, giggling as she tried to push him away. "Chhoro yaar, koi aa jayega!"
He chuckled, ignoring her protests, and playfully bit her cheek, earning a soft yelp from her.
"Reyansh!" she said again, her laughter echoing in the quiet corner.
Finally, he pulled back, his grin widening as he planted one last kiss on her cheek. "Bas, abhi ke liye itna kaafi hai," he said, releasing her.
[That's enough for now.]
****************************************
The three girls, Siya, Richa, and Arushi sat on the soft grass of the park, enjoying the cool breeze as they chatted casually after attending Arushi's art exhibition.
Arushi teased, "Aunty ko to yahi lagta hai abhi ki tera aur Akash bhaiya ka kuch nahi hai abhi."
[Aunty still thinks that there's nothing between you and Akash bhaiya.]
"Haan wahi na... par unki bhi galti nahi hai. Wo age mein koi bhi mummy pareshan ho jati hain," Siya added, shrugging with a knowing smile.
[Yes, exactly... but it's not entirely her fault. Any mother would be worried at this age.]
Richa sighed, adjusting her dupatta. "Haan, abhi to Akash settle ho gaya hai, achhe khase package par kaam kar raha hai. Ab bas mera wait kar raha hai. Jaise hi mujhe achhe package par ek achhi job milegi, mummy-papa dono ko bata dungi."
[Yes, Akash has settled now, working on a good package. Now, he's just waiting for me. As soon as I get a good job with a good package, I'll tell mum and dad.]
Arushi laughed, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Tera plan to sahi hai, lekin jo aunty se daant sunne mili thi ham log ko jab unko tum dono ka pata chala tha, wo yaad hai?"
[Your plan is right, but do you remember the scolding we got from aunty when she found out about you two?]
Siya couldn't help but join in, her laughter echoing in the quiet park. "Aur aunty ka wo shock! 'Akash aur Richa? Kab? Kaise?' Main to chup ho gayi thi, tujhe dekh rahi thi, Richa!"
[And aunty's shock! 'Akash and Richa? When? How?' I was silent, just watching you, Richa!]
Richa groaned, hiding her face in her palms. "Mat yaad dilao yaar! Mummy ne mujhe kitna sunaaya tha."
[Don't remind me, please! Mum scolded me so much.]
Arushi added dramatically, imitating their mother's tone, "'Hamare pyar me kya kami reh gayi thi!'"
['What was lacking in our love?']
All three burst into laughter, the memory vivid and funny in hindsight. Siya wiped a tear from her eye as she chuckled. "Par mast daant padi thi."
[But we got such a good scolding.]
Richa finally smiled, shaking her head. "Bas daant mujhe to teen chaar jhapad pade the tum log ke aane se pehle aur ek hafte Tak nashte me taana."
[But I got a few slaps before you guys arrived, and for a whole week, I was taunted during breakfast.]
FLASHBACK
"Richa!!" A sharp voice came from the entrance.
Both of them froze. They turned toward the door, their eyes widening in shock as they saw Richa's mother, Shreya, standing at the entrance, fuming.
Akash and Richa stood up hurriedly, panic evident on their faces.
"M-mummy wo!!" Richa stammered, struggling to find words.
["M-mom, it's not what you think!"]
Shreya's eyes narrowed, her voice cold. "Akash, tum jao."
[Shreya's eyes narrowed, her voice cold. "Akash, leave."]
Akash hesitated, stepping forward. "Aunty, aap meri baat toh suniye-"
[Aunty, please hear me out-]
"Jao bola na maine!" Shreya interrupted, her tone sharp.
["I said leave!" Shreya interrupted sharply.]
Richa turned to Akash, pleading with her eyes. "Akash, tum jao."
["Akash, please go."]
"Par Richa..."
["But Richa..."]
"Please jao, Akash!" she insisted, her voice breaking.
["Please go, Akash!" she insisted, her voice breaking.]
Akash cast one last look at her, reluctant to leave, but nodded and walked out of the house. The moment the door shut, Shreya's hand flew to Richa's cheek, leaving her stunned.
[Akash gave one last look, reluctant to leave, but nodded and walked out of the house. As soon as the door closed, Shreya slapped Richa's cheek, leaving her stunned.]
"Richa, ye sab kya hai? Akash ke saath... sharam nahi aayi? Humein laga tum sab bas acche dost ho, par ye sab chal raha hai?" Shreya's words came out like fire, her anger blazing.
[Richa, what is all this? With Akash... didn't you feel ashamed? We thought you were just good friends, but this is happening?]
Tears welled up in Richa's eyes. "Sorry, Mumma. Mai batane wali thi... time aane par."
[Sorry, Mom. I was going to tell you... at the right time.]
"Room mein kya kar raha tha woh?" Shreya demanded.
[What was he doing in your room?]
Richa, sobbing, tried to explain, "Mummy, please ulta-seedha mat sochiye. Hum bas mil rahe the. Uska IIM mein admission ho gaya, wahi batane aaya tha. Phir mujhe halka fever tha, toh isliye baith gaya."
[Mom, please don't think the wrong way. We were just meeting. He got admission to IIM, and he came to tell me that. Then I had a slight fever, so he stayed. ]
Shreya's voice rose. "Hum log mar gaye the kya? Humein call karne ki zarurat nahi samjhi?"
[Did we die? Didn't you think of calling us?]
"Aap log kal aane wale the, toh maine isliye call nahi kiya," Richa said through her tears.
[You were coming the next day, so I didn't call you, that's why.]
Another slap landed on her head. "Kuch nahi sunna mujhe! Siya aur Arushi ko bhi pata hoga, na?"
[Richa received another slap on her head. "I don't want to hear anything! Siya and Arushi must know, right?"]
Richa nodded hesitantly.
[Kahi aur rahi hain?]
"Kab aa rahi hain wapas dono?" Shreya questioned.
[When are both of them coming back?]
"Siya parson aur Arushi agle hafte," Richa answered softly.
[Siya is coming the day after tomorrow and Arushi next week,] Richa answered softly.
"Wo dono aayengi, toh turant bulana. Aur khabardaar jo kuch bataya ki maine kyun bulaya hai! Tere papa wait kar rahe hain, unhe shak ho jayega agar main yahan zyada der tak rahi," Shreya said, glaring at her one last time before storming out.
[When they come, call me immediately. And make sure you don't tell anyone why I called you! Your dad is waiting, he'll get suspicious if I stay here too long.] Shreya said, glaring at her one last time before storming out.
The door clicked shut, leaving Richa standing in the middle of the room, tears streaming down her face.
Siya, Arushi, and Richa sat in Richa's living room, their heads hung low like guilty schoolchildren. In front of them sat Shreya, her piercing glare making the atmosphere heavier by the second.
"Kabse chal raha hai ye sab?" Shreya demanded, her tone sharp.
[How long has this been going on?]
Richa hesitated before mumbling, "Ek saal."
[It's been a year.]
"Do maheene," Arushi added hesitantly.
[Two months,]
"Kal se," Siya blurted out and immediately bit her tongue.
[Since yesterday,]
"Sach sach batao, warna teeno ko thappad padega!" Shreya warned.
[Tell me the truth, or all three of you will get slapped!]
Unable to withstand the pressure, Richa blurted, "11th class se, Mummy."
Shreya's jaw dropped. "Ohh, toh itne pehle se aur mujhe ab pata chal raha? Man to kar raha hai aana-jaana band kar doon tumhara, par kya karun? Tumhare papa puchenge toh unhe kya bataungi!" She shook her head in disbelief.
[Ohh, so this has been going on for so long, and now I find out? I feel like stopping all this meeting, but what should I do? If your dad asks, what will I tell him!]
"Sorry, Mummy! Mai batane wali thi... socha tha ki settle ho jayein phir..." Richa explained tearfully.
[Sorry, Mummy! I was going to tell you... I thought we should wait until things settle down.]
"Itna bharosa karte the, isliye akele jaane bhi dete the doston ke saath. Pehle pata hota, toh kabhi na jaane deti!" Shreya snapped.
[I trusted you so much, that's why I let you go alone with your friends. If I had known earlier, I would never have let you go!]
"Aunty, woh toh hamare saath hi rehti thi," Siya chimed in, trying to defend Richa.
[Aunty, she stayed with us.]
"Haan aunty, Akash bhaiya ko toh Shashwat bhaiya log se fursat hi nahi milti thi," Arushi added.
[Yes aunty, Akash bhaiya never had time away from Shashwat bhaiya.]
Shreya's sharp gaze shifted to them. "Tum dono chup hi raho! Tum log ka bhi hai kya koi?"
[You two keep quiet! Do you have any part in this?]
"N...nahi, aunty," Siya and Arushi said in unison, shaking their heads.
[N...no, aunty.]
"Toh tujhe hi kyun aag lagi thi?" Shreya retorted, slapping Richa lightly on her head.
[Then why did you get so worked up?]
"Maan to kar raha hai, utha ke patak doon mar jaun... jao!" Shreya exclaimed, her frustration reaching its peak.
[I'm so mad, I feel like just picking you up and throwing you out... go!]
The trio burst into laughter at Shreya's unintentional tongue slip. Their laughter was short-lived as they earned simultaneous smacks on their heads.
"Sharam aani chahiye par Hasi aa rahi hai? Joke chal raha hai na?" Shreya scolded.
[You should be ashamed, but you're laughing? Is this a joke?]
"Sorry, Aunty/Mummy," the trio mumbled in unison, trying to sound apologetic.
Shreya shook her head, sighing. "Eklauti beti thi. Itna pyaar diya, kisi cheez ki kami nahi hone di, azaadi di... aur yeh inki prem leela chal rahi hai!"
[I had only one daughter. I gave so much love, never let her lack anything, gave her freedom... and now this love drama is going on!]
"Koi baat nahi, aunty. Ab aulaad aisi nikal gayi toh kya kar sakte hain," Siya teased, earning a sharp glare from both Shreya and Richa.
[It's okay, aunty. Now that the child has turned out like this, what can we do?]
Shreya pointed a finger at Richa. "Hamaare pyaar mein kya kami reh gayi thi, bata?"
[What was lacking in our love, tell me?]
"Yaar, ye kya logic hua? Dono alag hote hain. Mai ab yeh thodi bolungi
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