I never knew waking up to the chirps of birds would be as entertaining as it turned out this morning. Playing my ‘happy vibe playlist’ I got ready for the day, skipping through the stairs, twirling my beautiful little sister along to the tunes of the music and kissing maa on cheeks who was preparing our breakfast.

They seem a little baffled by my unusual behavior, as you can guess, waking early, all by myself, on a holiday! Though I shrugged that off and went to the garden, to water the plants. I put out some for the birds in the pot that we have placed near the fence.

My smile brightened the moment I saw a sleepy Yukti coming out of my home. “Aree Yuku, when did you came home? That too like this?” I inquired. She stood silent for a minute or 2. “Ooo 7vi fail- nahi topper- I mean idiot! Kal raat main tere hi ghar pe ruki thi, yaad bhi hai tujhe?” She taunted.

(Ooo 7th fail- no topper- I mean idiot! Don't you remember that I stayed back at your home yesterday?)

“Oh han! Main bhi na!” I replied, scratching my neck, a little embarrassed. She then passed me a brief glance, “Are you alright?” She asked, checking my forehead.

“Yes. Actually, better!” I think I blushed, as a surprised look was advocated by Yukti, suspecting something. She held my hand as we forwarded towards my bedroom, she locked the door behind me and uttered a brief, “Details!”

I was somewhat taken aback as to how she knows the reason behind my cheerful mood but guys let's not forget who we are talking about; Yukti Sharma, my best friend. Obviously she would know the state of my mind by just looking at my posture or the rate of my breathing.

“What details?” I tried to sound clueless. “Beta, tum jab aunty ki godd mein thi na tabse jaante hain hum tumhe. Toh humare samne na zyada bano matt tum, thik hai!” She sassed while pointing a finger towards me, suggesting to speak out the truth and only truth.

(Kid, I know you since the time you were a newborn so don't try to oversmart me.)

“So well, Akshit proposed to me yester-” “Kyaa!? Oyee hoyeee, finally meri bestie meri devrani bann gayi!” She cut me off as she jumped around the room happily. “Aree, listen first.” I said, so she hopped and sat beside me with a playful smile. “Please continue ma'am.”

(What!? Oyee hoyee, finally my bestie is going to be my sister in law.)

“Ok, Akshit proposed to me yesterday on the terrace of the primary building of our school. We went there to get a perfect view of the firework show, but I was rather blessed with an ethereal view of him on his right knee, with love adorned in his eyes as he asked me to make him mine. Also, we had our first hug as a couple.” I squealed out of excitement, while Yuku launched herself at me, being equally happy for ‘us’.

“So where's the ring then?” I received playful smirks as she nudged my arms. “I don't have one.” I paused, “But I found this in my backpack.” I said as I took out a note and a sleek piece of metal along with it.

“It says, ‘Hi Ms. Govind, if you're reading this, that means I've finally mustered up the courage to confess about my feelings for you and you have accepted me as yours. So, I'm sending along this bracelet that I've brought with the prize money from that debate competition I won, this summer break. Hope you'll like it. Yours and only yours, Akshit.’” I read it out to her, holding the piece of paper close to my heart.

Yukti teased me as she gave the news to Manav bhai who was equally excited to share the same news with her. As the duo chattered out of joy, I heard ‘his’ voice from the other side of the call so I asked Yukti to put her phone on speaker.

“Hi guys.” I said, hearing a ‘Hayee’ from the other side along with a low thud. “Akshit tere pyaar mein gir gaya, Aarohi.” Manav bhai mentioned making us chuckle.

“Tera dost jo thehra.” Yukti said, teasing him regarding yesterday's incident. “Yup, so what? Also, we both love our ladies a lot so it's obvious that we'll act this way.” We could hear them smile proudly through the call. “Anyways, hi Aarohi bhabhi~” Manav said. “Oh and Hi Akshit jiju~” Yukti added.

Addition of these new tags made me smile heartily as I was loving it. “Now, you guys have to throw a party like we did!” Manav bhai mentioned clearly. To which he replied, “Thik hai fir, aa jao mere ghar.” He said, eagerness piqued in his voice. “Kya? Ghar? Na na na bilkul nahi.” I replied as he asked why.

“Because I- I- I don't know. Let's meet somewhere else?” I suggested, as I was a bit nervous to visit his home, as I knew he had already informed his parents about us.

“Umm, okay then-” “Aree, Kyun nahi? Aarohi beta tum toh bas jaldi ghar aa jao, meri bahu ka griha pravesh bhi toh karna hai mujhe!” His mother voiced from distance as it was little faint.

Soon, a light hue of red ran across my cheeks realizing her words. “Namaste aunty.” I muttered, nervousness evident in my tone. “Namaste aunty, Yukti here.”

“Namaste beta, how are you both?” she asked. We replied in affirmation as she then asked me, “Aarohi, why are you refusing to visit our home?” Her voice was now completely audible.

“Aunty, if I'll be honest, I'm actually very nervous to face you and uncle. I mean, when you already know that Akshit and I are dating-” I was interrupted as she said,

“Oh God! Bas itni si baat? We have no problem with it and beta tum toh bas date kar rahe ho maine toh tum dono ki shaadi ke sapne bhi saja liye hain.” Her voice radiated out joy, that provided a sense of comfort to my unsettled mind.

“So it's done then! You and Yukti are coming to Choudhary's abode this evening. Any objections?” She asked in a firm voice. “No aunty.” I giggled at her playfulness, “I toh didn't even had any in the first place, aunty.” Yukti replied.

“Ok then, talk with the boys. They are getting impatient.” She teased them as we heard a few weak tantrums from both of the boys.

“So Ms. Govind griha pravesh k liye time par aa jayiyega. Banda aapki khidmat mein hazir rahega.” Akshit mocked, with a subtle flirt added to it. “Ji zaroor.” I replied in the same tone.

“Hayee Manvi, dekh raha hai bachhe humse aage nikal rahe hain!” Yukti said, as now she paired up with Manav bhai to tease us.

Later that day.

“Mhmm kisse baatein ho rahi hai?” Yukti entered my room without a knock, shocking me briefly. “Tu aise bin bulaye kahan se tapak jaati hai?” I asked as she took her seat beside me.

I put my phone away, texting a ‘See you soon’ to Choudhary ji. “And also tab jab I need someone to help me out.” I continued depicting my worry to her.

“What can I help you with, ma'am?” She stood up and bowed playfully, ready to hear out my misery. “I have nothing to wear!” I cried, hiding my face with my palms. The room went silent for 2 minutes straight, before I heard an alarming ‘cloth flood’ as Yuku opened my wardrobe.

“Umm, explain-?” She asked with narrowed eyes. “Bro, I meant I don't have any ‘good outfit’ to wear.” I clarified, still checking out the amount of clothes I have that were now spread on the carpeted floor.

“Preferences?” She asked, while I stood dumbfounded, and let out “Huhh!?”. “Causal, Indian, Comfy, Pretty?” She asked. “Oh! Kurti and jeans, that's literally all in one.” I replied as she nodded agreeing.

“Don't stress babygurl, just do Chin Dapak Dum Dum.” She said in a animated voice, doing some gestures with her hands. And within a few swift moves she took out a pretty blue kurti and a pair of jeans to style it with.

“You really are my savior!” I clinged to her. “Now get ready, chetti chetti.” She commanded, encouraging me to move fast as it was already 30 past 5.

I had already informed maa that Mamta aunty had called us for a small get together at their home. Before I stated further, she gladly agreed and asked me to greet Namaste from her side as well. She also asked me to take some sweets for them as I was visiting for the first time.

After I wore my fit, I tied my hair in a bun as the summer heat hasn't washed away yet and loosened some stands to create that messy bun look. I applied a little amount of kajal as it goes best with everything, no jokes. I sprayed my favorite perfume and gladly put on the bracelet that he had gifted me.

Rechecking my overall thrice, I walked out of my room taking my phone and the jute bag that had the sweets. “Oyee hoyee, kamal lagg rahi he Rohi!” Yukti whistled, as I hit her arms playfully. “Girl besties really are, the best type of boyfriends.” I stated, receiving an agreeing thumbs-up from my baby.

“Manav, where are you bhai!? They will be here in a few minutes yarr!” I shouted as I stood meters apart from my phone that was on speaker, trying to set my hair which were in the mood of betrayal. “Aa gaya, aa gaya. Just 2 minutes.” He replied before hanging the call.

‘And why the hell are my hairs looking so chenn today?’ I was frustrated. “Abhi toh set nahi ho rahe par raat ke 2 baje jab zaroorat v nahi hoti tab ‘Prince charming of your dream’ jaise baal hote hain!” I cried.

[Anybody who can relate with this? Coz we can.]

“Hello brother, brother idhar!” Manav entered my room. “Nahi chaheye bhaiya.” I replied, still trying to figure out a good hairstyle. “Why so stressed, jiju?” He asked in a feminine voice while reaching out to touch my hair.

“Stay away!” I swatted his hands. As a matter of fact, I don't like it when someone touches my hair. “Thik hai bhai, bhadak kyun raha hai!?” He asked, plopping on my bed.

“Sorry sorry, the time is ticking so fast, they might reach anytime soon and these hairs are being stubborn enough with me today.”

“Shaadi ke liye dekhne nahi aa rahe tujhe, so chill. And apply some gel, it will be easier to style then.” He prompted before walking out. I then took some gel out of the container to help this mess.

Before I could proceed, a hand restricted my motion. “Kya karenge set baalon ka jab unhe bikherne wali aa chuki hai!?” The princess of my dream is here.

(What will you do with set hairs, when the one to mess it has arrived!?)

“That's a new way to say Hi I guess, isn't it my dear Ms. Govind?” I replied emphasizing the words ‘my dear’. She chuckled shyly and ruffled my hair. I was about to back out when I observed the joy spread across her face so I let her do it.

Am I the only one who feels that a gentle touch from your loved ones can ease out each drop of worry from your body?

“Haww, dogla aadmi! Before you guys arrived, I tried to touch his hair in order to help him but he didn't let me and now he allowed Aarohi to ruffle it. Sahi hai!” Manav said in a mocking tone. “Ab- Woh- main..!” I stuttered, biting my tongue out of habit. “Chal chal! Ladki ka chakkar, babu bhaiya!” He teased me.

I reached out my phone to inform maa that her ‘bahu’ has already arrived because she was out to buy some ingredients for the special kheer she wanted to make. I heard her rush the rickshaw driver to drive faster and hung up the call.

I directed the ladies towards the living room, offering a glass of water to both of them. “What about me?” Manav looked at me dramatically. “Yukti bhabhi se nazar hatey toh pata chale na ki paani ka glass tere samne he rakha hai.” I pointed out with a sarcastic look. “Ab bol ladki ka chakkar.” I said with a tight smile.

(If you stop looking at Yukti bhabhi, then you will know that the glass of water is already kept in front of you.)

The hearty laughs and jokes continued when my mother returned back home. “Hey there bachhon!” She greeted us while entering with a heap load of bags. “Maa, have you brought the whole market with you or what?” I asked while helping her to carry out some bags.

“Meri bahu aur bahu dono pehli baar ghar aayin hain, itna toh chalta he hai!” She replied, hugging the ladies. “I agree!” Manav added, receiving a smack from Yukti bhabhi. “Aunty see, she is hitting her to be husband.” Manav pouted.

Meanwhile, I observed Ms. Govind's mood was rather hesitant and worried than joyful. “Mumma, I think your Choti bahu didn't really like our home.” I said to lighten up the mood of the room. “Oh listen, aap apna dekhiye. Mujhe toh apna sasural- I mean aapka ghar bohot achha laga.” Ms. Govind stated.

“Abb toh sasural he samajh le!” Yukti teased her as I marked a red hue evident on her cheeks. Maa left for the kitchen to get us snacks. “Bhabhi waise toh aap Sharma ho par aaj koi aur bohot sharma raha hai.” I said, taking my seat beside her.

“Stop making me blush then!” She exclaimed. “Not possible, madam.” With a sly wink, I subtly placed my hand over hers. And to my say she was a blushing mess. “Babu! Come here for a while!” Maa called me from the kitchen. “Aaya!” I replied, with no motive to let go of her hand.

So, “Mumma bula rahi hain.” I said. “Yup, I heard it too, go then.” She replied, loosening the grip on my hand. “Okay, let's go then.” I smiled sheepishly as I took her along with me. I exchanged smiles with my mother who teased us again. (But main thehra dheet, I didn't let go of her hand then also.)

She asked me to serve the snacks while she finishes the evening prayers as she was already late. “Aunty, can we help you? And then we will eat this together.” Ms. Govind suggested. “There's no need for it dear, but if you want then you all can join.” Maa replied.

Upon asking Manav and Yukti, we agreed collectively and went near the puja room where Maa had already prepared Aarti thali and was waiting for us. “Aunty, Maa has sent these homemade sweets, we can use it as an offering.” She placed the sweets as Maa lit up the diya and began the prayer.

To say Manav and I were totally immersed in admiring our partners would be a big understatement. Both the ladies were helping Maa with the aarti and singing along the prayer with her.

“Pichle janam konse punyaa kiye honge bhai?” Manav mumbled, dreamily. “Pata nahi bhai. Par jo bhi kiye hain, agle har janam wahi karna hai.” I replied in the same tone. After the aarti ended, maa gave us prashad as we then returned to the living room to have our snacks.

(What good deed we must have done in the past life, Bro?

I don't know Bro. But whatever it was, we have to do it in every life.)

During this whole time, I registered a serene composure on my mother's face who had already accepted Ms.Govind as her daughter in law. While in contradiction, Ms. Govind looked puzzled and worried at some instances. As I was sitting across from her, I decided to communicate through eyes to ask if she was alright.

I got nothing in response so I excused myself and went to my room to ask her to make some excuse and come here. At first she denied thoroughly but then I texted Manav to help her.

He then managed to send her by saying, “Aarohi, you had to jot down the total collections of each stalls in the carnival na? I think Akshit has completed the totalling of his stall, toh you go and check it once.” She replied with a weak yes and after hearing my mother's approval she came inside my room.

“Hello, future wife.” I said, the moment she entered the room. “Wish I had a cup of coffee with me.” She replied sarcastically. “Ooo, someone's mad?” I asked, leaning against my study table while she sat on the bed.

[Hope you got the reference here! If not, let's binge watch together!]

“I am not, but why did you call me here? What must be aunty thinking about us!?” She said, all frustrated. “Yahi ki unka beta aur future bahu dono akele ek room mein hain.” I replied, smirking. “Hey Radha Rani, please return back my innocent Akshit ji to me.”

After hearing her words I let out a giggle, indicating my mischief antics. “Don't worry priye, you are always safe with me.” I replied to her prayer. “Oh please, now tell me, why did you called me here?” She asked, crossing her arms with narrowed eyes.

“Bas aise he!” I replied, my eyes determined to not break eye contact. Though she resorted and asked me the actual reason through her eyes. And how can I ever lie to those pretty orbs.

“You seemed quite distracted. I mean if there's anything that's bothering you please let me know.” I requested as she hesitated but answered nonetheless.

“Honestly speaking, I was awestruck after knowing the supportive side of aunty. Even though I have a great bond with my mother, I have never had a conversation about these topics with her.” She mentioned, taking a pause.

“I love how aunty already sees us having a future together but I am scared how uncle and my parents would act when I tell them that we are dating.” She stated her worry.

“Firstlt, you don't have to worry about my father; I don't think he would mind. And secondly, we don't have to rush things out. You can take your time and settle down before informing your parents whenever you feel the right time is. And I promise that I would be there with you in either situation, be that good or worse.” I replied, with a reassuring smile.

“Have you always been this nice or my presence has brought up these changes in you?” She joked. “Oh dear, I would always not lie but it's really and actually you who has done this magic to me.” I replied, with a wink as she darted glares straight to my heart.

“Okay Mr. Bold Choudhary, now stop flirting and tell me how am I looking today?” She asked, straightening her kurti as she stood up in her place. “All mine-” I realized what my tongue just let out, as I covered my face with my palm.

I peeked through the gap of my fingers as Ms. Govind now stood firmly with my NCERT Fingertips book in her hand ready to hit me with it. “Didn't I say to stop flirting?” She questioned.

“Aap shayad he pehli girlfriend hongi jise apne he boyfriend ke flirt karne se taklif hogi.” I mumbled, looking at her annoyed figure.

(You might be the first girlfriend who is having issue with her boyfriend flirting with her.)

“Did you said anything?” She masked an innocent smile behind her sarcastic words. “Aapke samne kuch kehne ki jurrat main kaise kar sakta hun!?” “Aap fir shuru hogaye?” This time she chased me with the book, the giggles echoing the room that made me feel like a child again.

(How can I dare to speak anything infornt of you!?)

‘Thanks to you Ms. Govind, you made my inner child felt alive once again, today.’ I thought as I finally surrendered before her, raising both my hands up in the air. “Okay okay, I won't flirt with you anymore till you yourself ask me to.” I said.

“Okay then bhul jayiye flirt karna.” She sassed, taking the challenge. “Time will tell.” I replied, shrugging my shoulders. “Now, let's go, otherwise they will suspect us.” She mentioned. I nodded and walked to the door as I held it, gesturing to my lady to walk first.

“After you ma'am.” I said, and even though she tried to hide her smile, it was visible enough by the glint in her eyes and the blood rush on her cheeks. ‘The perfect balance of blushes and hues, makes me admire more of you.’

♡

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

The chapter is unedited so feel free to mark out any mistakes :)

How did you like the 1st day of #ArHit as a couple?

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With love
《Radhe Radhe》