As the evening continued and everyone began to relax, the group of friends decided to grab some snacks. Nivik, knowing Anvika's favorites by heart, carefully picked out an assortment of treats just for her. He was about to head over to Anvika, a small smile playing on his lips, when Neena stepped in front of him.
"Hold on, Nivik," Neena said, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Let's all travel together. We can enjoy our time with Anvika as a group. Just wait a second until everyone gets their snacks."
Nivik hesitated, glancing over at Anvika, who was still chatting happily with Deval. He felt a pang of impatience, wanting to be the one to make her smile with her favorite snacks. But he nodded, knowing Neena was right. It would be more fun to share the moment with everyone.
"Alright," he said, managing a smile. "I'll wait."
Neena gave him an understanding look, her eyes reflecting the bond they all shared. As they waited for the rest of their friends to gather their snacks, Nivik tried to push aside the lingering unease. He focused instead on the idea of spending time together, reminding himself that their group was stronger when united.
Afterwards, Neena, Levi, Daksh, and Nivik collected their plates and left for Anvika.
When they arrived, they saw that Anvika already had a snack plant in her hands and that Advik was seated next to her, chatting amicably.
Nivik watched his best friend Anvika chatting and laughing with his brother Advik, a strange feeling settling in his chest. It was a mix of unease and confusion, a sensation he couldn't quite place. He felt an unfamiliar knot tightening in his stomach, and his heart seemed to beat just a little faster than usual.
He didn't understand why he was feeling this way. Anvika and Advik were simply talking and enjoying each other's company, but something about it bothered him. His mind raced, trying to make sense of the emotions swirling within him. Was it jealousy? Protectiveness? Or something else entirely?
Nivik had always been close to Anvika, cherishing their friendship deeply. Seeing her connect with someone else, even his own brother, made him feel as though something was shifting, and he wasn't sure he liked it. He struggled to maintain his usual composure, trying to push aside the discomfort that gnawed at him.
He told himself it was silly, that he had no reason to feel this way. Yet, the unease lingered, casting a shadow over his thoughts. As he watched them from a distance, he couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was happening, something that might change the dynamic he had always known and valued.
Anvika saw that Nivik had a look of fury on his visage as she watched her companion return with several snack trays.
Advik turned to face her sister Neena, who was clearly angry.
Advik had been requested by Neena to teach her how to play the piano several times, but he had never shown much desire in doing so. Nevertheless, today he consented to tutor anvika .
"I requested you to educate me several times, but you never seemed really interested in doing so. However, today you claimed that you would teach Anvika, which is not fair". Neena was quite angry.
Advik was speechless, unsure of how to respond, and he had no idea that no one would hear about their conversation.
When Advik agreed to teach Anvika how to play the piano, Neena, who had been nearby and overheard their conversation, felt a sharp sting of disappointment. She remembered vividly the time she had asked her brother to teach her, only to be gently declined because he had been too busy with his studies and work.
Now, seeing Advik agree so readily to Anvika's request, Neena felt a wave of hurt and confusion wash over her. She bit her lip, trying to hold back the surge of emotions. Why was Anvika different? Why did Advik say yes to her without a moment's hesitation?
Neena's eyes welled up slightly as she watched them from a distance, their easy camaraderie and the way Advik's face lit up when he talked to Anvika. It wasn't that she begrudged Anvika the opportunity; she loved her friend dearly. But the quick agreement from Advik made her feel overlooked and unimportant.
She turned away, pretending to busy herself with something else, trying to ignore the tight knot of jealousy and sadness forming in her chest. Neena couldn't help but feel a little envious of the effortless bond they seemed to share, a bond that made Advik agree to something he had once refused her.
As she stood there, she resolved to push past her feelings, to support her friend and brother, even if it meant swallowing her own disappointment. But the hurt lingered, a silent reminder of the small rifts that could form even in the closest of relationships.
Anvika, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Neena's demeanor almost immediately. She could see the hurt and confusion in Neena's eyes, even as she tried to hide it. Realizing what must have caused her friend's distress, Anvika quickly came up with a plan to set things right.
With a bright smile, Anvika turned to Neena and called out, "Hey Neena, come over here for a second!"
Neena looked up, trying to mask her emotions with a neutral expression. She walked over, her curiosity piqued.
"Guess what?" Anvika replied right away , her voice full of enthusiasm. "In fact, he declared that he had planned to be tutoring us both, Neena. His rigorous work schedule prevented him from teaching you earlier. "
Anvika is aware of Neena's begged Advik on multiple occasions to teach her how to play the piano, but he was usually preoccupied with his job. Today, however, Advik granted Anvika's request. In an instant, Anvika made up a tale to clear things up.
Neena's eyes widened in surprise and then quickly filled with joy. "Really?" she asked, a smile breaking across her face. "You mean it?"
"Of course!" Anvika replied, linking her arm with Neena's. "We'll have a blast, and we'll get to spend more time together."
"You're really going to assist me that" . Neena's eyes brightened with joy.
Neena and her pals were unaware of Advik's prior talk until they learned that he had volunteered to educate her how to play the piano.
Advik felt a little let down since he had intended to spend moments with Anvika, but now his sister was also going to be there.