Punya was feeling enthusiastic early in the morning though she didn't sleep whole night. She woke all her friends and disturbed their sweet sleep. She went upstairs and knocked on the boy's room door.
Tarak opened the door after waiting for 5 minutes... "Who's it so early in the morning???" he grumbled.
"Tarak, it is me Punya....Wake up" she said.
"Good morning Punya... Why what happened?" asked Tarak.
"Nothing... We have to go to Cloaker's walk park... Get ready fast" she said.
"It is still 5.45 am... Are you nuts??" he scowled.
"Clouds will disperse after sunrise... So better hurry up. We've to be there at 6.30 or 7 am" she said.
"Tell your cousin the same... He's still snoring peacefully in bed" said Tarak walking in.
"Can I get in?? Or any of you're naked or semi naked??" she asked.
"It's so cold here... We are all packed enough... Get in" he said and went to washroom.
"Tarak... Who's Thrishul here??" she asked...
"Lift the blanket and search" he chuckled shutting the door behind him.
She walked up to one bed and called Thrishul... He didn't respond... She hesitantly pulled the blanket and sighed heavily as it was Thrishul.... She shook him to wake him up, "Dad... few minutes please" he murmured.
Punya chuckled... "You're not at home... Wake up lazy head"
He slowly opened his eyes "Good Morning Punya.... Am I dreaming??? You in my room??" he asked.
"Yes we're in Kodaikanal... I'm here to wake you up" she said.
"Oh... Yeah I forgot.... You look happy and fresh... What happened in the night??" he winked.
"I'm fresh because I had bath.... Happy because we're in Kodaikanal...." she said.
"That's it???" he was skeptical.
"Yeah... Why do you doubt???"
"I'm not doubting. You look good" he said.
"Thanks... Now get ready and come down in 10 minutes"
"Ok dear" he said with a smile.
The whole team reached Cloaker's walk at 6.30 am.... The park was filled with loads and loads of misty white clouds... People away 5 foot weren't visible to each other. A picturesque place to visit. Whole team was dressed aptly for the cold, yet Siri was shivering.
"Punya.... My skin is so cold see" said Siri touching her cheeks.
"I know it's cold here" said Punya.
"I'm warmer.... If you feel cold Punya" winked Thrishul....
"I'm fine... Siri might need some warmth" chuckled Punya.
"Ewww... Punya that was rude" said Siri and walked away.
"Why do you use such harsh words to me???" asked Thrishul.
"You meant a hug there" she scowled.
"Yes... I'm your cousin, a friend and in love with you. Forget love.... Friends can also have a warm hug if it's too cold or we're too sad. Is that wrong??" he asked.
"I think I should stop that... I only told we'll be friends. Sorry Thrishul" she apologized.
"Will that call for a hug???" he grinned.
"Yeah... I'm feeling Cold" she chuckled.
They embraced each other warmly.
"OMG" gasped Punya.
"What???" he asked.
"You're very warm... Warmer than me... It is so awesome to hug you" she said with a smile.
"Oh is it... You liked it then.... Whenever you feel too cold... Call me" he shrugged.
"Sure" she hugged him back.
Vedant coughed from behind.... Punya left him and walked away.
"Spoiler"
"Hey come on... You were standing in the way..." said Vedant.
"You could've sneaked... There was space for you... You're jealous of me" said Thrishul punching him softly.
"I know there's something wrong with Prakruth and Punya... But don't make it look obvious that you're trying to use the opportunity" said Vedant.
"Am I pushing so much??" asked Thrishul.
"You're.... But she's in control and denial of the fact that she likes you" said Vedant.
"Hmmm. I will stop pushing" said Thrishul.
"Better" chuckled Vedant.
They watched cities through the telescope, took lot of pictures and made memories. After breakfast, they visited Pillar Rock and did some trekking. Afternoon lunch was epic with veg and non-veg delicacies.
Evening everyone decided to go for cycling..... Punya preferred a gear cycle.
"Punya are you sure about it??" asked Thrishul. Vedant coughed again.
"Yeah I'm... Keep up girls.... Come on" said Punya and rode off the road which led to the path around the lake. Other girls followed her.... Boys had no other go....
They stopped at random places and clicked photos... Moving ahead in a curve, Punya slipped from her cycle and fell down.
Thrishul ran to her rescue... As he was close to her.
He lifted her by holding her hand... "Are you hurt badly??" he asked.
"No it's just my knee... I hit hard on the rock" she said.
He lifted her off the ground instantly... "Thrishul, I can walk... Leave me down" she pleaded.
"No, you can't know pain immediately... I will carry you to the vehicle.. Then we'll visit a doctor" he said walking ahead.
"Thrishul please... I don't want you to carry me... I'm fine.. Let me down" she demanded.
"Thrishul let her down... We'll see how much she's hurt" said Tarak.
"Yes Thrishul" added Vedant. Rahul chuckled.
Girls were worried but couldn't help giggling. Thrishul looked like he cared too much for her and she looked like a puppet in his hands.
"Let me down now" she said.
He let her stand and she squealed in pain. "See that's why I carried you" he said.
"I'm fine it will suffice... Can I sit here? You finish the rounds... We'll go after Sunset" she said sitting on a park bench.
Everyone cautioned her and left in cycle except Thrishul. He sat next to her.
"Why don't you go enjoy yourself??" she grumbled.
"I'm worried... I can't enjoy..." he said.
"Thrishul, why do you love me so much??" asked Punya.
"I don't know"
"Is it because your Dad told you to? Or as we're relatives, you thought that known devil is better than unknown angel" she asked.
He chuckled "Firstly, my Dad never told me to love you, secondly you're not devil... Everyone knows it. I love you because I love to love you... I don't have reasons and that doesn't mean that you should and must love me. I know you won't...because you've feelings for someone else....that someone is far better than me."
Punya interrupted "Not better ... Don't compare"
"We both know the facts... I may deny it when he's around but I do respect him. He's too good at his age. Independent, responsible and respectful person. I won't give up so easily too"
She looked at him with a question in her eyes.
"I'll try to get closer to him, to change your mind till you marry. I believe in miracles" he winked.
She chuckled....