Amidst the chaotic atmosphere, a group of students stood quietly trying to accept the heartbreaking news, informed by Miss Madhu and Shukla sir.

"Sorry students, we tried our best but we have to. Though as a compensation we can arrange performances on day 1 for 9th and 10th students and on day 2 for seniors." Miss Madhu said apologetically.

"Also, for the Art club, you can team up with the Theatre club for certain activities that they have arranged such as face painting, live sketches etc." Miss Madhu added.

"Don't worry kids, you can also volunteer for the food stalls and provide a hand of help there. Also, looking at the brighter side, you can enjoy more than the others, yeah?" Shukla sir tried to make them smile but failed.

"It's okay sir, ma'am, we understand." Jahnvi said and exited the staff cabin, while the rest of the students followed her leaving Yukti alone. She was deeply hurt as they had prepared so much for their stalls and almost everything was finalized but then this happened.

Due to insufficient funds few stalls, basically 4; 2 of Dance club and 2 of Arts Club which was to be introduced this year for the first time were canceled.

"We are sorry Yukti, but please cheer up kiddo." Miss Madhu patted Yukti's shoulder, but Yukti was lost in her own trance. She stood still, though nodded after a while and exited the room with tear filled eyes. Rushing towards her classroom she let the grieving drops flow out.

Within a brief moment, a handkerchief was introduced in front of her. It was Manav's. "I don't want to talk, please leave." She said, trying to muffle her cries in between.

I noticed Yuku running out of the staff cabin. My instinct knew something was not right, so I followed her while she entered her classroom. The dreadful sight of seeing her vulnerable broke my heart into millions of pieces.

I reached out my handkerchief in front of her but she asked me to leave. "Tujhe akela chordna he hota toh yahan kyun aata!?" I mentioned. "Jaa yarr, I'm not in the mood to talk right now!" Her voice cracked, as she ducked her head and rested it on the desk. I took the seat in front of her and sat backwards, so that I was facing her.

"Yukti." I called out, caressing her hair gently. "Kya hua? Bata toh sahi." I continued on hearing no reply from her. Few minutes passed by yet the only audible sound from her was her low sobs.

I decided to let her have a moment to calm down, so I rested my head beside her, my hands still caressing her hair, wiping out the tears every now and then.

"Unhone kaha ki humara stall nahi lagega. Humari mehnat...-sniffs-" She finally informed me with tears brimming eyes, somewhat 10 minutes later. "Uski wajah?" I asked her calmly.

"They don't have sufficient funds, so they canceled a few stalls including ours and Arts Club's." She paused and sniffled to speak clearly, though it almost sounded like a whisper.

"They have also said that we can perform in place of that." Her voice now gained some stability. I hummed and signaled her to continue speaking. "But we have prepared so much for it yaar. Aur humare he stalls kyun cancel karwaye?" Her emotions burst once again.

I rubbed her hands gently, as a sign of comfort while she started to tear up once again. I didn't stop her because I knew how excited she was to have their stall, led by her at the carnival and enjoy it to the best as it was our last year at school. And I was also well aware of her way of letting out her pain and grief which was by crying.

The sobs were soon silenced. I held her tear stained cheeks and made her look towards me. "Better?" I asked and she replied with a nod. "I know you have worked hard but you still have a chance to enjoy your day and make others' day a memorable one with your performance as well, hai na?" I asked, as she gave a hesitant nod.

"Toh tujhe nahi lagta ki meri Yuku ko pareshan aur dukhi na hokar apne awesome, wonderful, out of the world performance ki taiyaari karni chahiye?" She gave an understanding yet doubtful glance.

"What? Abb main apni wali k talent ki tareef bhi na karun?" My words brought a smile to her face. As I mocked a famous gesture, 'Hayeee' left my mouth while my hands were placed on the left side of my chest.

"Aapki inhe adaaon ne toh hume ghayal kar rakha hai. Samajh nahi aata, isse bachhen ya iska shikar bankar taa umra bethe rahen." I kinda flirted, but the words hold only honesty and love in it. "Thank you, humesha mera saath dene k liye aur mujhe kabhi akela na chordne k liye." She said, joining our hands.

(Your antics have wounded me. I still don't understand, should I help myself out of it or stay as its victim forever?)

The way she can make my heart smile with the simplest of gestures is wild. We then left the room as I helped her choose the song for the group performance as well as her solo performance.

Day-1

Vibrant colors and decors transformed the school ground into a dazzling carnival spectacle. The banners and posters added to its beauty, declaring the excitement and joy with it. Each stall and booths showcased arrays of various activities.

After the inauguration by the heir of Late Nawab Hamza, the founder; the carnival got filled with students, parents, as well as teachers. The sound of laughs and chatters filled the air, defying the summer heat, the crowd enjoyed the food as well as the games thoroughly.

"Captain!" A voice called out. As I turned around, I found Vivaan with a cup of ice lemonade and a handy fan which I believe he had brought from the Theatre Club's stall. "Yes?" "Woh dhoop ho rahi hai na, socha kahin murjha na jaye isiliye yeh le aaya tere liye." He replied in a mocking way.

"Oh hello! Aarohi Govind hun main, dhoop mera kya bigaad legi?" I said, confidence profound in my tone. "Toh fir Holi k pehle wale din, abhi 3 hafte pehle aur" His voice wavered in a teasing tone.

"Jahan tak mujhe yaad hai, Akshit ko jab tuney pehli baar dekha tha uss din bhi. Kya hua tha tujhe, yaad nahi aa raha zara?" Sarcasm dripped from his words making my mouth go shut.

"Tujhe batana he nahi chaheye tha yeh sab!" I cried mentally, taking the cup and fan from his hands and commanding him to go and work. "Ay ay captain!" He said, making me chuckle.

So before any further confusion, let me inform you all that Vivaan is one of my distant relatives, specifically my distant cousin. I got to know about it just a few weeks prior to my injury, when our family was also invited to their house warming party. Actually, Vivaan's mother is my mumma's uncle's cousin's sister's daughter. So yup, I hope that made sense-

And later I also found out that this idiot has known this for a while now yet never cared to tell me. Rather he decided to irritate me altogether, after he got to know that I like Akshit. Vivaan wanted to make him jealous so as to check if he really had any feelings for me or not. But yet again I was informed about it just a week ago.

He also went like, "He likes you very much, idiot! Par lagta hai teri dayan si shakal dekh kar confess karne se dar jata hoga." I swear, if you get a missing report of this guy, then feel free to assume that I've tortured, killed and hid his body somewhere in the Kukrail forest. No jokes.

Though he is a nice guy, I always feel someone's eye fixed on us whenever we are together. It almost seems like someone is stalking either the 2 of us. "Aarohi!!" A loud shout drew my attention. It was Yukti, along with an upset Manav, speeding towards my direction. 'Abb konsa raita fayel gaya?'

"Isko samjha yarr!" She said, taking fast breaths. I passed her the lemonade I was holding, as she was almost panting. "Manav, kya hua hai?" I asked him while Yukti finished the drink in one go. "The kid-" "Tu ruk, main batati hoon." Yukti cut him off.

"You remember how we have decided to give only 1 gift to the winner of whatever game they win." She started, receiving a nod from me. "This idiot right here, is giving multiple gifts to a kid just because he is complimenting his cricket skills." I looked at Manav, for any explanation.

"Abb tu he soch Aaru, bichara bachha mujhe idol bol raha hai, mera fan banke baitha hai aur main-" "Bhaiya, aapko pata hai main aapke acting skills ko dekh kar he drama club mein join hua tha, aap mere idol ho!" He was again interrupted, but this time with a kid's voice, who was talking with Yash. The same kid who complimented Manav a while ago.

Yukti couldn't hold her laugh and neither could I while Manav looked embarrassed and betrayed. "Yaar, Manav bhai! Ek bachhe ne aapko buddhu bana diya?" I laughed while holding my stomach.

The day 1 of the carnival ended by the evening on a good note. Though I marked Ronika's extra efforts towards distancing me and Vivaan whenever we conversed about the management or any issues that may cease the fun of the carnival. What concerned me more was Akshit's absence most of the time, throughout the day.

Day-2

The stalls were again arranged in a sweet symphony of banners, balloons, posters, gifts and decors. The aroma filled with the sweet smell of Indian delicacies made by the teachers at the food stalls along with snacks and meals prepared in other stalls.

It was our turn to handle the stalls today while the juniors took the duty as volunteers. Everyone was engaged in their particular booths, taking good leads as game masters, sketch artists, face painters, and much more.

As captains, I and Vivaan didn't have any stall for ourselves so we walked our way towards Akshit's stall as it was more crowded compared to others in that row.

"Seems like your games are a lot more amusing than others?" I asked as we entered their stalls after almost getting crushed by the crowd. "Yes! Please help us." He pleaded, handing us a set of coloured cups and a box to place it inside.

It was that game where you had to arrange the item in the correct sequence in order to get the prize which we were hosting while they continued with their game of wordle.

We then tried to arrange them in teams so as to give equal chances to everyone who's been waiting a long time to play the game. It was actually very entertaining to watch them think and analyze their move before attempting which made me realize how competitive these people are.

"You've got 4 correct out of 6." I addressed making the man sigh as he knew the other team would end up winning. "C'mon ma'am, you can do it." Vivaan cheered her up as she made the winning move, making her team win a gift and vouchers for food stalls.

The crowd got more excited and played more rounds, the only difference was my partner was now switched. "Akshit, I'm confident, my team will win." I prompted, encouraging the group of girls which were doing amazing. "We'll see. Let's go boys!" He cheered the guys as they were still analyzing their mistakes.

"Ladkon ko sirf galtiyan karna aata hai." These words halted Akshit's cheers. "Mera matlab tha-" "Congratulations, your team won." He gave a plain smile, hiding his emotions which were somewhat evident from his eyes. The crowd began to reduce near the stalls and went towards the school auditorium as the evening gradually passed by.

It was now time for the Dance Club's performance. All the stalls and booths apart from food ones were closing one by one, ready to enjoy the evening.

Ronika asked us to leave as she had to discuss something with Vivaan and she also mentioned that she will clear up everything before leaving while handing us the collection box where the fare was deposited.

Akshit took it and walked inside the staff cabin where all such boxes were kept. The teachers securely placed each of them in the locker.

"Chalein?" I asked him as he got out but he ignored making any eye contact and walked away. 'Itna bhi kya gussa? Abb kaise manau mere Pookie ko?' I sighed as I entered the green room where Yuku was getting ready for her solo performance. "Hi Yuku baby, all set?" She didn't reply. "Yukti?" no reply, rather she had her face covered with her palms.

"She is nervous, Aarohi." Manav bhai replied from behind, entering the room along with Akshit. I then noticed Yukti fidgeting the edge for her Maharashtrian saree, her costume for the Lord Ganesh Aarti as well as for the song 'Shree Ganeshay Dheemahi'.

"Buck up yarr Yuku, and it's not the first time you are doing this right? Tu 'the most graceful dancer' hai humare school ki." I hugged her from behind while she uncovered her face.

"I know re, it's just mera eyeliner sahi se nahi lagg raha." She stated her issue, making us all facepalm.

"Manav bhai, kya soch k pasand kiya tha isse?" I cringed. "Jo tuney soch k Akshit ko-'' he paused, receiving no response or annoyed side-eye from Akshit. Meanwhile, "Hogaya hogaya!! Finally the wings are even." Yukti announced, doing a small happy dance.

"You have wings?" Akshit was puzzled. "Idiot, she is talking about eyeliner wings." Manav said, while Akshit stood dumbfounded, still ignoring my glance.

Yukti then showed her outfit and makeup, making me gasp, while Manav bhai almost fell head on heels by her beauty. And I mean literally, because now Akshit was holding him by his shoulders for support.

"Akshit, dekhna zara kahin aasmaan khali toh nahi hai?" Manav bhai stated making us confused. "Kyunki aaj Chand zameen par jo utar aaya hai." He added, in his famous flirtatious tone, his hands placed over his chest.

"Bas filmy lines bulwalo isse." Yukti replied jokingly, though the growing blush on her cheeks said otherwise. Which she tried to hide by the pallu of her saree.

"Hey Mahadev, abb toh aap upar bula bhi lo tab bhi koi shikwa nahi hogi." He flirted more but that made Yukti upset because of his choice of words as she smacked his arms, glaring at him. "Pagal! Aise kon bolta hai?" Her eyes now filled with worry.

"Sorry sorry, I won't say that again." Manav apologized while holding his ears. Yukti being the sakht ladki she is didn't forgave him easily. "Maan jaa na. Tu bolegi toh main uthak bethak v karunga." He said ready to do sit-ups.

"Han toh kar phir!" Yukti replied sassily as Manav bhai started doing sit-ups while continuing to hold his ears. Yukti giggled at his cute antics and forgave him moments later.

Our conversation was interrupted by a junior who had come to call Yukti for her performance. She did final touch-ups before leaving the room but she reentered just to give Manav yet another 440 volt ka shock or you can say a pleasant heart attack. She held out his hands and placed a gentle kiss on it.

And this time, Manav bhai fell down more dreamily. Yukti chuckled and asked us to hurry up to see her perform. Akshit picked him up but he was more immersed in admiring the kiss mark adorned in his hand than to stabilize himself on his feet.

"Yukti's performance is gonna start soon!!" I announced, alerting him as he rushed out of the room like anything. "Manav bhai is so in love with Yukti, hai na?" I asked Akshit but he ignored me again.

We were now sitted with Yukti's and my mumma. To say Yukti did an excellent job would be an understatement. Her graceful steps synchronized perfectly with each beat of the music. Every posture she made, expressed the gist of the lyrics, making the audience connected thoroughly with the act.

Once the song stopped the auditorium got filled with loud cheers and claps for Yukti, as she bowed her head, folding her hands as a sign of respect and gratitude.

Few more groups performed on the stage afterward and for the ending speech, Mr. F. Khan Nawab announced a special firework show receiving applause from everyone.

Moments later, I saw Akshit heading out. "Where are you going?" "To find a perfect spot to see the fireworks." He replied for the first time after my numerous attempts to talk to him. The ground filled up quicker than anticipated.

But hey, I had the best place that would suit his demand. "Come with me!" I held his hands running towards a specific direction.

"Where are you taking me? Bachao mujhe bachao!" He shouted. "Kidnap nahi kar rahi hoon." I replied, covering his mouth with the free hand as we reached the terrace of the primary building.

[Play Hua Hain Aaj Pehli Baar]

He said no more as we witnessed the fireworks erupting in the night sky, adding to the beauty of it. I was also immersed in admiring the view when a cold hand laced my warm ones. There I found Akshit on his knees, looking at me with pure admiration.

"Akshit-" "Aaj main kuch bolun?" He cut me off way too sweetly while I nodded, still trying to process his position.

"The day when I first bumped into you still feels like a well planned script of Kanha ji as that was also the first time I ever involved myself to think about a girl." He paused, only to pass me a smile.

"My mind was always preoccupied by the mathematics equations, physics formulas and chemical reactions of chemistry. But the day after we went on a drive, and started to hangout oftentimes, it was only occupied by the thoughts of you and just you." A sparkle dazzled up the sky just in time.

"The days before and after the Holi event made me realize how special and important you are to me. I don't want to exaggerate but I was terrified when you fainted the day before Holi, also a few weeks earlier. All I was doing was praying for your recovery." He continued, and my eyes were now filled with tears.

"On your birthday, it was the first time I ever sung a song for a girl. Also, you are the first one whom I shared my worries and problems with, without thinking of being judged. But thankfully you never judged me. Thanks for being my first in so many things." A tear shed down and fell on his palm, as he reached out his hand and wiped it out from my cheeks.

"You have brought beautiful hues of light in my monochromatic life. I was scared, a little too much, that I even thought you would reject me because of my absurd behavior earlier. But after having a word with Kanha ji and Radha rani, I was convinced that abhi nahi toh fir shayad kabhi nahi." He mentioned making me chuckle, through my tears.

"I agree that I have made way too many mistakes and hurted you so many times, but I want to rectify it, I want to get better, I want to change in the best way possible for you. Ms. Govind, I don't know if you will believe me or not but I really and truly adore you till the moon and back." I was now a crying mess, smiling at his words.

"So, my dear Ms. Govind, will you please accept me as yours and help me to be a perfect match for my girl, for you?" His words made my heart content and full of emotions and love.

I was speechless, I was unable to form words, all I replied to him was with a, "Yes." It almost acted like a cue for him as he got up and caught me in a sweet embrace.

I could hear his heartbeat as I returned the hug, hiding my face on his chest. He placed his chin above my head, his hands placed around my shoulders still hesitant to hug me properly.

So, I directed his hands towards my waist, yet being the gentleman he is, he didn't touch it, rather crossed his arms around and held me in a firm hug. The cool breeze left a gentle caress on my skin, while the warmth of the embrace soothed me.

The night seemed to celebrate our union, providing a perfect backdrop for our special moment as the final fireworks decorated the sky, spreading its light and a sign of the journey we were going to embark on.

I can now officially say, 'He is my man.' "All yours, Ms. Govind." He whispered near my ears as if he had read my mind, still not breaking the hug. It was the best night of my life.

'Thank you so much Radha Rani.' I was filled with gratitude, love, joy and all the overwhelming emotions.

♡

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

Oye hoyee, balle balle hogaya yeh toh! Yukti and Manav k lovey-dovey moments and Akshit ka proposal to Aarohi in the chapter.

Batana aapka konsa fav part tha iss chapter ka?

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《Radhe Radhe》