The hostel common room was buzzing with the lazy energy of a holiday. Just as Nivan stepped in, still reeling from the earth-shattering revelation at the doctor's clinic, he was immediately ambushed by his friends.
Kavya: (With a mischievous glint in her eyes) "You're back? How was your date?"
Nivan: (Stopping dead in his tracks, completely bewildered) "Date?" The word felt alien. His mind, still occupied with visions of ancient kingdoms and his own face on a masked man, struggled to process this mundane question. He fell silent, his confusion evident.
Kavya: (Pressing on, enjoying his reaction) "Yes! Date! You yourself told Neerav that you went on a date." She leaned in, her voice dripping with playful gossip. "How was the date? How was the girl? She was beautiful, wasn't she? I know it, she must have been less beautiful than you described. Besides, you didn't even tell us. She wasn't your crush, was she? Nivan, say yes!"
It was then that Nivan caught Neerav's eye. His friend gave an exaggerated wink. The pieces clicked into place. This was Neerav's prank, a lighthearted distraction fabricated to cover for his mysterious absence.
A slow, understanding smile spread across Nivan's face. He decided to play along. Nivan: (Feigning shyness) "Yes… the date was good. The girl was beautiful… seemed quite nice."
Neerav: (Jumping in, perfectly playing his part) "Okay, then at least tell me this: what's the plan for meeting her next? Did she suggest meeting up, or did you convince her?"
Nivan: (Playing along with a straight face) "No, no, Neerav, I didn't have to convince her. In fact, we're going on another date the day after tomorrow. You should come too, with your girlfriend."
Neerav: (Clutching his chest dramatically) "Oh, come on, man! Where do we have that kind of luck? We're not as lucky as you, bro!"
Nivan and Neerav burst into shared laughter, the sound a stark contrast to the turmoil hidden behind Nivan's eyes.
It was then that he noticed Ruhan. His friend had been listening quietly, but upon hearing Nivan confirm the "date," a shadow passed over his face. Without a word, he turned and started to walk away, his posture stiff.
Seeing this, Nivan's laughter died in his throat. The game wasn't fun anymore. Nivan: "Hey guys, wait! I didn't go on a date!" he announced, his voice cutting through the laughter. "I just had an appointment with the doctor… went for a routine check-up."
The reaction was immediate. Ruhan, who had almost reached the door, stopped in his tracks. He didn't turn around, but his shoulders relaxed visibly. Then, a soft chuckle escaped him, and he finally turned back, a genuine, relieved smile on his face.
Everyone: (Turning on Neerav in mock anger) "You! Neerav's kid, he lies!"
Kavya: (Playfully hitting Neerav on the shoulder) "You too, Nivan! You had us going for a second!"
Neerav just laughed, thoroughly pleased with the chaos he had orchestrated.
Sadhya: "By the way, Ruhan, where were you going so suddenly?"
Ruhan: (Trying to sound casual, though a faint blush touched his cheeks) "Oh, nowhere… just to drink water. But I laughed hearing Nivan's confession-then-retraction."
Nisha: "Really, man, today Nivan and Neerav made us laugh a lot."
Ishika: (Trying to sound nonchalant but unable to hide a slight edge) "Yes, but even if Nivan had gone on a date, what's wrong with that? Anyway, if he gets a girlfriend, he'll finally give his friends some space." The comment was light, but it landed with a subtle thud.
Ruhan: (His smile vanishing, his tone turning serious) "What do you mean by that, Ishika?"
Kavya: (Quickly diffusing the tension with a laugh) "Oh, she just means that if he gets a girlfriend, he'll give her time… meaning he'll stay a bit away from his friends. It's a joke!"
Ishika: (Backtracking quickly) "Yes-yes, that's exactly what I meant."
Ruhan looked at her, a silent understanding passing between them, but he said nothing more.
Nivan: (Breaking the awkward pause) "Well, guys, after all that drama, can I have some water? Or should I just stand here and dehydrate?"
Ruhan: (Immediately picking up his own water bottle from the table and handing it to Nivan) "Here, take it. Drink from my bottle."
The gesture was simple, but in the context of their unspoken connection and the recent "date" prank, it felt intensely personal. Nivan: "Thanks, Ruhan," he said, their eyes meeting for a moment too long.
Ishika watched the exchange, a complex mix of emotions flashing in her eyes before she deliberately looked away.
Anvesh: "By the way, what did the doctor say, Nivan? Everything alright?"
Nivan: (The image of the photograph flashing in his mind) "Nothing… the report was normal… everything is fine." The lie was becoming a habit, a necessary shield to protect them from a truth he didn't yet understand himself.
Neerav: "Good, that's a relief."
Nisha: (Clapping her hands together) "Ok guys, let's eat! The food is ready."
A collective cheer went up. Everyone: "Wow, Nisha!"
Neerav: "So much fun and laughing! I've gotten tired and hungry. Good thing you came with the food. It smells really good too! Let me see what you've made."
Amidst more laughter and chatter, everyone gathered around, the earlier tensions forgotten in the simple, comforting ritual of a shared meal.
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An Evening of Love and Friendship
Scene – Hostel Balcony: A Silent Promise
The evening painted the sky in shades of orange and purple. A cool, gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the hostel balcony, carrying the scent of night-blooming jasmine. Nisha stood leaning against the railing, a steaming cup of tea in her hands, her gaze lost in the tranquil horizon.
Sadhya came up behind her, moving as quietly as a shadow, his own cup in hand. He bent close, his lips nearly brushing her ear. Sadhya: (Whispering) "Thinking... or about someone?"
Nisha smiled without turning, her entire body relaxing at his presence. Nisha: "Both. I was thinking... and about you too."
Sadhya wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close against his chest. Nisha let her head fall back, resting it on his shoulder, closing her eyes with a contented sigh.
Sadhya: (Pressing a soft kiss into her hair) "Tell me then... what were you thinking about me?"
Nisha: (Her voice a soft murmur) "Just that being with you gives me so much peace. As if all troubles stop right here." She placed her hands over his. "Your hands... they feel like they were made just to hold me."
Sadhya tightened his embrace, one hand splayed on her waist, the other gently caressing her hair. Sadhya: (His voice a deep, resonant whisper) "Because they truly are, Nisha. My strength, my breaths... all are just for you." He turned her slightly to face him, his eyes serious. "If I miss even a single sigh of yours, I feel like I'll forget how to live."
Nisha turned fully within the circle of his arms, her eyes glistening in the fading light. She pressed her forehead against his, a gesture of profound intimacy. Nisha: "Without you, it feels like my heartbeat is incomplete. As if every happiness remains unfinished. You reside in my every breath, Sadhya... every moment."
Sadhya: (His voice thick with emotion, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks) "Then promise me... you'll never go far from my breaths. You'll always remain my heartbeat." He took her hand and placed it firmly over his heart. "See... this heart beats only for you. Your every tear, every smile... all will be mine."
Nisha felt the strong, steady rhythm beneath her palm. Overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, she rose on her toes and placed a soft, deep, promise-laden kiss on his lips. It was a kiss that spoke of a shared present and a hopeful future.
For a long moment, they simply looked at each other, the world around them fading into insignificance.
Sadhya: (Finally breaking the silence, a tender smile on his face as he wiped a stray tear from her cheek) "Come on... our tea is getting cold."
Nisha: (Snuggling back into his arms, refusing to let go) "Let it be... I just want your warmth."
They stood entwined, the evening breeze seeming to pause in reverence, as if time itself had stopped to witness their love.
The spell was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps.
Anvesh: (Smiling, arms folded as he observed them) "Hey, lovebirds! If you're done with your romance-romance, then come down now. Everyone is waiting for you."
Nisha immediately lowered her gaze, a deep blush coloring her cheeks. Sadhya tried to suppress a laugh but failed. Sadhya: "You always show up at the wrong time, bro."
Anvesh: "Wrong time?… Hey, I came at the right time. Otherwise, who knows, you two would have been sitting here counting the stars until morning."
Just then, Neerav and Kavya also stepped onto the balcony.
Neerav: "Look, see our secret love story couple."
Kavya: (Laughing warmly) "I told you, give these two some time… now see, the flower has fully bloomed."
Nisha hid her face in Sadhya's shoulder, while Sadhya just grinned, holding her hand proudly. Sadhya: "Okay-okay, we admit it. Now come on, let's all have tea together before these two tease us to death."
Laughing heartily, the group of friends headed back downstairs, the balcony now empty but for the lingering feeling of a promise made under the twilight sky. Sadhya and Nisha followed, their hands still entwined, their smiles speaking of a happiness that felt both new and eternal.
Soon after, as the night deepened, one by one, everyone retreated to their rooms, the hostel settling into a quiet slumber.
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