Arya's P.O.V.

The classroom buzzes with the low hum of students as each group takes their turn presenting their findings from the recent botanical garden trip. I sit at my desk, chin resting on my hand, my sketchpad open before me. I didn't go on that trip. The idea of wandering through a garden, surrounded by vibrant life, felt foreign when my own world seemed so dull and lifeless.

They stand before the screen, and Supriya, with an air of confidence, starts to open the slides. The rustling of the projector screen and the soft hum of the machine fills the room, creating a hush. The class falls silent, eyes fixed on the presentation.

Dev nudges Raj, and Raj leans in, his lips almost brushing Raj's ear. Their proximity creates an intimate bubble of conversation, and Dev whispers something, causing a small, secretive smile to spread across Raj's face. Raj turns to look at him, eyes sparkling with shared amusement, before finally turning his attention to me. The warmth in Raj's smile lingers, and it catches my attention, successfully pulling me out of my apathy.

"Hey, Arya, why are you sitting there?" Raj calls out, catching me off guard. "Come on, we've worked on this together."

What? Worked together? That catches me by surprise. I look around, seeing if he's serious. Raj extends a hand, a knowing smile on his face. I hesitate for a moment, unsure of what's happening, but something in his expression tells me to go along with it. I drag myself up from my desk, leaving my sketchpad behind, and head over to the screen. Supriya shoots Dev a look, but honestly, I couldn't care less about their secret language right now. I sidle up next to Dev, standing there like I know exactly what's going on.

"I don't even know what this presentation is about," I mutter, feeling a bit out of the loop.

Dev leans in and reassures me, "Don't worry, Arya. I don't either." that elicits a chuckle from Raj, and for a moment, his laughter breaks through the seriousness of the situation. It's contagious, and I find myself smiling, a brief reprieve from the weight on my shoulders. 

Supriya and Raj dive into their presentation, flipping through slides with practiced ease. I stand there beside Dev, and we exchange a glance that speaks volumes. He's holding back a giggle, and I can see the mischief dancing in his eyes. I can see Dev desperately holding back a giggle, and for some reason, that tickles my funny bone too.

Dev leans in, barely containing his laughter, and whispers, "The perks of having a prefect in your team. Free scores."

I can't help but chuckle at his remark, and even Raj, amid his serious presentation spiel, joins in with a cough, as if trying to cover up the chuckle.

...

The sun hangs low in the evening sky, casting a warm golden hue across the courtyard as I make my way towards the car. Shadows play on the ground as people hurry home, their footsteps creating a gentle symphony on the paved path. Raj is off to one of Dev's mentorship sessions, so I'm heading home..his house alone.

Unexpectedly, footsteps fall into sync with mine, and I turn to find Asim beside me, matching my pace with effortless ease. The golden hues of the sun play upon his features, sculpting his face into a canvas of quiet beauty. 

Yesterday's memories flood back, the words I uttered about Ahan, the embrace with Asim – a mixture of emotions stirring within me. I can feel a tinge of embarrassment creeping in, a realization that perhaps I've exposed more of myself than I intended.

As he greets me with a simple "hey," I manage a nod in response. 

His gaze meets mine briefly. 

"Hi," I finally murmur, my voice barely audible.

The awkward silence lingers for a moment before I gather the courage to break it. "Hey, look, I'm sorry about yesterday. I was really mean," I confess, my gaze shifting to Asim, seeking some reaction to my admission.

To my surprise, a playful smile tugs at the corners of Asim's lips. The unexpected response catches me off guard, and I lower my gaze in embarrassment. "And for hugging you," I add, my voice softer now.

Asim's playful demeanor continues, and he teases, "A hug comes with a price, it's not free." I sigh, shaking my head, sensing what's about to happen now. I know him well enough to anticipate that this won't be a straightforward apology. 

With a playful smirk, he adds, "You're free tomorrow. If not, then you better be." Confusion paints my expression as I try to grasp the meaning behind his words. "What do you mean?" I ask.

He chuckles, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'll text you," he replies, with that, he begins to move away towards the bus stand, leaving me standing there, a mix of confusion, embarrassment, and a faint smile playing on my lips.

The fading sunlight casts elongated shadows as he walks away, and I'm left contemplating that loss...but so familiar dynamics between us, wondering if it's gonna change again.

...

Dev's P.O.V.

The soft strumming of the guitar fills the room as I sit on the floor near my bed, lost in the rhythm of the melody. Raj sprawls out on his stomach, his face resting on his palms, and every now and then, he plants a random kiss on my forehead or cheek. The only sound is the gentle chords I coax from the strings.

I hit the last note, and Raj lifts his head. "So, this is what you're gonna sing?" he asks, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. I shake my head, a mischievous grin playing on my lips.

"Then?" Raj questions, sliding his arms around my neck and pulling me closer. Our faces are just a few inches apart, and the warmth of his presence envelops me.

"I don't know, maybe it's a secret," I tease, enjoying the closeness. Raj nuzzles his nose against mine, his proximity sending shivers down my spine. "I'm your mentor, and you're supposed to tell me," he says, his lips grazing my ear.

With a slow and deliberate motion, I put my guitar away, maintaining the connection between us. Leaning in further, I whisper softly, "I don't think mentors are supposed to be this close. Don't you think it's a bit unprofessional, Mr. Perfect?"

Raj's smile widens, and he whispers back, his breath mingling with mine, "It is, but I don't care if it's you." Before I can register his words fully, his lips meet mine

Our lips finally collide, creating a tender and electric connection. His lips, warm and inviting, mold perfectly against mine, creating a seamless union that feels like the missing piece of a puzzle. The room around us fades away, and all that remains is the soft rustle of our breaths and the gentle hum of our heartbeats synchronized in the sweet rhythm of affection.

As the kiss deepens, the world outside ceases to exist, and we're immersed in the realm of our lips, where every heartbeat echoes and every breath shortens.

We pull away, breathless, and there it is—the shared grin that paints our faces like fools. I feel the warmth spreading across my cheeks, the telltale sign of a blush I can't hide. Raj looks at me for a moment, his eyes filled with a mixture of affection and playful mischief. Before I can fully grasp the moment, he plants a short, sweet kiss on my lips, leaving me momentarily breathless.

As he lets go, I rub the back of my neck, a nervous habit that refuses to fade. I avoid meeting Raj's eyes, too caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that flutter within me. With a sheepish grin, I suggest, "Do you want to eat something?"

Raj chuckles, shifting to sit on his bed. "Well, after a kiss like that, I'm not hungry for food, but I could definitely go for seconds," he says with a suggestive tone, raising an eyebrow playfully.

"Shut up," I retort, a mix of embarrassment and amusement coloring my words. 

I step out and make my way downstairs, the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal already wafting through the air.  But as I reach the hall, I find the main door open, mom and Dad are sitting on the steps outside, 

I approach them, a curious smile playing on my lips, the fading sun bathes the garden in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows on the path.

"What are you guys talking about?" I inquire, settling down near Mom and wrapping my arm around hers.

The evening sun, now in the process of bidding farewell, paints the garden with hues of orange and pink. The leaves of the trees gently sway in the breeze, casting dancing shadows on the ground. A few birds chirp in the distance, contributing to the serene atmosphere.

Dad will say, smiling, "Nothing, we were just talking about Ajit."

I feel a spark of curiosity ignite within me. "What about him?" I ask, my eyes flickering between my parents.

Mom intertwines her fingers with mine, her touch grounding. "Sweetie, we are thinking about talking to his parents."

My heart skips a beat, and I gaze at their faces, trying to discern if they're serious. "Why?" I finally ask, lowering my voice. "Haven't you seen how uncomfortable he gets when we even mention his family before him? That's not okay."

Dad nods solemnly, his expression thoughtful. "Champ, we know nothing about what happened. Without knowing anything, we can't help him. I understand your worries, but that's not how things work. We don't know what transpired between them, why he was in that condition, and if he's in danger. Does he need legal help? Even if there are concerns about Ajit's well-being due to potential abuse by his parents...that we don't even know for sure, we cannot keep a minor at our house without proper legal procedures, such as parental permission or informing the authorities."

"But?" I stammer, uncertainty clouding my thoughts.

Mom wraps her arm around my neck, pulling me into a half-hug. Her comforting touch feels like a lifeline. She pats my head gently, a soothing gesture that eases the tension within me. "Let us handle it, Dev. Trust us," she says softly, her words like a gentle breeze cutting through the storm of my worries. "You only care about your friend, and he needs you right now, okay?"

I release the breath I didn't realize I was holding and nod, allowing myself to settle on her shoulder. The evening sun descends gracefully, casting a warm, golden glow across the garden. Hues of orange and pink paint the sky as the sun bids farewell, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.

"Everything will be okay, right?" I murmur, a hint of uncertainty in my voice.

Dad wraps his arm around Mom, taking both Mom and me in a comforting half-hug. "Don't worry, Dev," he assures, his voice filled with reassurance. "I'll make everything alright." 

And I believe that voice, whole-heartedly.