The door swung open.

Vatsal and Arnav's eyes immediately darted toward it-Anuskha and Kriti were standing there, frozen.

Arnav's lips were still on Vatsal's cheek, and seeing them in that position, Kriti and Anuskha's eyes widened in shock.

Kriti stared at both of them, her voice barely a whisper, "Yo... you guys continue. We won't disturb you. We thought someone was actually stuck here."

Anuskha, her gaze fixed on the scene before her, muttered in disbelief, "I wasn't being delusional. There is something going on between you two. Mujhe toh uss din locker room se hi pata chal gaya tha..."

("I figured it out that day itself... back in the locker room.")

Vatsal quickly pushed Arnav away and stood upright, stammering, "Aisa kuch nahi hai! Woh hua yeh tha ki-"
He rushed to explain everything to them, hoping to clear the air.

("It's not like that! What actually happened was-")

But Kriti and Anuskha kept staring at them with judgmental eyes, clearly not convinced.

Kriti raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp, "Don't know why, but I can't trust you guys in thissss."

Arnav jogged a little to catch up, falling in step beside Kriti, his voice low and pleading, "Kriti, seriously... We were just talking. Woh moment bas awkward tha. Tum logon ne galat time pe dekh liya bas."

("Kriti, seriously... We were just talking. That moment was just awkward. You guys just happened to see it at the worst time.")

Kriti didn't stop walking, but her arms folded tightly across her chest. "Awkward moment mein kisi ke cheek pe kiss karte ho tum log?" she snapped, eyes still straight ahead.

("Oh really? And in awkward moments you kiss each other on the cheek?")

Vatsal, flustered, caught up with Anuskha, who was purposely walking faster. "Anu, please ruk jaa na. Aap toh samajh sakti hai."

("Anu, please stop... You of all people can understand, right?")

Anuskha shot him a glare. "Main sab samajh rahi hoon Vatsal. Tum dono kuch chupa rahe ho. And the worst part is-you both are so bad at hiding it."

("I understand everything, Vatsal. You both are hiding something. And the worst part is-you two are terrible at hiding it.")

Arnav groaned in frustration. "Kya prove karein? Ki we're not-whatever you think we are?"

("What do you want us to prove? That we're not... whatever you think we are?")

Kriti suddenly stopped, turned around, and stared at him. "Not what we think? Arnav, tum dono literally ek dusre ki aankhon mein doobe hue the. And you expect us to believe you were just... discussing life?"

("Not what we think? Arnav, you two were literally lost in each other's eyes.")

Anuskha smirked. "Ya maybe discussing future honeymoon plans?" she said, flipping her hair with mock innocence.

Vatsal's face turned red, both from anger and embarrassment. "Stop making it a joke! This is serious!"

Anuskha crossed her arms. "Exactly. It is serious. Tum dono humse jhoot bol rahe ho. If there's something, just say it. If not, stop acting like you've been caught cheating in an exam."

("You two are lying to us. If there's something, just admit it.")

Kriti leaned against the wall, eyes narrowed at Arnav. "You always talk about honesty, right? Then why does this feel like a cover-up?"

Arnav stepped closer to Kriti, standing beside her, his voice gentle, "Arey, sach mein aisa kuch nahi hai. Believe us."

("There's seriously nothing like that. Please, just believe us.")

Anuskha rolled her eyes dramatically. "As if we'll believe you guys. Let's go, Kriti di. Let them romance."

Without another word, both girls turned and started walking away.

Vatsal and Arnav hurried after them, desperate to make them understand they were innocent.

They were busy in this when they entered the hall and saw a group of people arguing.
And the person involved was none other than the same guy Palak had thrown juice at earlier.

They were arguing with none other than Palak herself.

The boy, fuming with anger, shouted, "Tumne jaan bujh ke kiya tha woh sab! Aur usme kuch milaya tha jiski wajah se mere doston ko poori body mein khujli ho rahi hai!"

("You did all that on purpose! And you mixed something in it-that's why my friends are itching all over their bodies!")

Palak, unfazed, stood there casually inspecting her nails, blowing air from her mouth with a smug expression.

The boy, now visibly irritated by her ignorance, barked again, "Are you even listening? Why did you do all this?"

Arnav, who was standing nearby listening to everything, mumbled under his breath, "Yeh sab toh maine kiya tha... Palak ne toh bas meri help kari."

("I was the one who did all that... Palak just helped me.")

Kriti, who heard him, turned sharply, eyes wide. "What?! Arnav, why the hell did you do this?"

Arnav gave her a helpless, selfless smile.

Palak, finally raising her eyes to look directly at the boys, said with calm venom, "I did it intentionally. You know why? Kyunki tumne meri didi ki taraf aankh utha ke dekha tha... comment pass karna tha na? Ab log tumhare upar comment pass karenge. Same-same but with a different angle."

("Because you looked at my sister the wrong way... Had to make a comment, right? Now people will pass comments about you.")

The boy, enraged, stepped toward her, "You..."

But before he could come close, Adhvik and Pranjal stepped in front of Palak, blocking his way with cold stares.

Kriti looked at Arnav with an annoyed face. "Tumhe hero banne ke liye kisne kaha tha? Tumhara toh kuch hua nahi, meri behan fas gayi!"

("Who told you to play the hero? Nothing happened to you, and now my sister is stuck in the mess!")

Arnav, flashing a sheepish puppy smile, muttered, "Main toh bas... woh..."

("I was just... um...")

Kriti rolled her eyes. "Tumse kisi ne pucha? Faltu mein mere kaam mein mat aaya karo!"

("Did anyone ask you? Don't jump into my matters for no reason!")

Arnav, mumbling again under his breath, "Haan na, jaise mere bina saare kaam ho jaate hain tumhare..."

("Yeah, right... as if everything goes perfectly without me.")

Kriti raised her eyebrows sharply. "Kuch kaha?"

("What did you just say?")

Arnav quickly straightened, nervous. "Meri itni himmat nahi... nahi!"

("Nothing! I wouldn't dare!")

Pranjal glanced at the boys, who were now literally scratching their arms and legs like crazy. He looked at Palak and then the guy who was arguing. "See... jo hona tha ho gaya. Let it go. Unki galti thi, and now we can't do anything else."

("See? What's done is done. Let it go. It was their fault to begin with. Nothing else to do now.")

Adhvik interrupted with a dramatic voice, "ऐसे कैसे जानें? अनहोने जान बुझ के किया था! हाँ! तू चुप कर, मर्यादा पुरूषोत्तम कहीं का!"

("How can we just let it go? They did this on purpose! Haan! You shut up'")

Vatsal, who had been standing farther away, walked over with a calm but firm expression. He looked directly at the boys. "Listen... you guys started this. Palak ended it. So better say sorry to Kriti and move on."

The boy who had been confronting Palak now stepped toward Vatsal, face full of challenge. "And what if we don't?"

Vatsal stepped closer too, gaze unwavering. "Then we'll show you what happens when you mess with us."

The boy sneered. "Then I want to know."

He was about to grab Vatsal's collar when suddenly Arnav grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against the wall.

Arnav, grabbing his collar tightly, growled, "Do you know why I'm not beating the shit out of you here? Just because I don't want to scare my lady luck. And you know what? The person who did that to your friend-wasn't this girl. I did that. And I will fucking do it again if you ever try to look at her."

The boy's friends rushed to pull Arnav away, but Vatsal, Adhvik, and Pranjal immediately stepped in and held them back, blocking their way.

Just then, a voice called out from behind, "Hey guys, calm down. Calm down, calm down!"

Arnav loosened his grip slightly and turned his head towards the voice.

It was none other than Adarsh.

Adarsh walked casually towards Vatsal and said with a laid-back smile, "Bro, why are you ruining your own house party by fighting? And seriously... What's the point of all this violence?"

Vatsal gave him a cold glare but maintained his calm composure.

Adarsh then walked over to the boy who had started the mess, patted his shoulder, and shifted his gaze to Arnav-whose eyes looked like they were drilling holes through him.

Looking at everyone, Adarsh said, "I have a better idea than this. Instead of fighting, how about you guys consider a proper solution?"

Arnav, visibly annoyed, snapped, "Aur teri kyun sune hum?"

("And why the hell should we listen to you?")

Adarsh stepped closer, unfazed. "Main kab keh raha hoon suno? I'm just suggesting. Waise bhi, jab kaafi aur tareeke hain solve karne ke, toh ladayi kyun?"

("When did I ask you to listen? I'm just suggesting. After all, there are other ways to solve things. So why fight?")

Vatsal raised his eyebrows, folding his arms across his chest. "Jaise? Main bhi jaana chahta hoon."

("Like what? I'm curious.")

Adarsh stepped back a little, positioning himself opposite them. Just then, Dhruv and a few more boys came and stood close behind him, arms folded, looking ready.

Vatsal moved in front of them, standing tall. Arnav, Adhvik, and Pranjal flanked him from both sides, forming a solid wall. The girls stood a little behind, but watching closely, silently present.

Adarsh looked past them all, straight at Anushka, then turned his gaze back to Vatsal with a sly smirk. "A challenge game."

Vatsal frowned, confused. "What?"

Adarsh continued, his tone filled with mischief, "A challenge game where the rules are made by us. And the challenges? Also set by us."

Palak, who had been standing behind Pranjal, stepped forward, eyes blazing. "And why the fuck should we listen to you?"

Adarsh gave her a crooked smile and looked directly at her. "Maine kab kaha suna hi padega? It's up to you guys. Kyunki mujhe pata hai, tum logon ko haarna pasand nahi. But we'll set the games-and whenever you feel like backing off, that's your call. We won't stop you."

("I never said you have to. But I know you people hate losing")

Adarsh's smirk widened as he looked around at all their faces.

"A challenge game," he repeated, locking eyes with Vatsal. "Dancing, singing, paper folding dance, a solo performance, and... of course... a classic dare game."

Everyone looked at each other, confused yet intrigued.

Adarsh grinned. "You'll see. It's fun. Two people, one piece of paper. With every round, the paper gets smaller... and the people get... closer."

Adhvik leaned towards Palak and whispered, "This guy definitely watches too much reality TV."

Palak didn't laugh. Her eyes were still on Adarsh. "So what, you'll just randomly throw dares and act like the kings of this stupid circus?"

Adarsh looked at her coolly. "Like I said, no one's forcing you. But if you're so confident, then prove it. Play. Win. Walk away with your pride. Or back off now."

Pranjal stepped forward,"And who'll judge? You guys? You'll just cheat."

Dhruv, arms still folded, replied flatly, "We'll have someone neutral. Fair game. Promise."

Kriti, still annoyed, looked at Arnav. "See what happens when you get involved? Party se competition ban gaya."

("This party just turned into a competition.")

Arnav whispered, "Par maza toh aayega."

("But it's gonna be fun.")

Kriti rolled her eyes again. "Of course. Tumko toh maza tabhi aata hai jab drama ho."

("Of course. You only have fun when there's drama.")

Adarsh clapped once. "So? Are we doing this or what?"

Everyone went quiet for a second.

Vatsal, still calm, looked around at his group. Then his eyes landed on Anushka, who simply nodded once at him with a slight smirk.

Adarsh, interrupting with a sly grin, said, "But, but... you guys listen. Cheating is allowed in this."

Everyone looked at him, confused.

He continued, "Matlab... jaise cheating karni hai, kar lo. Magar judges cheating nahi karenge, aur na hi woh biased honge."

("I mean... cheat all you want. But the judges won't cheat. And they won't be biased either.")

He smirked and stepped closer. "And once again-if you guys win, you can ask anything you want. But if we win, what we want is..."

Pranjal narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "What you guys want-make it clear before the game. Then we'll decide."

Adarsh glanced toward the girls and then said with a crooked smile, "If we win... Anuskha and Kriti will kiss every single boy in our group-whoever is present here."

Vatsal's and Arnav's jaws clenched hard.

Pranjal and Adhvik looked at them, eyes burning with anger.

Adarsh went on without a care, "And the red cherry girl-Palak-will date Dhruv and be his girlfriend. Manya will be Friend's girlfriend for a week-or for however long he wants."

Vatsal couldn't control his rage anymore and was about to punch Adarsh, but Anuskha stepped in and grabbed his hand, stopping him.

Manya quickly held onto Pranjal and Adhvik's arms, giving them a firm look to calm down. Kriti gripped Arnav's wrist tightly to hold him back.

Anuskha stepped forward, her eyes sharp as blades, and looked straight at Adarsh. "We're in. We accept the challenge."

The boys looked at her, stunned.

Vatsal, Adhvik, Pranjal, and Arnav stood frozen for a moment, shocked by what they just heard.

Adarsh's face lit up with a devilish smirk.

But Anuskha's voice was cold as ice as she glared at him. "Rules bana lo, jo marzi hai kar lo. Par yaad rakhna-agar hum tab bhi jeet gaye na, toh agli baar se yeh muh dikhana bhi mat."

("Make all the rules you want. Do whatever you like. But remember this-if we still win, don't you dare show us that face again.")

With that, she turned and walked away, holding Vatsal's hand tightly as she passed him.

The entire group moved to the sofa in the hall. Everyone sat down, and the girls appeared far more calm than the boys-who still looked like they were ready to explode.

Adhvik, still fuming, muttered, "तुम लोगों को स्वीकार नहीं करना था... हम लड़ लेते हैं उनसे!"

("You guys shouldn't have accepted it... we could've just beaten them up!")

Vatsal, equally irritated, clenched his fists. "Wahi toh... un logon ki itni himmat kaise hui yeh sab bolne ki?"

("Exactly! How the hell did they even have the guts to say all that?")

Kriti, still holding Arnav's hand, leaned forward, her voice sharp. "Ab jo hua, uske baad harna option nahi hai."

("After what they said-losing is not an option.")

Palak nodded slowly. "Now it's not just a game. It's personal."

Manya looked at each of them. "They wanted drama. They'll get into a war."

Pranjal leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "This isn't just about winning now. It's about shutting their mouths for good."

Arnav, jaw still tight, muttered, "Ek second ke liye bhi socha nahi tha ki woh itna neeche gir jaayenge."

("Not for a second did I think they'd stoop that low.")

Palak, resting back against the sofa coolly, clicked her tongue. "Let them sink. Bas yaad rakhna-doobte hue log sabse zyada haat-pair maarte hain."

("Just remember-it's the drowning ones who flail the hardest.")

Manya folded her arms. "They think we'll get scared. They think we'll break. But they clearly have no idea who we are."

Vatsal finally spoke, his voice low but controlled. "They crossed a line today. But now... now they'll regret it."

Just then, Dhruv walked into the hall again and clapped loudly to grab attention.

"Everyone! First challenge begins in five minutes!" he announced, clearly enjoying the power.

Adarsh stepped in behind him, arms wide like a showman. "And the opening round is... Paper Folding Dance!"

Gasps and murmurs echoed around.

Adarsh grinned. "Pair up! One boy and one girl per team. One piece of paper. You'll have to dance while standing on it. After every round, the paper folds in half. Whoever steps outside the paper, is out."

He looked toward Anuskha, Palak, Manya and Kriti with a smirk. "Let's see how close you all are willing to get."

Palak shot him a deadpan glare. "We're not the ones worried about being close. You should ask your ego about that."

Anuskha got up, cracking her neck. "Let's just get this over with."

Vatsal stood next to her. "I'm your partner."

Anuskha nodded. "Perfect. At least you don't stink of overconfidence."

Kriti turned toward Arnav. "Coming?"

Arnav gave a soft chuckle, voice still dark. "Already beside you."

Adarsh, looking at them, said, "Two couples from your side and two from my side. Let's see who wins this."

Vatsal held Anuskha's hand, and she gave him a soft smile.

Arnav held Kriti's hand tightly while looking at her with quiet intensity.

They both stepped onto the stage.

And the song began to play-"Ishq Shava".

Ishq shava, mushk shava
Kushamdeed-e-marhabba
Mila mila mila mila ankh mila
Laga laga laga laga aag laga
Zara zara zara zara paas to aa
Kushamdeed-e-marhabba

Dim red and golden spotlights hit the stage. The atmosphere is intense yet dreamy.

Vatsal enters from the right, slowly unbuttoning his coat, eyes fixed on Anushka.
He pulls her in slowly by the waist. Their bodies touch for the first time.
Her hands slide up his chest, his fingers trace her spine.

Vatsal lifts Anuskha's chin. Their foreheads touch. Eyes lock.
They slowly lean in - lips almost touching - then pull away teasingly.

Arnav sneaks up behind Kriti, grabbing her waist gently, making her jump slightly.
He rests his chin near her shoulder, his nose grazing her neck.
She closes her eyes and melts into him, their breathing syncing.

Arnav twirls Kriti, she spins into his arms, landing with her back against his chest.
His hands slide down her arms and entwine with hers.

Shauk hai, shauk sulagne do
Saans mein saans uljha do zaraa
Aaj ki raat yeh kiski hai
Kal ki raat teri na meri

Vatsal lifts Anuskha by her waist; she floats like a paper crane in his arms.
He spins slowly, eyes only on her, before gently placing her down and holding her tightly from behind.

Arnav places his hand on Kriti's chest - where her heartbeat is wild - and leans in close.
She places hers on his, and their breaths become one.
They sway slowly, lips barely apart.

Vatsal twirls Anuskha once more, and as the lights dim, she lands in his arms like a falling star.
He holds her by the waist, their faces glowing under a moonlit spotlight.

As the paper-fold dance continues, the energy on stage intensifies.
One by one, couples from Adarsh's group begin to falter - until only one couple is left.

They try to fold the paper again, but this time, there's only a small piece left - barely enough for one person.
That final couple from Adarsh's side loses their balance and steps out.

Now, only two couples remain on stage:
Vatsal-Anuskha and Arnav-Kriti - gracefully dancing, without missing a beat.

Chaand utha chal toss karein
Chehra tera aur jaan meri

Ishq shava, mushk shava
Ishq shava, mushk shava
Kushamdeed-e-marha aa bba
Mila mila mila mila aankh mila
Mila mila mila mila ankh mila

Arnav looks at Kriti with intensity. Without saying a word, he bends slightly and lifts her into his arms - one hand under her knees, the other supporting her back.

She gasps softly, surprised, wrapping her arms around his neck.
He slowly steps onto the last edge of their paper, holding her entirely in his arms - strong, steady, and never breaking eye contact.

Vatsal gently lifts Anuskha's hand and whispers something.
Then, in a playful yet protective gesture, he steps forward and places his shoes carefully on the small piece of paper.
He smiles and tugs Anuskha forward.

"Come on," he whispers.

She smiles as he makes her stand on his shoes, both of them now standing together on that tiny paper.
He holds her close to balance her, arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
Their foreheads touch, and they sway gently in rhythm.

Ishq shava, mushk shava
Ishq shava, mushk shava

The music softens.
The spotlight narrows - only the two couples remain in it now.
Vatsal and Anuskha gently rock side to side, her head resting on his chest.
Arnav and Kriti remain still, locked in a silent gaze, lost in the emotion of the moment.

Kriti and Anuskha hug each other happily.
Meanwhile, Arnav and Vatsal give each other a high-five.

Adhvik and Palak, both wearing sunglasses, lower their shades slightly and make weird faces after seeing both boys getting along. They then look at each other, make another exaggerated face, and casually put their sunglasses back on.

Kriti, turning towards Adarsh with attitude
"So who won the game, Mr. Adarsh-whatever-you-are?"

Anuskha, rolling her eyes
"I think we won this round without giving extra effort."

Adarsh glares at them and walks away, saying
"Let's wait for the next round then... I will show you."

Adhvik, with his usual dramatic tone
"बेचारे को हाजमोला ला के दो संग्रह नहीं हुआ होगा ना"

("Someone get that poor guy a digestive tablet... he probably couldn't stomach the truth.")

Everyone turns to look at him in confusion.

Adhvik, ignoring their stares, continues:
"आज कल मर्दों को अहंकार की बीमारी है उनको लिपस्टिक की ज्यादा जरूरत है लड़कियों से"

("These days, men suffer from an ego epidemic. Honestly, they need lipstick more than girls do.")

Palak, agreeing with Adhvik:
"frr"

Vatsal, raising an eyebrow at Adhvik
"Bro... tu kis duniya mein rehta hai?"

("Bro... what world do you even live in?")

Adhvik flips his hair dramatically
"वहीं जहां सच बोलने वालों को पागल कहा जाता है।"

("The one where truth-tellers are called crazy.")

Everyone stifles a laugh. Kriti looks at Anushka and whispers,"Ye toh full Bollywood dialogue mode mein aa gaya hai."

("He's gone full Bollywood monologue mode now.")

Anuskha smirks,"Bas ab iska TED Talk shuru hone wala hai."

("Great. His TED Talk is about to begin.")

Palak, trying to keep a straight face,
"Chup raho sab... Adhvik magarmachh bol rahe hain."

("Everyone shut up... Adhvik crocodile is about to speak.")

Adhvik folds his hands behind his back and starts pacing like a guru giving pravachan,"जब तक मर्दों में अहंकार और अनुचित प्रतिस्पर्धा का ज़हर है, तब तक दुनिया में असली मस्ती संभव नहीं है."

("As long as men are filled with the poison of ego and toxic competition, real fun in the world will never be possible.")

Arnav chuckles,"Masti ka toh pata nahi, par tere dialogues se neend zarur aa rahi hai."

("Can't say about fun, but your speeches definitely put me to sleep.")

Everyone bursts into laughter again. Even Palak, trying to be serious, can't hold it anymore.

Palak, wiping a tear of laughter
"Adhvik, tu sach mein ek walking meme hai."

("Adhvik, you are seriously a walking meme.")

Adhvik grins proudly:
"शुक्रिया, शुक्रिया। पंखा अनुगामी तो अपनी प्राकृतिक है."

("Thank you, thank you. Being a fan-favorite is just my natural state.")
____

When everyone was busy preparing for the next competition, only three were left on the sofa - Palak, Vatsal, and Adhvik.

Palak and Adhvik quietly went near Vatsal, exchanged a mischievous thumbs-up, and began their drama.

Palak started dancing in front of Vatsal with exaggerated moves:
"Ishq shava hayee... ishq shava..."
She was trying to mimic the same steps Vatsal had done with Anuskha earlier, her face filled with teasing excitement.

Just then, Adhvik came in front of Vatsal, pouting like a girl and flipping his hair dramatically:
"इश्क शावा, मुश्क शावा
ख़ुशमदीद-ए-मरहब्बा"
He twisted his waist with extra flair, trying his best to pull off the latkaa and jhatkas with over-the-top energy.

Palak, laughing, pushed Adhvik aside, jumped in front of Vatsal again, and grabbed Adhvik's waist as if he were Anuskha. She sang the same song line with full drama.

Adhvik, pretending to blush, looked away shyly and said in a high-pitched tone
"देखिये आप ये सब मत करिये हमें लज्जा आती है"

("Please don't say such things... it makes me feel so shy!")

Palak, trying to mimic Vatsal's deep voice, said with mock seriousness
"Toh sharam se kya hoga, humari begam ho tum, hone wala shohar hu tumhara"

("So what if you're shy? You're my wife, and I'm your soon-to-be husband.")

Adhvik hid his face with his hands and, mimicking Anuskha's voice, said dramatically
"आप खुले आम ऐसा कैसे कह सकते हैं? लेकिन शर्म नहीं आती आपको?"

("How can you say that so openly?! Don't you have any shame?")

Palak was barely able to hold her laughter and said
"Suniya aisa kriyega toh kuch kuch hoga na humhe"

("If you keep saying things like that, I'll start feeling... things.")

Adhvik slowly removed his hands from his face, looked at her with fake shyness, bit his lips slightly, and started playing with his fingers like a shy girl
"मैं तो बस कह रही थी... हाथ दइया... मुझे शर्म आ गई..."

("I was just saying... oh god... I feel so shy...")

Vatsal, who had been staring at them in disbelief the whole time, finally snapped. He grabbed a pillow from the sofa and hit Adhvik with it.

"Tum dono ko toh abhi dekhta hoon... ruko!"

("You two! Just wait-I'm coming for you!")

Palak and Adhvik screamed and burst out laughing as they jumped off the sofa and ran, with Vatsal chasing after them. The two ran like marathon winners, sprinting through the room, dodging Vatsal's attacks and laughing loudly, completely enjoying their victory in escaping from him.

Adarsh stood in front of them, smirking while rolling a spinner in his hands:
"So, ready for the next round?"

Anuskha, who was standing in front of him, crossed her arms and snapped
"Baar baar ek sawal puch ke dimag khana pura ho gaya ho toh kaam ki baat bhi kar lo."

("If you're done asking the same damn question over and over again, maybe say something that actually matters.")

Adarsh held the spinner tightly in his hand and stepped forward with a glare
"Bass kuch time ke liye wait kro, phir ish attitude ki jagah roone wala chehra na la diya toh main Adarsh nahi."

("Just wait a little longer. If I don't wipe that attitude off your face and replace it with tears... then I'm not Adarsh.")

Manya, standing beside Anuskha, rolled her eyes with a scoff
"Iska naam soch lo guys. Adarsh naam se ubh gaya hai bechara."

("Guys, rethink his name already. 'Adarsh' is clearly not working for him anymore.")

Adhvik and Vatsal chuckled at Manya's words.

Adhvik pulled out his phone, opened Google, and started typing:
"बधाज़मी, हग्गीज़, पप्पू, चमन, येदा... हम और भी नाम बता सकते हैं आपको। जो पसंद आया रख लेंगे आप।
सबसे अच्छा नाम तो ढिचक है-जब देखो इधर उधर मटकते रहना है-यहीं रख लो!"

("Indigestion, Huggies, Pappu, Chaman, Yeda... we've got a whole list of names for you. Pick whichever one you like.
But honestly, the best one is 'Dhhichak'-because all he does is strut around aimlessly. Just go with that.")

Everyone muffled their laughter at Adhvik's words, his Hindi making it even funnier.

Adarsh tried to control his anger, his voice sharp now,
"Bakwaas ho gayi ho toh kaam ki baat karte hain. Next challenge, main ladkiyan sirf dance karengi, aur opponent honge hum ladke. But-but-with the heels on. And without changing the clothes. And the song will be decided by someone from here-but of course, not from your side!"

("If the nonsense is done, let's get back to business. In the next challenge, only the girls will dance, and we'll be the opponents.
But-but-with heels on. And no outfit changes.
And the song? That'll be decided by someone-but not from your side!")

Vatsal, Adhvik, Arnav, and Pranjal gave them a collective "what the fuck" look.

Pranjal stepped forward, clearly pissed:
"Yeh kaun sa rule hai? Aur tum har jagah cheat nahi kar sakte, samjhe? Apne hisaab se rule banana band kro. You guys are wearing shoes and more comfortable clothes than the girls. Stop fucking acting like a bastard and act like a man!"

("What kind of rule is that? And you can't cheat your way through everything, got it? Stop making up rules to suit yourselves.")

Vatsal glared at them coldly as he spoke:
"Bro, you forgot-they're fuckers who don't even know how to be men."

Adhvik gave them a dark glare and said
"एक बार कमीना, हमेशा कमीना रहता है... और ये तो साले गधे हैं!"

("Once a scumbag, always a scumbag... and these idiots are worse than donkeys.")

Arnav, his tone icy, added,
"Inh na-mardo ko darr hai kahin hamari ladkiyan inhe inki aukat na dikha de, isliye aisi sharte rakh rahe hain."

("These unmanly cowards are just scared that our girls will end up showing them their true place-that's why they're making such pathetic conditions.")

Palak, not one to hold back, took a step forward:
"We accept this also."

All the boys looked at them in shock, knowing well that dancing in heels wasn't just difficult-it was going to be hell. And doing it in short dresses? That was brutal.

Adarsh smirked while turning away, his voice cocky:
"Get ready to lose, losers."

The girls exchanged proud smirks and gave each other a strong high five.

"Ik ik thumke pe, 100-100 taaliyan
Hile jab lakk tera, hilti hai baaliyan..."

The music boomed through the speakers as Kriti and Anuskha owned the spotlight. Kriti spun Anuskha smoothly, her hand wrapped firmly around her waist. With flawless grace, she pulled her closer, their faces inches apart-laughing, glowing, locked in pure energy.

Then with perfect timing, they released, stepping apart with synchronized claps-clap, clap-doing sharp "book step" moves, stepping out and crossing back in, bouncing lightly on their toes with sass and sparkle in their eyes.

"Ik ik thumke pe, 100-100 taaliyan
Hile jab lakk mera, hilti hai baaliyan..."

On the other side, Palak and Manya mirrored the fire. Palak flipped her hair and gave Manya a playful smirk before locking hands. They twirled together in rhythm, their feet tapping with high precision. Manya dropped into a graceful squat while Palak circled around her like a flame-then both jumped back up and hit a clean hip-hop move, tossing their hair and throwing a wink toward Kriti and Anuskha.

"24vi ghante munde rehnde mere agge pichhe
(Mere agge pichhe, mere agge pichhe)"

As the beat dropped, Manya swaggered forward, chest out, chin up, acting like a full-on "munda" with exaggerated boyish moves. She tucked her hands in imaginary pockets and tilted her head with mock overconfidence, strutting toward Palak like a dramatic hero entering a movie scene.

Palak smirked, eyes full of sass, and flipped her hair with a flawless attitude. Her hips swung to the beat as she turned her back toward Manya and gave a slow, confident over-the-shoulder look that said: "Keep dreaming."

"Jad high heel te nache tan tu badi jache
High heel te nache tan tu badi jache
Jad high heel te nache...
Tu badi jache!"

Just then, Kriti twirled in, smoothly sliding behind Anuskha. With one arm around her waist, she pulled her close and wrapped her in a tight, warm hug from behind. Their cheeks brushed for a moment as Kriti whispered something only Anuskha could hear, her eyes sparkling-half playful, half persuasive.

Anuskha, pretending to act annoyed at first, couldn't help but grin as Kriti spun her around. They burst into coordinated moves-Anuskha stepping forward with a sharp heel stomp while Kriti followed, both flicking their wrists and snapping with perfect grace.

"Pehli baat to yeh
Jo tu tik-tok tik-tok chalti hai
Maana ye saari teri high heels ki ghalti hai"

As the beat kicks in, Anuskha walks forward in a slow, rhythmic "tik-tok" style strut, her heels clicking dramatically with every step. Her hips sway with controlled grace, and her eyes are locked confidently ahead.

Adhvik, standing at the side pretending to be stunned, fans himself dramatically, mouthing: "Main gaya!"

Palak joins Anuskha mid-stage, mimicking her walk but with exaggerated sass-shoulder rolls, eyebrow raise, and a cheeky smirk. The girls start circling each other like rivals in a showdown but with a sparkle of mischief and sisterhood.

"Ruk toh jaa tu hang-on
Ye to bata tu hai kaun
Kahaan se aayi hai
Kahaan ko jaayegi
Paagal ladki mujhe marwayegi"

Kriti jumps in from behind, sliding between them with a dramatic halt, pointing at Palak and Anuskha like an interrogator.

She lip-syncs:
"Ye to bata tu hai kaun?"

Then turns to Palak:
"Kahan se aayi hai?"
Then twirls to Anuskha:
"Kahaan ko jaayegi?"

All three burst into laughter mid-dance.

"Pagal ladki mujhe marwayegi",

Anuskha points at herself, mouthing it dramatically and making an innocent face while everyone around her pretends to faint from her "lethal charm."

Aankhon se cheat karke
Talk sweet karke
Lap main mujhko tu apni bitha lega"

As the line plays, Manya suddenly pulls Palak by the waist and smoothly makes her sit sideways on her lap, one arm around her back. Palak leans in, flipping her hair and throwing a killer smirk at the audience.

At the same time, Kriti tugs Anuskha close, guiding her onto her lap in a fluid, seamless motion. Anuskha rests back with a bold gaze, crossing her legs with flair and smirking as Kriti rests her chin lightly on her shoulder.

"Jad high heel te nache
Tu badi jache

Jad high heel te nache
Tan tu badi jache"

They step forward in slow motion, one by one, their heels clicking in rhythm, each swing of their hips full of confidence and fire.

Suddenly, they drop low into a slow, synced squat, then shoot back up into a sharp spin-their hair flying, heels stomping.

As the beat drops again, all four girls strike their final power pose-
Palak and Manya back-to-back, one hand on hip, one in the air.
Kriti and Anuskha mirrored beside them, slightly leaned in toward each other, expressions bold, fierce, and unbothered.

Seeing the girls dancing in heels so smoothly, the boys' eyes widened in shock.

Adhvik, who had just taken a sip of water, stood frozen-water now dripping from his mouth straight to the floor.

Vatsal, who always thought Anuskha was too innocent, was now watching her dance with Kriti in the most seductive way he had never imagined. His jaw nearly hit the ground.

Pranjal looked like he was about to faint-Palak, his Palak, was dancing with Manya in ways that were definitely not innocent.

Arnav stood like a statue. No words came out of his mouth. He knew the girls would win-but watching them dance with such intensity and closeness left him completely numb.

Adhvik, finally closing his mouth, said:
"हमें इसका अनुमान था कि ब्रोमांस नमक चीज होती है, वोमेस नमक भी कोई अक्षर किताबों में व्यंजन बनाया गया है क्या?"

("We always knew bromance was a thing... but is there something called 'womance' too? Like, did someone turn that into a consonant and add it to grammar books?")

Pranjal, glaring at him sharply, snapped:
"Shut up, Adhvik! Woh vyanjan nahi hota hai, vyakhya hota hai pehli baat."

("Shut up, Adhvik! First of all, it's not a consonant, it's syntax, you idiot!")

Adhvik, placing a hand on his shoulder, continued without a care:
"भाई देख रहा है, ऐसे चिपक के नाच रही हैं... हम पर शक करती हैं, खुद देख ना... ऐसे चिपक के नाच रही हैं।
क्या कहते हैं उसको, हाँ, लिपाटा लिप्ती!"

("Bro, just look at them. They're dancing so close, practically stuck together... and then we're the ones they get suspicious about?
Look at this! What do you even call this? Ah yes-Lipata-Lipti!")

Pranjal gave him a hard side-eye to shut up, and Adhvik wisely closed his mouth-because he knew if he said one more word, not only would Pranjal beat the shit out of him, but even Palak wouldn't come to his rescue this time.

---

The boys from Adarsh's side, who were also dancing, forgot the steps, and just then, someone put a leg in front of them. One by one, they all got tangled up and stumbled onto the stage.

Palak walked up to Adarsh, came close, and placed a finger on his forehead, gently tilting his head to look at her. With a sly smirk, she said:

"We won again."

Then, with mock pity in her voice, she added
"Kutte ki bhi din aate hain, par afsos... is kutte ke din toh is janam mein aayenge hi nahi. Tsk tsk tsk."

("Even a dog has its day... but sadly, this dog won't get his-not in this lifetime. Tsk tsk tsk.")

The boys standing behind started to move toward Palak when Adarsh raised a hand to stop them. His eyes stayed locked on Palak as he said, his voice calm but edged with warning

"Khoobsurat ladkiyon par haath nahi uthaya jata... magar jiski zubaan lambi ho na, usko choda bhi nahi jata hai."

("One should never raise a hand on a pretty girl...
...but a girl with a sharp tongue-she doesn't get spared either.")

Palak, unfazed, pulled out a tissue and casually began wiping her hands, as if they had touched something dirty. With a sharp edge in her voice, she replied,
"Meri zubaan chahe kitni bhi lambi ho, tumhari aukat aur height se zyada hi badi hogi."

("No matter how long my tongue is-it's still longer than your worth... and your height.")

Saying this, she turned around gracefully and walked off the stage.

--

Later, they were all resting on the sofa.
Manya was wincing slightly; pain showed on her face as she rubbed her legs.

Noticing this, Adhvik gently lifted her leg and placed it on his lap, silently, without saying a word.

Pranjal, who was holding a bandage in his hands, was now kneeling on the floor, carefully applying it to Palak, Anuskha, and Kriti.

Adhvik was softly cleaning Manya's leg with a wet cloth, his touch gentle and focused, then applying the bandage with care.

Vatsal was by Anuskha and Kriti, quietly cleaning the scrapes on their legs. Now, he was massaging their legs, his expression full of concern.

Arnav was sitting close, gently massaging their hands.

Pranjal, still on his knees, was softly holding Palak's leg as he applied the bandage. He didn't say a word-but the tenderness in his touch said everything.
Palak, noticing his quiet care, looked at him with a small, genuine smile.

Dhruv came towards them, looking super cool - or at least pretending to - but in reality, he looked like a total chapari.
Dhruv smirked, "Yeh sab bekar ki cheez ho gayi ho toh next challenge kare yaa ab drama karna hai ki pair main dard ho raha hai and all?"

("So... Now that all this useless drama is done, should we start the next challenge?
Or are we switching to the 'my feet hurt' sob story now?")

Manya was about to stand up and hit him with her heels, but winced. Her foot was actually paining. She was not used to wearing heels and always used to wear shoes. Adhvik bent down, held her foot gently, and softly cared for it.

Pranjal stood up in front of him, glaring. "Kya hai next challenge?"

Dhruv, while making faces, said, "A singing competition with some twist. One of your group people who is going to sing, chooses a song from the bowl and is about to sing the song while dancing with a person."

Manya rolled her eyes. "Too simple for our Palak."

Adarsh came behind Dhruv. "But with a twist. The person who will dance with her is going to decide by arm wrestling and she has to dance, but more than a close-up dance with that person."
He looked at Palak, who was holding her heels, ready to kick his donkey face.

Vatsal looked at him. "You and your shitty games."

Adarsh chuckled. "Say that, Vatsal. You get afraid just because you know no one can win arm wrestling from my boys."

Vatsal mumbled under his breath. "Yaa, the one boy whose bones I broke once, bastard."

Adhvik was about to stand up and say something, but Pranjal spoke, glaring and in a deep voice. "I'll arm wrestle and make you lose. Let's go."

Everyone gathered around the table. On one side stood Pranjal, and on the other side Dhruv, who was looking at Palak with not-so-good eyes. She rolled her eyes.

The match began.

The moment "GO!" echoed, the room tensed like a drawn bowstring.
The table groaned under the pressure of two arms locked in battle - one driven by arrogance, the other by pure, quiet fury.

Pranjal's arm didn't budge. His grip was solid like stone, eyes fixed coldly on Dhruv's face. His muscles didn't shake, they held - not out of pride, but power. Controlled, patient power. His jaw was clenched so tightly his teeth almost ground together.

Dhruv pushed with everything he had, veins popping, brow furrowed, breath uneven. He grinned, but the desperation beneath the grin was already showing.
"Thoda aur zor laga... warna Palak ko toh main hi le jaunga."

("Just push a little harder... or else I'll be the one taking Palak ....")

The words hung in the air like poison.

Pranjal's eyes sharpened, narrowing into something dangerous. He didn't respond. He didn't need to.

Adhvik, standing by the table, couldn't hold back.
"इस गधे की पुछ लाल कर."

("Turn this donkey's tail red".)

Manya's fists clenched at her sides, fire burning in her chest.
"Ek baar haar ja... heel ka size yaad rahega zindagi bhar."

("Just lose once... you'll remember the size of these heels your whole damn life.")

Dhruv leaned in closer, his smirk cracked with sweat.
"Ek dance hi toh hai... kya farak padta hai, Palak kisi ki nahi-"

("It's just a dance, right? What's the big deal? Palak isn't anyone's-")

CRACK.

It was instant.

Pranjal twisted Dhruv's wrist sharply, and with one explosive force, slammed it against the table. The sound was deafening - a mix of bone snapping and wood slamming.

Dhruv gasped. A strangled, broken sound escaped his lips. His wrist collapsed, bent in a way that should never be. His whole body recoiled in shock and pain, but the damage was done. His hand was limp. Useless.

Everyone around froze.

No one breathed.

Pranjal leaned forward, voice low, steady, but dripping with heat and warning.
"Palak ko hawa chuye na usse pehle ek baar mujhse puchhna zaruri samjhega. Aur tu uss haath se usko chuna chahta tha na? Ab yeh haath hi nahi bacha... ja, ab usko chhu ke dikha."

("If you even want the air around Palak to touch you, you'll ask me first.
You wanted to touch her with this hand, right?
Well guess what-this hand doesn't exist anymore.
Go ahead... try touching her now.")

Dhruv's eyes brimmed with pain. His lips trembled, face pale, teeth clenched to stop himself from crying out. That confidence from earlier was gone. Replaced by fear he tried to hide but couldn't.

Pranjal straightened slowly, looked across the room, and met Vatsal's eyes.
A faint smile played on his lips.
"Bhai, achha hua aapne nahi lade yeh match... yahan toh mujhe nahi hara paya. Aap Ki toh beizzati ho jaati."

("Bro, good thing you didn't fight this match...
He couldn't beat me.
You? It would've been straight-up humiliation.")

He turned back to Dhruv, his expression cold but calm. Then came the smirk - sharp, cruel, and victorious.
"Is baar haath tha... agli baar aankh hogi. Toh usse ghurne se pehle lakh baar soch le.
Aur girlfriend banana chahta tha na usko? Aa, yeh muh se bol ke dikha... yahi todh ke rakh dunga."

("This time, it was your hand.
Next time... it'll be your eye.
So think a thousand times before you stare at her again.
And you wanted her to be your girlfriend?
Come on. Say it out loud.
I'll break that mouth too.")

The room stayed silent.

Dhruv sat, cradling his broken wrist, eyes wide and full of defeat. Every ounce of pride he had came crashing down with that final slam.

Palak turned her face slightly, no longer looking at Dhruv. Her eyes lingered on Pranjal now - not with shock, but something quieter. Something deeper. Something only she understood

_____

Palak reached into the bowl, pulled out a chit, and unfolded it. Her eyes scanned the words - and a small smile played on her lips. She looked up, locking eyes with Pranjal for a moment. Without a word, she stepped onto the stage, heels clicking gently against the wooden floor.

She stood under the soft spotlight, took the mic in her hand, and turned to face him.
Pranjal stood just below the stage, his gaze unwavering - calm but curious, waiting.

The music began - slow, melodic, tender.

Palak took a breath and started to sing, her voice soft yet powerful:

"I know that you love me
Darlin', you don't have to say it
You know you can trust me
It's okay, it's complicated..."

She descended the steps slowly, walking toward him, her eyes never leaving his.
As she sang the next lines:

"Nervous, trip over my words
You're so pretty it hurts..."

She reached him.

Pranjal stepped forward, closing the space between them, and gently took her hand. Their fingers intertwined.
Palak smiled faintly, then guided his hand to her waist. His other hand found hers again - and just like that, they were moving.

He pulled her gently toward him. Their foreheads nearly touched. Their steps moved in perfect sync - slow, swaying. A silent conversation played between them with every step.

Palak let her fingers trail up his arm and softly caressed his cheek, still singing, her voice almost trembling with emotion.

She turned away for a moment - stepping back slowly, eyes down.
But before she could fully walk away, Pranjal reached out, took her wrist, and gently pulled her back.

His hand found the small of her back, his other hand cupping her waist as he brought her closer - closer than before.

He guided her into a soft spin, catching her halfway and lifting her gently by the waist before letting her feet settle again.

As Palak continued singing:

"Baby, I'm yours
Baby, I'm yours
Baby, I'm yours..."

Her voice softened with each repetition, her gaze never leaving Pranjal's eyes.

They swayed gently now, the world around them fading into a blur. His hand rested on her waist, firm but careful, while hers slid from his shoulder to his chest - right above his heartbeat.

"I need something more
I pray to the Lord
But, baby, I'm yours..."

The music dipped, and with it, so did Palak - leaning back into a graceful dip as Pranjal held her with sure hands, his arm around her waist keeping her close, steady. Her hair brushed the air, her eyes closed for a second.

When he brought her back up, she didn't break eye contact this time. They were close - breath to breath - as if the song was telling the truth neither of them could say out loud.

He slowly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering a moment longer than they needed to.

She rested her forehead lightly against his, her lips barely moving as she repeated the last line under her breath - not for the mic, not for the audience... just for him.

"Baby, I'm yours."

Soon, the room was echoing with cheers and whistles, but Pranjal and Palak hadn't moved. Their hands were still joined, still wrapped in the warmth of something unspoken but undeniably present.

She stepped back, finally breaking the moment, and gave him a small, breathless smile - the kind that held both fear and honesty.

He didn't smile back.

He just held her hand tighter... as if silently saying he already knew.

---

And just like that - they won again.
No cheating. No tricks.
Just talent, unity... and a flawless performance.

The girls stood in front, arms folded, smirks playing on their lips like silent victory songs.
Behind them, Vatsal, Arnav, Pranjal, and Adhvik stood like a wall - calm, collected, but clearly enjoying the fallout.

Anuskha stepped forward, eyes locked directly onto Adarsh, her glare sharp as glass, "Now you guys lost again. Aur ab toh fourth game ki bhi zarurat nahi hai. Aise hi haar chuke ho."

("You guys lost again. And now... we don't even need a fourth game. You've already been defeated-badly.")

Manya rolled her eyes with a playful scoff, "Kiss-date-girlfriend ab banao... tumhari aloo ki rotiya."

("Go ahead now... kiss-date-girlfriend-i will make your mashed potato romances.")

Kriti jumped in before Manya could go further, "Aaloo ki rotiyaa nahi... woh bolti hai na - tu behan ke pakode! Woh banna inke."

("Not mashed potatoes-what she means is... you know that line? 'Tu behan ke pakode'? That's what they should become.")

Palak folded her hands slowly, looking as if she'd just had the perfect idea. Her eyes twinkled mischievously,"Nahi nahi... inhe bahut shauk hai na kiss karne ka? Ab yeh kiss karenge ek dusre ko. Chalo Adarsh babu... haare ho na? Ab kiss karo apni pyaari girlfriend Dhruvi ko."

("No, no... they're so obsessed with kissing, right? Then let them kiss each other.
Come on, Adarsh babu. You lost, didn't you? Time to kiss your lovely girlfriend-Dhruv.")

Behind them, the boys tried desperately to hold in their laughter. Shoulders shook, lips curled, but none of them dared interrupt this golden moment.

Suddenly, one of Adarsh's friends shouted,
"Ayeeee!"
-and made a move towards the girls.

But before he could get close, Vatsal and Adhvik stepped in sharply. Vatsal pushed him back while Adhvik grabbed his collar and held him in place.

Adhvik with a tight smile ,"आपने जल्दबाजी को विराम दीजिए वरना हम इसे हमशा के लिए विराम दे देंगे."

("Take your impatience and put it to rest or we'll put you to rest. Permanently.")

Vatsal, patting the guy's cheek mockingly, leaned closer with a smirk,"Thoda na control kar gusse ko... warna badiya nahi hoga, samjha? Ab nikal. Hattt."

("Control your anger, buddy... or it won't end well. Now get lost. Move.")

He shoved him aside and then turned his eyes sharply to Adarsh,"Tu karta hai ya karwaun tujhse? Aur agar itni sharam hai na... toh bet haara hai, chup chaap kar jo karna hai."

("You doing it, or should I make you do it?
And if you're so full of shame-too bad.
You lost the bet. Now shut up and do what you have to.")

Adarsh clenched his jaw, looked at Dhruv, then shut his eyes in defeat and leaned forward - planting a kiss on Dhruv's cheek.

The entire crowd burst into laughter.

Dhruv, just as red-faced, returned the gesture, kissing Adarsh's cheek. The laughter only got louder. Phones were out, videos were recording, and the humiliation was complete.

Manya crossed her arms, her voice cool and commanding, "Yeh ho gaya. Ab Kriti aur Anuskha ke samne jhuk ke naak ragad ke maafi mango. Tune jo kiya, galat kiya. Abhi ke abhi."

("Done with that?
Now get down on your knees and apologize-rubbing your nose to the floor-
in front of Kriti and Anuskha.
You know what you did. Do it now.")

Adarsh and Dhruv, faces burning, looked at each other. Then, without arguing, they dropped to their knees and rubbed their foreheads to the ground in apology in front of Kriti and Anuskha.

Even the senior boys who had laughed earlier joined them, forced by the pressure of the moment - all of them humbled.

Adarsh's voice was laced with anger but filled with defeat, "We are sorry for what we did."

The senior boys repeated after him.
"We're so sorry."

The girls stood still, victorious smirks on their faces - satisfied, not with revenge, but with justice. Watching fake male ego crack and collapse in front of them was a sight worth remembering.

Vatsal stepped forward, his voice calm but threatening, "Aur nikal jao yaha se. Wapas dikhna mat mere samne, samjhe? Warna dekhne layak bhi nahi chhodunga. Get lost."

("Now get out.
Don't show your face in front of me again.
Because if you do...
you won't even be worth looking at when I'm done.
Get. Lost.")

Shamed, defeated, and unable to respond, they left - some limping, some glaring, none speaking.

But before they disappeared completely, their eyes turned one last time toward the girls - filled with resentment... and range.

-
Manya, Palak, Anuskha, and Kriti hugged each other tightly while jumping in excitement, their voices echoing - hum jeet gaye! Hum jeet gaye! Yeyeye yeyeye!

("We won! We won! Yeyeye yeyeye!")

The boys looked at the girls, and a soft smile formed on their lips.

Adhvik, with a cheerful grin on his face, said - बहुत खुश हुए कि आप सब प्रतियोगिता जेठ के एक नए उपन्यास को अर्पित किया है।

("We are truly honored that you all have dedicated this grand victory... to the new summer saga of Jeth!")

Manya looked at him with the most annoyed expression, her voice sharp - Tu apni boli band kar deh. Mujhe laga tha Hindi bolne ki dare dungi toh muh band rahega, magar chapad chapad toh kabhi band nahi ho sakti teri. Aur By the way woh jeth ke hote hain jheth ke nahi gadha.

("Just shut your nonsense. I thought if I dared you to speak in Hindi, it'd actually make you stop talking-
but nope, your jabbering never ends.
And by the way, it's Jeth, not Jheth, you donkey.")

Adhvik stuck out his tongue at her, and Manya did the same back at him. Both turned away with annoyed looks, their faces filled with mock irritation.

Manya, completely ignoring Adhvik, turned to Palak with excitement - Let's go, Palak! Let's dance! Yeyeye!

Manya and Palak held hands and ran to the stage, twirling and laughing as they started dancing happily under the lights.

Meanwhile, Adhvik walked over to the drinks corner and began sipping on a glass of juice. As he looked toward the dance floor, his eyes darkened-he noticed a boy trying to touch Manya's back and move closer to her while she danced. Without a second thought, he walked with steady steps onto the dance floor, pushed the boy aside with force, and grabbed Manya's hand, pulling her closer to himself.

As the soft beats of "Ishq Wala Love" filled the hall, the lights dimmed to a dreamy glow.

Manya was about to walk off the floor, confused after Adhvik pulled her close. But then the music wrapped around them like a spell.

Adhvik looked into her eyes, holding her hand gently yet firmly.
She raised an eyebrow, still annoyed.
He whispered, without breaking the gaze - "एक नृत्य तो बनता है हमारी दुश्मन रानी."

("One dance is definitely deserved... my enemy queen.")

Manya rolled her eyes with a faint smile, and before she could say no, he spun her gently. Her dress fluttered as she twirled into his arms, landing perfectly against his chest.

"Ishq wala love..."

Adhvik slid his hand around her waist, leading the slow rhythm with graceful confidence. Manya followed, her steps soft, her movements fluid, matching his beat.

Their hands interlocked, they swayed side to side.
He twirled her again, this time slower, her hair fanning out like a soft breeze.
She looked up at him, this time with something gentler in her eyes.

Manya looked at him for some moment and she found something not hate or that they share something too different and she left the stage without thinking for a second.

Adhvik watched as Manya walked away, her back turning to the stage, unaware of the storm brewing behind her.

His eyes slowly shifted to the boy standing at the drinks counter - the same boy who had tried to get close to her on the dance floor. A cold smirk appeared on Adhvik's lips.

He walked towards the counter casually, picking up a fork from a nearby tray. He began twirling it between his fingers, his gaze fixed on the boy with an unnerving calm.

The boy, unaware, placed his glass on the side and rested his hand on the counter - the same hand Adhvik had seen inching toward Manya moments ago.

Without a second's hesitation, Adhvik drove the fork straight into the boy's hand.

The boy winced in pain, letting out a sharp cry, his body jolting back.

Adhvik's smirk widened. He leaned in closer, eyes sharp, voice cold.

He grabbed the boy's collar and locked eyes with him
"Mujhe ye bilkul pasand nahi ki meri pasand ko ya meri wali ko koi dekhe ya chooye."

("I don't like it one bit when someone dares to look at-
or touch-what's mine.")

He glanced down at the boy's injured hand, his smile laced with warning.

Then, releasing his grip, he turned and walked away with calm menace, muttering under his breath "Meri dushman... meri aur sirf meri."

("My enemy...
Mine. And only mine.")

_____

Everyone in the group finally settled in one place after a long, chaotic discussion. Laughter buzzed in the air as they decided to play Truth and Dare. Excitement lit up their faces as they agreed to spin a bottle to choose the next person.

Adhvik leaned forward and gave the bottle a sharp spin. Everyone's eyes followed it until it gradually slowed down... and stopped in front of Anuskha.

Manya, grinning with glee, clapped her hands
"Yoo! Now I'll give you a dare-if you choose-or ask you a question!"
Her eyes sparkled mischievously.

Anuskha, glancing around the group with calm confidence, said "I'll go with the truth."

Manya, tapping her finger on her chin in fake contemplation, then suddenly asked
"If you had to choose someone to date, what quality would you want in him?"
Her voice rose with playful curiosity.

Anuskha looked straight at Manya, her voice softer but firm "I don't want so much from him. It's just that he never shouts at me when he's angry, he knows how to handle me in every situation, and most importantly, he's loyal. That's all."

Manya, pouting dramatically and crossing her arms
"That's bare minimum, Anu."

Anuskha, tilting her head slightly, gave a knowing smile that reached her eyes:
"Now, that bare minimum is tough in this world."
Her voice had a trace of realism, like someone who's seen too much to expect too much.

The bottle spun again. This time, it slowly stopped in front of Palak.

Manya, eyes glinting with mischief
"You have to choose dare!"

Palak, raising her eyebrows and folding her arms confidently
"Nope. Now I'll choose the truth."

Manya, sighing in fake disappointment, then grinned slyly "Now answer me honestly-abs or biceps?"

Palak froze for a second. Her eyes instinctively drifted toward Pranjal, who was pretending to look elsewhere-at the floor, at the ceiling-anywhere but at her. But Palak knew. She always knew he looked at her when no one else did.

A faint, sincere smile tugged at her lips. She inhaled deeply, then answered-not loudly, but with a kind of honesty that quieted the room,
"Someone who doesn't raise their voice at me. Someone who's loyal. Someone who's kind and pure. Someone who respects my boundaries and my fear of being touched without consent. Someone who is up for a long-term relationship and doesn't play around. Someone who appreciates me for who I am. Someone who's willing to stay by my side no matter what the situation is. And someone who's willing to love me."

The room fell silent.

Every pair of eyes was fixed on her. There was no teasing now-only quiet admiration.
Anuskha watched her with a soft, proud smile, her gaze full of warmth. She knew-more than anyone else-how much Palak loved Pranjal with her whole heart, even if she never said it out loud.

Everyone was busy dancing and singing, their laughter echoing through the house. But Anuskha was sitting quietly with Pranjal, Adhvik, and Manya, where Manya was casually chatting about something.

Manya, speaking nonchalantly:
"Girls like the guys who go to the gym, you know?"

Anuskha, who wasn't really listening, suddenly caught a glimpse of Vatsal going upstairs. She didn't think twice. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively stood up and began walking in the direction he had gone.

Wandering through the large house, she looked around, unsure of where he might have gone. As she neared the terrace, her steps slowed. Then, her eyes froze.

She saw Vatsal-with Riya.

Vatsal was holding Riya by the waist, and the two of them were lying close together on a bed of flower petals. The entire terrace was decorated-lights glowing softly, petals scattered beautifully. And there was Vatsal, on top of Riya, his face close to hers.

Anuskha saw this, and without thinking for even a second, she turned away. Her face filled with sadness, and her mind kept replaying the same scene over and over again. She didn't know why... but seeing them like that-like that-hurt her in a way she couldn't understand.

Why did it affect her so much?
Why did it feel like something inside her cracked a little?

Her heart sank with a strange heaviness, and as she started walking downstairs, the sparkle that once lit up her face was completely gone. Her steps were slower now, her eyes slightly lowered, and the charm she carried just moments ago had quietly faded away.

____

Pranjal was sitting in his room, his mind wandering around the thoughts of Palak. He had always believed Palak liked him just as a friend-that the "love you" she once said in the stadium was only friendly. But now, he was sure she actually liked him. The note she uploaded on her Instagram profile-once he truly decoded its meaning-made it clear that she was going to confess.

And he was avoiding it.

He didn't want her to confess. He didn't want to face what he actually felt, what he actually wanted, what he never even planned to want in life.

He had always just wanted to study. He never wanted to look at anything else. That was the rule he'd made for himself. But ever since he came here, everything started to change. He began breaking his own rules. He started making friends. He started enjoying life.

But somewhere deep inside, he believed this wasn't for him. This happiness-this friendship, this feeling-he believed he didn't deserve it. He thought he wasn't capable of handling it. He had to focus. He had to stop laughing. He had to go back to being the person he used to be-not this.

He was lost in these thoughts when Palak entered his room. She knocked on the door to get his attention.

Pranjal looked up and saw Palak standing there. She was looking at him, searching for something in his eyes, but he immediately avoided eye contact. Palak, already frustrated with his behaviour, walked toward him and stood right in front of him.

Pranjal stood up too. Even with her heels on, she looked so small in front of him.

Palak looked up at him, her face filled with anger.
"Tum mujhe subah se ek baar bhi baat nahi ki... Akkdu kahin ke! Ek baar meri taraf dekha tak nahi! Yeh kya harkat hai?"

("You haven't talked to me even once since morning! Not even once!
Didn't even look at me! What kind of behavior is this?")

Pranjal, still avoiding her eyes, replied quietly.
"Main busy tha... isliye."

("I was... busy. That's why.")

Palak placed her hands on her waist, clearly not buying his excuse,"Haan haan busy busy! Jhoot mat bolo mujhe! Jaan bujh ke nahi dekh rahe the. Isliye hi toh tumhe main Akkudnath kehti hoon. Kyun aise behave kar rahe ho? Akkdu aadmi jaise!"

("Oh yeah? Busy, huh? Don't lie to me, Pranjal!
You're ignoring me on purpose.
That's exactly why I call you Akkudnath!
Why are you acting like this? Like some cold, arrogant man?")

Pranjal turned away from her.
"Woh... bas mujhe kaam hai."

("I just... have things to do.")

Palak quickly held his hand, not letting him walk away. He looked at her. Her eyes were filled with tears, but she was holding herself together. Her voice dropped to a soft, almost pleading tone.
"Kya baat hai, Pranjal?"

("What's going on, Pranjal?")

Pranjal took a deep breath, his voice low and honest,"I got the exact meaning of your Insta note... and I got to know what you feel... and everything."

Palak was shocked. She had never imagined he'd understand it. He had never caught any signals before-but now, he had. She steadied herself, her voice more vulnerable,but she still asked the same question to him again,
"Ignore kyu kar rahe ho?"

("Why are you ignoring me?")

Pranjal didn't meet her eyes, his voice barely holding steady. He took another deep breath.
"I don't want to give you hope... because I don't like you."

Palak's eyes filled up, but she still tried to hold back. Even then, a single tear escaped. She quickly wiped it off and asked in a trembling voice
"You like someone else?"

She hoped he'd say no. She wanted to hear him say no.

But Pranjal turned his face away from her and replied with a single word that shattered everything.
"Yes."

Palak slowly let go of his hand. Her tears began to fall freely now. She didn't say anything-no accusations, no pleading. Without another word or a backward glance, she walked out of the room.

Pranjal watched her go, his eyes hollow. As the door closed behind her, he slowly sat down on the floor. He hid his face in his hands. And when he finally removed them... tears were streaming down his cheeks.

He forced himself to control the wave of emotion. Wiping his face quickly, he stood up. As he moved toward his cupboard, his eyes landed on a box tucked in the corner. He stared at it for a moment, picked it up, and sat down again, slowly opening it with trembling hands.

Pranjal stood quietly, holding the white t-shirt in his hands-the one covered entirely in lipstick marks. Each print felt like a silent confession, an unspoken memory captured in crimson. It wasn't just fabric anymore. It was a canvas of unexpressed feelings, of closeness, of the moments Palak had never dared to say out loud.

He stared at it for a moment, heart heavy, then turned to the small box he had found in the cupboard. When he opened it, he saw a glass jar inside, tied with a pink and white ribbon, soft and delicate like the feelings he'd always tried to ignore.

Inside the jar were dozens-maybe hundreds-of tiny, colorful origami stars. Each one folded with patience, effort, and love. Some had patterns, others plain shades, but all of them shimmered with care.

As he began to pour them out slowly, his hand touched something different-larger, distinct. Nestled among the smaller stars was a single red heart-shaped star, slightly bigger than the rest.

It stood out instantly. It wasn't just brighter, it was personal. Stuck to it was a tiny note, slightly curled from being inside so long.

That one star-just one-carried a weight the rest didn't. A secret. A final message.

He unfolded the little note stuck to the red heart-shaped star, his fingers trembling slightly as he began to read the delicate handwriting. The paper held more than just words-it held pieces of emotions she had tucked away.

"Ek time par tumne mujhse kaha tha ki tum gaana gao, main sunga....
You encouraged me to sing when I felt like I wasn't good enough to sing in front of people.

Once you said, 'Mujhe nahi pata kitne saare taare hote hain aasmaan mein, magar sitara ek hota hai... jaise tum.'
That day, I didn't know what to say, but I remembered it.

So, maine bhi khoob saare taare banaye... magar ik sitara banaya. Just to tell you that,
Chahe kitne bhi taare kyun na ho aasmaan mein,
Sitara ek hi hota hai... waise hi,
are the single star I want to adore my whole life... and the only one I want to love.

You're like the Red star to me - the one that always shines, the most unique.

"तू राधा सा प्रेम बन जा, मैं कृष्ण की रास रचाऊँ,
तेरे नाम की मुरली बजा के, हर जन्म तुझमें ही समाऊँ।"

I love you, Akkudnath.

- Your Pearl

{ There was a time when you told me to sing... and you said, 'I'll listen.'
You encouraged me to sing when I felt like I wasn't good enough to sing in front of people.

Once, you said to me: 'I don't know how many stars there are in the sky, but there's always just one star that stands out... just like you.'
That day, I didn't know how to respond, but I remembered every word.

So... I made countless stars.
But I created one special star - just to tell you that...

No matter how many stars are in the sky,
there's always one true star...
Just like no matter how many people come into my life,
no matter how many boys there are...

You are the single star I want to adore for the rest of my life... and the only one I want to love.

You're like the red star to me -
the one that always shines, the most unique.

You become a love like Radha, and I shall dance the Ras of Krishna,
Playing the flute of your name, I shall merge in you, birth after birth.

I love you, Akkudnath.

- Your Pearl }

His hands froze. The words blurred as his eyes welled up. That one note, nestled among all the stars, had more weight than anything he had ever read. It wasn't just a confession-it was a heart, carefully folded and hidden in a jar full of memories.

He held the jar tightly against his chest, his knuckles white, tears spilling down without pause. His voice was barely a whisper, cracked and raw, as he finally let out the words he had never dared to speak-not to her, not even to himself.

"I'm sorry, Palak..."
His breath hitched.
"Tum royi... aur main wajah bana. I never wanted to hurt you-never."

("You cried... and I became the reason. I never wanted to hurt you - never.")

He glanced down at the jar again, stars still gleaming despite the ache inside him.
"Tum toh wo sitara ho jo mere andhere se zindagi mein roshni laayi ..... aur main..." his voice broke again, "main..... main iss sab ke layak nahi hoon."

("You were the star that brought light into the darkness of my life...
and I..."

"I... I'm not worthy of any of this.")

His grip tightened around it, and in that moment, something inside him broke. The weight of the note, the memory of her tears.
He couldn't hold it in anymore.

Tears streamed down his face, silent at first, then uncontrollable. He cried-not just out of guilt, but out of helplessness. For the first time, he let go of everything he had tried so hard to suppress. The pain of hurting someone who had only ever loved him. The ache of watching someone so full of light dim because of his silence. The shame of pushing her away when all she had ever done was come closer.

He felt like a jerk-no, worse. He had made her cry. And now, he wanted nothing more than to take it all back. He wanted to scream, to punish himself, to undo the moment she walked out of the room with her heart shattered. But he couldn't. He couldn't change what had already happened.

All he could do was sit there, broken, clutching that jar filled with love, memories, and the one note that now felt heavier than his own heart.