Tara woke up in the middle of the night and stared blankly at the ceiling as her thoughts drifted.
"Maya…" she sighed.
She sat up, shook her head, and quietly walked to the living room. Maya was still asleep on the couch, the TV was playing, completely unaware of everything.
Tara crossed her arms. "Seriously…"
"She went to her cupboard and picked out a saree for Maya—a red one with a thin golden border, elegant yet bold. She placed matching bangles, small earrings, and the blouse beside it."
"For someone who forgets everything," Tara muttered, "this will suit you."
Then she placed the saree next to her own outfit—"A soft light peach saree, simple yet graceful. She laid her jewelry neatly beside it."
Tara imagined it for a second.
Maya's hair tied in a low bun, clean and classy.
Her own hair loose and slightly wavy, natural and effortless.
Satisfied, Tara went back to Maya, covered her properly with a blanket, and smiled softly.
"Don't say I didn't help," she whispered.
Then she returned to her room and went back to sleep.
Maya woke up lazily, stretched, and then froze.
"Oh shit—my outfit!"
She jumped out of bed and ran straight to Tara's room.
Tara was already ready. She stood there in a saree, her hair left loose, soft waves resting against her shoulders. A gentle floral perfume lingered around her, and the jewelry she wore matched her outfit perfectly, making her sparkle just the right amount.
Maya stopped mid-step.
"Wow…" she muttered, clearly impressed.
Grinning, Maya walked over and gave Tara a playful smack. "Whoa! Look at you—my hot cheek! You look beautiful."
Tara rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Idiot," she said, laughing.
Then Tara turned and showed Maya her outfit.
Maya's eyes lit up instantly. "Ohhh! You picked my outfit too!" She got excited, hugged Tara tightly, and kissed her cheek. "I love youuu!"
Tara gasped and rubbed her cheek dramatically. "Ughhh!"
"Heyyy!" Maya yelled.
Tara laughed. "What?"
"Now I'll change—go outside!" Maya said with mock anger, flipping her hair. "You'll regret rubbing off my kiss!"
Tara shook her head, still laughing, and stepped out.
A few minutes later, Maya stepped out.
She was dressed in a bright red saree that flowed effortlessly around her, the fabric light and elegant. Her hair was tied back loosely, a few strands framing her face. Minimal jewelry rested against her skin—nothing too heavy, just enough to highlight her features. She smelled faintly of jasmine, fresh and warm.
Tara admired her and smiled. "Damn… you look sooo pretty. I deeply regret rubbing off your kiss, Miss Maya. "Maya chuckled. "See? I told you."
Just then, Vedh and Lav popped out of nowhere. Vedh, in his classic white shirt tucked neatly into black pants, looked effortlessly charming. Lav wore a black kurta, his hands and veins subtly visible, making him look irresistibly hot. Lav grinned and said, "Okay, enough, beautiful ladies. Now it's your turn to let us admire your beauty."
Vedh chuckled. "Forget admiring them—I just hope we don't drown in their beauty."
Tara replied shyly, trying to control her smile. "Ohhh, stop already. You both look fabulous too."
Maya wanted to compliment them as well, but she felt too shy to say anything. Instead, she cleared her throat and said, "So… shall we go?"
Lav smiled and stepped closer to her. "You look really stunning," he said softly. After a brief pause, he added, "Every time I look at you, I remember what peace feels like."
Maya blinked. "Huh? So… another pickup line, Lav?"
Lav shook his head, smiling gently. "No. Just what my heart feels."
Maya's heart raced so fast she could hear it pounding. Her cheeks warmed instantly, a deep blush spreading before she could stop it. She smiled, unable to hold it in anymore.
"You… don't look bad either," she said softly, then added, gathering a bit of courage, "In fact, you actually look very handsome."
Before anyone could say anything more, she quickly turned and walked out of the house toward Vedh's car, trying to hide her shyness and embarrassment.
Lav instantly turned red. He got so excited that he hugged Vedh again."Vedhuuu! She said I'm handsomeee! Oh my God—woohoo!" he screamed in happiness.
Vedh made a disgusted face and pushed him away. "Bro, get out! You got your compliment—why are you disturbing us now, huh? Go, get out."
Lav suddenly realized and nodded fast. "Ohhh yeah—sorry, sorry. Continue," he said, already backing away. "I'll go to Maya." He hurried towards her, giggling and jumping around like an over-happy little kid, completely unable to control his joy.
Vedh was busy dusting off his clothes, still annoyed after Lav's dramatic hug.
Tara laughed softly. "Oops! I was about to hug you too, but since you're not really a hug person… it's okay," she said teasingly, then turned to leave.
Vedh immediately whined like a kid, "Heyyy nooo! That was him, not you!"
Tara waved casually. "It's okay, I understand. Bye," she said, walking past him.
As she passed, her hair brushed lightly against Vedh's face He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling her presence linger. For a second, the world around him seemed to pause, leaving only the warmth she carried.
Without thinking, he caught her hand.
Tara turned around.
"You look gorgeous," Vedh said quietly.
Tara flipped her hair, grinned, and laughed. "I know," she said, pulling her hand free and running ahead.
"Hey! Wait!" Vedh shouted, chasing after her, both of them laughing as they ran.
They reached Vedh's house, and as they got out of the car, Vedh suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter. He laughed so much that he got hiccups, still holding his stomach and couldn't stop.
Maya raised an eyebrow, a little suspicious. "Wait… what happened?"
Vedh pointed at her and laughed even harder.
Lav, confused and a little worried, asked, "What about Maya?!"
Vedh couldn't control himself, laughing again, clutching his stomach.
Tara, annoyed, lightly—but not too gently—slapped him. Vedh stopped laughing immediately, rubbing his cheek dramatically. "Tara's wish is that you and Lav should go on a trip for Lav's birthday, since it's Lav's birthday week… and only you two," he said, ready to laugh again.
Tara shot him a death glare. Vedh gently put a finger to his lips, his eyes wide and innocent. He quickly nodded and whispered, "Nooo… I'm not laughing!"
Maya exclaimed, "Wtf, Tara? Why would you even do that?"
Meanwhile, Lav was dancing around excitedly.
Tara replied coldly, "I told you—I'll get my revenge."
Maya froze, wide-eyed. "Wow… you did this just because I ate your so-called last piece of cake?"
Tara raised her voice. "Yeah! The last piece!"
Maya smirked. "Okay… well, the same applies to you. Go on a trip with Vedh—just you two. How about that?"
Tara frowned. The girls started arguing, their voices rising.
Vedh screamed in joy. Lav chuckled. "Join me!" he said, pulling Vedh into a little dance.
While dancing, Lav added, "Their ego somehow just benefited us."
Vedh chuckled. "They could do anything, and look at what they chose!" The two high-fived each other.
Just then, Maya and Tara came together, trying to take back their wish.
Vedh shook his head. "Nah… denied. You can't cancel now."
Lav grinned. "Yup, deal is deal."
Tara muttered, "We only decided that in anger."
Vedh nodded. "Yeah… which benefited us."
Lav and Vedh fist-bumped, super happy.