The next morning, Pranjal was completely engrossed in his books, his eyes scanning the pages with unwavering focus. His mother, knowing how her bookworm son could forget everything—including food—when lost in studies, so she sat beside him, feeding him bites of breakfast with her own hands. He didn't want hunger to be a distraction, so she took it upon herself to ensure he ate without breaking his concentration.

Just then, Vatsal walked into the room. The sight before him made him chuckle—Pranjal, usually so serious and absorbed in his studies, looked like a little child, obediently eating from his mother's hand.

With a playful grin, Vatsal plopped down beside them. "Maa, I want a bite too," he said, tilting his head expectantly.

His mother chuckled, warmth evident in her eyes. She offered him a bite just as lovingly as she did for Pranjal.

Vatsal took it with a satisfied smile, glancing at Pranjal. "Dekha? tereko hi sirf mumma ka pyaar nahi milega akele."

[See? You're not the only one who will get Mumma's love.]

Pranjal just rolled his eyes, shaking his head with a small smile, but deep down, he appreciated the warmth of the moment—the comfort of home, of love, and of bonds that he wanted from so many years.

Vatsal, getting silently irritated, muttered under his breath, "Maa, isko dekho, kitab le ke baith gaya subah subah. Isko dekh ke mujhe bukhar ho jata hai."

[Mom, look at him, he's sitting with a book again, early in the morning. Just looking at him makes me hungry.]

Reena, their mother, chuckled, "Kya karega tu isko bahar le ke jana? Yeh tough job hai."

[What will you do, taking him out? It's a tough job. To make him move from here?]

Pranjal, who was eating his food with his mouth full, tried to speak but his voice wasn't audible.

Vatsal burst out laughing at his attempt. "Maa, isko dekho! Waise bhi, maa, mujhe kaam hai projecct ke liye paise chaiye the aur shopping bhi karni hai thodi. Mere Ko paise de do. Is mahine ke paise khatam ho gaye."

[Mom, look at him! Anyway, Mom, I have work, I needed money for project and also I had to shop some stuff. Give me some money. This month's allowance is finished.]

Reena's eyes widened, and she looked at him sternly, "Tune mahine ke shuruaat main 50 hazar kharch kar diye, Vatu. Aisa kya kiya us paise ka?"

[You spent 50,000 at the beginning of the month, Vatu. What did you do with that money?]

Vatsal looked around nervously, avoiding eye contact. Reena smirked but didn't press the issue, somehow knowing the reason. "Paise apne chote bhai se le lena. Iske paas jitne paise hain, utne tu umeed tak nahi kar sakta."

[Take money from your younger brother. He has more money than you can even imagine.]

Vatsal's ask so casually while drinking water, "Kitne?"

[How much?]

Reena smiled slyly, "2 lakh toh honge h iske account mein."

[There must be at least 2 lakhs in his account.]

Vatsal choked on his water, and Reena patted his back to calm him down. Pranjal looked at him with concern, "Thik ho, bhaiya?"

[Are you okay, brother?]

Vatsal looked at his mom, still in shock, "Maa, itne paise kaise hain iske paas?"

[Mom, how does he have so much money?]

Reena explained casually, "Kyunki isne bhut scholarship ke paise bacha ke rakhe hain. Aur jo monthly paise tere papa ishe bejhte the, woh kabhi kharch nahi kiya. Uper se, joh mein tum dono ko deti thi, woh bhi ishne bachaye hain. Joh mahan putra mere aap se bachte nahi hain, isliye accurate toh mujhe nahi pata, but isse jyada hoga."

[Because he's saved a lot of his scholarship money. And the monthly allowance your father sent him, he never spent it. Plus, whatever I gave you both, he's saved that too. My great son doesn't save from me, so I'm not sure of the exact amount, but it's definitely more than that.]

Vatsal looked at Pranjal, who was giving him a cheeky smile. Pranjal said casually, "Aap mere account se pay kar dena."

[You can pay from my account.]

Vatsal, exasperated, threw up his hands, "Tu bhi chal raha hai, bina bakwas kiye, hue dimag nahi kharab kar. Mera saara kaam tuh hi krega!"

[You're also leaving without a word, not bothering to explain, and messing with my head. You'll do all my work, right?]

Pranjal made a comically exaggerated cry face and wailed, "Maaaa!"

[Mother]

Reena, shaking her head, started walking away, "Don't involve me in your sibling drama, You guys have been apart for so many years, you should go outside and spend some quality time together. Stop studying all the time, Pranu..." She gave Vatsal a nod of approval.

Vatsal flashed Pranjal a tight-lipped smile, and Pranjal retaliated by sticking out his tongue.

Just as Reena was about to leave, she turned around, holding the door and picking at something, "Aur haan, don't forget my pataaka. Take her with you."

Vatsal and Pranjal exchanged a look, and in perfect sync, they chimed, "Manyaaaa!"

°•••••••••••••••••••••••°

Palak trudged behind her mother, Sapna and Anushka, who were engrossed in shopping. Palak was stuck holding numerous shopping bags, her disinterest in shopping evident on her face.

She mumbled under her breath, "Kutto wali majduri karwa rahi hai. Aur ghar ja ke khayenge. Shopping hi kaha ki mujhe saman uthne ke liye laate hain yeh log."

[They're making me work like a dog. And we'll eat at home. What kind of shopping is this where they make me carry all the bags?]

Just as Palak was about to tear up, Sapna chimed in, "Kyaaa, chuhe ki tarah dheere dheere chal rahi hai? Jaldi chal!"

[What's wrong, walking slowly like a mouse? Hurry up!]

Palak made an irritating face and complained, "Chal rahi hoon, meri maa. Ja ke trolley lane doh, saman zyada ho gaya hai."

[I'm walking, Mom. Go put the stuff in the trolley; there's too much.]

Anushka pouted, "Abhi toh kuch hua nahi."

[Nothing's happened yet.]

Palak glared at her, "Hua nahi? Hua nahi?" She raised her voice, "Hey, maaaaaaaaaaaa! Maaataaa ji, yeh kya hai?"?She gestured to the numerous bags.

[Nothing's happened? Nothing's happened? Hey, Mom! What's this?]

Sapna glared at her, "Stop shouting! Sab idhar hai, dekh rahe hain. Aur Anu bachcha ne kya galat bola? Chup chap bag le kar aa, drama mat kar!"

[Stop shouting! Everyone's watching. And what's wrong with what Anu said? Quietly pick up the bags and come, no drama!]

Palak wiped away imaginary tears, "Ishi time, ishi time. Manya ki sasti Mehak jaisi badbu ki kami hoti hai. Khass khoon chusne wali aurat yaha hoti, partnership de deti."

[At this time, at this time. I miss Manya's cheap, Mehak-like stench. As if that bloodsucking woman is here, offering partnership.]

As Pranjal, Vatsal, and Manya arrived at the mall, Manya's eyes landed on Adhvik standing beside his bike, enthusiastically waving at Pranjal. Manya scrunched up her face, "Yeh langur ka angur yaha kya kar raha hai?"

[What is this monkey doing here?]

Pranjal replied casually, "Maine bhulya."

[I called him]

Vatsal placed a hand on Pranjal's shoulder, "Tuh Adhvik ke bina kahi nahi jaane ki kasam khayi hai nahi?"

[You haven't sworn to never go anywhere without Adhvik, have you?]

Pranjal smiled, "Adhvik mera dost hai, aur right bro, main uske bina kahi nahi jao jaaha Adhvik waha, main waha."

[Adhvik is my friend, and my right-hand bro, I don't go anywhere without him. Where Adhvik is, I am ]

Vatsal chuckled, shaking his head. Pranjal sprinted towards Adhvik.

Manya leaned in close to Vatsal's ear and whispered, "Bhai, kahi Pranjal Palak ki jagah Adhvik se toh nahi..."

[Brother, I hope Pranjal isn't replacing Palak with Adhvik...]

Vatsal and Manya exchanged a concerned glance, then looked at Pranjal and Adhvik, who were beaming at each other.

In unison, they exclaimed, "Nahi, nahi, aisa nahi hoga, nahi hoga nah!" They shared another anxious glance.

[No, no, that won't happen, no way!]

As all four walked through the mall, Adhvik and Pranjal were deeply engaged in a conversation—well, to be precise, Adhvik was the one talking non-stop while Pranjal listened with an almost saint-like patience.

Manyaa, placing both hands on her respected brother's shoulders, spoke in a teasing tone, "Toh, Bratha Shri Vatsal Mishra ji, kya-kya samaan lena hai humein aapki house party ke liye?"

["So, Brother Shri Vatsal Mishra ji, what all do we need to bring for your house party?"]

Vatsal, rolling his eyes at his sister's dramatic tone, replied, "Arey, sab Pranjal ko pata hai. List uske paas hai, usse puchho. Sab wahi kar raha hai."

["Oh, Pranjal knows everything. He has the list, ask him. He's handling everything."]

Hearing this, Adhvik dramatically grabbed Pranjal's hands, his expression exaggerated with mock distress. "Haaayee! Mori Maiyaa! Mera bhola bhala Pranjaluuu! Sab kaam issi se karwa rahe ho? Sharam nahi aati, Vatsal? Kidmada kahin ke!" He sighed dramatically before resting his head on Pranjal's shoulder.

["Haaayee! Oh my God! My innocent Pranjaluuu! You're making him do all the work? Don't you feel ashamed, Vatsal? You freeloader!"]

Pranjal took a deep breath, clearly accustomed to Adhvik's antics.

Vatsal, looking at Adhvik in sheer disbelief, shot back, "Oye! Chamgadar ke chhote kapde se nikle hue bhujiya ke packet! Zyada bakwaas kari na, toh yahin patak ke maar dunga! Kidmada kehta hai mujhe! Khud kya hai tadka?"

["Oye! You bat-sized bhujiya packet! If you talk any more nonsense, I'll slam you right here! Calling me a freeloader? And what are you, a spicy tempering?"]

Manyaa, observing the playful banter, smirked and commented, "Palak ki sangati kisi ke liye bhi do minute ke liye achi nahi hoti. Sab pe asar dikhne laga hai." She blinked mischievously.

["Even spending two minutes with Palak is bad for anyone. It's starting to show on everyone."]

Adhvik gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his mouth as if deeply offended. "Yeh bol ke inhone meri izzat nilam kar di! Pranjuuu! Tu toh kuch bol meri izzat bachane ke liye!"

["Saying this, they've completely ruined my reputation! Pranjuuu! Say something to save my honor!"]

Pranjal, calmly removing Adhvik's hand from his bicep, sighed before responding, "Bhaiya ne galat bol diya... Tu tadka nahi hai."

["Bhaiya was wrong... You're not a spicy tempering."]

Adhvik's face lit up with an almost smug smile—only to fade instantly as Pranjal continued, "Tu Surpanakha ka punar janam hai, jiski wajah se aaj mere gender par ya mujhe par log shak kar rahe hain."

["You are the reincarnation of Surpanakha, because of whom people are now doubting my gender or me."]

Adhvik's dramatic instincts flared up again as he clutched his chest in mock agony. "Hey Bhagwan! Aisa dost diya aapne! Isse prem karo toh gender par sawal uthta hai! Hayeee Ram! Utha le mujhe!"

["Oh God! This is the kind of friend you gave me! If I show him love, my gender gets questioned! Hayeee Ram! Just take me away!"]

Pranjal, unfazed, simply walked ahead, muttering under his breath, "Khaas tujhe yahi se utha le."

["Just make sure to take only you from here."]

Vatsal clapped his hands together, bringing everyone back to reality. "Chalo, chalo, samaan lene chalte hain, warna bakwaas mein hi time pass kar denge."

["Come on, come on, let's go get the stuff, or else we'll just waste time talking nonsense."]

As the group wandered through the mall, Manyaa's eyes lit up as she spotted a bookstore. Her inner book insect instantly clicked, and without a second thought, she walked inside.

Adhvik, who had been casually looking around, suddenly noticed her absence. He glanced around, searching for her, and soon spotted her inside the bookstore. Without hesitation, he followed her, his curiosity piqued.

Manyaa picked up a book from the shelf and started reading, completely engrossed. Meanwhile, from a few shelves away, Adhvik stood watching her—his gaze unconsciously drawn to her face. There was something about the way she read, the way her brows furrowed slightly in concentration, and the way her fingers lightly traced the edges of the pages.

Adhvik, lost in thought, mused to himself, "Kya dekh raha hoon, pata nahi... par jo saamne dikh raha hai, khubsurat sa lag raha hai."

["I don't know what I'm looking at... but whatever's in front of me looks quite beautiful."]

Manyaa, oblivious to his admiration, placed the book back on the shelf and moved forward. Adhvik, pretending to browse, grabbed a random book—holding it as if he were deeply invested in reading, but in reality, his eyes were once again fixed on her.

She smiled softly while reading something, and as if on cue, a similar smile unknowingly formed on Adhvik's lips. Her eyes wandered across the lines of the book, while his eyes traced every movement of hers.

She walked ahead once more, picking up another book. Adhvik, still trailing behind her, hurriedly grabbed a book himself—only to realize too late that he was holding it upside down. He quickly turned it the right way, hiding behind a shelf as he continued his silent pursuit.

This time, Manyaa stood near the large bookstore window, the golden sunlight streaming in, casting a soft glow on her face. The light danced over her features, highlighting the gentle contours of her cheekbones and the slight parting of her lips as she lost herself in the world of words.

Adhvik, standing a few steps behind, found himself utterly mesmerized. The book in his hand was long forgotten—because in that moment, Manyaa was the only story he wanted to read.

Adhvik pov:-

As Manyaa stood by the bookstore window, the golden sunlight streamed in, wrapping around her like an ethereal glow. The soft rays cascaded over her face, illuminating the delicate curves of her cheekbones and the gentle slope of her nose. Her skin, kissed by the warm light, took on a luminous sheen, as if the sun itself had paused to admire her.

Her hair, dark and silken, shimmered where the light touched it, individual strands catching fire in hues of chestnut and gold. The shadows danced along her features, accentuating the quiet elegance in the arch of her brows and the serene focus in her eyes. Her lips, slightly parted as she lost herself in the words of the book, carried the faintest trace of a smile—soft, unguarded, as though the sunlight itself had whispered something only she could hear.

At that moment, I stopped breathing.

I didn't know why, but something about this felt like a moment meant to be adored—just adored. She stood there, bathed in golden sunlight, looking nothing less than a goddess. Not the pishachini I always fought with, not the fiery, sharp-tongued girl who challenged me at every turn—but something softer, something almost unreal.

Without thinking, I slowly blew a gentle stream of air from my lips, just enough to make her hair dance. And as if the universe itself conspired with me, the strands lifted, swaying gracefully like silk caught in the wind. It was as if even the air had chosen to play along, to become an accomplice in this quiet, stolen moment.

I was lost, completely lost, balancing myself against the bookshelf, still mesmerized—until disaster struck.

My hand, fumbling for balance, got caught between the stacked books, and before I could react—shit—the entire bunch came crashing down on me.

A loud thud echoed through the bookstore, breaking the spell of the moment. I barely had time to groan when I realized the real disaster—Manyaa, who had been standing not too far away, had turned, her eyes locked onto the mess I had just created.

Her gaze shifted from the fallen books to me, and I could already see it—the smirk, the upcoming taunt, the merciless teasing that was about to unfold.

Shit. Now I'm gone.

Pov ends:

Pranjal stood near the entrance of the store, arms crossed, waiting for Vatsal, who had stepped outside to answer their mother's call. His patience was running thin when, after a few minutes, Vatsal finally returned—holding their dog, Lucy, securely in his arms.

Pranjal's brows furrowed in confusion as he stared at the little ball of fur. "Lucy? Mall mein kahaan se aa gayi? Aur yeh aapke paas kya kar rahi hai?"

["Lucy? How did she end up in the mall? And what is she doing near you?"]

Vatsal, adjusting his grip on the dog, sighed dramatically. "Maa aayi thi. Lucy ke liye naye toys aur kapde lene. Kaha ki unki beti ko bhi shopping karwao. Aur iske badle ache-khaase paise de ke gayi hain." His tone carried the exasperation of someone who had long accepted his fate.

["Mom came to buy new toys and clothes for Lucy. She said her daughter also deserves some shopping. And in return, she gave me a good amount of money."]

Pranjal chuckled, gently caressing Lucy's head. The little pup nuzzled into his palm, clearly enjoying the affection. "Maa na... ek din humare ghar ko pet house bana degi, dekhna."

["Mom, huh... One day, she'll turn our house into a pet house, just wait and see."]

Vatsal let out a knowing sigh. "Janta hoon. Par lady boss ke aage koi bol sakta hai kya?"

["I know. But can anyone say anything in front of the lady boss?"]

Pranjal immediately shook his head—a clear, undeniable no. There was no arguing with their mother when it came to Lucy or, for that matter, any pet she decided to adopt into the family.

His eyes scanned the store, suddenly remembering something. "Upar se Adhvik... idhar meri madad karne ke liye aaya tha. Pata nahi kidhar maar gaya."

["On top of that, Adhvik... he came here to help me. No idea where he disappeared."]

Vatsal smirked. "Tu ek kaam kar—main Lucy ke liye saman leta hoon, aur tu ja ke party ke liye samaan le. Jaldi ho jayega aise."

["Do one thing—I'll get the stuff for Lucy, and you go grab the supplies for the party. This way, we'll be done faster."]

Pranjal nodded. "Okay, brother."

With that, the two parted ways, each heading off to handle their respective tasks—one shopping for a house party, the other catering to the whims of their pampered little dog.

Pranjal carefully picked up a box of ice cream, scrutinizing its expiry date, completely absorbed in the task. He was so focused that he didn't notice someone approaching him until they collided.

The person he bumped into let out an irritated sigh, placing her hand on her head with her eyes closed in frustration. Palak shouted in annoyance, "Andha hai kya?!"

[Are you blind?!]

Recognizing the familiar voice, Pranjal's eyes widened in surprise. He quickly looked up, a mix of shock and disbelief flashing across his face. "Palak?!"

Palak blinked rapidly, her mind struggling to process the sight in front of her. She had imagined running into him so many times that she wasn't sure if this was real or just another illusion. To confirm, she reached out and pinched his hand—hard.

Pranjal winced, rubbing his hand, "Ouchhh! Chitti kyun kaata, Palak?!" [Ouch! Why did you pinch me, Palak?!]

Palak's eyes widened in shock. Her heart skipped a beat as realization dawned upon her. He was actually here. She stammered in disbelief, "Tum... tum Pranjal ho?"

[You... you're Pranjal?]

Pranjal looked at her, confusion flickering across his face. "Haan baba, Pranjal hi hoon!"

[Yes, I'm Pranjal!]

Palak mumbled under her breath, still trying to wrap her head around the moment. "Ohh... warna mujhe laga phir se din mein sapne dekhne lagi hoon main aaj kal..."

[Oh... I thought I was dreaming again...]

Pranjal noticed her muttering and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Kya? Kuch bola kya?"

[What? Did you say something?]

Palak snapped out of it, shaking her head quickly, "Nahi nahi! Waise, tum yaha achanak kya kar rahe ho?"

[No, no! Anyway, what are you doing here suddenly?]

Pranjal replied, "House party ka samaan lene aaya tha... wahi le raha tha."

[I came to buy stuff for the house party... just picking it up.]

Palak finally let out a small laugh, still in awe that fate had led her embarrassed in front of her crush again.

Pranjal raised his eyebrows asking her the same question.

Palak said casually, "Mumma aur Anushka aayi thi shopping par, main aayi bags uthane aur kuch shopping karne."

[Mom and Anushka came for shopping, and I'm the one carrying bags and doing some shopping.]

Pranjal placed his hands behind his head, "Ohhh, toh woh main bol raha tha, help karo gi meri agar tumhe problem nahi ho?"

[So that's what I was saying, will you help me if you don't mind?]

Palak's face lit up, "Kyu nahi, chalo chalo!"

[Why not, let's go!]

She exclaimed, holding the cart and excitement evident in her voice, as she ran forward.

Pranjal chuckled and smiled, amused by her enthusiasm.

Palak was busy in the Maggi aisle, picking up packets and placing them in her cart, when she suddenly felt as if someone was watching her.

She turned around, but there was no one.

Shrugging it off, she continued shopping. However, after a while, the same eerie feeling crept over her again. This time, Pranjal noticed her glancing around, searching for something—or someone.

Pranjal, scanning the surroundings with a frown "Kya hua, Palak?"

["What happened, Palak?"]

Palak, shaking her head, her voice uncertain "Kuch nahi... bas aisa laga jaise koi kafi der se mera peecha kar raha ho."

["Nothing... it just felt like someone has been following me for a while."]

Pranjal, now alert, also looked around carefully. But there was no one suspicious in sight.

Palak let out a small breath and forced a smile. "Shayad mujhe galat fehmi ho rahi hai. Chalo, aage chalte hain."

["Maybe it's just my imagination. Come on, let's move ahead."]

Saying this, she stepped forward, trying to dismiss the unease settling in her chest.

Pranjal, however, lingered for a moment, his eyes darting around one last time before following her.

As they shopped together, Palak and Pranjal mutually selected materials, ensuring everything was perfect. Pranjal nodded in agreement with Palak's choices, and she smiled, pleased that they shared the same taste.

Suddenly, Palak's eyes landed on a cute stuffed toy, but she hesitated when she saw the price. Pranjal noticed her interest and raised an eyebrow. Palak touched a few more cute items but didn't add them to the cart.

Palak mumbled under her breath, pouting, "Isliye pocket money save karna chahiye. Sab tusne mein waste kar deti hu aur mall aah ke regret karti hu."

[That's why I should save my pocket money. I waste it all on you, and then I regret it when I come to the mall.]

Pranjal picked up the soft toy, cute stuff, and chocolate boxes that Palak had touched and placed them in his cart. When Palak touched an earring pair, Pranjal quickly took it and added it to his cart. Similarly, when Palak touched a cute water bottle, Pranjal grabbed the exact same one and put it in his cart.

This continued, with Pranjal adding every item Palak touched to his cart. Palak's eyes landed on a cute matching couple pair of bands with a panda design, and she couldn't help but admire it for a long time. Pranjal, meanwhile, was admiring Palak's face, which looked even cuter as she gazed at the band.

Finally, Palak moved forward, leaving the band behind. Pranjal smiled as he looked at it, then placed it in his cart.

Palak asked, "Aur kya kya baki hai, Pranjal?"

[What else is left, Pranjal?]

Pranjal replied, "Ab electric ke kuch saman hai, inko pay kar dete hain, phir chalenge ."

[Now we have some electrical items left, let's pay for them and then leave.]

Palak nodded, "Okk, tb tk kuch saman aur hai, woh le lo."

[Okay, meanwhile, there are a few more items, go get them.]

Pranjal nodded enthusiastically, and they both started checking off the remaining items they needed for the house party.

Vatsal strolled along, gently cradling Lucy in his arms. He chatted with her in a playful voice, his eyes shining with amusement. "Lucy baby, Mumma ki favorite banna hai aapko? Par kuch bhi kar lo, Mumma ke favorite toh unka Vatuu hi rahega." He chuckled softly, lost in his conversation with the pup.

["Lucy baby, do you want to be Mumma's favorite? But no matter what you do, Mumma's favorite will always be her Vatuu."]

As he walked, Anuskha approached from the opposite direction, holding a shopping bag. She was on a mission to find Palak, as Palak's mom had asked her to. Her brisk pace came to an abrupt halt when— Thud! Their shoulders collided, sending Anuskha stumbling backward.

Vatsal's gaze snapped toward her, his eyes widening in surprise. "Lagta hai din mein sapne dekhne laga hai tu, Vatsal... Din mein sapne?" he muttered, still in disbelief.

["Looks like you've started dreaming in broad daylight, Vatsal... Daydreaming, huh?"]

Anuskha, however, was too annoyed to notice his dazed expression.

Anuskha straightened up, rubbing her shoulder, and glared at him. "Kya tarika hai yeh? Matlab—"

["What kind of way is this? I mean—"]

Vatsal hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took a step closer. Then, in a moment of impulsive curiosity, he reached out and pinched her arm.

Anuskha winced in pain, yelling in irritation, "Dimaag ko achar lene bhej diya hai kya, Vatsal Mishra?! Kyu nocha mujhe?!"

["Have you sent your brain off to get pickled, Vatsal Mishra?! Why did you scratch me?!"]

Vatsal froze, his eyes widening in shock as realization dawned—she wasn't a dream. She was real.

Vatsal stammered awkwardly, "Opps... so so sorry! Mujhe laga ki—"

["Oops... so so sorry! I thought that—"]

Anuskha scowled, rubbing the spot he had pinched. "Kya laga, hippopotamus kahin ke?"

["What did you think, you hippopotamus?!"]

Vatsal quickly changed the subject, defensive and frowning. "Dekho, mujhe hippopotamus mat bolo!"

["Look, don't call me a hippopotamus!"]

Anuskha rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Haan haan, toh kya bulaun tumhe? Head boy captain? Par afsos, yeh sab suit nahi karta tumpe!"

["Yeah, yeah, then what should I call you? Head boy captain? But sadly, none of that suits you!"]

Vatsal smirked, running a hand through his hair with exaggerated confidence,"Tum kya jaano, hamare kitne fans hain! Itne fans hain ki log hume dekh ke hi deewane ho jaate hain!"

["What do you know? I have so many fans! So many that people go crazy just by seeing me!"]

Anuskha looked around, rolled her eyes. "Fans bhi gadhe hain tumhari tarah."

["Even your fans are donkeys, just like you."]

Anuskha's eyes landed on the small, furry creature in Vatsal's arms, and her expression transformed into horror. She took a step back, her voice trembling. "Tum... tum door raho mujhse! Pagal aadmi! Ekdum door!"

["You... you stay away from me! Crazy man! Stay completely away!"]

Vatsal's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, until he glanced down at Lucy and a mischievous grin spread across his face.

Vatsal teased, "Ohhh... toh madam ko in pyaare, masoom janwaron se darr lagta hai?" Anuskha's face contorted in fear as she took another step back, her eyes fixed on Lucy.

["Ohhh... so madam is afraid of these cute, innocent animals?"]

Anuskha shuddered, her voice barely above a whisper. "'Pyaare'?! Jab yeh bhonkne lagte hain toh mujhe maut aa jaati hai! Mujhe bilkul nahi pasand! Katai nahi!" Vatsal chuckled, taking a deliberate step closer to her.

["'Cute'?! When they start barking, I feel like I'm gonna die! I absolutely don't like them! Not at all!"]

Vatsal said calmly, "Arey, nahi karte kuch! Meri maa waise nahi hai lucy , sab waise nahi hote." Anuskha's eyes widened in horror as she took another step back, her hands raised in defense.

["Hey, they don't do anything! My Lucy isn't like that, and not all of them are the same."]

Anuskha warned, "Maar dungi tumhe, Vatsal Mishra! Door raho mujhse!"

["Maar dungi tumhe, Vatsal Mishra! Door raho mujhse!"]

Vatsal placed a hand on his forehead dramatically, shaking his head. His expression turned gentle, and he began to speak in a soothing tone.

Vatsal sighed, "Pata hai? Meri Mumma bhi pehle dogs se itna darti thi. Par Papa ne jab unhe dheere-dheere milaya, unka darr bhi chala gaya. Aur aaj hamare ghar mein paanch dogs hain, including Lucy!" He affectionately patted Lucy's tiny head, his eyes filled with warmth.

["You know what? My Mumma used to be really scared of dogs too. But when Papa slowly introduced her to them, her fear went away. And today, we have five dogs at home, including Lucy!"]

Anuskha stood frozen, her eyes fixed on Lucy. "Mujhe nahi pata! Bas mujhe darr lagta hai, door raho!" Vatsal's expression turned encouraging, and he took a gentle step closer.

["I don't care! I just get scared, stay away!"]

Vatsal coaxed, "Acha, Lucy kuch nahi karti. Pass aao, thoda sa pass. Lucy bhokti bhi nahi, yeh toh baby hai abhi! Sacchi, bas pyaar se aao aur head touch karo uska. Try karo, Anuskha... itna mat darao." Anuskha's breath caught in her throat as she hesitated, her eyes locked on Lucy.

["Okay, Lucy doesn't do anything. Come a little closer. She doesn't even bark, she's just a baby! Really, just come with love and touch her head. Try it, Anushka... don't be so scared."]

Slowly, Anuskha inched forward, her heart pounding in her chest. Vatsal reached for her hand, his touch firm yet reassuring. He guided her trembling fingers toward Lucy's soft fur, and for a moment, Anuskha forgot to be afraid.

But as soon as Lucy moved, Anuskha panicked and snatched her hand away. Vatsal let out a patient sigh, his eyes filled with understanding. Vatsal said gently, "Kuch nahi hoga... Aaram se." This time, he held her hand a little longer, letting her feel the warmth and softness of Lucy's fur.

["Nothing will happen... Relax."]

Lucy remained still, enjoying the gentle touch. Anuskha's breath slowed, and her tense shoulders relaxed. For the first time, she looked at Lucy not with fear, but with curiosity. Slowly, hesitantly, she stroked the little dog's head. Lucy let out a contented sigh, and a flicker of surprise crossed Anuskha's face.

Her eyes softened, and without realizing it, a small, almost imperceptible smile touched her lips.

Anuskha's fingers danced across Lucy's soft fur, a teasing glint in her eye. "Kaha ja rhi ho hippopotamus ke sath?" she asked, her voice trembling with suppressed laughter. Vatsal's face changed in an instant, his eyebrows shooting up in mock offense.

["Where are you going with the hippopotamus?"]

"Yeh hippopotamus nahi h, dog hain!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Anuskha's lips twitched, but she managed to keep a straight face.

["This is not a hippopotamus, it's a dog!"]

"Wahi toh main ishi se puch rahi hu, kaha ja rahi ho hippopotamus ke sath?" she repeated, her voice laced with playful sarcasm. Vatsal's eyes widened as he realized what she was saying.

["That's exactly what I'm asking—where are you going with the hippopotamus?"]

"Main hippopotamus nahi hu!" he protested, his face scrunched up in mock indignation. Anuskha's composure finally cracked, and she burst out laughing. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand, trying to stifle her giggles.

["I am not a hippopotamus!"]

With a mischievous grin, Anuskha turned to leave. "Hippopotamus hi kehta hai ki woh hippopotamus nahi h, magar woh hota h!", her laughter echoing as she walked away. Vatsal stood frozen for a moment, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.

["A hippopotamus always says it's not a hippopotamus, but it still is!"]

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he took off after Anuskha, Lucy still cradled in his arms. "Aree yaar, nahi hu main hippopotamus!" he shouted, and ran behind her following her up.

["Ugh, man! I'm not a hippopotamus!"]