Scene 1: The School
I stood near the classroom gate, my mind consumed by her thoughts. She had just joined our school, and there was something about her—an undeniable charm. Her name was Khushi, and just like her name, she radiated happiness. But when I tried to catch her eye earlier, she had ignored me.
Suddenly, a voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
Shivaksh: "Hey, Aryan! What are you doing here? Planning to study at the gate, or should we go inside?"
Aryan (me): "Alright, let's go."
We walked into the classroom, where Disha, Aditi, and Jay were already gathered.
Disha: "What's up, Shivaksh? Hey, Aryan!"
Jay: "Yo, Aryan! Shivaksh!"
Aditi: "Hey, everyone! Can someone lend me their notebook? I haven't done my homework, and I'm so not in the mood to get scolded again. Hurry up!"
Everyone: (laughs)
Aditi (excitedly): "Oh, by the way, her name is Khushi. Her dad got transferred here, and the school gave her direct admission into the 12th grade."
Just then, Khushi entered the classroom.
Khushi: "Hi."
Her voice was soft yet confident. I couldn't take my eyes off her.
Me (thinking): Your name suits you perfectly, Khushi. And up close, you're even more captivating.
Aditi: "Hey, Aryan suggested we make a WhatsApp group for all of us. Khushi, would you mind if we add you?"
Khushi: "Not at all. Go ahead."
Me (thinking): The group idea was just an excuse. All I wanted was to have a way to talk to her. All day long, I was just waiting to get home and see her message pop up.
Scene 2: At Home
That evening, as I sat in my room, my aunt called out.
Aunt: "Aryan, dinner's ready!"
Aryan: "Coming!"
My life wasn't as perfect as it seemed. My parents had passed away in a car accident when I was just five. Since then, I had been living with my uncle and aunt, who had taken everything my parents owned under their name. They provided for me, but there was no emotional connection. I was just a responsibility to them.
Scene 3: The Group Chat
Later that night, the WhatsApp group became active.
Aditi: "Hey guys, what's up?"
Aryan: "All good! What about you?"
Shivaksh: "I'll join in a bit. Just got back from some work."
Aditi: "Alright."
Me (thinking): Where is Khushi? She's online but hasn't messaged yet. Is she talking to someone else? Do I even care? Well, she'll have to talk to me sooner or later.
Finally, her message came.
Khushi: "Hey, guys!"
Aryan: "Hi, Khushi! How are you?"
Aditi: "Let her breathe, Aryan. She just joined!"
Khushi: (laughs) "I'm fine, Aryan. How about you?"
Her response sent a thrill through me.
Scene 4: First Personal Message
Three days later, I decided it was time to take a step further. I messaged her privately.
Me: "Hey there!"
Khushi: "Hi!"
Me: "Can we meet?"
Khushi: "Now?"
Me: "Yes, at the coffee café."
Khushi: "Alright, done."
My heart raced. This was it—our first meeting, away from school, away from everyone else.
Scene 5: The Café
She arrived in a light blue top and blue-black jeans. Her silver chain glinted under the soft café lights, and her smile was enough to make my heart skip a beat.
Khushi: "Hey, I'm here!"
Aryan: "Hi. Let's find a seat."
As we sat down, she asked with a playful smile, "So, any specific reason for calling me here?"
I hesitated. The truth was, I wanted to tell her how much I liked her. But instead, I said, "No special reason. Just thought we could talk."
What followed was an hour of her talking about everything and anything. Her laughter, her expressions, the way she spoke—it was mesmerizing. I could barely keep up, lost in her world.
Khushi: "You're different, Aryan. Most people don't talk like this. And you're not even on social media much. At least get an Instagram account!"
Aryan: "Alright, alright. I'll consider it."
As the evening ended, she asked, "Can you drop me home?"
Aryan: "Sure."
When she got on my bike and lightly held my shoulder, I felt a rush I couldn't explain. But soon, we were at her house.
Khushi: "Thanks, Aryan. Goodnight!"
Scene 6: The Discovery
Later that night, I couldn't resist looking toward her house. Her room's window was wide open. Through the curtains, I noticed someone else was there with her—a man. My heart sank.
Me (thinking): Who is he? Is he her boyfriend?
As I watched, the man turned around. To my shock, it was Shivaksh.
Scene 7: Confrontation
The next day, I confronted Shivaksh.
Me: "What were you doing at Khushi's place last night?"
Shivaksh: "Chill, bro. We were just hanging out."
Me: "Stay away from her."
Shivaksh: "Why should I? She kissed me first, dude." (laughs)
Anger surged through me. Before I knew it, I had lured him into the basement of my uncle's shop.
Me: "Do you know what's special about this basement?"
Shivaksh: "No. What?"
Me: "It's soundproof."
Shivaksh: "Cool, man. Now, where's the drink?"
But I wasn't in the mood for games. Grabbing a screwdriver from the tool rack, I cornered him.
Me: "You disrespected her. And for that, you'll pay."
To Be Continued...