Dev's P.O.V.

Stepping into the school canteen, I'm immediately enveloped by the familiar chaos - the symphony of laughter, clattering trays, and hurried footsteps that defines my daily routine. I search the bustling counter for Piya, and our eyes lock in a silent greeting. Her face lights up with recognition, and even amidst the pandemonium, we share a warm smile.

Piya, a culinary maestro in this organized chaos, moves with an elegant dance among the throngs of students.

The counter teems with students clamoring for attention, making it nearly impossible to place an order right now. My immediate goal is to find an empty table; I can deal with ordering later. My eyes land on a corner table, there he is, Aman, sitting with his eyes lost in a book, seemingly oblivious to the cafeteria's turmoil. A soft smile plays on my lips as I navigate the sea of students toward him.

Approaching Aman, I greet him with warmth in my voice, "Hey."

His eyes lift from the book, our gazes meeting in a unique moment. Did he just... there's a shy yet genuine smile on his lips. It's a surprise, considering it's Aman, the one who typically brushes aside my greetings. Something has shifted today.

I take a seat across from him and inquire, genuinely concerned, "How's your mom holding up?" Aman's smile widens, and he responds with a hint of relief, "She's doing okay." A wave of comfort washes over me.

However, my attention is soon drawn to the table, where a slice of lemon cake sits mysteriously. That's weird; I'd offered him a hundred times before but he has never shown any interest in this cake before.

Curiosity gnaws at me, and I can't resist asking, "Since when did you start enjoying this cake? You used to decline it."

Aman raises his book, trying to appear engrossed, and mumbles, "It's not for me."

My intrigue deepens, and I press on, "Then who's it for?" Aman sets his book aside, his gaze fixed on the table, and he slowly pushes the plate in my direction.

"Dev," Before Aman can provide an explanation, someone calls my name. I turn to see Raj standing near the canteen door, scanning the room for me.

My heart races as Raj approaches, and we exchange smiles. But then, a flicker of something passes over Raj's face as he notices Aman sitting with me. It's an expression I can't quite decipher, but there's a hint of bitterness in it. Aman is totally ignoring Raj, his focus unwavering on the book before him. It's as if Raj's presence is invisible to him. The tension in the air becomes palpable.

Breaking the silence, I ask, my voice trembling, "You were looking for me?" Raj's smile returns, but it seems fragile, as if he's struggling to maintain it. He leans in closer, his fingers gently entwining with mine, sending a shiver of longing down my spine.

"Yup," he whispers, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of the canteen. There's an undercurrent of yearning in his words that ignites a fire within me.

Raj holds my hand as if it's the most precious thing in the world. I can feel my cheeks flush with a mixture of embarrassment and desire. "Where?" I respond, my voice barely above a whisper, the weight of the unspoken emotions heavy between us.

"Who knows," Raj teases, his eyes locking with mine, a world of promise hidden in their depths. He starts walking towards the canteen's exit, and I follow him, my heart pounding with a heady cocktail of anticipation and vulnerability.

My gaze briefly drifts to Aman, who's now openly watching us, his eyes reflecting a complex blend of emotions that I can't quite read.

Raj's fingers entwine with mine, and together, we dash out of the canteen. The school hallway transforms into a blurry backdrop as we navigate through the curious, judgmental gazes of our peers. Students can't help but stare as we run hand in hand, but I am too intoxicated by Raj's presence to care. Every step we take, every heartbeat, feels like a leap into the unknown.

As we ascend the staircase, Raj's pace finally slows, and we stand before a door leading to the rooftop. He pushes it open, revealing the brilliant sun-soaked space above, scattered with abandoned construction materials. It's a world of our own, an oasis amidst the chaos of the school.

Raj steps onto the rooftop, and I follow, realizing that we are entirely alone. The realization sends my heart racing. The warmth of the sun bathes us, and a gentle breeze tousles our hair, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation.

Our eyes lock, and I can see desire burning in Raj's gaze. He closes the distance between us slowly, his face approaching mine, his breath a sweet torment against my skin. I tremble at his nearness, the familiar scent of his cologne wrapping around me like a seductive embrace. Our lips are tantalizingly close, and I yearn for that kiss.

But then, just when I think our lips will finally meet, Raj diverts his course, placing a soft, lingering kiss on my forehead instead. My heart sinks and soars simultaneously, leaving me in a whirlwind of emotions. Raj pulls away, a playful chuckle escaping his lips as he observes my flushed face, clearly enjoying the effect he has on me.

Raj and I discover a secluded haven atop the school building, a sanctuary from the relentless midday sun. We nestle onto a timeworn mat, feeling the concrete's warmth permeate our attire. A gentle breeze graces us, offering a welcome escape from the sweltering heat.

My eyes catch Raj's backpack resting beside us. He swiftly retrieves it, deftly rummaging through the schoolbooks and notes within. Triumphantly, he unveils a modest package, and my heart races with anticipation.

With the utmost care, Raj unfurls the packet, unveiling a delightful surprise: two ice cream cones, swirled to perfection with creamy goodness - my absolute favorite indulgence. The sweet aroma drifts toward me, causing my mouth to water.

Raj extends one of the ice cream cones to me, and as our fingers briefly touch, a warm sensation envelops me. I accept the offered delight, our eyes locking in an unspoken connection.

As I relish that initial, mouthwatering bite, the world around us dissolves into insignificance. The harsh concrete of the rooftop and the clamor of the school environment fade away. It's just Raj, myself, and the delightful taste of ice cream-a moment of shared connection amid the intricacies of our lives.

Yet, why must life be so intricate? I can't even remember the last time I genuinely enjoyed ice cream, the very thing I once lived for. When was the last time I simply sat somewhere without anxiety encroaching or unwarranted fears whispering in my mind? Why does it have to be me... Where did those past three and a half years of my life slip away to? What happy memories can I recollect and smile about? I've been stagnant for years, walking somewhere without reaching anywhere, and it weighs on me like an anchor.

I'm trapped in a maze of my own making, a labyrinth of fears and insecurities that refuse to release their grip on my soul. I've become a spectator in my own life, watching the world pass me by, as if I'm frozen in time. The laughter and joy of others serve as a constant reminder of what I can't have, like a melody I can no longer hear, a color I can no longer see.

Drawing in a shuddering breath, my grip on the melting ice cream loosens, forgotten as I stare into the distance on the rooftop. I confide in Raj, my voice quivering with a mix of frustration and vulnerability.

"Raj," my voice trembles, carrying the weight of years of inner turmoil, "for as long as I can remember, I've lived my life to meet my dad's expectations. Then, it felt like I was ensnared in the life Vikram imposed upon me. Now, when I have a taste of freedom... I don't even know what I want anymore. It's as if I've lost myself, and I don't even know where to begin finding who I am."

I manage a rueful chuckle, the bitterness of reality seeping through. "I don't even know what happiness looks like, what truly brings me joy. I'm not even sure how to recognize happiness when it does show up." Uninvited tears brim in my eyes, spilling over as I lay bare my soul to my friend, the emotional turmoil in my voice stark and undeniable.

Raj, his gaze filled with understanding, speaks softly, "What does make you happy, Dev?"

I shrug, my expression lost in contemplation. "I wish I knew. Something that can make everything else fade away, something that can melt it all into nothingness."

Raj, offering a reassuring smile, draws closer, wrapping his arms around my shoulders. "What about the moment when Rockstar Dev takes the stage?"

An involuntary chuckle escapes my lips, laced with a hint of bitterness. "Yeah, right, like I could ever become a singer."

Raj's grip tightens, his words poised on the tip of his tongue, but I interrupt him, not seeking an immediate response. Instead, I turn to him, my curiosity piqued. "Raj, my dad is adamant about me becoming a doctor. It's non-negotiable. What about you?"

Raj holds my gaze for a moment, as if weighing whether to share something personal, then slowly shifts his eyes away, a casual shrug accompanying his response. "I'm not entirely sure. I've always had a fascination with nature, you know, earth sciences and such. But lately, there's something else that's captured my interest even more."

I lean in, resting my head on his shoulder, genuinely intrigued. "What's that?"

He lowers his face to meet my eyes, his voice softening. "The human mind, human behavior, human emotions. I want to study them now."

Realization dawns on me. "Psychology?"

Raj nods, a hint of a smile gracing his lips. "Exactly. I also want to unravel what it is about being with you that makes my heart feel like it's trying to break free from my chest."

My heart quickens, warmth flushing my cheeks. I shift my gaze, breaking our eye contact with a playful remark. "Wow, that's quite cheesy."

Raj chuckles, planting a tender kiss on my cheek, and I melt into his embrace. "Cheesy can be romantic, you know."

As we sit together, our ice creams slowly melting under the summer sun, a comfortable hush envelops us. I can't resist the tug of curiosity any longer, so I gently break the silence. "Do you see yourself becoming Dr. Raj?"

Raj replies with a subtle nod, but what follows is a heartfelt declaration that takes me by surprise. "But in my eyes, you'll forever be Dev Sharma, the superstar singer."

His words surge through me like a melody, striking deep chords of emotion. It has only been a short span since Raj and I crossed paths, yet he already grasps the profound connection between music and my soul. He understands that when my fingers dance across the guitar strings, all my fears, anxieties, scars, and worries fade into the background. Music weaves a protective cocoon around my spirit, shielding it from the harshness of the world. Life transforms into something beautiful when my lips meet those musical notes, each strum an outpouring of pent-up emotions. But my father remains oblivious to this...

To him, my pursuit of a musical career is a mere diversion from my studies. He sees it as a passing hobby, a phase I will eventually outgrow, much like fleeting childhood fascinations. Yet, Raj peers beyond the surface. He recognizes the fire in my eyes when I perform, the way my voice fills the room, resonating with the hearts of those who listen.

I savor another bite of my ice cream, trying to hide the emotions welling up within me. Raj understands me on a level that no one else can reach, and that's what makes him truly extraordinary. He offers unwavering support, empowerment, and a constant reminder of the potency of my own voice, even without my need to voice it aloud.

"Are we allowed to be here?" I inquire, my voice a soft whisper.

Raj's eyes widen dramatically as he pretends to contemplate. "I don't know," he responds in a conspiratorial tone, playing along.

I chuckle quietly, my smile growing. "Aren't you the prefect?"

Raj bursts into a soft laugh, his eyes brimming with playful mischief. "That's precisely why sometimes saying 'I don't know' is a much better choice than a straightforward 'no.'"

With his ice cream cone now empty, he sets it aside and gracefully rises from his seat. Extending his hand toward me, he wears a sly grin. I take his hand, allowing him to help me stand.

Raj gives me a mischievous smile, and a sense of anticipation tickles the edge of my consciousness. I can tell that this is going to be something out of the ordinary, something I, with my usual cautious approach to life, would never initiate.

"Where are we headed?" I ask, a mixture of curiosity and a touch of uncertainty coloring my tone.

Raj's smile remains mischievous, and he replies, "Let's go find out."

Raj and I share a charged glance as our hearts race in sync with the adrenaline coursing through our veins. The decision to ditch school is a bold step into uncharted territory, a departure from the comfort of the familiar that floods me with a blend of exhilaration and unease. It's surreal to think that I'm embarking on this clandestine adventure.

Each step we take reverberates in the deserted school corridors, where the hushed murmur of teachers' voices behind closed classroom doors serves as a constant reminder of the world we're momentarily leaving behind. It feels like we're tiptoeing on the precipice of a well-kept secret, the thrill of rebellion charging the very atmosphere.

Raj leads our covert mission with unwavering confidence, his movements fluid and silent, a testament to his experience in such escapades. I, on the other hand, follow with caution, every step echoing my anxiety, my senses acutely attuned to the possible repercussions.

Finally, we arrive at the exit of the main building, and the afternoon sun bathes the schoolyard in a radiant glow. It's like stumbling upon a hidden sanctuary, an empty canvas for our daring venture, a world detached from the rigid confines of school life.

In the distance, the school buses stand as if silently daring us, waiting for their usual cargo of students. Their presence beckons and taunts simultaneously, urging us to break free.

Approaching the main gate, my heart lodges itself firmly in my throat. The watchman sits there, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, blissfully ignorant of our covert scheme.

However, Raj, the architect of our audacious plan, subtly ushers me aside. With a determined look, he signals that now is the time to seize the opportunity and make our escape. We sprint towards the far corner of the brick fence, where a lone tree stands sentinel, casting dappled shadows on the sun-soaked yard.

Beneath the protective embrace of that tree, we come to a breathless stop, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within us. I tremble with a potent mixture of fear and excitement, my heart pounding as I struggle to grasp the reality of what we've just done. This adventure, this act of defiance, marks a profound departure from my typically cautious nature, and it sets the stage for an unforgettable journey into the unknown.

. Without hesitation, Raj hoists himself up onto the sturdy branches, effortlessly climbing towards the top of the fence. His nimble movements make it appear as though he's done this a thousand times before.

Fear and excitement twist in my chest as I reluctantly follow suit, gripping onto the rough bark with trembling hands. My anxious mind races, imagining all the ways this escape could go wrong - the watchman catching us, the principal discovering our absence, the consequences that may follow.

But as I push through the fear, a surge of determination courses through my veins. I refuse to let my insecurities hold me back any longer. With a newfound sense of bravery, I pull myself up onto the fence and look down at Raj, who waits patiently on the other side.

Balancing precariously on the narrow edge, I take a deep breath and, with a leap of faith, jump down into the unknown. The dust rises from the impact, momentarily obscuring my vision, but when it settles, I find myself standing alongside Raj in a small alleyway just outside the school grounds.

A mix of relief and exhilaration washes over me, knowing that we are finally free. The weight of conformity and expectations falls from my shoulders, replaced by a lightness I hadn't known was possible.

"Hey there, my shy and adventurous partner-in-crime, ready to break out of the school bubble and experience the real world?" Raj quips, leaning in slightly and nudging me playfully.

Blushing, I playfully roll my eyes and respond, "I can't believe we're actually doing this, Raj. It feels so surreal!"

He chuckles and squeezes my hand gently. "Well, Dev, life is meant for adventures, right? And I couldn't imagine sharing this with anyone else but you. So, let's make it unforgettable!"