I fell in love with her in a day.
Told myself it was only attraction.
But my eyes... they stayed on hers—
as if her gaze was the sanctuary
my soul had been seeking all its life.

- Zaid

(ALIGANJ, LUCKNOW)

(IQBAL RESIDENCE)

Zaid brushed his hair back—those damp strands giving him a harder time than they should. With a quiet sigh, he reached for the hair gel... the same one his father had used the first time he went to meet his mother, and somehow ended up impressing her without even meaning to.

He stared at himself in the mirror.

The dark circles under his eyes were painfully obvious—a silent confession of his sleepless night. Because all he had thought about was her.

Gauri.

The way she'd looked at him with those soft, unsure eyes. The way she'd apologized, thinking he was upset.
God—his heart had squeezed in a way it never had before.

And her eyes... they had him captivated. Completely. Helplessly.

And he didn't know why he was doing this. Why he cared. Why, for the first time in his life, it mattered how he looked.
Not to the world.

To her.

Gauri. Even her name sent a shiver racing down his spine. Of course he wanted to impress her—he wanted it desperately.

And maybe no one else would notice, but the truth was simple:

The famously nonchalant ZAID IQBAL... was changing.

That's when he heard the voice—old, warm, and mischievous.

"Seems like someone has finally cast a spell on my nonchalant Mihir," his grandmother Amna whispered from the doorway, wrapped in her soft pashmina suit.

He froze.
Hands still in his hair, cheeks heating at her words.

Good God—he was blushing.
He really was.

He tried to laugh it off, tried to be casual, but the poor boy didn't realize—he would never be nonchalant again.
Not when it came to Gauri.

"Badi Ammi... aisa kuch bhi nahi hai," he muttered, fiddling with his school shirt like a child caught stealing candy. His cheeks were burning, and his voice trembled with a feeling he didn't even have a name for yet.

TRANSLATION - ''Grandma its nothing like that.''

Amna stepped closer and pinched his cheeks gently.
"Mere bachche... main sab samajh rahi hoon. And you know what?"

TRANSLATION - ''My child...I understand everything. And you know what''?

Zaid, now fully flustered, swallowed. "What do you mean?"

His heart thudded—far too fast for comfort.

"When someone makes you feel like that, meri jaan," she said softly, "you don't let them go. You keep them close. You cherish them."

Zaid—went utterly still.

What did that even mean?

He didn't know.
But the words stirred something inside him—something unfamiliar, something frighteningly real... something that would soon define everything for him.

Though he had no idea yet.

Patting his cheek lovingly, Amna walked away, leaving her grandson alone with the first storm of feelings he had ever known.

And he stood there, heart tripping over itself, realizing—
he was changing.
For her.

And he didn't mind it one bit.

 ⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

(TRIPATHI NIWAS)

Gauri stood in her room, a bright smile tugging at her lips. God, she had never felt this happy. She still couldn't get over yesterday — the best day with her girls. She'd enjoyed every second of it, and the thought that they would now spend every day together — same school, same city — felt like a dream she didn't even know she wanted. What more could she possibly ask for?

She dabbed a bit of lip gloss on her lips, even though she knew the teachers would judge her for it. One tiny swipe and suddenly she was "too much." God, it was frustrating. A dramatic sigh slipped out of her... but she still did it. Because she loved it. And just like that — there it was again. The smile.
Why fear doing something that makes you happy?

This was her philosophy — her self-made rulebook for living, certified and approved by no one but herself.

Gaurilosophy.
Because of course she had to name it.

And then the shout came.

"Gauri, niche aaja, bacha. Breakfast is ready!" Mandakini's voice spilled through the hallway — her daily ritual, worried her kids might be late for school.

TRANSLATION - Gauri, come downstairs, child. Breakfast is ready."

Gauri sighed. She was late again — lost in her own head, as always.

She grabbed her comb, shoved her schoolbag onto her shoulder, and rushed out.

"Maa, aa rahi hu..." her voice floated faintly through the house.

TRANSLATION - ''MOTHER I'M COMING.''

Downstairs, Mandakini was serving breakfast — green saree, hair tied, hands moving with the efficiency that only years of motherhood could sculpt.

"Maa, I'm her—"

TRANSLATION - ''MOTHER I'M HER—"

Gauri froze.

Because there he was — her father — Bharat, sitting on the couch in his army uniform, hands working precisely as he tied his boots.

No.
No, no, no.

This only meant one thing.

He was leaving. Again.
The country needed him. Duty called.

And yet... it would be a lie if Gauri said she didn't wish he'd just stay. Just this once. Just a little longer.

Her heart sank. It hadn't even been a week since he came home.

She tried not to cry. She really did.

"Baba..."
The word slipped out small, cracked — almost a sob.

Bharat stilled. He looked up to see his daughter's eyes shimmering with tears. He hated this — hated that duty always won, hated that it always hurt them. But this was his life. This was the cost.

He could face bullets.
But this—
This hurt more than any gunshot ever could.

"Bacha... come here."
The gentleness in his voice was barely a whisper.

Gauri didn't wait. Not even a second. She rushed into his arms, and he pulled her into his lap — as if she were still the little girl who once wrapped chunni around herself pretending it was a saree, giggling, "Look dadda, how do I look?"

His eyes burned, tears gathering — but he blinked them back. He couldn't break down. Not today. Not when he had to leave. He needed to be the strong one.

"Baba... you're leaving again?"

He swallowed. "Bacha... sometimes things are not in my hands. I can't change them. And... yes, I have to leave."

Saying it aloud felt like ripping something inside him.

And that was all it took.
The dam broke.

Gauri burst into tears — big, messy crocodile tears — burying her face in his shoulder, clutching his uniform like she could anchor him there with her grip alone.

Mandakini paused in the kitchen doorway, her heart twisting. She knew this would happen. Gauri wasn't alone — even Ekansh and Vikram had missed their father. But he was leaving so soon... again.

She let them be, silently returning to the kitchen. Some pains had no cure but crying.

Then came the sound of tiny footsteps.

Ekansh — the youngest — with his little school bag bouncing on his shoulders, lips pushed into a pout that could melt stone.

He froze when he saw Gauri crying in their father's arms.
Then he rushed forward, tiny legs struggling but determined.

He tugged at his father's pants.
"Dadda... what wrong? Why didu cry?" His own lip wobbled, eyes glistening.

Bharat's heart clenched painfully. He lifted Ekansh into his other arm, kissing the boy's temple — memorizing the warmth, the feel of tiny hands. Things he wouldn't touch again for months.

Ekansh didn't understand everything — but he understood enough. He'd seen the border in movies. He knew his father fought for India. He knew why didu cried.

And he knew what this meant.

"Dadda... you leaving again?"
It was such a simple question — so heavy it crushed Bharat's chest.

Colonel Bharat Tripathi — the man known for his sternness, his discipline — sat there holding his weeping children, feeling helpless for the first time in years.

For once, there was nothing he could do.
Nothing but hold them - and beg for a silent forgiveness.

⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

(ST. MARY SECONDARY SCHOOL)

Gauri stood in class — the trace of tears still lingering on her cheeks. She held herself together, refusing to break again. Not here. Not in school. She didn't want anyone to see.

Akshara and Zoya sat on either side of her, shoulders brushing hers, trying to comfort her. They understood.
Especially Zoya — whose own father, a General in the Indian Army, had left the night before.

Because duty never waited.
Only... her father had  been around. She knew he would return.

But Gauri?

Her father was barely ever around. And everyone knew that hurt her the most.

"Gauri, mat ro... Uncle wapas aa jayenge. And it's not like he chose to leave," Akshara whispered, glancing at Zoya with quiet understanding before looking back at Gauri. Worry shone in both their eyes — because Gauri wasn't the girl who cried. And even when she did... it was always alone, hidden from the world.

TRANSLATION: "Gauri, don't cry. Uncle will come back, and it's not like he chose to leave."

"Come on yaar, cheer up," Zoya murmured, brushing away a stray strand of Gauri's hair.

TRANSLATION - ''COME ON CHEER UP''

Gauri nodded faintly, took a trembling breath, wiped her cheeks and forced a smile. Then she stood, voice hoarse, almost cracking.

"Guys... main washroom hokar aati hoon."

TRANSLATION - ''GUYS... I'M GONNA GO TO WASHROOM.''

And she walked away.

But at the corner of the class — on the last bench — someone had seen everything.

Zaid.

His hands were clenched on his pants, knuckles turning white. He had seen her cry. And if he said it didn't affect him... it would be a lie.

It didn't just hurt him.
It destroyed him.
Her tears felt like knives sliding between his ribs — sharp, cruel, unexpected.

He had never felt something like this before. Why did Gauri's pain feel like his own?

But when he saw her stepping out of class, clutching her skirt tightly like she was holding herself together—

He stood up before he even realized it.

"Yaar, kahaan jaa raha hai? Class start hone wali hai," Akshay whispered confused where even Zaid was going.

TRANSLATION - ''WHERE ARE YOU GOING? CLASS IS ABOUT TO START.''

But Zaid heard nothing.
Not Akshay.
Not the murmurs from the staff room.
Not the students whispering.

All he saw... was her.

Gauri disappeared into the washroom. The moment the door shut behind her, the dam broke — and she cried, raw and real.
Her sobs echoed, and she prayed no one could hear.

Except someone could.

Zaid stood outside, guarding the door, eyes scanning the corridor — like a soldier on duty, protecting something precious.

What on earth was he doing?

He didn't know.
Didn't care.

He just wanted her smile back.
The smile that had, without permission, become the best part of his day.

And this feeling — this desperate, helpless feeling — he never wanted to lose it.

When he heard movement inside, panic shot through him. She was coming out.

If she saw him standing right outside the washroom—
She'd think he was some... lovesick fool.

He but sprinted halfway down the corridor, pretending like he was just casually passing by.

Gauri stepped out — eyes still a little red. And God, it hit him again.
A punch straight to his chest.
He hated seeing her like this — hated it so much it felt like suffocating.

She looked up... and saw him.

Her doe-like eyes widened.
His breath caught — actually caught in his throat.

One look from her and the world just... stopped.
People, voices, footsteps — everything faded.

Only she remained.

He noticed the redness under her eyes, and despite the pain it caused him... she still looked breathtaking.

She took a step.
He panicked she might walk away.
So he closed the distance between them in long, hurried strides — his tall frame suddenly towering over her.

"A-aap... t-theek hai?"
The words slipped out before he could think — raw, instinctive, as if he needed the answer to breathe.

TRANSLATION: "A-are y-you o-kkay?"

"Uh... yes. Main theek hoon," she whispered — in that tiny, trembling voice she had after crying. It tugged right at his heart. 

TRANSLATION - ''YES I AM OKAY''

And that single question made everything she had been holding back rush to the surface.

A tear escaped her eye.

He reacted instantly.

He couldn't bear it — not even one more tear.

He panicked.

He fumbled, almost dropping the handkerchief as he held it out to her.

"Y-yeh... yeh lijiye... p-please..."

TRANSLATION - ''P-PLEASE.....TA- AKE.....TH-HIS''

Offering it to her, eyes soft in a way he didn't know he was capable of.
Gauri stared, surprised, then slowly uncurled the fist that had been gripping her skirt and took it.

Her fingers brushed his.

Zaid froze.

Her touch hit him like an electric shock.
His knees almost buckled; he had to force himself to stay upright.

She touched him.
She actually touched him.

God, this was officially the best day of his life.

Gauri wiped her tears, and then—

Thud.

Zaid collapsed onto the floor.

She gasped, horrified.

Had she just—
Had she done this?
No, no, no.

He wanted to say something else.
Anything else.
But all that left his lips was a breathless, barely audible:

"G-Gauri..."

And then—
thud.

Zaid fainted.

With a smile still on his lips.

But he... he was smiling.

Why was he smiling?
Was he dreaming?

She rushed to him worried and now sobbing.

"Please rukiye... I'll call the teacher," she whispered frantically.

TRANSLATION - ''PLEASE WAIT.... I WILL CALL THE TEACHER.''

And she ran.

Gauri burst into class, panting, every eye turning to her. Mrs. Shalini's glare cut through the room.

"Gauri, what is wrong with you?!"

"Ma'am— Zaid— he fainted— in the corridor— please come—" her voice cracked, almost a sob.

Mrs. Shalini paused, shocked. Then seeing the fear on Gauri's face, she hurried out.

Vikram rushed to Gauri, protective instincts kicking in.

"Gauri, tu theek hai?"

TRANSLATION - ''GAURI, ARE YOU OKAY''

She nodded shakily.

Akshara and Vikram sprinted toward the corridor. Gauri collapsed into Akshara's arms, crying all over again.

"Gauri, kya hua? Bol na," Akshara whispered, wiping her tears.

TRANSLATION - ''GAURI, WHAT'S WRONG?''

At the corridor, Zoya arrived — only to find her brother smiling fainted on the floor.

Her jaw dropped.
Mrs. Shalini stared in disbelief.
Akshay and Vikram looked at each other and nearly burst out laughing.

This idiot had fainted... smiling.

"Both of you stop it and take him to the medical room!" Mrs. Shalini barked.

They scrambled to lift him.
As Zoya bent to help— her hand brushed Vikram's.

Both froze.
Eyes dropped to the floor.
A blush crept up Vikram's cheeks, while Zoya's heart hammered in her chest.

"Come on— take him," Mrs. Shalini said sharply, snapping Vikram back to reality.

In the Medical room, the nurse checked upon Zaid, feeling his pulse beneath her fingertips. It was fast—little too fast. Vikram stood beside Zaid holding his hand—still a little too flushed from the moment he'd had with Zoya.

God, he was blushing like a fool. What the fuck was wrong with him.

And then there was Akshay looking at him with a smirk on his face. "Looks like someone is in love."

Vikram froze—panicked Zaid might hear even though he was unconscious. The nurse eyed them with one eyebrow raised.

Vikram smiled nervously at the nurse. "Oh, he just keeps joking around, you know."

And the moment the nurse left—there he was, by Akshay's side, glaring at him.

"Dude, what the fuck is wrong with you?" His voice came out almost rough and panicked. God, he was scared this news would reach Zoya. What would she even think of him—he didn't even know what she thought of him.

He couldn't risk that. Would she ever look at him the same way?

"Bro no, what's even wrong with you?" Akshay snapped back, but there was no real heat, only concern.

"What the fuck do you mean?" Vikram snapped again—his voice rising.

"Yaar, tu bata de Zoya ko tu usse pyaar karta hai. Bhai kis ka wait kar raha hai tu?"

TRANSLATION - ''BRO GO TELL ZOYA THAT YOU LOVE HER. WHAT ARE YOU EVEN WAITING FOR?''

Vikram froze—what was this motherfucker even saying?

"Haan bata du? Theek hai. Aur phir mar bhi jaaun," Vikram responded sarcastically.

TRANSLATION - "YEAH, SHOULD I TELL HIM? FINE. AND THEN I'LL JUST DIE AFTER THAT."

"Abe tu pagal hai. Marr toh tu waise bhi jaayega jab someone will take her away right beneath your eyes."
Akshay's words came out, and Vikram went still.

TRANSLATION - "BRO, ARE YOU CRAZY? YOU'RE GONNA DIE ANYWAY WHEN SOMEONE TAKES HER AWAY RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR EYES."

Vikram's eyes darkened in an instant, hands forming fists by his sides—knuckles turning white.

His blood went cold—he hadn't even thought of this. But he knew Akshay was right. The thought of someone proposing to Zoya and watching her be with someone else made him want to kill someone with his bare hands.

And still there lingered the fear—the fear of rejection. Why would she even look at someone like him?

Someone who doesn't follow her religion and her customs.

"The thought of this makes you feel this desperate. And what if it actually happened, Vikram?" Akshay whispered—words ringing in his ear like temple bells being played right beside him.

Before Vikram could react—there was a groan.

Zaid opened his eyes, looking around. He saw the white ceiling, smelled the antiseptic, and then saw Vikram holding his hand and Akshay on his other side.

He sat up slowly... and then pulled out a cocky smirk.

Akshay and Vikram froze.
This man had just fainted—and he smirks?

"B-b–bhai... sh–sh–she... t–touched... m-me..." Zaid whispered to Vikram, his cheeks flushing—not from any faintness, but from remembering the way her hand brushed his.

Both of them went still at Zaid's words.

"B–b–bro... sh–she w–what?" Akshay asked, voice hesitant, almost stammering himself.

"Y–yes... sh-she w–was c–crying... a–and I gave her m–my h–handkerchief... f–from my pocket... a–and when I lifted m–my hand... i-it b–brushed... h–hers..."
Zaid explained, cheeks turning a darker shade of red.

"Oh—so wait, so uh—you fainted because she touched you, bro?" Akshay tried holding in his laugh, waiting for Zaid's answer.

And when Zaid nodded, Akshay burst into a loud laugh—and Vikram followed.

"Bro, you fainted because my sister touched you?" Vikram managed between breathless laughs.

"Haan, uda lo mazaak... but today has gotta be the best day of my life."
Zaid's smirk—playful yet cocky—only grew wider.

He had never felt this way. But he knew now.

He was falling in love—deeply and helplessly—with a girl who was out of his reach.

Back in class, Gauri stood sobbing thinking it was her fault he fainted - even tho it was. But that man enjoyed it and only just she didn't know it.

''Zoya, i'm sorry uh I was with your brother.'' Gauri looked at Zoya apologising, her eyes rimmed with tears falling on her cheeks.

''Gauri, calm down its not your fault my brother is stupid anyway and you stop crying.'' Zoya said dismissing her apology with the hand gesture - it was never her fault.

Akshara nodded. "Haan Gauri, bilkul teri galti nahi hai.  Breathe... we're right here."

TRANSLATION- "YES GAURI, IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT AT ALL. BREATHE... WE'RE RIGHT HERE."

''And beside tu aaj overwhelmed hai, so just try to be calm. Okay?'' Akshara continued pausing to wipe Gauri's tears and Zoya nodded.

''Come let's go to cafeteria.''

Just like that three girls were gone.

Zaid walked side by side with Vikram and then it hit him - she had been crying- God, how could he forget.

''W-wait.'' He whispered instantly.

''Kya hua yaar ab?'' Vikram whispered back looking with a amused look one eyebrow raised.

TRANSLATION - ''WHAT NOW''

''Yaar, whats the thing that makes Gauri happy?''

He asked curious leaning forward - like this was the most important conversation of his life and he needed know - needed to make her happy, like it depended on his life to make her happy.

''She likes milky bars.'' Vikram stated his expression softening a bit as he remembered how milky bars make Gauri happier than ever.

Zaid nods and then in a moment he was rushing away leaving Vikram puzzled.

Zaid rushed to cafeteria stumbling into Akshay who was busy flirting with Akshara.

He scoffed. '' Typical Akshay behaviour.''

''Akshara suno na.'' Akshay whispered fidgeting with his school shirt. His eyes softened - with no sign of amusement but something real , something vulnerable - only Akshara ever got to see. His cheeks burning red brighter than tomato.

TRANSLATION - "AKSHARA, LISTEN, PLEASE."

Akshara rolled her eyes. "Akshay, please... bas karo. Roz ka drama mat shuru karo."

TRANSLATION -  "AKSHAY, PLEASE... STOP IT. DON'T START YOUR DAILY DRAMA."

Then Zaid walks to them, Akshay looks back glaring that means '' saale moment khrab kar diya mil gayi kaleje mein thandak.

Akshara looks at Zaid with concern. "Bhaiya, aap theek hain? Aapko kuch chahiye?"

TRANSLATION - "BHAIYA, ARE YOU OKAY? DO YOU NEED ANYTHING?"

Zaid looks at Akshara nodding with a smile. ''Akshara I'm okay don't worry about me.''

TRANSLATION -''Is it okay if I borrow Akshay for a while?''

Akshara nodded. "Haan bhaiya, please le jao. Isne toh hamara dimaag pakaa diya hai poora."
She eyed Akshay annoyed but all she got back was a soft look - and Akshay staring at her like - she was everything he ever needed to look at.

Zaid starts to drag Akshay but not before Akshay whispers. '' Mai wapas aaunga Akshara.'' With a flying kiss he is gone.

"Kya hai yaar tujhe? Aur koi kaam n-nahi? Saale... mere moments ruin karte rehta hai." Akshay hissed, glaring at Zaid as they walked down the hallway. The distant chatter of students echoed around them.

TRANSLATION - "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, YAAR? DON'T YOU HAVE ANY OTHER WORK? YOU IDIOT... YOU KEEP RUINING MY MOMENTS."

"Abe c-chup k-kar... aur m-meri sun t-tuu a-ab."
Zaid glared right back, voice rising, eyes burning with a weird... unshakeable determination. He would find that damn Milky Bar — whoever had it in the entire school.

TRANSLATION - "HEY, SH-SHUT UP... AND L-LISTEN TO M-ME N-NOW."

Akshay slowed, staring at him. He had never seen Zaid like this — so serious. So stubborn.

"Bhai... tu itna serious kyu ho raha hai?" Akshay whispered.

TRANSLATION - ''BRO.. WHY ARE YOU GETTING SO SERIOUS.''

Zaid's jaw tightened. "Sun. Mujhe n-nahi pata... par p-pata lagana hai k-kon saale pure school mein chocolates carry karta hai."

TRANSLATION -  "LISTEN. I D-DON'T KNOW... BUT I H-HAVE TO FIND OUT WHICH IDIOT IN THIS ENTIRE SCHOOL CARRIES CHOCOLATES."

His tone was sharp, deadly serious — like he'd kill Akshay if he didn't obey.

"Abe jaa, jaa... jaata hu." Annoyed, confused, and very done with life, Akshay disappeared.

TRANSLATION - ''I AM GOING.''

He spent the entire second half of school doing the dumbest mission of his life — interrogating kids. And finally, he found her: a third-grader who carried every chocolate known to mankind in her bag.
Now he stood frozen, questioning his existence.

What the fuck was he even doing, asking an eight-year-old for chocolate?

Zaid had officially lost it.

Exhausted, he pushed open the washroom door — only to see Zaid leaning against it, smoking, looking sinfully relaxed. Like he hadn't caused chaos in Akshay's life for the last hour.

"Bro, what the fuck is wrong with you?" Akshay snapped.

Zaid didn't flinch. "D-did y-you even d-do w-what I t-told you to?"
He took another drag, calm as ever — because all he cared about was getting Gauri that chocolate.

Her smile.
God, that smile.

It had become everything to him — and he hadn't even realised when.

Akshay exhaled. "Yeah, bro... I literally spent the whole second half. I missed all the classes. And uh — I found a little girl. Third grade. She carries chocolates every day."

Zaid froze. Then a low, rough whisper:
"...Okay. Let's go."

Akshay stared at him, horror flooding his face.
"Bro — y-you're not actually planning to ask chocolate from a little girl, right?"

"Yes. We are. School khatam hone ka wait karenge... phir uss choti ko c-catch karenge."

Akshay's soul left his body.
"Catch her?! Bro — the fuck! Kidnapping karega kya? And why do you even need chocolate? You don't even like them!"

Zaid flicked away the cigarette, expression softening the instant he said,
"Pagal... main nahi khata. Gauri khati hai."

Akshay froze.
So this idiot was doing all this... for Gauri?

"Bhai... tu pagal hai kya?"

Zaid's cheeks flushed crimson, eyes melting. His fingers twitched as though imagining cupping her face, wiping her tears, holding her close.

A soft whisper escaped him—unsteady, shy, but truer than anything he had ever said:

"Haan yaar... p-pagal toh hu main... unke pyaar mein."

Akshay froze - for a moment he did, never had he seen Zaid like this but then rolled his eyes but his eyes soft now.

"Bhai, agar woh ro rahi hai to tissue de deta, apna issue kyun bana raha hai? Akshay sighed heavily rubbing his temples.

"A-abe... c-chup kar!" A whisper - a rough one came as Zaid glared at Akshay - as if he had offended him himself.

RING... RING... RING...

The school bell rang, and with it came the usual chaos—kids running and giggling, seniors whispering like they were discussing national secrets.

But Zaid and Akshay? They ran.

And there she was—the little girl. A tiny pout on her lips, bag dragging off one shoulder, and a Barbie bottle bouncing against her chest.

"Bro, I still can't believe we're about to ask a little girl for chocolates," Akshay whispered, horrified at himself.

"Yes, we are. Now shut up and walk," Zaid muttered.

They stopped in front of the little girl, and she looked up at them—pout deepening like they'd personally offended her.

Zaid's expression immediately softened as he crouched down.

"Hey, princess."

The little girl blinked... then gave the most criminally cute smile ever discovered in human history.

"Hiii..."

"You've got some really cute braids, princess," Zaid said gently.

She giggled—surprised, delighted, touched in that innocent way only kids can be.

"Thank you," she whispered shyly. No one complimented her much. It showed.

"Are you going to be my friend?" she asked suddenly, hope shining in her big eyes.

Both boys froze.

Something about the way she asked—too soft, too used to being ignored—made their hearts sink. They shared a glance. No words needed.

"Yes, princess. We'll be your friends," Akshay said, crouching beside Zaid.

She clapped—like full tiny-hand, pure joy, sunshine-clap—and grinned at them.

"What's your name, princess?" Zaid asked.

"I'm Zainat," she said proudly, showing off all her baby teeth.

"Wow... Zainat. That's a pretty name for a very pretty girl." Zaid tapped her nose lightly, making her giggle again.

"Zainat, can you help me out, princess?" he asked softly.

She nodded excitedly, like she'd just been handed a mission by the President.

"Princess... I heard you have many chocolates with you. Is that true?"

Again she nodded—then did the most adorable thing possible. She shrugged off her Barbie bag, unzipped it, and revealed her entire treasure hoard.

Zaid's eyes softened the second he spotted MILKY BAR.

"Princess, is it okay if I have one—"

He didn't even finish.

Zainat simply handed him the entire pack.

"Oh sweetheart," he breathed, touched to his soul. "I don't need them all. Just one."

He pointed to the MILKY BAR, and she plucked it out with her tiny hand, giving it to him like it was a sacred offering.

"You are my best friend now!" she declared, then suddenly leaned in and planted a kiss on both their cheeks.

Both boys melted. Fully. Irreversibly.

"Thank you, princess," Zaid whispered.

And just like that—tiny feet, Barbie bottle bouncing—she was gone.

Zaid's heart skipped — just the thought of Gauri eating this chocolate, that tiny smile forming on her lips...

God, that would be a win.
A stupid, ridiculous, heart-thumping win.

He didn't know why, but her happiness... her sadness...
it all felt personal. Like it belonged to him.

Zaid pushed himself up, ready to run—
and then it hit him.

What if Gauri and Vikram had already left?

"Shit... shit... shit..."

And he bolted—full speed—like the Flash, because if he didn't make it on time, it felt like he'd lose his powers too.

Akshay let out a long suffering sigh and followed.

Zaid skidded to a stop the moment he saw Vikram leaning casually against the boys' washroom, clearly waiting for him.

"Bro... t-thank god t-tu ghar n-nahi gaya," Zaid breathed, sounding like he'd just touched holy ground—like if Vikram had left, he wouldn't be able to breathe.

TRANSLATION - "BRO... T-THANK GOD Y-YOU DIDN'T GO HOME."

"Kya hua, yaar? Aur tum dono lunch break se gayab ho. Kya khichdi pak rahi hai?" Vikram raised an eyebrow, suspicious.

TRANSLATION - "WHAT HAPPENED, YAAR? AND YOU TWO HAVE BEEN MISSING SINCE LUNCH BREAK. WHAT'S GOING ON?''

Then his eyes dropped.
He froze.

The milky bar in Zaid's hand.

Two hours ago he had casually told them it was Gauri's favourite.
Now here Zaid stood—wild-eyed, sweaty, obsessed—holding it like it was a sacred offering.

"Bhai, bas... puch mat," Akshay whispered, wiping his temple. "Yeh Zaid toh pagal ho gaya hai teri behen ke pyaar mein."

TRANSLATION- ''JUST DON'T ASK, HE HAS GONE MAD IN YOUR SISTER'S LOVE.''

The change was unreal. Their nonchalant, careless best friend had turned into... this.

Zaid ignored their stares. He didn't care.
What they thought didn't matter.
Nothing mattered—

Except getting that chocolate to Gauri.

So she could smile.

And oh, that smile—
those dimples,
those bright eyes,
the way everything else in the world just... blurred when she smiled.

He'd run a thousand times over if it meant seeing it again.

Zaid stepped closer and pressed the chocolate into Vikram's hand.
No smile. No joke. No stupid comment.

Just that serious, laser-focused expression—
like getting this milky bar to Gauri was the most important mission of his life.

"Oye... s-sun," Zaid said, voice low, breath still uneven,
"G-Gauri ko d-dedena yeh chocolate."

TRANSLATION - LISTEN...G-GIVE THIS CHOCOLATE TO G-GAURI.''

Vikram swallowed. Hard.

There was something in Zaid's eyes—something intense, raw, almost frightening in how earnest it was. This wasn't Zaid the clown.
This was Zaid who didn't blink when it was about her.

"Haan... dedunga," Vikram managed.

TRANSLATION - ''YEAH I WILL.''

And he left. Or at least he walked away physically—
because mentally he was a storm.

A minor crush?
A passing school-time obsession?

No.
This was something deeper.
Something that had twisted Zaid—their Zaid—into a person who ran across school corridors like a madman just to put a smile on Gauri's face.

Why else would he get chocolate for her?

It didn't fit with the careless, nonchalant boy he'd known all his life.
It didn't fit at all.

Zaid was in love.
Deep, stupid, reckless, heart-first love.

And Vikram knew it now with painful clarity.

His best friend was in love with his sister.

God.
This is not good.
Not good at all.

If their father found out...

Vikram felt his stomach twist.

They were dead.
So dead.

His father would never accept this—
not in this lifetime, not in ten more.

And suddenly, that chocolate felt a lot heavier in his hand.

Zaid turned—only to take a slap right across his face.

And there she was.
His little sister.
Zoya.

He exhaled sharply, rolling his eyes, almost glaring.

"Kya hai Zoya tujhe?"

TRANSLATION - ''WHAT DO YOU WANT ZOYA.''

"Kya hai mujhe?" she shot back, eyes blazing.

TRANSLATION - ''WHAT I WANT.''

"Bhai, tum behosh ho gaye the! And then poora second half gayab. What is even wrong with you?"

TRANSLATION - "BHAI, YOU FAINTED! AND THEN THE ENTIRE SECOND HALF YOU WERE GONE. WHAT IS EVEN WRONG WITH YOU?"

The question hung in the air.

Zaid froze.

No.
No... no no no.

He absolutely could NOT let his sister know he liked Gauri.Not when Zoya was Gauri's best friend.

God, no.

So he straightened, switched on his nonchalant charm—the one he always used when lying or trying to escape.

A cocky smirk tugged at his lips as he leaned against the wall, casual, cool, utterly fake.

"I... I was b-bunking. S-So what?"

Which immediately earned him another slap.Akshay's giggles could be heard every two seconds in the background.

"Ghar chalo! Ammi ko batati hoon!"
Zoya grabbed his wrist. "School ka SECOND din—and YOU BUNKED?"

TRANSLATION -  "LET'S GO HOME! I'LL TELL AMMI!"
"SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL—AND YOU BUNKED?"

Before he could protest, she started dragging him away.

Akshay stood there watching them—Zoya glaring like Zaid had run over her favourite puppy, and Zaid smirking wider and wider just to piss her off more.

Akshay chuckled, shook his head, and jogged back to class to grab his bag.

Except—
The classroom was locked.

Of course.
School had ended. His bag was still inside.

Shit... shittt...

"All because of this Zaid," he muttered, dragging a hand through his hair, pure frustration on his face.

And then—he saw her.

Akshara.

Sitting on the bench.

Holding his bag.

Waiting.

He froze.

She... was waiting for him.

His hand instinctively came up to his chest as his heartbeat kicked up—too fast, too loud. Something soft, something vulnerable flickered through his eyes.

For once, he wasn't joking, or smirking, or hiding behind his goofiness.

He was just... him.

He walked toward her, every step heavier than the last. He paused once—just to look.

At the strands of hair falling over her forehead.
At how that tiny nose ring made her look impossibly cute.
At the way she scrunched her nose when annoyed.

God.
He was done for.

Over this woman.

Akshara looked up the moment she saw him — her eyes narrowing in that familiar annoyed-but-not-really-annoyed way she reserved only for him.

"Tum ghar nahi gayi?" Akshay whispered, trying to sound casual. But the way his eyes kept flickering over her face — like he was memorising every line — didn't go unnoticed by her.

TRANSLATION - ''YOU DIDN'T GO HOME''

"Tum apna bag class mein bhool gaye the," Akshara said plainly. Still, there was a small twitch in her eyes... something she was definitely feeling but hiding behind her fake irritation.

TRANSLATION - ''YOU FORGOT YOUR BAG IN CLASS.''

"H-Haan... I wasn't in class... u-uh that's why."
His words stumbled out, cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red. His eyes dropped to the floor — like looking at her was suddenly impossible.

"Tum toh poore laal ho gaye ho, Akshay."

TRANSLATION - ''YOU ARE BLUSHING''

That one line absolutely destroyed him.

Akshay immediately dragged a hand over his face, trying to hide it — his entire face red like a full-on tomato.

Akshara giggled.

Actually giggled.

Oh, god.

She was laughing... because of him.

Yes.
YES.
YESSS.

Officially the best day of his life.

"T-Tum mera bag laayi..."
He wasn't asking. He wasn't telling.
He was just... stating it.
Like he needed to say it out loud to believe it.

TRANSLATION - ''YOU BOUGHT MY BAG''

She thought of him.
Out of everyone... she thought of him.

"Zyada hawa mein mat udo," Akshara said, trying to sound bored. "Teacher ne bola tha, isliye lekar aayi hoon."

TRANSLATION - "DON'T GET TOO FULL OF YOURSELF," 
"THE TEACHER TOLD ME, THAT'S WHY I BROUGHT IT."

Her words made him smile anyway — because he knew she didn't mean them.
The tiny hitch in her breath, the barely-there twitch at the corner of her mouth... told him the full truth.

She brought it because she wanted to.

For him.

And that was enough to make Akshay's heart beat a little too fast — because even if she lied...

He knew she felt something too.
Something dangerously close to care.

Something he'd been wishing for.

⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

TRIPATHI NIWAS

Gauri sprawled on her bed, fingers trembling and clenched together.
She couldn't stop thinking about Zaid — the way he had offered her his handkerchief... and how, moments later, he fainted.

She couldn't shake the guilt crawling up her chest.
God... was it really her fault?

Her mind felt like a blur — too full, too heavy.

KNOCK...

"Gauri, bacha?" Mandakini's voice seeped through the door — soft, worried, laced with maternal warmth.

Gauri sat up, pulling her shawl tighter around herself. "Yes, Maa," she whispered.

Mandakini walked in, carrying the comforting aroma of freshly prepared daal and roti. The moment Gauri smelled it, something in her settled — simple, familiar, home.

"Maa... you didn't have to," Gauri tried to whisper — but Mandakini gently pressed a finger to her lips, settling the thali beside her.

"Don't tell me what to do," Mandakini scolded lightly, eyes fierce with motherly love. And just like that, guilt twisted in Gauri's chest — she hated worrying her mother.

"What's wrong, Gauri? What's troubling you so much?"
Mandakini's voice was soft, steady.
She didn't need many questions — mothers never do.

"Maa... I just—"

She tried to hide it, she really did. But that soft, knowing look from her mother... it broke her guard like always.

"Maa... today at school... you know Zoya's brother? He saw me crying and he came and gave me his handkerchief and then... I took it... and, Maa—he fainted."

Mandakini's eyes widened — and then she laughed.

"Maa! Seriously? You're laughing?" Gauri stared, disbelief dripping from every word.

"Gauri, don't tell me you are crying over that?" Mandakini said between giggles, eyes shining. But when her daughter glared, she quickly slapped a hand over her mouth to hold the laughter in.

"Maa, you're too much."

"Oh yes, I am, darling."

Finally the laughter softened, melting into a warm smile. Mandakini cupped Gauri's cheek with affection... and mild amusement.

"Bacha, what happened to Zoya's brother isn't your fault. Do you hear me?" she said, voice firm but loving.
"Maybe he didn't eat properly. Maybe he has some health issue. But it is not because of you. Stop punishing yourself."

Gauri nodded slowly, letting those words settle — really settle.
A small smile tugged at her lips. Not her usual bright one, but still... a start. Her chest felt lighter, just a little.

"Maa, don't worry. I'll eat later. You should rest too," she said, glancing at the thali.

Mandakini stood, gave one last affectionate look, and walked toward the door. But before leaving, she leaned back in with a whisper:

"Remember, Gauri — you're a baddie. Miss Lucknow's daughter. Crying doesn't suit you, babygirl."

Then she giggled — that soft, teasing giggle echoing through the hallway.

Gauri couldn't help it — she smiled, a small chuckle escaping her.

Her gaze fell on the chocolate lying near her pillow.

MILKY BAR.

Her brother had bought it for her.
Her comfort chocolate — the one thing that always warmed her heart no matter what.

She picked it up gently, bringing it close like it was precious. She could already smell the sweetness.

Slowly, she unwrapped it — her mouth watering. For a moment, the room was quiet.

And then she was munching on the chocolate like it was the last Milky Bar on earth.

And somewhere —
someone finally smiled.
Finally breathed.

Because her smile had become someone's only reason to breathe.

⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

IQBAL RESIDENCE

Zaid sat slouched on the sofa, lazily switching channels and rolling his eyes every two seconds as Zoya kept threatening him for no reason at all. His thumb paused only when HISTORY TV18 flashed on the screen — some documentary about people training to join the army. His eyes narrowed, oddly interested.

"Bhai..."
A tiny voice piped beside him.

Zaid turned, and there he was — little Zain, lower lip poking out dramatically. Zaid's expression softened without even trying, and then broke into a laugh when Zain practically launched himself into his lap.

"You woke up from your sleep, drama queen," Zaid teased, ruffling Zain's messy hair. God, this kid looked too cute — half-asleep eyes, a frown he thought was intimidating, and that signature pout.

Just then Aisha walked in, her salwar suit rustling, two heavy grocery bags weighing her down. Before she even said anything, all three kids scrambled to her — grabbing bags, fussing around her like little soldiers.

Aisha smiled, wiping sweat from her forehead with her dupatta, then sat down with a long exhale.

"Zaid, bacha... paani le aana." Her voice was tired, almost breathless.

TRANSLATION - ''ZAID, HONEY... BRING ME WATER.''

Zaid hurried to the kitchen and brought back a glass of water, his own sigh slipping out.
"Ammi, you c-could've w-waited. Me and Z-zoya could've gone to get vegetables."

"No, beta, you two don't even know how to pick good ones," Aisha chuckled, tapping his nose. "And you'd pay double the price without arguing."

Her tone was teasing, but her eyes softened with pride.

Suddenly little Zain clung to her neck.
"AMMI, I MISSED YOU!"

"Aww, my baby missed me?"
Aisha wrapped him tight, one hand behind his head, caressing his hair.

For a moment, she just held him — letting herself breathe. This... this was why she struggled, why she worked so hard. These hugs. These kids. This life she once dreamed of.

She pulled back and smothered Zain's face with kisses.

"AMMI NOOOO!"
His squeals echoed through the room.

And then — chaos.

"Ammi! Bhai bunked school!" Zoya declared dramatically from the couch, pointing at Zaid like a lawyer presenting evidence.

Aisha shook her head with a small laugh.
"Zaid... seriously? Second day of school, bacha?"

Zaid gave a confident sniff, despite the familiar stammer tugging at his words.
"A-Ammi, I h-have a r-reputation to maintain. If I d-don't bunk... people will think I'm n-not a b-back bencher anymore."

There it was — that cocky smirk.

Aisha rubbed her forehead. "Yes, yes, of course. Your great reputation. But if your Abba gets a call from school... he might finish you off before the enemies in war."

Giggles exploded — Zoya collapsing into laughter, Zain cackling in Aisha's arms.

Zaid's smirk wavered for a heartbeat... and then came back, even wider.

"M-Maa, don't worry. I'll handle Abba."

"As you say, bacha," Aisha sighed, kissing his forehead. "But try not to bunk too much. For my sake."

And just like that, she walked off.

Zaid froze.

How was he supposed to tell them the truth?

That he had bunked school because of... a girl.
A girl whose smile mattered.
A girl whose sadness — whose tears — hurt him more than he knew how to explain.

Something tugged inside him.

He didn't know what to call it.
But he knew he felt it.

And he felt it strong.

And then he smiled too - because he knew she had smiled too, after eating that chocolate.For now that meant everything to him.

Even if he didn't say so - it felt like he had won a mission appointed by President itself.

⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

Deewangi Writess