"Yeh kahan ghum ho jati hai beech beech mein?" Yukti said while Choti shook my arms briefly. Even though I could hear their words and register their motion, I was unable to escape the reverie, feeling somewhat hypnotic just by looking into his eyes.

(Where does she get lost, in between?)

"Ms. Govind?" His honey coated, sweet voice brought me back to the pleasant reality sat infront of me. I realized how I have been staring at him for a long time now so I transfered my gaze from him to a wall. Wow, I never noticed, the color of the wall seems so beautiful- Ok, ok I'm embarrassed. "Kya hua?" I asked nervously, rubbing my ears while it flushed a red color signifying my embarrassed state.

"Bachho, I'm really sorry but I have to leave for a work emergency. So, you can stay here to hangout or visit the temple nearby. Choice is all yours, but now I've to leave. See you." Mum announced as she rushed, taking the car keys and her purse with her.

As the car motioned out of the garage I locked the front door cautiously, returning back to the living room. "So guys, kya plan hai?" I questioned passing a glance around the room but found no one. 'Excuse me what the frog- Itni jaldi toh salt evaporation ka process v nahi hota hoga jitni jaldi yeh sab gayab hogaye!'

"Didi hum upar, aapke room mein hain, jaldi aao." Choti called from upstairs. As my step forwarded towards the stairs I noticed the brown envelope given by Akshit, that Ayushi forgot to take with her. One day I'll get a good smack from my mother because of her stupidity.

(Didi we are upstairs, in your room, come quickly.)

As I picked it up, my phone went off indicating someone's call, it was an unknown no. I hesitated before answering, "Hi." I said in a low tone. "Is this Aarohi?" The voice spoke. "Yes, who is this?" The voice sounded familiar yet unknown.

"It's me-" "Ms. Govind, may I have a bottle of water, please?" Akshit's words dominated over the voice coming from the call. I kept the one on the call on hold while I fetched a bottle for him. "Are you coming upstairs?" He asked. "Yes, just give me a minute." I passed him a smile as he ascended the stairs.

"Hi, sorry, who is this again?" I questioned bringing my attention back to the call. "It's Vivaan Sinha speaking Aarohi. Remember?" he replied. "Oh Vivaan! What happened?" I interrogated as it was the first time he called me even though we have been classmates for a long time now.

I felt someone knocking on the door so I kept the phone on speaker as I went to check. Meanwhile Vivaan answered, "My sole reason was to inform you about the themes of the carnival but I would also be delighted if you could come over to my house for my birthday party tomorrow."

I peeked out but found no one, so I locked the door once again and reached my phone. "Oh- umm okay I'll try but I can't promise. Happy birthday in advance though. And thanks for the invitation." I wished as he replied with 'thank you' and I ended the call.

As I finally stride up the stairs, I noticed Akshit standing on the other end of the stairs, glancing over at me with a look of dismay. "All good Choudhary ji?" I asked jokingly, bringing his mood back to normal. "Yep, totally fine." He paused briefly and replied as we entered my room.

"Toh fir kya decide hua? Mandir chalna hai ya ghar pe chill?" I sat on one edge of the bed as I offered a chair for Akshit to sit on. "Yukti didi aur Manav bhaiya ghar rehne ka bol rahe hain aur mujhe Mandir jaane ka mann ho raha hai." Choti informed me.

(So, what have you decided? Shall we go to the temple or chill at home?

Yukti didi and Manav bhaiya want to stay at have but I really want to visit the temple.)

"Ab tum dono he batao kya karna hai." Yukti added. I directed my gaze towards Akshit for a decision while his eyes were already fixed in my direction. But as soon as our eyes met, he looked away while a light hue of pink flushed over his cheeks. 'How can someone look cute, even when they are embarrassed?' I screamed internally, cooing over his cuteness.

[Shi: Only if she knew the true reason why Akshit blushed.]

'Ms. Govind definitely is someone who can look effortlessly pretty even in her worst days.' I was busy admiring her when her amber eyes met my dark brown orbs, making my stomach flip for the 2nd time today. (1st was the moment I accidentally touched her lips. I swear it was unintentional and I still feel guilty.)

Though I can dive into her eyes for eternity, the sudden blood rush on my cheeks betrayed me, as I got shy and withdrew the mesmerizing eye contact. "What do you think?" She asked while tucking her loose strand behind her ear.

I let out a dreamy sigh, unaware of the fact that, everybody heard it. "Whatever you say." The following words left my mouth without my permission. Manav praised me through his eyes as I realized what I just blurted out.

"Akshit bhaiya, aapko kuch kuch ho raha hai kya?" Ayushi teased me subtly while Manav joined her, "Kuch nahi Choti bohot kuch ho raha hai." The 2 hi-fied, laughing at my embarrassed state. I didn't waste my time before launching a pillow across Ayushi that hit Manav, right in his face.

During the fuss, I noticed the subtle teasing glances that Yukti passed to Ms. Govind to which she replied with a shy smile. Though my dumbhead self couldn't understood why, then I recalled that, 'Oh right, she likes me! Hayee.'

"I think we should visit the temple. And it's been a long time since I had Raj Kachori chaat so I'll have that as well." Ms. Govind spoke, drawing everyone's attention to her. "Ok then, Mandir it is." Yukti announced as she signaled Manav and I to head out of the room as the ladies had to get ready.

We followed the command heading to the living room, while I informed my amma about my whereabouts. She asked me if I finally confessed to Ms. Govind but I replied in negative for which I got scolded?? Like seriously? I know my amma is that 'cool mother' but itni cool?

"Meri bahu ka dhyan rakhna." Her words prior to ending the call made me smile like an idiot yet once again. "Akshit babu, abb aap bhi apni feelings confess kardijiye. Warna kahin der na ho jaye." Manav stated teasingly, but it definitely made sense.

(Take care of my daughter-in-law.

Akshit babu, you should also confess your feelings, before the time passes by.)

"It's the 3rd time you're telling me this Vivaan. Don't worry we'll manage something." I heard Ms. Govind's voice, as she was descending down the stairs. 'I don't like this Vivaan dude, and why is he troubling Ms. Govind for whatever reason. Huhh.' I slightly pouted.

As she finally came into sight, I was once again enchanted by her graceful and delicate way of dressing sense. Her mid length hair cascaded down her shoulder, which was clipped with a tiny clutcher. And her jhumka and anklet that jingled faintly with each step she took, forming a sweet symphony with the silver bangles that decorated her golden wrist.

I know I'm saying this for the nth time now so let me rephrase it to make it sound different but with utmost honesty I can say that, 'The talent to appear seamlessly gorgeous has been mastered by her'. The pink flower printed in a patterned distance enhanced the white fabric of her kurti and made her look even more ethereal. "Chalein?" Ms. Govind asked as we nodded in affirmation and the group neared Manav's car.

"Mujhe aisa kyun lagg raha hai ki main tum sabka unpaid driver banke reh gaya hun?" Manav complained while he started the engine as the ladies settled in the back seat, Ms. Govind between Ayushi and Yukti. And I sat in the front passenger seat. "Kya karen sachhai chupate nahi chupti." Yukti bhabi mentioned making us giggle as Manav pouted.

(Why do I feel that I'm your unpaid driver?)

"Tujhse aur kya he sunne ki umeed kar sakta hun." He replied, receiving a light smack by Bhabi. The car made its way out of the parking lot. Not exaggerating but the drive was pretty silent throughout until, "Di connect your phone to the car's bluetooth na. I'm getting very bored." Ayushi said, though Ms. Govind looked at her in disapproval as I observed her from the rear view mirror.

(What else can I expect to hear from you?)

"Connect your phone, if you want to listen to something, why mine?" She asked. "Di you have a better playlist than mine, please give me your phone." Ayushi pleaded a little which worked as minutes later we heard the desi bollywood playlist go off.

[Play Ishq bulava for a better experience.]

Soon the silent environment within the car was filled with the desi beats & music. As the lyrics were terribly sung by Manav, I regretted not being deaf. It momentarily drifted me from singing but that one song...

Ishq bulava jaane kab aave
Ishq bulava aave jab aave..
Main ta kol tere rehna
Main ta kol tere rehna
Main ta baitha kol tere..

I sang, still admiring her through the mirror. Even the reflection of her eyes soothed my unsaid pain and worries. 'Quite addictive yet worth looking at' is what I thought before drowning myself deeper into it.

Tainu takda ravaan
Baaton pe teri hansda ravaan
Pagal main khud nu banaanda ravaan
Tu hansdi rave, main hansaanda ravaan
Tainu takda ravaan...

Just as the car stopped in front of the temple, her eyes glinted in gaily. We entered the serene atmosphere, soon to be met with the fresh and vibrant air of faith, hope and peace. As Manav and I went to bring the offerings for the deity, the ladies picked out flower garlands from the shops situated close by to the temple.

The smile of both the Govind sisters grew when the Pandit ji recognized them immediately as we stood before the mighty sculptures of Lord Krishna and Shri Radhey. Submitting ourselves before them, we joined our hands with eyes closed to let the tranquility penetrate our souls.

'Hey Radha Rani, hey Kunj Bihari apse aaj tak jo kuch manga hai woh sab diya hai apne, uske liye bohot bohot shukriya. Par issbar apne liye nahi Akshit k liye mang rahi hun, please unhe humesha khush rakhiyega aur unke har achhe bure waqt mein mujhe unka saath dene k layak banayiyega..' Aarohi prayed.

(Hey Radha Rani, hey Kunj Bihari whatever I have till date, you have given me everything, for that I'm truly very grateful. But today I want to wish something for Akshit, please keep him happy forever and make me able to stay by his side in his good and in worse.)

'Hey Radha Krishna, Ms. Govind k chehere par jo muskan aap dono ko dekh kar aati hai usse humesha aise hi banaye rakhiyega. Aur I wish ki unhe kabhi dukh na dekhna pade bhale unke saare dukh aap mujhe de dena. Aur agar kabhi main na rahun toh aap unka achhe se dhyan rakhna, please han.' Akshit opened his eyes to peek at his Ms. Govind while making a deal with the Almighty.

(Hey Radha Krishna, the smile Ms. Govind has after seeing you, may that smile remain with her forever. And I wish that she never faces any pain, even if that would mean I'll have to face them, I will. And if I won't be there then please take care of her properly, okay.)

As they sought blessings, took prashad and exited out of the temple, Akshit admired Aarohi's caring nature when she distributed fruits amongst the beggars that were sat near the temple parapet.

Tainu takdi rawaan
Naina 'ch tere main vasdi ravaan
Paagal main khud nu banaunda ravaan
Tu hansdi rave, main hansanda ravaan
Tainu takda ravaan

Aarohi noticed the soft gaze of Akshit which followed her every move. It also filled her heart with the slightest of hope that maybe her confession won't go in vain and Akshit might actually accept it. Her smile, now ranging from ear to ear, made it clear that she was enjoying the secret admiration of Akshit yet she didn't understand the emotions portrayed by his eyes.

Aarohi returned back to the group. "Suniye." She said in an almost inaudible voice, leaning slightly towards Akshit's frame that pulsated his heart to beat faster. "Ji farmayen." He replied with a flirtatious tone, igniting the blood rush that grew darker on Aarohi's cheeks.

"I know I'm pretty but if you keep looking at me like that, you might end up falling in love with me, Choudhary ji." She teased him with the similar words once used by Akshit, when he had caught her staring in the auditorium that day.

Akshit giggled at her mischief, rubbing his neck in embarrassment as he had been caught yet once again. He decided to not stare at her anymore but how can a premi drift away his eyes from his premika? So he continued with the 'nobel' work of admiring from afar.

The group now settled in the garden situated across the temple region, the ladies began to click pictures of themselves as well as the beautiful scenery before them.

"Akshit, can you please click our picture?" Yukti asked as she handed her phone to him while posing along with Manav. The Govind sisters didn't leave a chance to tease the couple. Soon, it was Aarohi's and Ayushi's turn so they chose the best photographer among them, which was Akshit, obviously.

As the photo session came to an end, Aarohi realized that Akshit didn't get any picture clicked of himself. So being thoughtful, "Should I click your picture?" she asked, insisting him to stand in front of her and pose. And who was Akshit to reject her request?

When he checked the photos, to say he was overly elated would be an understatement. He praised Aarohi to which she playfully replied with, "Abb meri fees dijiye, itni achhi pics click krne k." He laughed at Aarohi's antics while shaking her head in defeat. "But I must say, the model is better than the clicks." Aaorhi mentioned, making Akshit turn into laal tamatar.

Meanwhile, Manav secretly captured their sweet moment in his camera lenses.

They then decided to eat something as it was already 10 minutes past 8 and Aarohi couldn't wait any longer to have her favorite Raj Kachori Chaat. Thankfully, her favorite Chaat vendor was nearby so they took a walk. Upon reaching, everybody ordered their food and waited patiently except Aarohi who was jumping like a kid who wanted to have her favorite thing as quickly as possible.

"Here's your Raj Kachori Chaat ma'am. Please enjoy it." Said Akshit while passing her the plate. Everybody devoured their meal and had small chit chats in between. Amidst the joyous scene, an unfamiliarly familiar voice joined them, "Hey everyone!".

"Vivaan, tum yahan?" Aarohi asked. "I was here to buy some decor and then I saw you guys so I came to greet everyone." He smiled and shook hands with Akshit and Manav. 'Kardiya greet? Ab please leave.' Akshit thought, rolling his eyes hidden behind his sweet smile.

"So, are you coming to my party or not?" He asked Aarohi. "Honestly speaking, I'm not into parties and all so, I might not come. Though I wish, you have an amazing day." Aarohi replied, returning back the smile. "Oh ok, no problem. And thank you for the wish." He said before entering a decor house, few steps apart.

Much more gossips later, they were ready to go back home but Aarohi's eyes were affixed in a particular direction, specifically a particular item. "Ms. Govind, aapko kuch chaheye?" Akshit asked sweetly. "Gajra." Aarohi replied absent-mindedly. Feeling the sense of a responsibility to fulfil her wish Akshit went to the flower stall, to buy gajra for her but,

"Aarohi!" Vivaan called out. "Yes?" She replied, confused. "Do you like gajra?" He asked again. "Umm yes, why?" She added hesitantly. "Then, have this. I was actually looking for the artificial flowers as per my mother requested but that uncle handed me this and I couldn't decline. So," He passed me a beautiful garland of gajra which had hair pins attached to it, appealing me to wear it as fast as possible.

Aarohi resisted constantly yet she had to accept it at last when Vivaan mentioned that he was getting late and he had to leave. She thanked him again when Akshit came back with the similar flower. "Yeh lijiye, aapke li-" Akshit stopped as his sight drew to her hands. "Oh! You already have this?" He was taken aback.

"Well, Vivaan handed me this and left just a few seconds ago." She replied, smiling at the flowers. Akshit was visibly pissed, "That Vivaan guy, I swear." he mumbled to himself but Aarohi heard it and thought to pull his leg.

"Vivaan is better than you. I mean even though it was a coincidence, he got me this before you. Not that I asked either of you but yes." She said, which rather fueled Akshit's anger as his eyes darken with frustration.

"Is that so? Then stay with your Vivaan." He huffed rather innocently, contrasting his angry demeanor. Aarohi was completely flummoxed by the recent events. Rethinking about what went wrong and how his joke has redirected its path against her, she entered the car where everyone else was already seated.

"What took you guys so long?" Yukti asked, curious to hear an answer. "Nothing. Choti yeh le gajra." Aarohi passed Ayushi the gajra brought by Vivaan as she was in no mood to wear it anymore.

Ayushi took it, while reading the room she understood the tension between her sister and Akshit. To ease up their mood she asked about the carnival related work. "By the way, didi, Akshit bhaiya, aap dono ne kuch decide kiya carnival k liye?" She asked. "Nahi, bas-" "We aren't the one to decide Ayushi, the leaders, which means, your sister and Vivaan will decide everything." Akshit replied, his words hinted pain in it.

To not worsen the situation, Aarohi decided to keep quiet as she looked out of the window, the entire time. No words were spoken further.

The car stopped in front of Govind's abode. Being the late realizer Akshit is, he felt the need to apologize to Aarohi for his unnecessary outrage earlier. "Ms. Govind, please wait!" He exclaimed, getting out of the car while Yukti and Ayushi decided to head inside as Ayushi unlocked the door.

"I know how stupid I'm going to sound right now, but I'm really very sorry for how I behaved with you. It's just, sometimes my words get too bitter even though I never intend it to be in that way." His eyes were filled with guilt & honesty.

"I don't know what has happened to you but it's okay. Do take care of it next time, for now I forgive you." Her lips curled into a brief smile. "Then, will you please accept this as an apology?" Akshit asked, holding out the gajra in his hands.

"You're just unpredictable." Aarohi chuckled, which made Akshit's heart smile as she accepted the gajra and bid goodbye to both the boys. "Text me once you guys reach home." She said before entering her home.

Her parents weren't home yet so she toasted a few pieces of bread and spread jam and peanut butter over, though they were already full. She headed to her room. "I know you guys aren't hungry but have this-" She saw Ayushi and Yukti eyeing her with mischievous smirks decorated over their faces.

"Pehle ruthna manana aur abb gajra and all han?" Ayushi teased receiving a light smack on her head. "Shut up, it's nothing like that. And anyways he doesn't even like me-" "Oh please!" She was yet again interrupted by the 2.

Aarohi blushed, checking out the gajra in her hand. She decided to wear it and took some snaps. As the night grew older, Mr. and Mrs. Govind returned back. Tired from their workload they preferred to take rest directly.

Aarohi and Yukti were sharing a room tonight. So rather than sleeping they decided to do some chit chat. "Should I post this?" Aarohi asked, showing a picture to Yukti while she nodded agreeing.

"Bas tere koi rishtedaar faltu ki baatein na bolen, warna maine mukka maar dena hai unhe." Yukti stated. "No need, Gada-dhari Bheem. Iss I'd mein bas school k friends aur cousins wagera he follow karte hain.

(I wish none of your relatives speak nonsense about the post or else I'll land sweet punch on their faces.)

An hour past midnight, the girls were fast asleep cuddling each other whereas on the other side Akshit was still deciding on how to confess to Aarohi. He then scrolled through a few 'couple reels' to find any possible help, but remained empty handed. But in his feed, he found a heartwarming post which was most probably made for him.

aaro._.hehe

❤ 💬 ➤

Liked by yukuuuuu.here and others.

aaro._.hehe 'Gajra' mohabbat wala ❀

Comments to this post have been limited.

miss_ayuu_she Meri bootiphool didi >>>>

yukuuuuu.here Tag toh kar deti! Anyways, looking pretty baby, muahh.

manav_gupta03 Kabhi pyaar kabhi takraar! Zyada bolunga toh vivaad hojayega.
- aaro._.hehe yaar, Manav bhai!!!

akshit_choudhary 'Gajre' ne leli meri jaan ♡

Akshit left the following comment. Feeling content with his courage, he drifted to the dreamland. Hoping to see his Ms. Govind there as well.

♡

Sushi's note: Hey readers, hope you liked and enjoyed this chapter!

A long chapter again? Abhi toh bas shuruwat hai, aap bas mazey karo! ;)
Also, did you expected bold Akshit?

Vote target remains the same! Also, kuch khaas hone wala hai next chapter mein so stay connected!

Vote target: 55+
Comment target: None (Bas honest reviews de dena)

Keep on voting and commenting. And don't forget to take care of yourself and enjoy the rainy days.

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With love
《Radhe Radhe》