आपका अरमान आपका नाम, मेरा तराना और नही
इन झुकती पलाको के सिवा, दिल का ठिकाना और नही
जाछता ही नही आँखो मे कोई

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Chapter 9 of TERI DEEWANI has been updated on scrollstack.

Link is in our Instagram and Wattpad bio. Chapter 9 will be updated here on 9 Feburary only if the target will be completed.

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The train was bustling with chatter and the laughter of passengers sharing stories, but Ritika stood near the open door, her gaze fixed on the scenery rushing past. She had just ended a call with her assistant, and her expression held a faint trace of worry. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice Arav approaching until she felt his arms slide gently around her waist. Instinctively, she leaned back into his chest, a sense of calm washing over her as she realized it was him.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice low and filled with curiosity.

Before she could respond, the train hit a curve, its movement forcing them off balance. The momentum sent them stumbling together, colliding softly with the opposite side of the doorway. Arav tightened his hold on her protectively, ensuring she was safe, and without letting her go, he carefully closed the door to keep them from harm.

"Kuch problem hai?" he asked, his breath brushing her ear as he looked at her from behind. Ritika shook her head, but her silence betrayed her unease.

"Ritika, what have we decided?" he said, his tone gentle yet firm. "Jo dil mein hoga, woh zubaan pe hona chahiye."

Her fingers absentmindedly reached for his hand, intertwining with his as she admitted softly, "I'm worried."

"Kyun?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes as he turned her slightly so he could see her face.

"Dekho," she began, hesitating but determined to voice her thoughts. "Hamare professions humein kam hi saath rehne ka time denge. Hum saath hokar bhi hamesha saath nahi rahenge."

Arav's expression softened, and he squeezed her hand gently, his voice steady as he replied, "Phir bhi hum saath hi rahenge."

Her lips curved into a faint smile at his unwavering confidence. "Haan... par," she started, her words trailing off as she struggled to put her emotions into words.

"Par?" he asked, his voice soft yet filled with curiosity.

Ritika took a deep breath, her fingers brushing against his hand as she began hesitantly, "Abhi... I just got my assistant's call. She's like my friend, and... uska aur uske husband ka divorce hone wala hai. They were in a long-distance relationship because of their jobs. Even Shashwat aur Siya tak ke beech misunderstandings ho gayi thi, Arav... I'm scared. What if..."

Before she could finish, Arav turned her around and pulled her into a comforting hug. He held her tightly, resting his chin on her head as he spoke in a calming tone. "If you want, we can postpone the wedding. Let's stay in a relationship for a little longer, until you're completely sure. I'll talk to everyone-you don't have to worry about anything."

Surprised, Ritika pulled back slightly to look at him, her heart softening at his thoughtfulness. A small smile broke across her face as she said, "I'm not doubting you, Arav. I trust you and our love. Bas... I don't know, yaar."

He gently cupped her face, brushing his thumb over her cheek. "Calm down," he murmured. "If you want, I can leave my job and settle down with you wherever you want. I'm sure I'll find another job eventually."

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she slapped his chest lightly. "Kya faltu baatein kar rahe ho? Pagal ho gaye ho? Do you really think I'd let you do that?!"

A small chuckle escaped his lips, but before he could reply, she continued, "I'm just worried, that's all. It doesn't mean I doubt our love. Chhoro na, it's probably just typical pre-wedding jitters. Har ladki ke dimaag mein aata hai kuch na kuch."

"Matlab?" he asked, still trying to piece together her conflicting emotions.

She chuckled at his confused expression, leaning in to press a quick kiss to his cheek. "You're too cute sometimes."

He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head as he replied, "And you're too confusing."

Her laughter echoed softly as the tension lifted slightly. He held her hands in his and looked into her eyes with unshakable resolve. "Listen, Ritika, I may not understand exactly what you're worried about right now, but I can promise you this-after our marriage, misunderstandings, doubts, and worries won't have a place in our life. I'll make sure of it. Our life will be filled with happiness, love, and trust. Tumhe kabhi meri taraf se koi kami mehsoos nahi hogi. I promise."

Her heart swelled with emotion as she heard the conviction in his words. She rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes, whispering, "I know, Arav. That's why I said yes to spending my life with you."

Divya sat across from Darsh's berth, her gaze occasionally drifting toward him. She was positioned on the seat where Reyansh, Arushi, and Kanak were sleeping-Reyansh and Arushi on berths opposite each other, while Kanak was curled up on the last berth. Vihaan had taken the side berth, his figure stretched out in a relaxed manner, arms loosely folded as he dozed off.

Arav and Vihaan had already drifted into slumber, their steady breathing blending into the quiet atmosphere. On the other side, Divya and Richa had also settled into their berths, wrapped in soft blankets, their faces relaxed in deep sleep. The faint glow of Ritika's phone screen flickered in the dim light as she lay on her berth, watching a series while munching on a pack of chips, the occasional crunch breaking the silence.

Siya, on the other hand, was engrossed in scrolling through reels, her fingers moving swiftly over her phone screen. Across from her, Shashwat sat in a relaxed posture, facing her, but his attention was divided. One of his earbuds was in his ear, playing a song, while the other was in Siya's ear-a silent connection between them despite their separate activities. She was chatting with some of her friends, laughing softly at their messages, while he subtly observed her with a fond gaze. Every now and then, his lips would curve slightly at her expressions, enjoying her presence even without words.

At another berth, Akash lay on his side, his head propped up on one arm as he gazed at Richa, who was fast asleep. The dim light accentuated her peaceful features, but a stray strand of hair had fallen across her face, lightly brushing against her cheek. His fingers twitched with the urge to move it away, but he hesitated, not wanting to disturb her slumber. Instead, he let out a quiet sigh, a soft smile playing on his lips as he continued watching her.

Siya, still engrossed in her phone, had unconsciously stretched out her legs, letting them dangle in the air over the edge of her berth. Her toes hovered just inches away from Shashwat's feet, which were already resting there. He noticed the proximity and a mischievous smirk tugged at his lips. His gaze flickered between her face-completely unaware of him-and her feet, so close yet untouched.

With deliberate slowness, he lifted his foot just enough for his thumb to graze against hers in the faintest of touches. The contact was light, almost teasing. Siya didn't look up, but without missing a beat, she playfully nudged his foot with hers, a silent warning to stop disturbing her.

But Shashwat wasn't one to back down. His grin widened as he pressed his advantage, letting his foot move languidly against her bare skin. His touch was slow, almost featherlight, yet enough to send a shiver through her. Siya's fingers momentarily paused on her phone screen as the unexpected sensation caused butterflies to erupt in her stomach.

His foot moved even further, his toes slipping just under the hem of her pajama, teasing the sensitive skin of her ankle.. Siya let out a barely audible gasp. She was about to yank her foot away, but just then, his toes curled around hers, trapping her.

Her head snapped up, eyes locking onto his with a fiery glare, but her flushed cheeks and rapid breathing gave her away. Shashwat leaned against the berth, his expression dark with amusement and something deeper-something more intense. He tightened his grip around her foot slightly, his thumb lazily stroking the soft underside of her ankle, sending another wave of tingles through her.

Siya opened her mouth to retort, to scold him, but the moment she tried to move her foot away, his toes moved up again, this time brushing the inside of her calf, sending an electric jolt through her veins. She sucked in a sharp breath, her hands gripping her phone tightly as she struggled to keep herself together.

"Shashwat rukiye," she typed the message.

Shashwat chuckled, the deep, velvety sound making her stomach tighten. "Rok lijiye" he typed back, his foot sliding even further under her pajama, the slow movement making her heart pound.

When he pressed his foot more firmly against hers, his toes curling slightly around her skin, Siya's breath hitched and he continued, letting his toes explore the delicate skin of her calf, his movements slow and deliberate.

Akash had been absently staring at Richa, watching the gentle rise and fall of her breathing, when his eyes flickered upward-and what he saw made him roll his eyes so hard they could've fallen out.

Right above him, Shashwat and Siya's little toe romance was unfolding like a dramatic slow-burn romance scene, complete with teasing caresses and longing glances. Akash almost snorted aloud. Seriously? Right above my head?

But then, an idea struck him.

A devious grin spread across his lips as he subtly shifted in his berth, watching as Shashwat grew bolder, shifting towards Siya even more, trapping her foot between his own. His hips swayed slightly in the air as he adjusted himself for better access, completely lost in his mischievous teasing.

Perfect.

Before he could second-guess himself, Akash reached out and, with precise aim, pinched Shashwat right below his hips, near his thigh.

The reaction was instant.

Shashwat gasped loudly, his entire body jerking as if he had been electrocuted. His balance wavered, and before he could even comprehend what had happened, gravity did its job-sending him toppling off his berth.

"Aaaaaa!!" he yelped as he crashed onto the train floor with a loud thud.

Akash, realizing what he had done, gulped and immediately yanked his blanket over his head, shutting his eyes tight as if he had been in deep sleep all along.

And just like that, the entire compartment erupted into chaos.

Ritika, who had been comfortably watching her series, immediately paused her laptop and sat up in alarm. "Kya ho gaya!!" she exclaimed, looking around in confusion.

Reyansh, who had been in another section, poked his head out and then walked there with Arushi beside him, who was rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Koi toota kya?" he asked, his brows furrowing.

Vihaan, who had been deep in sleep, jerked awake with a start, his hair messily sticking up in all directions. "Kya ho gaya?! Kya ho gaya?!" he mumbled in panic, looking around like a lost puppy.

Meanwhile, Siya, who had been peeking from her berth, looked down with wide eyes. Her heart clenched slightly when she saw Shashwat sprawled out on the floor, hissing in pain. "Shashwat, aap thik hain?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Arav, who had only just opened his eyes, immediately registered the scene-and upon seeing his younger brother flat on the ground, he sighed deeply. "Ab yeh kya naya natak hai?" he muttered, rubbing his face.

Darsh, on the other hand, was still completely in his own world, watching a movie with earphones in, oblivious to the surrounding commotion. Divya, sleeping peacefully, hadn't stirred even once.

Reyansh, finally realizing that Shashwat was genuinely struggling to get up, sighed and walked over to offer him a hand.

Ritika narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Hua kya tujhe?" she asked, folding her arms.

Shashwat opened his mouth but shut it again, his brain scrambling for a plausible excuse. He knew he couldn't just blurt out that he had been busy seducing Siya with his toes and was rudely interrupted by Akash's devilish pinch.

"Wo..." He hesitated, rubbing his neck as he tried to come up with something logical.

Siya, who had been watching him with barely concealed amusement, smirked. "Haan bataiye, aise kaise so rahe the jo gir gaye?" she asked teasingly.

His eyes snapped to her, silently warning her not to push his buttons. But Siya simply raised an eyebrow and shot him a playful look that said taste your own medicine.

Arav, who had been observing quietly, finally spoke up. "Bol na! Kaise gira?" His voice held genuine concern.

Shashwat cleared his throat. "Wo... shayad neend me hi sapna dekhte dekhte..." he trailed off, hoping that would be enough to satisfy them.

Ritika gasped dramatically, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Hayee, aisa kya sapna dekh rahe the?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

Shashwat turned beet red. He knew exactly where her thoughts were going, and he wasn't about to fuel that fire. "Bhabhi yaar!!" he groaned, throwing her an exasperated look while Ritika burst into laughter.

Reyansh, who had been casually watching the exchange, decided to shift the topic slightly. "Lagi toh nahi?" he asked, scanning Shashwat for any signs of injury.

Shashwat exhaled, shaking his head. "Jyada nahi. I am fine, aap log so jao," he reassured everyone, hoping they would drop the matter and go back to their own business.

Arav, however, wasn't convinced. "Tujhe upar chadhne me problem hogi toh tu yahan so jaa... I will take the upper berth," he offered.

Shashwat immediately shook his head. "Nahi nahi, I am fine na," he insisted.

Reyansh chuckled, shaking his head knowingly. "Haan, wo kyun chhorega upar ki seat," he remarked, his tone laced with amusement.

Shashwat groaned as he stood, rubbing his sore back. His eyes scanned the compartment, his gaze landing on a very still, very quiet Akash, who was bundled under his blanket like a mummy.

Shashwat again made his way up to his berth. He was still fuming, the remnants of anger clearly visible in his posture as he climbed up, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of Akash, who was lounging on his side, clearly trying to avoid any confrontation.

Shashwat's gaze sharpened as he glared at Akash, irritation flashing across his face. He was tempted-no, almost itching-to walk over and kick Akash off the seat, but something held him back. His anger was directed at Akash for a reason, and he couldn't act on impulse, no matter how much he wanted to. Holding back the urge, he sighed deeply and climbed onto his own seat, leaning back with a small frown still etched on his face.

Akash, feeling the intensity of Shashwat's glare, let out a soft sigh of relief as Shashwat finally turned away. He muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else, "Iske gussa rehne ka ek fayda toh hua."

His eyes landed on Siya, who was laughing silently at something on her phone. Her soft giggles were a welcome distraction from the tension, and the sight of her laughing lightened his mood, if only for a brief moment.

A mischievous grin tugged at Shashwat's lips. He extended his feet toward her, playfully trying to nudge her from behind, but Siya, quick as ever, was already prepared. She swiftly lifted her feet and placed them on the seat, curling up slightly as she laid down, sticking her tongue out at him in a teasing manner.

Shashwat's lips parted in a pout, his playful side now fully engaged. He sent her a message, his fingers tapping quickly on his phone screen:

"Jyada hasi nahi aa rahi aapko?"

Siya glanced at her phone, her grin widening as she saw his message. Without missing a beat, she replied, her fingers flying across the screen:

"Jyada besharami nahi aa rahi aapko?"

"Besharmi maine shuru bhi nahi ki." He sent it with a playful smirk, knowing it would get a rise out of her.

Siya glanced at the phone, raising her eyebrows in surprise as she read his message. Before she could even begin typing her response, a song began to play from Shashwat's phone. It was a song they both knew well, but the timing of it seemed almost too perfect, as if Shashwat had planned it. The lyrics floated through the compartment, and Shashwat, with a devilish grin, deliberately skipped the beginning, going straight to the lines that he knew would make her blush.

"Apna hi saya dekh ke hi tum

Jane jahan sharma gaye

Abhi toh ye pehli manzil hai

Tum toh abhi se ghabra gaye..."

As the words played, Siya froze, her heart skipping a beat as she felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She couldn't help but glance at Shashwat, who was watching her with a glint of mischief in his eyes. The playful teasing was unmistakable, but there was something about it-something in the way he looked at her-that made her feel both shy and fluttery at the same time.

"Mera kya hoga,

Socho toh zara!"

Shashwat made an exaggerated helpless expression.Siya could feel her face growing redder with every word, and she couldn't look away from him, her heart pounding a little faster at how adorable yet teasing he was being.

"Hayee aise na aahein bhara kijiye..."

Shashwat fell back dramatically onto his berth, one hand resting on his heart, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on Siya, whose shyness was only making him feel even more drawn to her.

"O mere dil ke chain

Chain aaye mere dil ko dua kijiye..."

They both lay facing each other now, their eyes locked, the world around them fading into the background. Siya's long, delicate lashes rested just above her cheeks, her gaze lowered as she allowed herself to get lost in the song-and in him

"Aap ka aramaan aap ka

Naam mera taraanaa aur nahi

In jhukati palako ke sivaa

Dil kaa thikaanaa aur nahi"

The next line played, and Shashwat smiled, the corner of his lips tugging upward as if the words spoke directly to his heart. He gave a little shrug, as if to say, What can I do? My heart only knows you.

"Jachataa hi nahi aankho mein koi

Dil tumako hi chaahe to kya kijiye."

She was the only one his heart desired, and the realization brought a warmth he couldn't quite describe. He was helpless against it, and in a way, he didn't want to be.

As the train rumbled along, everyone settled into their seats, the sound of morning chatter filling the space. The aroma of fresh biscuits from Divya's snack filled the air, and everyone was slowly waking up, adjusting to the motion of the train.

Darsh, clearly uncomfortable, stood near the