Morning time, at Kaushal Bhavan, in Ruhani's room
As Mrs. Aabha knocked, Ruhani opened the door, while Aakriti remained seated on the bed. Mrs. Aabha was taken aback, bursting into laughter at the sight of the two.
Ruhani and Aakriti exchanged confused glances, unsure why Mrs. Aabha was laughing.
Still chuckling, Mrs. Aabha said, "What a sight you two have made of yourselves!"
Ruhani and Aakriti had cleaned the room but neglected their own appearances. Their hair was disheveled, eyes and faces slightly puffy, giving the impression they had wrestled each other to sleep.
Mrs. Aabha's comment made Ruhani and Aakriti glance at each other, finally understanding her amusement.
Ruhani stammered, "We, uh, slept late, Mom, that's why we look like this."
Mrs. Aabha smiled, "Well, when two friends get together, their conversations never end, do they? But look at the time! You're running late for office and still not ready."
Ruhani added, "We're not going to office today, Mom. We've applied for leave."
Mrs. Aabha's expression turned knowing, "Alright, alright. Enjoy your day off, but next time, be more considerate of time."
Mrs. Aabha said, "Alright then, come down for breakfast, you two."
Ruhani nodded, "Okay, Mom, we'll join you after freshening up."
As soon as Mrs. Aabha left, Aakriti let out a sigh of relief and stretched, saying, "I didn't get enough sleep, but let's go have breakfast now."
Ruhani gestured to Aakriti, covering her mouth, "Brush your teeth first, I can still smell vodka."
Aakriti placed her hands on her hips, "Excuse me! I sprayed room freshener all over the room."
Ruhani chuckled, "But not inside your mouth, apparently." Aakriti pouted.
After freshening up, they had breakfast and headed to the terrace. Aakriti planned to stay at Ruhani's until evening.
On the terrace, Ruhani watered her plants. The space was filled with various potted plants, reflecting her love for nature and greenery. She had created a small terrace garden.
After strolling and chatting, they returned to Ruhani's room. Aakriti wrapped her arm around Ruhani's neck, "I don't want to get bored at home, so I'll stay with you till evening. We'll spend quality time together."
Ruhani smiled, "I never told you to leave, did I? Now, what do you want to do during our quality time?"
Aakriti thought, "What to do, what to do!"
Ruhani retrieved her laptop from her bag, but Aakriti swiftly snatched it, irritated, "Quality time doesn't mean you start working!"
Ruhani reclaimed her laptop, "Who said I'm working?"
Aakriti asked, confused, "Then why did you take it out?"
Ruhani placed the laptop on her bed, turning it on, "To watch a movie, idiot."
Aakriti rushed to the bed, jumping onto it, "Now this is more like it! You're finally acting like my best friend."
Ruhani raised an eyebrow, gazing at Aakriti, who affectionately pulled Ruhani's cheek, "I haven't seen you like this in ages; that's why I said it. So, which movie are we watching?"
Ruhani ignored Aakriti's question, starting the movie.
As the movie's theme song played, Aakriti excitedly exclaimed, "Oh my God! Harry Potter! We're watching Harry Potter!"
Ruhani chuckled at Aakriti's enthusiasm, "Yes, calm down and watch the movie."
Ruhani was an avid movie buff, enjoying films and web series since school days. She had watched countless movies and series, earning her the reputation as a reliable recommender among friends.
Harry Potter, her childhood favorite, remained dear to her heart. Ruhani had introduced Aakriti to the series, transforming her into a devoted fan.
As they watched the movie, Ruhani occasionally fetched snacks or cold drinks from the kitchen. Engrossed in the film, they completed three parts without pause. After a brief break, they enjoyed lunch in Ruhani's room.
While eating, Aakriti smiled at Ruhani, "This movie marathon is amazing! We still have more parts to go. Now this is quality time spent."
Ruhani nodded, taking a bite, her eyes sparkling with delight.
While scrolling through her phone, Ruhani said, "I saw your WhatsApp status, but hope your manager doesn't see it, or you'll face the music at the office tomorrow."
Aakriti teased, "Yeah, right. Forget that, when are you putting up your WhatsApp Display Picture? You removed it ages ago, at least put one up now."
Since her breakup, Ruhani had been depressed, avoiding social media or deactivating her accounts.
Aakriti's comment prompted Ruhani to upload an inspirational quote photo as her Display Picture. She asked Aakriti to check it.
Aakriti sighed, "Not your photo, but at least you've put something up. That's better than nothing." Ruhani smiled.
Aakriti asked again, "What about Instagram?"
Ruhani replied, "I deactivated it, then reactivated it months later, but I don't feel like using it, so I barely do."
Aakriti remained silent. They finished lunch and settled back into their movie marathon. As they watched the movie, Ruhani's expression turned contemplative.
Suddenly, she paused the film, leaving Aakriti perplexed. "What's wrong? Why'd you pause the movie?"
Aakriti asked, irritated. "This was the best part!"
Just as Aakriti was about to resume the movie, Ruhani grasped her hand, saying, "Why don't we create a mutual Instagram ID?"
Aakriti's confusion deepened, her eyes locked on Ruhani's.
*******
What happens next?
What sparked Ruhani's sudden interest in a joint Instagram account?"
Why did Ruhani want to create a mutual Instagram ID?
How would Aakriti react to Ruhani's surprising suggestion?
Let me know in the comments and likes below!
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