Meanwhile.

“Aur bachon, 12th ke baad kya plan hai?” My amma was having a conversation with Manav and Yukti when we entered the living room.

(So kids, what's the plan after 12th?)

“I am planning to opt for fashion designing, aunty.” Yukti answered while Manav remained silent. “Tu humesha mere iss sawal par chup kyun ho jata hai?” Maa asked him though he just grinned without replying.

(Why do you always remain quiet whenever I ask this question?)

“Because this idiot thinks you might judge him as he don't have academically related goal, apart from wishing to play cicket for the national team.” I said, taking my seat next to mumma as Ms. Govind sat on the sofa beside mine.

“Then you can build up your career in cricket. It is not mandatory to only have academically validated career options, right? Go for your passion beta.” Maa patted Manav's shoulder, to make him feel confident about his talent.

“But one should always have a rigid back plan. What if his passion decides to betray him one day?” Degrading the encouraging mood, my father entered the room. 

“If you can't encourage someone then don't even demotivate them.” I stated as I couldn't hold myself after hearing his words. “Encouragement should be done in a way that the person would only pace up in the path to success not to failure.” He argued.

“And how could you predict that following one's passion would lead them towards their failure?” I stood firm in my argument, the tension filling the room with each second passing by.

“I'm not predicting, I'm stating some registered facts. Check the percentage of how many youth determined to follow up their passion actually succeeded in it.” He replied. 

“Can you both please stop!?” Maa interfered, making us silent. “Sandeep, stop sounding like a conservative minded man. These days, youth who are following their passion are bringing changes in society.” She said. 

“And Akshit, this is not the way to talk to your father. I'm proud that you took a stand for your friend but please calm down.” She added, signaling me to look at Ms. Govind, as she looked upset with the whole situation. 

“Anyways, hey there kids.” He said as he settled to the left of maa while I sat on her right on the sofa. “Namaste uncle.” The 3 said in unison.

“I know my words might sound harsh but it's true. And that's what I have learned from these whirlpool of challenges that shows you the reality of life.” He tried to justify his action earlier.

“It's alright uncle.” Manav said with a weak smile, though I could sense the pain hidden behind his smile. “You guys look no different from the last time we met on Aarohi's birthday.” He said, trying to start a conversation. 

‘Obviously they won't; it has just been 2 months, 1 day, 18 hours, 49 minutes and 53..54..55 seconds.’ I thought to myself, ‘woah- have I been counting?’ I sometimes surprise myself. 

I remained silent for the next few minutes as the 3 were having conversation with my parents. “Babu, please go and check if the kheer has thickened properly or not and if not then cook it for a while.” Maa said as I headed towards the kitchen.

“He knows how to do it?” I heard Ms. Govind asks the following words as the kitchen and living room were sideby. 

“Yes! And for a fact he knows how to make basic meals and breakfasts.” Maa answered as I heard a few shocking gasps that made me chuckle. “Maa you missed to mention rasmalai and barfi!” I exclaimed from the kitchen as Maa laughed, “Han han, some desserts as well.” She added.

“Definitely, a perfect match for Rohi!” “Woh toh hai!” The following sentence from both Manav and Yukti had ignited the chasing confusion of my father as he asked, “What do you mean?” 

“Nothing.” I replied, reentering the living room. I noticed maa glancing at me, suggesting me to let him know about my and Ms. Govind's relationship but I didn't wanted to and I knew for a fact that even Ms. Govind feels the same.

“You both are dating, am I correct?” He questioned, reading the expression of our faces. As I looked vaguely irritated by his invasion in my life while Ms. Govind appeared reluctant. “I'm indeed correct.” He affirmed further.

“Don't worry, I have no issue with this unless and until it doesn't affect your studies and provide any hindrance in the path of your goals.” He continued. “Thank you but we don't need your approval-” “Stop it, Akshit.” Maa interrupted, firmness evident in her voice.

“Fine, I'm sorry.” I apologized. “Okay, enough of this father-son conflict. I'll get kheer for everyone. Sandeep aap bhi fresh hokar aa jaiye.” She said, both of them leaving the room.

“What is this Akshit?” Ms. Govind questioned. “I-” I was interrupted by Manav as I was trying to justify myself before Ms. Govind.

“Bhai, I love you par uncle bhi kuch soch k he woh sab bol rahe honge. Tu itna hyper matt hoya kar yaar.” Manav added. “Bro, you already know my equation with him, tu he bata how else I would have reacted?” I replied.

(Bhai, I love you but uncle might be saying all that by thinking something. Don't be so hyper, yaar.)

“You were right when you took a stand for me but uncle only suggested a point, that's it. And anyways, I am preparing hard for both my studies and passion right toh uncle ki baat toh sach hone se rahi toh tu chill maar.” Manav said as he shifted near and crossed his arm around my shoulder.

“Aree aree, ruk jao bhai! Pehle toh ‘I love you’ aur ab hug, mujhe jealousy ho rahi hai.” Yukti bhabhi said, making us chuckle. “Bromance over romance always.” I said, hugging Manav in order to tease her.

(Aree aree, stop bro! First ‘I love you’ and now hug, I'm feeling jealous.)

The light hearted atmosphere set previously was now back as we settled at the dining table for mumma's special kheer. “Here you go and please let me know how it tastes.” She said.

Upon taking the first bite a wave of bliss washed over me, while a content hum escaped my mouth, “The yummiest of all times, Maa.” I said.

The resembling responses were also registered from the rest as they couldn't hold themselves to compliment the rich and delicate flavors of the dessert. “Too good, aunty.” Said Yukti.

“Thoda aur mil sakta hai aunty?” Manav asked with a sheepish smile. “Aree kyun nahi?” Maa replied as she poured out some more scoops in all of our bowls.

As we finished up, it was now time to bid goodbye to them which I was not prepared for. “Here, I have packed some for you guys. Also, don't forget to share it with bhaisahabs and bhabis.” Maa said smiling, passing each of them a container.

They thanked her and bent down to touch her feet before leaving but she denied and hugged each of them individually. 

“Don't take stress and aate rehna.” She said to Ms.Govind while planting a kiss on her cheek, that made me somewhat jealous. Though I managed to capture the moment on my phone.

“Mere samne toh aise matt karo.” I mumbled in my mother's ears, hugging her from behind as she let go of her. “Main chord k aata hun.” I said as mumma nodded and closed the door after waving bye. “What did you say to her ears?” She asked.

“Why do you want to know?” I tried to mess with her. “Matt batao, mujhe bhi koi interest nahi hai jaane mein.” She replied, speeding her steps towards the lift. “Then why did you ask?” I said, as her steps halted while she passed a glare. 

(Don't tell me, I don't even have any interest to know.)

As the door of the elevator opened we entered but Manav and Yukti said they wanted to take the stairs instead and go home together, leaving us alone.

I pressed the ground floor button as the doors got closed. “Hum tum ek lift mein band ho aur-” “Shut up!” She exclaimed, as I giggled at her irritated figure while stood across from me.

“What? I was just singing a song.” I justified. “And I was just planning to hit you.” She sassed. “Batayiye, ab aadmi shanti se gana bhi na gaye?” I pouted, suppressing my giggle. 

(Tell me, can't a man even sing a song peacefully?)

“Aapko nahi lagta yeh sab hone ke baad se aap kuch zyada pareshan nahi kar rahe hain mujhe?” She asked, crossing her hands over her chest and striking a strict glare in my direction. “Abhi kuch hua he kahan hai?” I winked at her as we reached the ground floor, exiting the lift.

(Don't you think, after all this happened you are troubling me even more?

What even has happened yet?)

As I glanced back, I noticed how she froze at her spot, processing my words. “Chaliye bhi!” I tried to mimic the same tone as hers when she says the mentioned words.

But maybe my accent wasn't right. ‘You gotta work harder on it Akshit!’ my thoughts were interrupted as I saw her speed walking, almost as if she was chasing to hit me- wait, “Bachhaoooo~” I said running for my life as she chased me in the parking lot.

“Just let me hit you or else I will not talk with you anymore.” She threatened me as my movement ceased. “This is not fair.” I sulked as she stood infront of me, panting. She then asked me to not flirt with her anymore and headed towards her scooty. 

‘No more flirting, Akshit! We don't wanna make her feel uncomfortable.’ The thought stayed with me as she started her scooty though it went off in a beat.

“Not again!” She huffed in annoyance trying to restart the scooty. “May I help you?” I asked as she passed a nod which was my cue to handle the situation. She got off the vehicle, after putting it on stand. 

“It seems your scooty always tries to make us stay close whenever it can.” I prompted as the engines went off. “Now, how will I go home?” A small pout adorned slightly chubby cheeks, making her appear cuter than she already was. 

“Why fear when Akshit is here?” I said as I asked her to wait for me while I go and get my bike's keys and helmet for us.

She nodded as I rushed inside the lift and went back home. “Maa, bike ki chaabi kahan hai?” I asked as she held the door open for me.

“In the key holder there, but why? What happened?” She asked as she saw me rushing to the keys. “Aree, the engine of Ms. Govind's scooty has broken so I'm going to drop her.” I replied, ignoring the questioning glances from my father. 

“Oh, take care and drop her at her house, safely.” Maa said. “Okay, see you.” I replied and went back to the lift as I took the helmets with me.

‘Jaldi aaja bro.’ I thought to myself as the lift took ages to come to my floor. Almost 30 seconds later, I grew impatient so I then decided to take the stairs instead.

After reaching the parking lot, I went to the same spot where I had left Ms. Govind earlier but to my surprise she wasn't there. Neither was her scooty. A sudden rush of fear grew, alarming my senses. I then dialed her no. but she didn't pick up.

“Uncle, have you seen a girl who was wearing a blue kurti, open hair with her scooty?” I asked a security guard who was doing his duty near the parking area.

“Yes, she went out just a minute ago. I think she might have gone to the nearby repair shop.” He informed me, making me slightly relieved though not fully because I still needed to check if she was alright.

I then took out my bike, wore my helmet and started the engine as I went out in search of her. I looked for her in the nearby mechanic shop and garages but found her nowhere.

Though I managed to find her scooty in one of the shops and from there I asked if they saw where she went. Thankfully they knew.

As I followed the informed direction, guided by a man from the mentioned shop I found her near a solitary road, sitting on the bench under the street light.

“Ms. Govind! What are you-” “Shh, you will wake them up.”She mentioned in a whisper-like voice, as she pointed her finger towards a pack of pups who were sleeping while cuddling each other, beside the bench she was sitting on.

“Aap sachme 17 saal ki he hain na?” I questioned as she scrunched her brows in confusion. “Nahi matlab aapki carelessness ko dekh kar lagta nahi hai.” I added.

(Are you sure, you are 17 year old?

No I mean, looking at your carelessness, I genuinely doubt.)

“Woh actually after you went back, a security guard asked me if I needed any help and after knowing the issue he suggested to me that there was a mechanic shop nearby. So I decided to get my scooty repaired and stroll around in the meanwhile. And here I'm.” She explained after understanding my sarcasm.

“Ok but bata toh deti mujhe, also why weren't you picking up your phone?” I asked. “Phone? Oh- sorry silent pe rakha hua tha.” She mentioned after checking her which was kept inside her purse.

“You should be a little responsible, Ms. Govind. Do you know how worried I was?” I said, sitting on the bench. “I am sorry, I'll take care next time.” She replied, fiddling her fingers.

“Sorry won't work, I need 100 rupees as fine.” I said, making her puzzled. Though she reached out her purse in search of her wallet which she never found.

“Wait! Where is my wallet? Oh no! I had my aadhar card and some cash in it as well. Hey Radha Rani, yeh kya ho raha hai?” She stood up and inspected the surroundings.

“Kya! Wallet kho diya!? Ms. Govind what has happened to you today?” “Baad mein daant lena na, pehle meri madad kijiye.” I got up to help her.

(You can scold me later, help me to find my wallet first.)

“Aaj toh bura pitungi mummy se. Bacha lijiye Radha Rani, aapki naadan balika sankat mein hai.” She pleaded while searching for her belongings. “Lijiye mohtarma.” I said as I took out her wallet from my pocket. “Yeh aapke pass-” she continued but I cut her off.

(I'll get beaten by mumma badly today. Please help your innocent child, Radha Rani.)

“You had dropped it in the repair shop. Thankfully, the people working there are very helpful and honest so they gave me your wallet, otherwise…” I handed it to her as she looked embarrassed, not even looking up. 

“I am sorry.” She uttered with a low sniffle and I realized that because of me she was- “Ms. Govind, please don't cry. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have- I'm really sorry.” I apologized quickly, standing closer to her.

“No- I'm- I'm sorry-” Her voice cracked.

I lifted her chin to make her look towards me. Her tears filled eyes shined under the street light. As the clear fluid flow down her cheeks and reached my hand, I cursed myself for being the reason behind her sorrow.

“It's alright Ms. Govind, we all make mistakes. But please be careful.” I said as I took out my handkerchief to wipe her tears.

After sometime she calmed down,and passed me a reassuring nod. “And if you won't, then I will.” I said, passing a subtle wink to get atleast a smile from her.

“Stop flirting with me, Choudhary ji.” She opposed in a weak voice, closing the distance between us with a hug. “Thank you for being so loving.” She said, hiding herself more in my chest. 

“Oh dear, no need to say thank you. This hug is enough.” I joked as she retreated from the hug. “You're just too much.” She said as we had a good laugh there and as per her wish we walked around under the night sky, our hands entwined and our steps synced.

“I always had a dream about this.” She mumbled. “Sorry; I didn't heard that.” I replied. “Umm, one day I had a dream of us going on a ‘walk date’ like this, hand-in-hand in a peaceful road, as the gentle wind caresses our faces while the warmth of your presence flutters my heart.” She answered leaning her head on my arms.

“Glad that I could fulfill one of your dream. Also, do you have any idea how soothing it is to just walk with you by my side?” I voiced my thought as she only hummed as a reply. After a walk for about 15 more minutes, I reminded her that she have to get her scooty and go back home as well.

We then went back to the repair shop on my bike as she then got her vehicle and set back to depart. “Are you sure that you have to go alone? I mean I can come along-” 

“Don't worry Akshit, I would not be alone as I have to pick up mumma from pharmacy and I'll make sure to text you once I reach home.” She cut me off as I gave a hesitant nod.

She forwarded through her route but being the overprotective person I am, decided to follow her to check if she was safe and sound. As she took the turn leading towards a better surrounded area, I stopped my bike and watched her disappear in the traffic. 

30 minutes later.

Ms. Govind <3
+91 xxxxxxxxxx 

Ms. Govind <3
Pohonch gayi.
Achha btw!
Sent that pic you clicked, earlier.
9:20pm

You
Okay.
•document attached•
But I miss you :(
9:21pm

Ms. Govind <3
Thank you and also,
we just met like half an hour ago.
-shaking my head-

You
Exactly, half an HOUR AGO.

Ms. Govind <3
So dramatic. -eye roll-

You
So mean. -cries-

Ms. Govind <3
Aww; is my baby hurt?
I'm choo sowie.

You
Ooo, so I'm your baby now?
Thanks for such a 'sweet'
nickname, Ms. Govind ;)

Ms. Govind <3
I didn't mean it that way!!
Anyways, I have to study now
so bye.

You
Okay ma'am, study well.
Also, my phone might be
turned off till 11:00pm.

Ms. Govind <3
Good.
And what will I do with this
information?

You
Idk, just thought to
let you know :)

Later that evening.

After completing my dinner I sat down for my online lectures. The smell of her perfume still lingering around the room and my shirt made me think of her again and again. Though, I focused myself, taking the notes attentively.

An hour later, I finished a lecture and switched off my iPad before reaching out for my phone which was switched off to avoid any unnecessary distraction.

As I was checking out the picture of mumma and her bahu that I had clicked earlier, my phone lit up with a popping sound of the notification from Insta.

As I opened the app through notification, I saw a post made by Ms. Govind. And if I'll be honest, my heart smiled upon seeing her post.

aaro._.hehe

❤  💬  ➤
Liked by yukuuuuu.here and others

aaro._.hehe She's just a cutie <3
Ps: Thank you for inviting us, aunty.
Pic credit: akshit_choudhary

Comments
yukuuuuu.here I agree, I agree, I agree.

manav_gupta03 True that. But akshit_choudhary great photography skills brother ;)

miss_ayuu_she Mere bina aap sabne party karli. I'm gussa.
-- aaro._.hehe Sorry once again Choti ♡
-- yukuuuuu.here Maine toh kaha
   tha Ayushi, par teri didi ne he
   mana kar diya.
-- aaro._.hehe Han han, she already
   knows everything so kindly, bhakk! :)

akshit_choudhary Two cuties in one frame ♡♡

After leaving the following comment, I opened Ms. Govind's chat to search for any texts but there wasn't any so I forwarded the post to maa and went back to my study mode.

♡

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

We know this chapter wasn't that good but stay tuned for the challenges and twists coming up.

And talking about 'Tropes' asked by some, we rather wanted to keep it as a suspense but if you want it then please let us know by inline comments.

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

Also shower your love and support on out insta handle @sushimagines

With love
《Radhe Radhe》