4

"Yaar, jaldi kar! Sab pehle hi ja chuke hain," Anushka groaned, tapping her foot impatiently.

"Toh tujhe kya zarurat thi sabse pehle aane ki? Ab chala gaya na tera bag sabse andar! Badi aagyakari shishya ban rahi thi 'on-time entry,' ab bhugto," Vani shot back, clearly annoyed.

"Acha, khud late aayi thi uska kya?" Anushka raised her eyebrows in mock challenge.

They were so caught up in bickering that they completely forgot about their luggage.

"Ma'am, agar aap dono ki ladaai khatam ho gayi ho toh bag le lijiye," a voice interrupted. One of the bus staff was unloading bags and stood in front of them holding theirs.

Startled, both girls turned. "Sorry, sorry bhaiya. Laiye," Anushka said, quickly grabbing the bags.

"Chale ab?" Vani asked, rolling her eyes as they started walking.

As they entered the hotel lobby, they saw it was nearly empty. Everyone else had already checked in and gone to their rooms. Only one man stood near the reception-tall, well-built, with an air of confidence that made him look like a gym trainer. He was their trip guide.

They approached him, slightly out of breath. "Sorry, sorry, Parth. Where are the keys to our room?" Vani asked.

"It's alright. Here are your keys," he replied, handing them over with a polite smile. Then, pointing to a nearby hotel staff member, he added, "He'll take you to your room."

"Thank you," Anushka said.

As they followed the staff to their room, Anushka leaned closer to Vani, grinning. "Yaar, this guide is so handsome, isn't he?"

"Hain... mujhe toh nahi laga. Tujhe toh har chalta-phirta ladka handsome lagta hai," Vani teased.

"Tu chup reh! Tujhe toh koi baat samajh hi nahi aati. Tum kya jano, Vani Babi, pyaar kya hota hai," Anushka declared dramatically.

"Babi? Vo kya hota hai?" Vani asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Arey, vo vaise toh 'babu' hota hai, par tu toh female hai na, toh 'babi,'" Anushka replied with a cheeky grin.

Vani chuckled. "Kahan se laati hai tu aise words?"

"Meri dictionary se," Anushka said proudly.

"Pagal. Chal ab."

They entered the room and placed their important belongings in the closet. Then they packed their trekking bag and left it ready by the side.

"Chalo, ye toh ho gaya. Ab main chali nahaane," Anushka said, pulling out her nightwear.

"Aye, main jaaungi pehle!" Vani shouted.

"Aaja tu bhi saath mein. Mast romance karenge," Anushka teased, standing halfway inside the bathroom.

"Bahut badtameez hoti ja rahi hai tu!" Vani said, laughing as she threw a pillow at her.

"Haye jawaani, hoti hi badtameezi ke liye hai," Anushka replied, making a theatrical gesture with her hands.

"Ab tu ja rahi hai ya main jaun?" Vani raised her voice.

"Nahi, nahi! Main hi jaungi pehle," Anushka said and dashed into the bathroom.

After she finished, Vani took her turn, and soon both were changed into their nightwear and lounging on the bed, scrolling through their phones.

Suddenly, a WhatsApp notification popped up in their trip group.

Anushka read it out loud:

"Everyone who wants to have dinner, please come downstairs.

Notice -

Pack your trekking bag with all essentials. We leave tomorrow by 7:00 AM sharp for trekking.

No mobile phones will be allowed during the trek, so make your calls or send messages today.

You may submit your gadgets or leave them in your room's locker.

Cameras are allowed.

Thank you, and good night."

Anushka gasped. "Yaar, bina phone ke kaise jiyungi main itne din?!"

"O madam! Sirf 3-4 din ke liye jaa rahe hain, janmo ke liye nahi jo aise ro rahi ho," Vani teased.

Anushka pouted like a child and made an angry face.

"Acha, vo chhod. Tujhe bhook lagi hai? Mera toh mann nahi dinner karne ka," Vani asked.

"Nahi, mujhe toh sona hai. Tu jaa rahi hai toh ja," Anushka said, pulling the blanket over herself, only her face still visible.

"Tujhe ghar pe baat nahi karni?" Vani asked, surprised.

"Nahi, meri ho gayi thi jab tu nahaane gayi thi," Anushka mumbled.

"Okay," Vani nodded.

She then called her mother to inform her about the upcoming phone restriction. What was supposed to be a short call turned into a long, warm conversation with her mother, father, and brothers over video call. Laughter echoed softly in the room before she finally ended the call.

Tucking herself in beside Anushka, Vani placed her phone on the side table, turned off the light, and closed her eyes-ready for the adventure that awaited them the next morning.

Vani turned from side to side, her blanket wrapped tight, but sleep danced just out of reach. Her mind kept circling back to the dream she'd had-the strange, vivid one that had clung to her all day like mist on her skin. It wasn't just a dream anymore; it felt like something more. Something unfinished.

With a quiet sigh, she pushed the blanket aside and stepped off the bed, careful not to wake Anushka, who was snoring lightly under her blanket cocoon.

Vani padded softly to the balcony and stepped out. The moment she opened the glass door, a rush of cold mountain air greeted her. It swept over her skin like a whisper, cool and crisp, tinged with the earthy scent of pine and the faint musk of damp stone. The night sky above was cloaked in deep blue velvet, stars scattered like quiet secrets, and somewhere in the distance, a lone owl called out-a soft echo in the stillness.

She sat down on the small wooden couch tucked into the balcony corner. The fabric was chilly, but oddly comforting. Vani pulled her shawl tighter, curled her legs up beneath her, and let the silence settle around her like a second skin.

The cold breeze brushed her cheeks gently, as if nature itself was trying to soothe her restless heart. Leaves rustled somewhere beyond the railing, and the world seemed to breathe in a rhythm of its own-steady, peaceful, alive.

Her thoughts wandered again to that dream-and then to that voice.

That voice.

The boy on the bus.

The song that had slipped into her soul and refused to leave.

Without realizing, she began to hum it-

"Hum jo chalne lage, chalne lage hain yeh raaste..."

Softly, barely above a whisper, she sang the lines as though retracing the steps of something lost. It felt... intimate, like a conversation between her and the stars. A slow smile curved her lips mid-song. There was something strange about it all-something that tugged at her, not frightening, but magnetic.

Time passed quietly. The cold had crept into her fingertips, and a yawn stole its way from her chest. With the last gentle note of the song lingering on her lips, Vani stood up, giving the sky one last look.

"Goodnight," she whispered to no one in particular-maybe to the voice, maybe to the dream.

She returned to the room, climbed into bed again, and this time, her thoughts settled.

Sleep came slowly, but this time, it came with peace.

The soft glow of early dawn filtered through the sheer curtains as Vani's eyes fluttered open. It was only 5 a.m., but her inner clock had never needed an alarm. She blinked a few times, stretched like a sleepy cat, and slowly sat up.

This was her quiet ritual. No matter where she was-home or hills-Vani always started her day by offering gratitude. Even though her body still begged for sleep, her heart wouldn't let her skip this sacred moment.

She shuffled to the bathroom, splashed cold water on her face, and took a quick bath. Wrapped in a fluffy white robe, with a towel turban on her head like a queen's crown, she tiptoed to the balcony.

The chill in the morning air greeted her like an old friend. The sky was blushing with orange hues, as if the sun itself was waking slowly from slumber. She stood still for a moment, joined her hands, and whispered, "Suryadev, pranam."

Then she closed her eyes and remembered her Maa Durga, sending up a silent, heartfelt "thank you" for another day, another adventure, and all the strength in her soul.

This moment-simple, pure-was the way Vani anchored herself. While she could be silly, stubborn, or dramatic at times, she never wavered in this little act of devotion. It was her quiet strength.

After a few minutes, she padded back into the room and glanced at the clock.

6 a.m.

"Anu... uthh... kitna soyegi?" Vani called, pulling back the blanket.

Anushka groaned and yanked it back. "Tu chali ja na, mujhe thodi der aur sona hai."

"Main naha chuki hu pehle hi!" Vani huffed. "Uth ja ab! Late ho jayenge."

Anushka just turned to the side with a grunt and covered her face like a burrito.

Rolling her eyes with a playful sigh, Vani stepped back onto the balcony-this time not for prayer, but to dry her hair in the crisp mountain breeze.

The view was absolutely breathtaking. Deodar trees stood tall like silent guardians. Mist clung to the hills, curling like soft smoke, and the chirping of birds filled the air with melodies more soothing than any playlist. A local vendor's tea stall down the street had already started brewing. The scent of cardamom and fresh chai leaves wafted in with the breeze.

Vani smiled, hugging her shawl tighter around her robe. With a warm cup of tea in hand, she leaned against the railing and soaked in the peaceful mountain morning. She closed her eyes and let the calm seep into her bones.

This, she thought, is the kind of morning people write poems about.

After finishing her tea, she stepped back in and changed into a comfortable trekking outfit: breathable joggers, a lightweight jacket, and her sturdy boots. Her backpack was already packed from last night, everything carefully folded and arranged with her usual precision.

She picked up her phone and noticed a new message on the WhatsApp group:

Trek Group Message -

Everyone, please come downstairs with your trekking bag by 7:00 a.m. sharp.

After breakfast, we will leave.

Reminder: Mobile phones will be collected before departure. Only cameras allowed on trek.

Thank you!

"Perfect timing," she murmured.

After a final glance at the room, making sure everything was in place, she tapped Anushka's arm again. "Chal na, madam! Uth ja, warna main breakfast me tere liye kuch nahi bachaungi."

This time Anushka groaned louder. "Ughhh! Fine, fine! Ja rahi hoon... you alarm clock in human form!"

Soon, Anushka was up and getting ready in record speed. The room buzzed with last-minute chatter, shoe-tying, mirror peeking, and checklist reciting.

By 6:45, both girls were ready, backpacks strapped, energy bars tucked into side pockets, hair tied up in determined ponytails.

"Breakfast adventure begins," Vani said dramatically, striking a heroic pose.

"Food is the real trek. Let's go!" Anushka added, laughing.

They walked out of the room together, stepping into the cool, golden morning that promised memories, mystery, and mountains ahead.

In the serene calm of the mountain morning, the world was just beginning to wake. Mist curled gently through the valleys, birds chirped softly, and the sky carried a golden glow that painted everything it touched. On the balcony of a cozy hillside room, a young man sat quietly, nestled into the couch with a warm cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other.

Aman wasn't reading much-his eyes wandered more than his mind could focus. The peaceful silence around him was too perfect to interrupt with printed words. As he took another sip of his coffee, something caught his attention-a movement in the balcony next to his.

There, a girl stood facing the mountains, her back to him. Her long, wet hair cascaded down like a waterfall of silk, shining in the soft sunlight. She gently ran her fingers through them, letting the breeze dry them naturally. Her face wasn't visible, but something about the way she stood-so effortlessly graceful, so unaware of the beauty she radiated-pulled his gaze in like gravity.

Like a goddess, he thought. He couldn't help but smile, just a little. It was the kind of moment you didn't plan for but somehow remembered forever.

"Bhai, tu wahi baitha rahega ya ready bhi hoga?" a voice called from inside the room, cutting through his quiet trance.

Aman blinked and looked over his shoulder. "Haan, aa raha hoon. Tu Arush ko jaga tab tak," he replied.

"Vo toh already bathroom mein hai." Ishan answered, leaning against the doorframe.

"Ek minute..." Aman said, but turned back toward the balcony one last time.

She was gone.

His eyes lingered on the empty space for a second longer. "Uske baal... kitne khubsurat the, like a godess " he murmured, a shy smile tugging at his lips as he stood up and walked inside.

From the bathroom, a familiar voice rang out, humming tunelessly, "Na na nanana... hm hm hmmmmm..."

Arush.

Aman, carrying his clothes over one arm, walked toward the bathroom, pulling at the towel wrapped around Arush's waist just for fun.

"Arey! Kya badtameezi hai yeh?!" Arush shouted in mock horror. "Haye meri toh bhari jawani mein izzat utar jaati... vo toh accha hua shorts pehne the neeche!" he added dramatically, clutching the towel like a damsel in distress.

Ishan and Uttar burst into laughter, nearly doubling over at the sight.

"Tu kahe toh, main woh bhi utaar doon?" Uttar teased with a wicked grin.

"Tu ruk, tujhe toh main abhi batata hoon!" Arush shouted, grabbing a water bottle and hurling it toward Rishi.

Uttar dove to the side, dodging just in time as Ishan caught the bottle mid-air.

"Thanks bhai, badi der se pyaas lagi thi." Ishan said casually, taking a sip with a chuckle.

"Tum logon ko sharam nahi aati na? Mujh masoom ko sataate ho!" Arush pouted, wiping imaginary tears like a sobbing child.

"Oye nautanki, pata hai kitna 'masoom' hai tu!" Aman said, shaking his head.

"Chalo ab, drama band karo sab... ready ho jao warna late ho jaayenge."

After a few more minutes of laughter and teasing, the boys finally pulled themselves together. Hair styled, trekking shoes on, and bags packed-they stepped out, energized by the chilly mountain air and ready to head for breakfast... unaware of the connections the day was quietly preparing for them.

After breakfast, everyone slowly settled into the bus. Excitement filled the air like the fresh mountain breeze. Vani and Anushka took their usual seat-the second-last one, just like before.

People were chatting with their seatmates, clicking selfies, and laughing softly. The journey was about to begin, and the vibe was lively.

Vani looked out of the window, lost in thought. Then she turned to Anushka and said, "Yaar, kash Pranvi aur Swara bhi aa jaate. Kitna maza aata."

"Haan," Anushka nodded, "but no worries. Itni public toh hai na. Waise tu us din kisi ajeeb sapne ki baat kar rahi thi. Bata na ache se."

"Hmm... pata hai, sapna bahut ajeeb tha. Koi anjaan ladka tha," Vani said softly. "Vo mere chehre ko touch kar raha tha. Par mujhe bilkul bhi ajeeb nahi laga. Aisa lag raha tha jaise main use jaanti hoon."

"Handsome tha kya?" Anushka jumped in. "Kahi Shahrukh Khan toh nahi tha? Haye, main toh marr hi jaaun!"

"Teri nautanki!" Vani laughed. "Aise mazaak karegi toh main kuch nahi bataungi."

"Okay okay, sorry! Bata please!" Anushka begged with puppy eyes.

"Vo sapna subah ke 5 baje aaya tha. Maine suna hai subah ke sapne sach hote hain," Vani said thoughtfully. "Kahi koi kidnapper toh nahi tha?"

"Pagal hai kya?" Anushka rolled her eyes. "Itna romantic sapna aur tu use thriller bana rahi hai!"

Vani giggled. "Sach mein thoda weird tha. Mujhe uska chehra yaad tha... par ab yaad nahi aa raha."

Anushka widened her eyes. "What if he's your future partner? Yad kr na we will try to find him maja ayega!"

"Oh hello, zyada ud mat, maja ayega " Vani said, laughing. "Bas ek sapna tha."

"Tu itne dino se free baithi thi ghar pe , ho sakta h itni movies vagera ka koi scene reh gya ho dimag me" Anushka teased.

"True," Vani nodded. "Chhod na, ab sapne ki baatein band kar. Kuch aur baat karte hain."

The bus kept moving through the mountain roads. Trees passed by like scenes from a movie. The girls smiled, chatted, and enjoyed every bit of the journey ahead.

The bus was alive with chatter when Arush stood up and stretched.

"Yaar bohot boring ho raha hai, abhi ek ghanta aur lagega," he groaned. "Let's play a song!"

He walked to the front and played a soft romantic old Bollywood song. The soft melody filled the air and caught Aman's attention. He had been talking to Ishan, but now his mind drifted-drawn in by the words.

"Julfon ko hata le chehre se,

Thoda sa ujaala hone de..."

Aman's eyes unconsciously turned toward the bus window. His mind replayed the exact moment from the balcony-the way the wind played with that girl's long, flowing hair. He hadn't seen her face, yet something about that moment felt etched in time.

"Suraj ko zara sharminda kar,

Munh raat ka kaala hone de..."

He smiled to himself, almost shyly. Was it the morning light, or really something magical in her? Her hair had shimmered like a curtain of gold-so effortlessly divine, it made the sun feel unnecessary in comparison.

"Julfon ko hata le chehre se..."

That line echoed in his heart. He wondered: What does her face look like? His chest fluttered with an unfamiliar curiosity. He laughed softly at himself-he didn't even know her name.

"Ho jo mausam ko pata, ye teri zulf hain kya,

Choom le maang teri jhuk ke saawan ki ghata..."

Saawan ki ghata, he thought. Yes, her hair really had that monsoon-cloud grace-dense, free, and hypnotic. A strange warmth filled him. How could something so simple make him feel this pulled?

"Zulf lahraaye, lahraake baadal bane,

Jo bhi dekhe tujhe tera paagal bane..."

Was he becoming one of those? Paagal? Maybe. But he couldn't help it. That small, fleeting glimpse had touched something in him that logic couldn't explain

"Aisa bhi nazaara hone de,

Julfon ko hata le chehre se..."

He leaned his head back and stared at the bus ceiling, a smile playing at his lips. Was this real or just a filmy mountain moment? Whatever it was, he hoped fate wasn't done with it yet.

"Dekh naaraaz na ho, mere masoom sanam,

Main koi gair nahin teri aankhon ki kasam..."

He chuckled. Masoom? Maybe that's how he felt in that moment-like an innocent fool struck by something he didn't understand. But he wasn't complaining.

"De ijaazat ki tere kadam choom lun,

Saath main bhi tere do ghadi jhoom lun..."

His gaze drifted to the mountains outside. What if he saw her again? Would he even recognize her from behind? Or was it just one of those magical not-to-be moments?

"Halka sa ishara hone de,

Julfon ko hata le chehre se..."

He sighed lightly, still lost in the memory. That song, those lyrics... they suddenly felt

like they were written just for that mysterious girl with the goddess-like hair.

How's the chapter?

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