(ALIGANJ, LUCKNOW)

''Gauri beta Uth ja school jaana hai'' A voice came out  from downstairs - mix of frustrated and followed by a sigh that meant it wasn't something new but a schedule.

Gauri finally woke a little pout on her face - hair ruffled from the sleep, eyes barely open she finally sits down. Glaring at the wall that comes to her sight as if it kicked her puppy.

But that isn't it. This is worst part of the day and for Gauri its waking up. Ughhh she hates it more than anything

She slumps back on bed cursing herself and the sun that shines outside.

But then she hears a giggle - a small innocent one and there stands her brother Ekansh in his little school pant and shirt giggling while swaying with his school I - card.

Gauri rolls her eyes finally throwing the blankets away she sits down rubbing her eyes. ''Kya hai Ekku sone de na.'' She whispers looking at Ekansh something in her expression softens seeing her little brother look so cute in his school uniform munching on the half eaten Parle - G biscuit.

'' Didu Uth jao ab toh varna maa chamche se marengi'' Ekansh says in his little cute tone while giggling. It's clear he enjoys the scenario which seems to happen every morning.

Gauri can't help but smile at her little brother and swings her legs out of bed, payal jingling as she sets her bare feet on the floor then crossing the steps she scoops her little Ekku in her arms kissing his cheeks, taking in the scent of the innocent one.

''Gauri agar tu ab nahi uthi toh mai tujhe iss diwali koi saree nahi dilwayungi'' Gauri freezes with Ekansh in her arms. Sarees? She loves more than anything in this world because for her they solve everything - when she is sad - she wears them, when she is happy - she wears them and that isn't it - she finds the comfort in sarees.

And there is no reason why she just finds it.

And the reality hits her knowing her mother is serious. Next moment Gauri puts Ekansh and doesn't even pick towel or clothes - she just rushes inside the bathroom.

Because for her this die or live kinda mission. And surely Gauri would like to live by bathing in 2 minutes like the flash superhero. 

Her mother - Mandakini finally enters the room the spatula in her hand, green saree wrapped around her, pallu tied safely one hand on her waist and eyes like a angry bird. She enters the room and sees Ekansh - her little one standing the corner of the room pouting still munching on his biscuit she gave him during breakfast.

She can't help but smile looking at her son giggling. '' Bacha enough giggling now go down and finish your breakfast.'' Mandakini crouches down brushing the hair away from Ekansh forehead then kissing his nose softly - the best part of motherhood she would say seeing her kids happy and smile like that.

She couldn't help but murmur '' Haaye nazar na lage.''

Ekansh rushes down giggling and Mandakini shouts through the room '' Bacha be careful don't trip on stairs.'' But there is no real anger behind her words.

She then put her gaze back to the room seeing the messy bed, clothes lying here and there and many more.

It was very much of Gauri behaviour never keeping her things on places. Sighing Mandakini cleaned the room fastly and very casually used to such habits of her daughter even though she knew Gauri should be taking care of her own things and Mandakini should be scolding her about it. But the mother in her didn't let her do it , she loved the way her daughter was still so dependent on her and she loved how she was still a baby to her.

Cleaning the room Mandakini made her way down - the sight warmed her she saw her husband - Bharat cooking for their son while their dipping his fingers in the pancakes flour giggling.

And just then, her thoughts broke apart at the sound of a voice — familiar, impatient, yet laced with that childlike plea.

"Maa, I'm ready, I swear I am! Just... please—please don't say you won't buy me a saree for this Diwali!" Gauri whispered, God she  feared she won't have saree this year on diwali to wear. God this was a disaster - she wouldn't have photos to click, and nothing would feel new. Ughhh this was so fucking irritating.

Mandakini knew that voice by heart. She turned around, her lips already softening into a smile, to see her daughter — Gauri — standing there in her crisp school uniform, hair neatly tied, a stubborn pout forming as she stuck her bottom lip out in protest.

Mandakini nodded, her tone firm but teasing.
"Yeah, I won't—not until you stop troubling me every single morning about waking up."

The threat was clear enough, and Mandakini couldn't help the smirk tugging at her lips. She'd found her daughter's weakness, and God, she enjoyed every bit of it — watching Gauri's face twist in horror and annoyance, knowing she had her right where she wanted.

''Maa this isn't fair!!!!!'' Gauri's voice rose in a mix of disbelief and childish outrage. She stomped her foot, eyes wide as if her mother had just committed a crime. God, she was being blackmailed—and it got under her skin more than she'd admit. No saree for Diwali? No new outfit to show off? It felt like someone had dropped a bomb right on her festive dreams. The horror of celebrating in something old was too much for her dramatic little heart to bear.

And this wasn't new—Gauri had always been dramatic to her core. Everything she did carried a touch of theatrics, whether it was joy, anger, or heartbreak. If things didn't go her way, the entire house would know. Mandakini had long accepted that her daughter didn't just feel things—she performed them.

''Ok my Drama Queen.'' Mandakini chuckles amused, brushing Gauri hair away from her forehead and without even trying her expression softens.

"Okay, now have your breakfast, bacha. And where is Vikram, for god's sake—don't tell me he's still playing those games!" Mandakini sighed, rubbing her temple with a mix of exasperation and affection. Sometimes she wondered if parenting three little storms was her life's greatest challenge. Each one was a pain in the neck in their own special way—yet, god, she wouldn't trade them for the world.

''Maaa, I'm here!'' Vikram's voice echoed from the staircase. He came bounding down, school bag slung over one shoulder, shirt neatly tucked in, and his crisp uniform pants making him look far too put-together for someone who'd just been yelled at. The wide grin plastered on his face said it all—he'd clearly won another Minecraft match with his buddies, and god, the boy was proud of it.

''Yeah, today is the first day of school and if you all are late, don't you blame me.'' Mandakini says whispering a finger at three of her kids - Gauri, Vikram and little one Ekansh.

''Maa, don't worry—we're not gonna be late,'' Vikram said with full confidence, flashing that same victorious grin. From the kitchen, little Ekansh giggled in their father's arms, chiming in with his sweet, lisped assurance, ''Yes, Maa, you don't worry!'' His voice was small but full of pride, as if he'd just solved all her problems himself.

Meanwhile, Gauri—still sulking but far too hungry to argue—grabbed the paratha wrapped in foil and headed for the door, muttering something about eating on the way. Typical morning chaos, Mandakini thought, shaking her head with a smile that gave her away every single time.

"Come on, I'll drop you three at school," Bharat said at last, having quietly watched the entire scene unfold with amusement.

"Yayyy! Baba will drop us!" Ekansh squealed, still nestled in his father's arms. Gauri leaned in to press a quick kiss on her mother's cheek. "Bye, Maa! Don't worry, okie?" she said, her earlier sulkiness long forgotten.

Mandakini smiled, her heart softening at the sight of them. It softened even more when Vikram—the oldest, the calm in her little storm—bent down and kissed her forehead before leaving.

Then came Ekansh again, wriggling down from Bharat's arms only to tug at the edge of her saree. When Mandakini bent to pick him up, he cupped her face with his tiny hands and planted wet kisses all over her cheeks, making her giggle helplessly.

"Bye, Mamaaa! I promise to be a good boy!" he said with an exaggerated pout, his little arms wrapped tight around her neck.

"Yes, baby, I know you will," she replied, brushing her hand over his hair. "Now go with Baba before the school gates close."

And just like that, the house grew quieter as Bharat and the children stepped out. Mandakini stood by the doorway, watching them go—with that familiar, bittersweet warmth blooming in her chest, hoping, as always, that they wouldn't be late.

The car rolled to a stop outside the school gates, and before Bharat could even say a word, all three kids had already burst out, racing toward the entrance with laughter trailing behind them. He stayed still for a moment, watching with that quiet protectiveness only a father could have—waiting until each one had vanished safely inside before turning the key and driving off.

Gauri and Vikram walked little Ekansh to his class first. The boy stopped at the doorway, tugged them both down, and pressed quick kisses to their cheeks before running inside—his tiny Doraemon bottle bouncing against his side, his backpack almost too big for him.

As they climbed up to the third floor, Gauri's voice lit up the corridor. "Bhai, you know Zoya's coming today! I'm so happy—finally it's gonna be the trio again: me, Akshara, and Zoya!" Her grin was wide and full of life.

Vikram chuckled, glancing at her. "Same goes for me, bacha. Zaid's coming back today too—so it's me, Akshay, and Zaid again."

The name hung in the air for a moment—Zaid. Gauri's smile wavered ever so slightly. Something unfamiliar stirred inside her chest, a quick, unsteady flutter that left her oddly aware of her own heartbeat. She didn't know what it was, only that it felt... different.

Bhaiya, gotta go to class now. ''BYEEE," Gauri murmured, forcing herself to sound normal—composed, steady, as if that strange flutter inside her wasn't there at all.

Vikram smiled and nodded as she walked away.

Still smiling, Gauri turned back once, waving goodbye. Her eyes stayed on him longer than they should have—and then it happened.

She stumbled into something solid. Hard.

Her gaze snapped up.

And there he was.

Hands buried casually in his pockets, his stance unbothered, almost too calm. His eyes—a pale, piercing shade of blue she had never seen before—held a strange kind of quiet power. He stood tall, impossibly tall, easily six-foot-five, making her tilt her head just to meet his gaze. And those eyes... they didn't just look at her, they stilled her. Calmness radiated from them, unsettling yet magnetic.

Her eyes widened when she saw the way he looked at her—like she wasn't just another face passing by, but someone who mattered.
There was a depth in his gaze, calm yet consuming, the kind that spoke of devotion without ever saying a word. It wasn't lust, it wasn't curiosity—just something achingly steady, as if he had been waiting for her all this time without even knowing it.

And God, it did something to her.

The world seemed to blur, sounds dimmed to a hum. It was just him—those light blue eyes, that stillness, and the quiet pull between them she couldn't understand, yet didn't want to break.

The moment shattered when Vikram suddenly came in and wrapped his arms around the guy in a tight hug. She froze.

Her brother knew him? Who was he?

And that guy—he hugged Vikram back just as tightly, like they'd known each other for years.

"Zaid! You're finally here," Vikram said, his voice full of warmth. "I'm so happy, bhai. Now we're gonna be together all the time."

A bright, boyish grin lit up Vikram's face, the kind that made his dimples show and his eyes gleam—making him look as handsome as ever.

And Zaid?

He did hug Vikram back — but his eyes told another story.
They didn't waver, didn't blink. They stayed on her, steady and unflinching, like he'd forgotten the rest of the world existed.

And it would be a lie if she said it didn't spark something low in her belly — something she couldn't name, but felt all the same.

So this was Zaid. Her brother's best friend. The one who had just joined their school.

For the first time, Zaid — the usually carefree, funny guy — couldn't think of a single joke to crack. His mouth went dry, every clever line he'd ever known suddenly gone.

God, those doe-like eyes on him... they knocked the air right out of his lungs.

Still, his gaze stayed locked on her. Even as his heart raced and his legs felt unsteady, he forced himself to stand his ground.

Then Vikram was the one who broke the moment without even realizing and took Zaid away with him, hands around shoulders like brothers who had met after a long seperation.

Gauri stood there lost in thoughts. She smiled shaking her head. It was amusing, the way he looked at her like he had lost control and she was the only thing holding him stable.

Made her want to tease him. To get that reaction out of him.

Just then, her thoughts were broken by an excited shout echoing down the corridor.

"GAURI!"

The sound made her smile instantly — she would've known that voice anywhere.
There they were — Zoya and Akshara — clutching their school bags over one shoulder, running toward her, giggling and breathless.

Gauri's smile only grew wider. She started running too, laughter bubbling out as her feet carried her forward. For a moment, she forgot everything that had just happened.

Because nothing — absolutely nothing — felt better than seeing your best friends after a long separation.

The girls closed the distance in seconds, crashing into each other with a forceful hug — the kind that spoke louder than words. They held on tight, as if their lives depended on it, laughter and tears mixing somewhere in between.

"Yayyy, it's finally a trio!" Akshara managed between giggles, barely catching her breath as she clung to the others.

"I can't believe I'm finally with you guys," Zoya whispered, her voice trembling with joy as she tightened her arms around them — a happiness she hadn't felt in so long flooding through her.

Gauri stood there, speechless for a moment. Her throat tightened, and instead of words, her arms did the talking — pulling them closer, holding on as if to make sure they were real.

Finally, in a hoarse whisper that carried all her emotion, she breathed out, "Gosh... you both are finally here."

The smile that spread across her face reached her eyes — bright, teary, and impossibly full.

Just then, a stern voice cut through their laughter.
"If you're done with your reunion, I suggest you girls make your way to class. Or do I need to send a chaperone?"

The trio froze mid-hug. Gauri finally loosened her hold and turned — only to find Mrs. Shalini, their English teacher, standing there with her usual sharp eyes and arms folded across her chest.

Her tone was calm, but her look could slice through steel. And that dark-colored saree she always wore only made it worse — God, it was enough to make the girls want to pee in their skirts.

"Uh... w-we'll be j-just g-going to class, M-Miss," Gauri stammered, clutching her skirt so tight her knuckles went white. It took every ounce of courage just to get the words out.

It was almost like agreeing to not get a saree for Diwali — because honestly, nothing scared Gauri more than two things: Mrs. Shalini and no saree for Diwali.

Akshara and Zoya just nodded quickly, wide-eyed. It was their first day at school, but after seeing Gauri's reaction, they already knew one thing for sure — Mrs. Shalini was pure danger.

And next moment girls ran away to the otherside of corridor not caring if it was even the way to the class.

But they knew they had to run away from Mrs Shalini.

Mrs Shalini sighed observing the girls running away from her as if she was some serial killer and then she just walked away.

Class - 12 C

Zaid stood in class sitting beside Akshay and Vikram - this reunion should have made him happy. God he had waited to meet them for so long and the day was finally here.

He wasn't on some video call anymore where he was at 3 am making maggi and making them watch it by cracking the jokes - that were anything but funny.

Until yesterday the thought of meeting them had made him so happy, he had decided a lot of things to do with them.

But now there something else that had completely had occupied his mind.

It was her.

A mere girl he didn't even knew, the one who had bumped into him. God he should have been angry - that she wasn't looking forward while walking and had bumped into him. But it would be a lie if he said that.

Because he loved every bit. He never cried. No he didn't. 

Not because he was a man or all that shit. But it had been years since he had done it.

He might have been a boy in his mother arms crying about his lost toy. And since then he hasn't.

He particularly didn't have a reason to be. 

He had also been the cracking jokes making others laugh. He was pure Chandler Coded and he knew it. No wonder he was his favourite character.

But now today he had bumped into her.

God what was her name?. Yeah GAURI, that was it. 

He should have been able to crack a joke. But god he didn't. He couldn't.

Zaid was used to stammer while speaking but he knew in this case. His stammering had nothing to do.

Oh god he could still remember way his eyes had been drinking in her features.

The way her hair - loosing strands from her braid fell on her forehead, the tone of her skin - the way it was like the others  ''A Caramel Brown'' Golden honey skin toned. He had seen many girls have the same skin tone but for a reason she stood out in it.

Or maybe it was the way his eyes perceived her. 

Oh and how could he forget the way those Doe eyes looked at him. God it made him soft.

And that tiny pimple beneath her chin — it shouldn't have stood out, but somehow it did. It made her look so... real, so effortlessly human in a way that caught him off guard.

God, why was he even noticing that? Why was he complimenting a girl over her pimple of all things?

Maybe because everything about her — even the imperfect bits — felt strangely perfect to him

Finally, Zaid was brought back to reality when Akshay shook him.
"Bhai, tu kahaan khoya hua?" Akshay teased, nudging him playfully.

"Maybe apni sapno ki raani ke baare mein soch raha hai," Vikram joined in, a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips.

Zaid blinked, his mouth opening and closing before any words came out.
"Y-yeah, y-yeah... mazaa—mazaak udaalo," he stammered, his eyes flickering between the two of them.

God, he tried to act annoyed, but the smile that tugged at his lips gave him away. He'd missed this — the teasing, the laughter, the feeling of being home.

Teacher kept teaching in the background but all three of them were lost in their own world. And Zaid in hers.

TING.... TING..... TING.....

It wasn't too late the bell rang, announcing the lunch break. Boys stood up not even caring about the bags and ran to cafeteria. 

Zaid followed the boys with a chuckle as they dragged him.

The cafeteria buzzed with whispers and laughter — jokes flying across tables, seniors bullying juniors, girls giggling over secrets only they knew.

And then... there she was. Sitting beside Akshara and his sister, Zoya.

God, that smile — it did something to his heart.
Something he couldn't name.

And for a split second, a strange, manly urge flickered through him — to always be the reason behind that smile.

He froze.

Fuck.

What the hell was he even thinking? That was his best friend's sister.

And that thought alone scared him — because he barely even knew her, yet she already had this ridiculous effect on him.

Fuck... fuck... fuck.

He was Zaid Iqbal, for God's sake — the guy who cracked jokes, who never took anything seriously, who didn't do emotions. Not like this.

God he needed to get away from her.

"Yaar, tum log jaao... mujhe washroom jaana hai," Zaid muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. Trying to hold himself together, he rushed off before either of them could react.

"Abe, isse kya ho gaya?" Akshay frowned, watching Zaid's retreating figure with raised brows.

"Pata nahi, yaar... shayad apni suhagraat ka soch ke neend aa gayi hogi," Vikram said, amusement dripping from his tone.

Akshay burst into laughter, loud enough to turn a few heads their way. But neither of them cared — still laughing like idiots, they strolled into the cafeteria.

That's when Akshay's gaze found her — out of everyone in the room, her.

Akshara.

She was laughing with Zoya and Gauri, head thrown back, eyes sparkling with mischief. God, he loved those eyes — the way they always looked like they were hiding a secret. And those lips... perfect.

He swore God must've taken His sweet time sculpting her — the sharp set of her jaw, the tilt of her chin, even the way she smirked right before throwing a sarcastic comment. Everything.

"Yaar, agar iss saal Akshara ko mana nahi paaya na, toh main sach mein sanyaas le lunga," he whispered to Vikram, pouting like a sulking kid who didn't get his way.

Vikram nearly doubled over, clutching his stomach as laughter escaped him.
"Yaar, tu toh poora pagal hai. Ek kaam kar, sanyaas le hi le — kyunki Akshara kabhi teri hone wali nahi."

Akshay groaned, glaring half-heartedly before stomping his foot like a grumpy child and walking off, his bottom lip jutting out in protest.

Vikram laughed so hard that tears spilled down his cheeks — the kind that came from laughing too much. But then his gaze shifted.

Zoya.

And just like that, the laughter died. The sound around him faded until all that was left was the heavy thump of his heart.

He swallowed hard, suddenly finding himself in the same pathetic state Akshay had been in moments ago.

God, he was a complete dipshit. He couldn't even confess what he felt — at least Akshay could try.

How could he? She was his best friend's sister. And worse — she was Muslim. His father would probably have his head served on a platter if he ever dared to say it out loud.

And then there was the bro code — the oldest, strictest rule of all: never fall for your best friend's sister.

But it would be a lie to say he didn't love her. Because God, he did — more than anything.

He remembered sneaking into Gauri's room, pretending to look for something, when really he just wanted to catch bits of her late-night calls with Zoya. Pathetic, really.

He was such a fool. A lovesick, hopeless fool.

And now here he was — the one-sided lover. No chance, no expectations. Because why would Zoya ever date someone outside her religion? It wasn't common in her world. And the few who did... they were smart enough to hide it.

He froze.

Fuck...

"Bhaiii..." Gauri drawled, catching on immediately, her voice teasing. It almost made her laugh — and, of course, the other two joined in.

"Hmm."
That was all he managed to get out. A single, stupid hum.

God, I'm an idiot, he cursed inwardly, forcing himself to keep a straight face while they laughed.

They were laughing at him.
She was laughing at him.

God. Fuck.

"Gauri, kaam hai mujhe," he blurted, voice uneven, before walking off as fast as his legs would move.

It was both the best and worst feeling in the world — seeing her smile and knowing he was the reason for it, even if it was at his expense.

The girls watched him go for a moment before bursting into giggles again, drifting back into their own little world of gossip.

TING..... TING....... TING.....

Bell rang announcing the end of Lunch break. Girls sighed heavily rolling their eye then ran to washroom.

''Guys main washroom karke aati hu.''

Akshara and Zoya nodded at Gauri and went to the class.

She was walking fixing her skirt that had been wrinkled a little.

Then she stumbled again - something hard and it felt so familliar at the same time. There he was.

Zaid - her brother's bestfriend. 

God she felt embrassed, it had been second time in a day. She had bumped into him and hadn't even apologised.

She wanted to. 

''Dekhiye i'm sorry abou-

And just in a flash he was gone.

She froze, that was rude. She just wanted to apologise.

To be honest she had completely forgotten about him and about the morning.

She was too busy with the girls.

She sighed ignoring something weird she left in her chest and left to washroom.

Grade - 11 A

She sat beside the girls and teacher was already teaching, she didn't speak. Zoya and Akshara also focused on their class.

She pulled out her textbook from bag flipping through the pages. Her eyes fixed at the teacher hearing her out and once again she forgot about him once again.

Class had been over for a while, but the three boys were quiet.
Too quiet.

And only God knew why.

Zaid was lost in thoughts of Gauri — the girl who'd somehow managed to hijack his brain since morning.
God, he hated it.
How could she have this kind of control over him?
He didn't even know.
Ughhh, this was fucking annoying.

Akshay, on the other hand, was busy running imaginary scenarios in his head — possible ways to ask Akshara out for coffee without her throwing the cup in his face.
God, he needed a plan.

And then there was Vikram — leaning against the wall, biting his nail, regretting his entire existence.
Because God, she had laughed.
At him.
Fuck.

"Yaar, shaam ko milte hain," Zaid muttered, still caught up in his own turmoil.

The other two just nodded silently — three boys, three disasters — and started walking away.

And just like that, the trio was thrown off again, right in the path of the three girls who had absolutely no idea what kind of havoc they were causing in their lives.

TRIPATHI'S 

Gauri stood in her room, surrounded by a pile of clothes, trying on one dress after another. She couldn't decide what to wear — not that she even wanted to go out today. But she had promised to meet Zoya and Akshara.

She hadn't planned to, not really. It was just that Vikram had a meetup with his boys today — and then there was her father. There was no way Vikram would be allowed to go alone.

That was one rule in the house no one dared to question. If one of them left, the other had to go along — to keep an eye, to make sure nothing went wrong. Her father's rule. Firm, unbending, and completely non-negotiable. Gender didn't matter. It was just how things were in their home.

After trying on what felt like a hundred dresses and finding none of them right, Gauri's eyes finally landed on it — the green suit with red embroidery hanging neatly on the corner hanger.

The moment she saw it, she just knew.

Of course, it was a girl thing — that instant click when you see the outfit and your heart goes, this is it. The one that's going to make you feel like you're going to slay.

Gauri reached for the hanger, her fingers brushing over the fabric with a small, satisfied smile. She picked out the matching bangles, laid them on the table, and slipped into the outfit.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, a smile tugged at her lips.
God, she loved it.

She slid the bangles onto her wrists, smiling at the soft chime they made every time she moved her hands.
A little sound, but somehow it made her feel complete.

A dab of lip gloss.
A bindi.
And she was ready.

DING... DING...

Her gaze flicked toward her phone lying on the bed. The screen lit up with a notification from their group chat — "BABY GIRLS."

God, the name was silly.
But she loved it anyway.

A big smile tugged at her lips when she saw the selfie in the group chat — Akshara in a soft baby-pink kurti with a scarf draped around her neck, and Zoya in a stunning red pashmina suit.

And the best part?
They were matching.

Still grinning, Gauri went downstairs. The familiar sight of her mother, Mandakini, cooking in the kitchen greeted her — the usual morning scene. But she froze the second she noticed her father.

Bharat was standing behind Mandakini, arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

God, she froze.

She knew her parents shared a loving relationship, but never — never — had she seen them being so openly affectionate.

No wonder she and Ekansh had such a long age gap.

Trying to act normal, Gauri turned away quickly. "Maa, I'm leaving wi—"

But before she could finish, a tiny voice interrupted.

Ekansh, freshly back from his tuition classes, backpack bouncing against his small frame — almost too big for him — pointed at their parents. His big eyes blinked in innocence.

"Baba hug maaa," he said softly, his chubby finger poking toward them.

Gauri froze.

And so did her parents.

Mandakini immediately looked away, a blush rising to her cheeks, while Bharat rubbed the back of his neck — equally flustered.

"Baba red like tomato," Ekansh giggled, and that was it — Gauri burst into laughter, falling onto the sofa, clutching her stomach.

Meanwhile, her parents stood there, utterly embarrassed.

Bharat sighed, exasperated — he was just a man trying to hug his wife. God, was it a crime now?

Clearing his throat, he tried to salvage his dignity.
"Gauri, when are you leaving, bacha? And how was school?"

Gauri smiled, still fighting a giggle, recognizing the desperate topic change.

"Baba, school was good. I'll leave as soon as bhai comes down," she said, her tone soft but teasing.

Her eyes lingered on her parents — and her smile deepened.

God, she was lucky.
Lucky to grow up in a home where love looked like this — not like the ones where husbands raised hands instead of hearts.

Vikram came downstairs, completely unaware of the little scene that had just unfolded in the kitchen. His mind was already too cluttered — thoughts of Zoya running wild, and that restless urge to just meet his buddies and distract himself.

"We're going," he announced, grabbing his keys.

"Bhai, me come pwease!"
Ekansh's tiny voice piped up as he tugged at Vikram's pant leg, looking up with those impossibly big puppy eyes.

Vikram sighed, rubbing his temples. He was about to say no — he really was — but then he looked down at that face. God, who could ever say no to that face?

"Yeah, yeah... you can come, bacha," he said, pretending to sound annoyed.

Ekansh jumped in pure excitement but then paused, glancing toward the kitchen — silently asking for parental approval.
When Mandakini nodded, a shy smile on her face, Ekansh immediately wrapped himself around Vikram's leg in a tight hug.

The Tripathi siblings finally made their way out, after Gauri gave her mother a long, warm hug — Mandakini still blushing from earlier — and Bharat stood by the doorway, ensuring they got into the rickshaw safely like the ever-watchful father he was.

As the rickshaw pulled away, the city buzzing around them, Gauri turned to her brother.
"Bhai... can we stop at the mandir first? Please?" she pleaded, her eyes wide with that childlike devotion he'd seen in her since they were kids.

Vikram gave her a knowing smile.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Gauri Tripathi, it was this —
She loved her Bhagwaan, her Shankar, more than anything in the world.

There wasn't a single day she didn't take his name — not once.
To her, He wasn't just God.
He was her saviour, her strength, her everything.

The rickshaw stopped at the mandir. Gauri got down and hurried inside, climbing the temple stairs with quiet reverence.

She reached the sanctum where Lord Shankar's idol stood, knelt down, and folded her hands.

"Shankar, hamesha mere parivaar ko khush aur sukhi rakhna... chahe mere liye dukh le aana."

"Aur Akshara... mujhe aur Zoya ko kabhi alag mat hona dena. Mujhe bolne ki zarurat nahi hai — aap jaante ho."

''ICE AND SPICE.''

Gauri ran inside the restaurant the moment she spotted Akshara and Zoya.
God, they looked so pretty in traditional wear.

Her smile widened when she saw them running toward her, their laughter filling the air.
She loved it — being with her girls again.

Since morning, it hadn't sunk in that they were really here. But now it was real.

Then her gaze flickered — and froze.
There he was.
Zaid.

Casual shirt, pants, hands in his pockets — and yet, nothing about him looked casual.
She had completely forgotten their earlier encounters. God, just remembering them was embarrassing enough, but the way he looked at her now... it pinned her in place.

Awkward didn't even begin to cover it.

She tried to look away, but couldn't. His gaze held her — calm, steady, almost too steady.

Then Vikram walked in, and finally, Zaid's eyes broke away. Gauri exhaled a silent breath of relief.
Still, she had seen the flicker in his eyes — like he'd lost control for a split second.

Soon Akshay joined in. The girls sat at one table, the boys at another.
Ekansh perched happily in Gauri's lap, playing with the hem of her dupatta, tiny legs swinging in the air, pout forming on his face.

"Zoya, why is your brother like that?" Gauri whispered, her eyes flicking toward Zaid, who was talking to Vikram and Akshay.

"Like what?" Zoya whispered back, leaning over the table.

"Remember when I went to the washroom? Like that day during lunch break? I was walking out fixing my skirt and—" Gauri groaned. "I didn't look up and bumped straight into your brother again. It was so embarrassing, yaar."

Her head dropped as Akshara and Zoya burst out laughing. Even little Ekansh joined in, giggling without knowing why.

"Guys! Will you at least listen to me?" Gauri pleaded, cheeks burning.

"Yeah, yeah, go on," Akshara said, still laughing.

"So I tried to say sorry and you know what he did? He ran away. Like a scaredy cat!"

That did it — Zoya practically fell over laughing, clutching her stomach, while Akshara covered her mouth, tears forming in her eyes.
Ekansh pointed, giggling louder.

"Aksha laugh at Didu!"
"Zoya laugh at Didu!"

"Yeah, bacha, we're laughing at your Didu," Zoya managed between laughs.

"Gauri, you definitely scared him," Akshara said, wiping her eyes.

Gauri blinked, then nodded. "I think I did, guys."

Just then, Vikram's voice came from the next table. "Gauri, zara decide karke bata do — kya khaana hai tum logo ko?"

"Yeah," she said, flipping through the menu as her friends finally calmed down, still grinning.

Akshara and Zoya bent over their menus too, while Vikram's gaze lingered — just a little too long — on Zoya.

Then he turned back to the boys, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"Zaid?" Vikram said quietly.

Zaid didn't look up. "Hmm?"

"Yaar, mujhe baat karni thi tere se," Vikram said, his throat tightening. God, he was scared. Would this ruin their friendship? Would Zaid hate him?

No. He couldn't let that happen.

Just then, the waiter approached with a polite smile.
"Sir, I hope you're ready with your order?"

Vikram nodded, forcing a smile.

Zaid didn't question Vikram, still lost in his own turmoil. His eyes were on the menu, but his mind — completely on Gauri.
God, what was happening to him?

This girl — someone he barely knew, had never even spoken to before — had such an effect on him. It threw him off balance.

Meanwhile, Akshay observed Vikram quietly and sighed. He knew that look, that restlessness. God, he knew exactly what Vikram was feeling.

"Chalo yaar, jaldi order karo ab," Akshay said, trying to lighten the air.

Vikram nodded, starting to order as they'd discussed — until he froze.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Zoya stand up from her table.
God, she looked beautiful in that salwar suit — simple yet radiant.
And her hair... he just wanted to bury his face in them, to breathe her in.

He shook his head hard. What the hell was he even thinking?

And then she was right in front of him.
He froze. Completely.

He glanced sideways at Akshay, pleading silently: Bhai, save me.

But Akshay — the Akshara Paglu himself — was already gone. The moment he saw the empty seat beside Akshara, he darted toward it without a thought. Vikram's faint "Bhai—!" went unheard.

"Uh, suniye," Zoya said softly, her voice gentle and polite. "Hamne iss mein mark kiya hai ki hum logo ko kya kya chahiye."

God, it did something to Vikram.
She was talking to him.

Her voice, her eyes — everything about her made his chest tighten.
Was this even real?

"Uh... aap sun rahe hai?" she asked again, tilting her head slightly.

He blinked, snapping out of his daze. "Uh, yes — I'm listening."

He swallowed hard.

"Thik hai, toh aap order kar dena." Zoya smiled, placing the menu on the table — and just like that, she was gone.

But Vikram stayed frozen.
She had spoken to him for barely a minute, and yet, it felt like everything he needed.
God, he loved it. Every second of it.

On the other side of the table, Akshay was leaning lazily against the wall beside Akshara, flashing that mischievous smile that never quite worked on her — but he never gave up.

"Akshay, tumko aur koi kaam nahi mereko annoy karne ke alawa?" Akshara asked, rolling her eyes.

He grinned wider, unfazed. He never cared. He loved this woman more than anything — her temper, her sarcasm, all of it.

"Tumhare alawa saare kaam bekaar hain," he said, leaning a little closer, cheeks burning despite his confidence.

Gauri laughed at their banter, unable to hold it in.
Even little Ekansh joined in, his giggles echoing through the table.

Then Akshay saw, Zoya standing there and with a smile he stood up not before winking at Akshara he went back to where boys stood.

Back at the boys' table, Vikram glared at Akshay. He didn't need to say why — Akshay knew exactly what that look meant.

He'd abandoned him.

Akshay lowered his gaze, fidgeting with his fingers, guilt written all over his face.

"Saale, agar mar raha hunga na, toh tu toh mujhe chhod ke bhaag lega. I'm pretty sure!" Vikram hissed, half-angry, half-dramatic — but god, he had needed this idiot to stay when Zoya came over.

"Abe yaar, aisa nahi hai," Akshay whispered, trying to defend himself, voice barely holding laughter.

"Yaar, Zaid, tu isko samjha na. Kahan khoya hai?" Vikram said, glancing at Zaid.

Zaid's eyes flickered up slowly.

He was lost. Completely. His body was there — his mind wasn't.
This was supposed to be their time — boys laughing, teasing, talking nonsense. But his thoughts were full of her.

Gauri.

And then, without warning, the words slipped out — blunt, unfiltered.

"I love Gauri."

Vikram froze.
What the fuck.

Did he just hear that right?

His best friend. Loved. His sister.

Akshay blinked — and then grinned. Oh, this just got interesting.

"Bhai, how can you say that? Isn't today the first time you saw her?" Akshay teased, leaning back in his chair.

"Bhai, mazaak nahi kar raha hoon. Sach hai. I love her. I LOVE HER." Zaid said, his voice trembling with emotion — raw and real.

And for once, Vikram saw him differently.
Not joking. Not guarded.
Just... open.

Vikram's chest tightened. Zaid wasn't lying. He had never seen him like this before.

"Are you sure?" Vikram asked carefully, his tone calm though a storm raged inside him.

Zaid nodded, voice breaking slightly.
"Since morning, yaar, I'm not myself. I was happy till yesterday, excited to see you guys. But now... it's like she's all I can think about. Since I stumbled into her, I can't take my eyes off her. God, it's like she's done some black magic on me."

And then he added, helplessly,
"I haven't cracked a joke since morning. Guys... don't you feel it?"

His eyes flickered between Akshay and Vikram — mostly Vikram.
He couldn't hide it anymore. He knew it was wrong.
He knew Vikram might hate him.

But still — he said it.

Vikram exhaled slowly, leaning back, eyes calm yet unreadable.
"Zaid... I don't know what to say," he said softly. "But I believe you."

Zaid's eyes widened. He had expected anger — maybe even a punch. But Vikram was calm. Too calm.

Akshay suddenly burst into laughter, smirking.
"God, this is funny," he said. "So I'm not the only lovesick fool in this group?"

Zaid managed a weak chuckle. "Yeah... you're not, I guess."

Fuck.
He was in love.
With his best friend's sister.

Just then, the waiter arrived with their dinner. Plates clattered softly as the food was placed.

And then — silence.
No one spoke. They just ate quietly, lost in thought.

At the girls' table, though, it was the opposite — whispers, laughter, giggles bouncing between Gauri, Zoya, and Akshara.

And little Ekansh? He was the happiest of them all — swinging his legs, playing with his Didu's dupatta, surrounded by the people he loved.

God, he was having the best time of his life.

Dinner ended soon — silently for the boys, emotions swirling quietly inside them — while the girls had the best time of their lives, laughter still echoing around their table.

Afterward, Gauri stood up, heading toward the washroom to wash her hands. When she stepped back out, she saw him — Zaid — emerging from the boys' washroom.

Her heart skipped.
This was her chance. To apologize.

She walked toward him, and he froze the moment he saw her.
For a second, he almost turned to leave.

But her gentle voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Dekhiye, I'm sorry about what happened," she said softly, her tone careful, almost shy. "I stumbled and didn't even say sorry. That was rude, and I understand aap gussa hain. I didn't mean to, I swear."

Her voice — God — it was like a soothing balm to the chaos inside him.
He froze.

He got distracted.
God, she looked too pretty in that suit and salwar.

The soft fabric hugged her just right, her dupatta flowing gently as she walked. The faint shimmer of embroidery caught the restaurant lights — and for a second, he forgot to breathe.

God, she should have been a model.
Everything about her — the way she moved, the way she smiled, the way she tucked that stray strand of hair behind her ear — it all looked like something out of a dream.

He tried to look away, to remind himself who she was.
Vikram's sister.
His best friend's baby sister.

God, what was he even doing?

He clenched his jaw, forcing his eyes down to the floor.
But it didn't help. Because every time he blinked, her image flashed behind his eyelids — that soft voice, that innocent smile.

And just like that, he knew — he was already too far gone.

She thought he was angry.
But he wasn't. He couldn't even look her in the eye without giving himself away.

And the way she apologized — like it was her fault — it hit something deep.

"Uh... a–aapko s–sorry b–bolne ki zarurat n–nahi," he stammered, cheeks warm. "A–aapki g–galti nahi thi."

When he finally looked up, her eyes met his — guilty, embarrassed — and something inside him shifted. It tugged at his heartstrings in a way nothing ever had.

She nodded, smiling.

God, that smile.
That was the end of him.

"I never introduced myself properly," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Uh... I'm Gauri — Vikram's younger sister."

He nodded. Once. Twice. Again.
Like a complete fool.

"Uh... it's Zaid. Zaid Iqbal," he said, forcing composure into his voice. "Your brother's best friend."

"I should leave, I guess," she whispered, and just like that — she was gone.

He stood there watching her retreat, breath stuck in his chest.
It felt like death and heaven all at once.

What the fuck was that?

He leaned back against the wall, heart racing.
He was in love.
God, it was real.

Back at the table, Vikram finally paid the bill.

Soon after, Zaid returned, quieter than before. Everyone exchanged quick goodbyes. Vikram's gaze met his — a look of understanding that said I get it. I won't blame you.
Zaid nodded back, grateful.

Akshay, of course, couldn't leave without throwing one last flirty line at Akshara. She rolled her eyes while holding little Ekansh, who giggled at the exchange.

Vikram called their father to pick them up, and soon the group parted ways — Zaid leaving with Zoya, Akshay following Akshara at a careful distance, just to make sure she got home safe.

And then, one by one, the night came to an end.
Quiet. But nothing was the same anymore.

The Tripathi siblings finally reached home.
Ekansh sat in the backseat, giggling as he told Bharat all about the delicious food he'd eaten. His small, innocent voice — full of excitement — filled the car with warmth.

Gauri sat by the window, her eyes soft, a smile tugging at her lips.
A night well spent, she thought.

Vikram sat beside their father, quiet, lost somewhere between thoughts of Zoya and the songs playing softly on the radio.

When they reached home, Mandakini was already standing at the door, waiting for them.

"Maaa!" Ekansh squealed, jumping straight into her arms.
He clung to her as if he hadn't seen her in days, even though it had only been a few hours.

Vikram mumbled something about being tired and went straight to his room.

Gauri stayed back, sitting beside Mandakini, telling her everything — just like she always did. Every small thing that had happened, every smile, every laugh.

Mandakini listened patiently, her fingers absentmindedly patting Ekansh's head as his tiny body grew heavier in her lap.

When his eyes finally shut, she looked at Gauri and smiled softly.
"Ja bacha , so jaa ab. Kal subah jaldi uthna hai."

Gauri nodded, still smiling. She went to her room, washed her face, and changed out of her green suit and salwar.

She lay down, the faint sound of her payal fading as her feet slipped under the blanket.

Within minutes, she was asleep — just like that.

Zaid lay back on his bed, one arm tucked behind his head, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

God, today had been a day.

And she — she was the highlight of it all.
How could someone be that kind and that beautiful at the same time?

He was in love.
In fucking love.

He knew it now. There was no denying it anymore.

His heart still raced a little too fast just thinking about her.
It had done that every time — the first time he stumbled into her, the second time too, and especially when she'd apologized, her voice small, her eyes soft.

Oh God.
That color on her... it had been the end of him.

He was all over her, completely gone.

And why the fuck wasn't Vikram angry?
He had no idea. But he knew one thing — he didn't want to fight with his best friend. Not over this.

So he'd kept quiet.

Now, in the quiet of his room, he closed his eyes and tried to push her from his mind — her gentle smile, the shy look, the way she tucked her hair behind her ear.

God, it undid him every single time.

He was done for.

Never — never had he felt like this for any girl.
And it had only been a day.

"Fuck..." he muttered, breathless. "Fuck, fuck..."

He was in love. For real.

No one would believe him — how could anyone fall in love in a day?
But he knew it. His heart knew it.

The way it beat too fast around her.
The way he lost control the moment her eyes met his.
The power she had over him — unknowingly, effortlessly.

God... so this is what heaven felt like.

He had lost himself to her completely.

And the worst part?
He loved every bit of it.

Deewangi Writess