6

Darkness had swallowed the forest like a thick blanket. Not a single star peeked through the heavy clouds above. There was silence all around-an eerie, unsettling stillness that made even the rustle of leaves feel unnaturally loud.

The group stumbled along the uneven path, barely able to see a foot ahead.

"I think we're lost, yaar," Arush muttered, his voice trembling slightly. "I don't recognize this trail at all."

Vani sighed in frustration. "Great. And of course, someone couldn't bring a proper torch."

Aman turned sharply. "What do you mean? I did bring one!"

"Then where is it?" she snapped.

"I remember putting it in my back pocket..." Aman said, checking frantically. He patted his jeans, then checked his bag. "One minute-one minute-it was here."

"Arey, toh nikaal le! Kya muhurat ka wait kar raha tha?" Arush shouted, nerves clearly fraying.

Aman searched again, his expression sinking. "Yaar... it's gone. Must've fallen when I was hiding behind that tree earlier."

"Unbelievable," Ishan muttered. "No phone, no torch. We're in the middle of the forest with nothing."

"I swear it was there..." Aman said quietly.

"So what do we do now?" Vani asked. Her voice was firm, but a flicker of fear passed across her face.

"Keep moving, slowly," Ishan said, taking the lead. "We can't just stand here."

They began walking again, cautiously, brushing past bushes and trying not to trip. Every sound felt amplified-the distant hoot of an owl, the cracking of a twig under someone's shoe, the wind brushing against dry leaves.

Then it came-a strange, guttural sound from the right. Not an animal, not something they could name. It was low and drawn-out, like something breathing heavily... but not human.

Everyone froze.

No one dared speak. They turned toward the noise, eyes wide with terror, but they couldn't see anything.

Then-thump!

Something brushed against them from behind. Not hard, but enough to send panic shooting through their spines.

They screamed, some crouching, others diving behind each other. Arush stumbled into a tree. Vani gripped Aman's arm tightly. Arusha ducked behind Ishan.

"What was that?" she whispered.

"I don't know!" Ishan replied. "It could've been a branch-maybe an animal."

"No animal makes a sound like that," Aman whispered, trying to steady his breathing.

They stood frozen in place, unsure what to do. The forest, once eerily silent, now felt alive with whispers.

Meanwhile, at the campsite, Anushka paced nervously near the dying fire. The tents had gone still; most of the group had turned in for the night. Only a few remained-Uttar, Anushka, and three others.

"Yaar, where are they?" Anushka said, her arms folded tightly across her chest. "Vani, Aman... now even Arush and Ishan are missing."

"They probably just took the long route," Ritesh said, half-asleep, slumped on a camping chair.

Anushka didn't respond. Her eyes were fixed on the tree line.

"I'm going to sleep," another girl mumbled, pulling her jacket tight and disappearing into her tent.

One by one, the rest followed, until only Anushka, Uttar, and a few concerned faces remained.

"I'm getting worried," Anushka said finally. "Vani's not the adventurous type. She's too trusting. I brought her here. I was supposed to look out for her."

"She's not alone," Uttar replied gently. "Aman ishan and arush are with her. They wouldn't let anything happen to her."

"That's not the point, Uttar," she said, turning toward him. "Just because they're your freinds doesn't mean they can be trusted. I shouldn't have let her go. It was careless."

"Do you trust me?" he asked quietly.

She looked at him for a moment.

"Yes... but still-"

"Then trust me when I say this-Aman's not like that. I know him. And Arush, Ishan... they're good guys too. They'll protect her. If they're not back in a while, I'll go find them myself. I promise."

She took a deep breath and nodded, though the tension in her shoulders remained.

"Alright..." she whispered. "But I'm not going to sleep until they come back."

"Then we wait together," he said, offering her a seat by the warm embers.

They sat, talking in hushed tones, glancing every few minutes toward the woods, hoping-praying-for any sign of their missing friends.

They had just started walking again when-bam!-they collided into someone in the pitch darkness.

"Aahh!" Vani screamed, stumbling backward.

"Now what?!" Ishan shouted, instinctively pulling Arusha behind him.

Everyone shouted at once. In the confusion, limbs flailed, someone tripped, and the group nearly fell over each other trying to see what they'd hit.

In the chaos, Pranvi, startled and unsure who she'd bumped into, grabbed onto the nearest person-Ishan. She clung to his jacket, hiding her face, completely unaware it was him.

Vani, half in fear and half in sheer relief to find someone else, grabbed onto Aman and hugged him tightly, unintentionally ending up nearly in his lap. Aman, frozen in surprise, didn't move, his arm naturally wrapping around her for support.

Swara stumbled to the side, landing near Arush, who barely managed to stay upright.

Then-thunk.

"Ow!" Swara yelped, having kicked something hard with her foot.

She bent down, still squinting in the dark, and picked it up. "Wait... this feels like a torch..."

Click.

A bright beam of light cut through the thick darkness as the torch flickered to life.

Everyone froze as Swara slowly moved the beam around.

The light first hit Arush, who squinted and raised a hand to shield his eyes. "What the-? Is this an interrogation or a search party?"

Swara ignored him and turned the beam.

It landed next on Ishan and Pranvi-Pranvi still holding onto him tightly, her face buried in his jacket. Ishan looked down at her, stunned but not moving. For a second, they just stared at each other as the light revealed them.

Then the beam shifted to Vani and Aman. Vani had her arms wrapped around Aman, her face nestled against his shoulder. Aman's eyes were closed, one hand resting on her back, as if they were frozen in a moment that didn't belong in the middle of a forest.

Swara paused.

She turned to Arush. He was already staring at them.

There was a long silence before Arush said, loud and clear:

"Oye premiyo, agar tum sabka love scene khatam ho gaya ho, toh zara yeh bhi bata do-yeh sab ho kya raha tha?"

The spell broke instantly.

All four reacted at once-stepping back, adjusting jackets, brushing off leaves. Faces flushed. Avoiding eye contact.

Pranvi blinked, clearly embarrassed, and took a small step away from Ishan.

Vani straightened her posture, arms crossed now, looking anywhere but at Aman.

Aman awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.

Ishan coughed into his fist.

Swara narrowed her eyes, slowly grinning. "That was... quite the moment. Didn't know we were interrupting."

Still flustered, Vani finally looked at the new arrivals properly-and her eyes widened.

"Wait-Pranvi?! Swara?! What the-what are you two doing here?"

Swara smirked. "Surprise."

Pranvi waved sheepishly. "Hi?"

The rest of the group just stared, confused.

"Okay wait," Arusha said, frowning. "Who are they exactly?"

"They're my friends," Vani explained quickly. " I didn't expect them here!"

Arush looked at Pranvi and Swara, then at Vani, then back at Pranvi. "Ah. Mysterious friends. Now crashing through the jungle like surprise guests in a horror movie."

Swara laughed. "You're welcome?"

"Yaar," Ishan said, shaking his head, "yeh sab baad mein karenge. Torch mil gayi hai, toh let's get out of here before the jungle throws more surprises."

"Agreed," Aman added, still looking a little flustered.

With Swara now leading the way, torch in hand, the group finally started heading back toward the campsite-still processing what just happened, some still blushing, and a few stealing quiet glances at each other in the flickering light.

Flashback -

The car came to a sudden halt, jerking slightly as the engine gave a soft sputter and died. The driver stepped out and checked under the hood, frowning.

"Ma'am, gadi kharab ho gayi hai," he called out.

Swara leaned forward from the back seat, annoyed. "Are aise kaise? Aapko aane se pehle check karna chahiye tha! Ab hum beech raste mein kaise jayenge?" she said sharply.

Pranvi glanced over at her, already tense. "Yaar, maine kaha tha kuch gadbad na ho jaye... ab dekh."

Swara got out of the car, brushing her hair back with a sigh as she scanned the empty road ahead. The forest on either side looked thick, and the sun was dipping lower in the sky.

"Bhaiya, ab aap batayenge hum kya karein? Aise toh bahut late ho jayega. Andhere mein trek kaise karenge?"

The driver hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ma'am, thodi door ek jungle ka raasta hai. Wahaan se aap jaldi pahunch jayengi."

"Jungle?" Pranvi's eyes widened. "Agar wahan jungli jaanwar hue toh? Mar ke kha gaye toh?"

"Ma'am, wahan utne jaanwar nahi hote. Sirf ek cheez ka dhyan rakhna hoga-pedon pe red marks lage hain, unhe follow kariyega. Abhi nikli toh andhera hone se pehle pahunch jaogi. Warna agli cab ka wait karna padega."

Swara frowned, clearly not happy. "Nahi," she said firmly.

But Pranvi looked toward the forest trail, gauging the fading light. "I think humein chalna chahiye... nahi toh andhera ho jayega."

Swara hesitated, then gave a reluctant nod. "Hmm."

They picked up their bags and headed down the jungle path. The trees loomed taller with each step, their shadows stretching across the trail.

Time slipped by. The sunlight faded into grey, and grey into dark.

They paused briefly to catch their breath, then continued walking.

"Yaar, andhera ho gaya hai. Ab kya karein? Kahin bhatak na jaaye." Pranvi said, glancing nervously around.

Swara pulled out the torch and switched it on. "Nahi bhatkenge. Abhi torch hai na."

Pranvi wasn't convinced. "Haan, par isse dekh ke lag nahi raha ki yeh zyada der tak chalegi!" she snapped.

"Haan, par abhi time waste nahi kar sakte," Swara replied, trying to stay focused.

They kept walking, but the light from the torch flickered-and then went out completely.

Darkness fell like a curtain.

"Yaar... yeh kaisi awaaz hai?" Pranvi whispered. "Mujhe dar lag raha hai."

The forest around them creaked and rustled. Each sound felt closer than the last.

Then-crash!

They bumped into something. Or someone.

"AAAAAAA!" both screamed in unison, their voices echoing through the silent woods.

The shout was returned-four other voices cried out too, startled.

A faint torch beam flickered on, finally revealing four familiar, stunned faces.

It was Vani, Aman, Ishan, and Arush-all standing just as breathless and wide-eyed as the girls.

The forest, for a moment, was silent again-but hearts were still pounding in every chest.

Flashback end .

All six of them finally reached the campsite. The soft glow of the bonfire lit up their tired faces. Some group members noticed and turned to look-confused by the sudden group of people emerging from the darkness.

Anushka, still sitting near the fire with Uttar, immediately stood up when she saw Vani.

"Vani!" she rushed over and hugged her tightly. "Tum theek ho na? Main toh kitni der se tension mein thi!"

Vani smiled. "Haan Anu, main bilkul theek hoon."

But then Anushka's eyes shifted. She noticed the two unfamiliar girls standing behind her.

She blinked. Then blinked again.

"Wait... SWARA?! PRANVI?!" she said in pure shock. "Tum log yahan kya kar rahe ho?!"

The entire group turned to look.

Uttar squinted at them. "Yeh kaun hai?"

Swara raised her hand, slightly awkward. "Hi. I guess... surprise?"

Pranvi gave a tired half-smile. "Long day, short version: hum bhi aa gaye."

Anushka looked at Vani. "Tumne bataya bhi nahi ki yeh dono aa rahi hain?"

Vani laughed nervously. "Mujhe bhi nahi pata tha. Yeh khud jungle ke raaste surprise dene aa gayi."

"Jungle ke raaste?!" Uttar repeated. "Akele?"

"Gadi kharab ho gayi thi. Phir driver ne jungle ka shortcut bataya. Torch thi... fir wo bhi chali gayi," Swara explained simply.

"Aur fir andhere mein humse takra gayi," Ishan added, still confused.

"Aur chillane lagi," Arush said. "Hum sab ki jaan nikal gayi thi."

"Meri bhi," Aman muttered. "Socha kuch aur hi hai."

"Aap log kaafi adventure kar ke aaye ho lagta hai," Parth, the guide, said as he walked over, looking at the newcomers.

Vani turned to him. "Parth bhaiya, ye meri dost hain-Swara aur Pranvi."

Parth nodded politely. "Achha, theek hai. Aap dono safe aa gayi, yehi badi baat hai. Jungle ka rasta easy nahi hota."

"Nahi hota. Andhere mein toh bilkul bhi nahi." Pranvi replied, half serious.

Anushka shook her head, still recovering from the surprise. "Tum dono ne toh sach mein chaunka diya . Mujhe laga sirf Vani lost hai... par tum log yahan ho, wo bhi bina bataye?"

Swara shrugged. "Hum bhi last moment pe decide kar ke aaye the."

"Aur timing dekho, jungle aur torch ka combo mil gaya," Ishan said.

Everyone chuckled softly.

Anushka finally smiled. "Chalo, sab theek se aa gaye, bas isi mein sukoon hai."

Parth asked, "Tent ka intezam ho gaya?"

Anushka nodded. "Haan, Swara ke liye alag tent hai. Pranvi, Vani ke saath manage kar legi."

"Manage karna aaj seekh liya. Tent toh luxury lagega," Pranvi said as she looked around.

As everyone relaxed and shared a few more lines about their mini jungle adventure, laughter slowly started to fill the campsite. The earlier stress faded. Some people headed back to their tents while others sat around the fire a bit longer.

The unexpected arrivals had definitely made the night more memorable.

The whole campsite lay wrapped in silence. The soft sound of crickets faded slowly as the night started giving way to dawn. Most of the group was deep in sleep, curled into

their sleeping bags, unaware of the magical hour that was about to unfold.

But Vani, as always, was awake.

She slowly sat up in her tent, careful not to disturb Pranvi, who was still sleeping peacefully beside her, cocooned in a warm blanket. A faint smile crossed Vani's lips as she gently tucked a corner of the blanket closer around her friend and then quietly stepped out of the tent.

Outside, the world was dipped in shades of silver and blue. The sky was still dark, but the horizon had begun to glow faintly-a soft, amber promise of sunrise.

Vani stretched a little, breathing in the crisp morning air that still carried a coolness from the night. The earth felt damp under her feet, and a soft mist floated over the grass, giving the entire place a dreamlike quality.

She grabbed a change of clothes from her bag and started walking quietly toward the nearby river-a place she had noticed the day before, hidden behind a cluster of tall trees and a line of smooth rocks. Her footsteps were soft, blending with the quiet hush of the waking forest. Birds hadn't begun singing yet, but the world felt alive-calm, sacred, untouched.

The moment she reached the riverbank, she paused.

The scene in front of her looked like something out of a painting. The water flowed gently, reflecting the pale colors of dawn like a sheet of glass. Thin threads of mist hovered above it, drifting lazily. Trees sto

od still like silent guardians on either side, their branches swaying slightly in the cool breeze.

Vani knelt beside the river and leaned forward, peering into the water. Her reflection shimmered back at her-soft, calm, and glowing faintly in the bluish light. She touched the surface with her fingers.

The cold sent a sharp shiver up her arm. It was freezing-but it felt alive. She smiled softly to herself.

Without hesitation, she stepped into the water and took a quick, refreshing bath, letting the chill wake her body and soul. The river felt pure, as if washing away not just the sleep, but also every bit of tiredness from the night before.

Once done, she stepped out, wrapped herself in a towel, and changed into a simple red t-shirt, its cotton soft and light against her skin. She tied her hair into a loose, messy bun, water still dripping slightly from the ends. To keep herself warm, she threw on a light shawl, wrapping it around her shoulders.

Now ready, she made her way back through the woods-this time not toward the camp, but toward a small clearing she had noticed before. A perfect spot for watching the sunrise.

The sky had started to shift now-blues turning to soft oranges, and pinks kissing the clouds from behind. Vani found a smooth rock to sit on and settled there, crossing her legs and pulling her shawl closer around her.

She closed her eyes for a moment. Took a deep breath.

Just a moment of quiet gratitude.

For safety. For friendship. For the beauty around her. For being here.

The first golden rays began to appear on the horizon.

She opened her eyes, looking toward the sun, just peeking out from behind the hills.

A gentle smile formed on her lips. She brought her palms together and greeted the rising sun with a soft Namaste.

The sunlight touched her face-warm, soft, golden. Her skin glowed in its embrace. The red of her t-shirt looked brighter now, her shawl caught in the breeze, and her eyes reflected the peace she felt inside.

For a few moments, there was nothing else. No chaos, no trek, no group, no noise-just Vani and the sunrise.

The day had just begun. And she had already found its quiet magic.

Just then, a voice called out softly behind her -

"Good morning."

She turned around, a little surprised. "Good morning... tum yahan?" she asked.

"Main baith sakta hoon yahan?" Aman asked, a gentle smile on his face.

She gave a small nod.

He sat down beside her quietly, keeping his gaze on the horizon for a few seconds before speaking again.

"Tum itni jaldi uth gayi? Daily uthti ho ya sunrise dekhne ke liye uthi?"

"Main daily uthti hoon. Agar possible hota hai toh... For the prayer. It's my routine," she replied calmly.

"Oh... impressive," he said, clearly meaning it.

She looked at him. "Aur tum? Tum sunrise dekhne ke liye uthe ho?"

He smiled. "Nahi, I also have a routine of meditation. So..."

"Ohh... impressive," she echoed, with a slight grin.

"I saw you from a distance, so thought to say good morning to you," he added.

She gave a small nod and smiled.

For a few moments, both sat in comfortable silence, watching the sun rise slowly above the trees.

Then Aman spoke again, a little hesitantly.

"Umm... voh I'm sorry."

She turned to him. "Sorry for what?"

"Voh kal wale prank ke liye. I think zyada ho gaya tha voh."

She raised an eyebrow. "Kal tum gir vir toh nahi gaye the na?"

"Nahi toh... kyun?" he replied, confused.

She smiled playfully. "Kyuki... tum... The Aman is saying sorry to me?" she said dramatically.

He rolled his eyes. "Yaar, main dil se sorry bol raha hoon."

She laughed softly. "Okay okay... sorry accepted."

Then she added, "Waise... I'm sorry too for that cold drink prank."

"Sorry accepted," he said, laughing lightly.

They both chuckled, their eyes meeting in amusement.

"Vaise... what about the revenge?" he asked curiously.

"Umm... sochungi uske baare mein toh," she said, a playful smile on her face.

"But main Arush aur Ishan ko toh nahi chhodungi. Vo dono kaise tumhare saath mil gaye? Tumhara toh special treatment ho chuka... ab un dono ki baari hai."

"Achha... kya karogi tum?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She thought for a moment. "Mere saath doge?" she asked, excitedly.

He paused. "Umm..."

"Yaar please na... is baar tumhe nahi tang karungi. Special treatment pakka," she said sweetly.

He gave in. "Okay."

Silence returned for a few moments. The sun was now fully visible, bathing everything in golden light.

Then Aman looked at her again.

"Waise... I never thought a modern girl like you can do this prayer and all routine."

She turned to him, calmly.

"Who said I'm modern? may be I'm but how can anyone forget the one who made us . They are the one who made this beauty , the earth , the nature , and us . Then if he is caring for us then why we even can't thank him . "

She looked back at the sun. "And it's difficult to me to explain the feeling I have towards them . They are first to me . I can leave everything for them , this materialistic world can't give me the calmness and happiness that they have given . "

Aman watched her in silence, the sincerity in her voice, the peace on her face-it all struck something deep in him.

He was quiet for a moment, then smiled back. Her words stayed with him.

"Tum... tum bhi toh meditate karte ho. Tumhe bhi toh pata hoga na? How it feels when you pray " she asked.

"yeah but now you have already explained it's beauty" he replied, smiling.

She nodded and smiled .

"By the way, I'm a devotee of Lord Shiva," he added.

"Really? I'm a devotee of Adishakti," she said, smiling proudly.

A different kind of silence filled the space between them now-one that was warm, spiritual, and meaningful.

Vani turned her gaze back to the sun. But Aman... he was lost in her presence. Her calmness, her confidence, her glow-it all pulled him in without warning.

She noticed.

"Kya hua?" she asked, looking at him.

"N... no... nothing," he quickly said and turned his eyes away.

She smiled but said nothing.

After a while, they both stood up and headed back toward the tents.

Vani put on a jacket, then gently woke up Pranvi and the others, her face still glowing with peace.

The day had just begun-but for Aman, something much bigger had already started.

The campsite buzzed with the warmth of morning. The sun had climbed a little higher, casting golden beams across the treetops. Birds chirped cheerfully, hopping between branches, while the cool mountain breeze danced around the tents. Distant valleys lay wrapped in mist, and the smell of wildflowers mixed with the earthy scent of damp leaves created a peaceful aura.

Everyone was gathered with plates in hand, enjoying a simple breakfast of bread, butter, and hot chai. Laughter and teasing bounced through the air like echoes of joy.

Just then, Parth strolled into the group with a mysterious grin.

"Aaj ka lunch... sab milke banayenge!" he declared, his voice full of excitement.

"Oooo hooo!"

"Wah bhai wah, adventure ke saath MasterChef challenge bhi?" Arush laughed, almost spitting his chai.

Parth raised a finger dramatically. "Sun lo pehle. Khush mat ho abhi. Sabziyaan aur saman dopahar tak pahuchenge, tab tak firewood, utensils aur setup ready kar lo. Aur haan, jinko cooking aati hai, unki aaj izzat banegi."

"Toh meri toh izzat gayi kaam se," Pranvi said instantly, raising her hand. "Mujhe toh Maggie banana bhi properly nahi aata."

Everyone laughed.

"Don't worry, Pranvi. Tu bas moral support dena," Vani smiled.

"Aur main? Main toh firewood dhoondhne ja raha hoon," Arush said, standing up. "Jab tak khana banega, main nature ke saath bonding karunga."

"Bonding ka matlab sona mat samajh lena," Swara teased.

"Waise sach batau," Ishan said, finishing his chai, "mujhe khudpe aur Aman pe pura bharosa hai. We are the MasterChefs of the group."

"Exactly," Aman added with a wink. "Aaj tum sabko asli khana kya hota hai, wo pata chalega."

"Bas yeh mat kehna ki tum dono ke haath ka khana khakar sab emotional ho gaye," Swara teased.

"Nahi Swara," Aman grinned. "Khana aisa hoga ki ya to sab tareef karenge... ya chhupke jungle mein fakege."

Everyone burst into laughter again.

"Main toh cutting mein expert hoon," Swara declared proudly.

"Cutting mein ya sirf baatein katne mein?" Arush shot back.

"Tum sab kaam kar lo, main apna talent evening performance ke liye bacha ke rakh rahi hoon," Pranvi joked.

"Vaise Anushka aur Vani kya karengi?" Parth asked, half serious.

"Main toh helping hand ban jaungi," Vani said. "Aur Pranvi ka entertainment bhi sambhalungi."

"Main dekhungi kiski acting zyada real hai - bhukh lagi hai ya kaam se bhaag rahe ho," Anushka added.

Parth clapped his hands. "Toh ho gaya decide! Aman aur Ishan - head chefs. Baaki sab assistant ya helpers. Aaj ka challenge: zinda bacha lo lunch!"

"Title sahi hai... survival cooking," muttered Arush, already heading off with a fake serious face.

The group split up, some going to collect firewood, others sorting utensils, and the rest trying to look busy while sneaking in jokes and giggles. The air echoed with joy, jokes, and the promise of chaos to come in their campsite kitchen.

Nature stood around like a gentle spectator - the trees swayed, birds chirped, and even the mountains seemed to enjoy the comedy unfolding beneath them.

Everyone had gathered near the clearing, surrounded by tall pine trees and the soft sounds of the breeze rustling through leaves. The sunlight filtered down in golden streaks, and the smell of fresh herbs and smoke from the small campfire made the place feel warm and alive.

Aman was at the wooden table, sleeves rolled up, seriously kneading dough like he was preparing for a cooking competition.

Ishan stood next to the stove setup, stirring the sabji like a pro, calm and focused.

A few feet away, Arush was in a full-blown war with onions.

"Ahh... mere toh aansu hi nahi ruk rahe... itna toh koi breakup pe bhi nahi rota hoga jitna ye pyaaz mujhe rula rahi hai!" he cried dramatically, blinking rapidly and holding an onion like it betrayed him.

"Pichle janam ki ex hogi teri," Uttar quipped without missing a beat.

"Kya yaar, is janam mein toh ek bhi girlfriend nahi mili, aur tu ex ki baat kar raha hai," Arush sulked, making everyone laugh.

Meanwhile, Vani noticed Swara sitting off to the side, poking at a tomato with zero interest.

"Tujhe kya hua? Tu itna chup kyun hai?" Vani asked.

"Kuch nahi... Varun ki yaad aa gayi," Swara replied with a sheepish smile.

"Varun kaun?" Vani and Pranvi asked in unison.

"Arey bataya tha na... tumhare future jijaji," Swara said, trying to sound casual but clearly enjoying the attention.

"Achha! Toh unhe bhi le aati... bechare ko hichkiyon se pareshan karne ka plan banaya hai kya?" Vani teased.

Anushka, Vani, and Pranvi burst into laughter while Swara rolled her eyes.

"Tum sab bhago yahan se! Warna is aalu se pehle main tum sabko kaat dungi!" Swara shouted, waving a ladle like a sword.

A little away from the chaos, Pranvi stood at a bucket of water, quietly washing vegetables. Her hands moved mechanically, but her eyes kept drifting toward Ishan-his focus, the way he handled the cooking, his easy confidence. Something about that simple moment felt... calming.

She absentmindedly picked up an onion and started washing it. Then another. Then again. Completely unaware of what she was doing.

"Need help?" Ishan's voice pulled her halfway out of her thoughts.

She just nodded.

He joined her, rolling up his sleeves, and began washing beside her. The silence was comfortable at first, but then he noticed something strange.

"Pranvi?" he said gently.

No reply.

"Pranvi?" he repeated louder this time.

"Huh?! Haan? Kya hua?" she snapped out of it, startled.

He raised an eyebrow and pointed to the onion in her hand.

"Main yeh poochh raha hoon... tum theek ho? Tum pyaaz kyun dho rahi ho vo bhi bar bar ?"

She looked down, horrified to realize what she'd been doing.

"Oh no... sorry! Vo main... kuch aur soch rahi thi," she said, fumbling with words.

"Kya soch rahi thi?" he asked with a small smirk, turning slightly to face her.

She looked at him, paused... then blurted,

"Tumhare baare mein."

Ishan blinked, caught off guard.

"Wait, what?"

She gasped and quickly backpedaled.

"I mean... vo... tum itne ache se sab kuch kar rahe the... main bas wahi dekh rahi thi. Mujhse toh properly sabzi bhi wash nahi ho rahi."

A small chuckle escaped Ishan.

"Relax, Pranvi. Itna stress mat lo. Tumhara kaam bhi important hai... even if it includes giving onions a spa treatment."

She laughed nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Okay okay... I'm going. Tum sambhal lo yeh."

She turned to leave, cheeks warm, heart racing just a bit faster. Behind her, Ishan shook his head with a smile, watching her go, she sat down on a nearby rock, tucking her shawl around her shoulders. Her hands still carried the scent of fresh coriander and mint, but her mind had drifted far away.

Some beautiful moments from her past started dancing in her thoughts-soft laughter under college canteen roofs, stolen glances in quiet classrooms, conversations that meant nothing but felt like everything.

"Those silly moments..." she whispered to herself, smiling shyly. Her eyes softened, the same way they used to when she'd pretend not to care, but secretly cherished every second.

She hugged her knees for a second, the noise of her friends playing in the background fading for a brief moment.

"Life was different then... but good," she thought. Her smile deepened, not out of regret-but from warmth. The kind that stays.

And then suddenly-

"Pranvi! Sabji dho ke bhool gayi kya? Aaja, yaha le kar aa!" Anushka called out, waving a chopping board.

Startled, Pranvi blinked herself back to reality.

"Haan haan! Aa rahi hoon!" she called, standing up quickly and brushing off her thoughts.

She took one last breath of the crisp mountain air, tucking her smile into her heart like a folded memory-before running back to join the chaos, her blush still lingering.

Back at the main campfire...

Aman yelled, "Oye Arush! Tu sabzi kaat raha hai ya crime scene recreate kar raha hai?"

"Kya karun yaar! Pyaaz hai ya emotional blackmail!" Arush replied dramatically, holding up his teary eyes.

Laughter echoed again, while Pranvi quietly sat with Vani, still distracted-her mind not on the vegetables, but on the way Ishan had looked at her... and the way she hadn't stopped looking back.

Vani walked toward the group with a mischievous glint in her eye, carefully balancing a plate with three glasses of water. Aman, Arush, and Ishan sat chatting nearby, unaware of what was coming their way.

As she approached, her eyes met Aman's. Without a word, she subtly tilted her head toward one of the glasses - a clear signal. Aman caught it instantly and gave her the slightest nod, the corners of his mouth twitching like he was trying not to smile.

"Ye lo paani, pyaas lagi hogi," Vani said sweetly, setting the plate down in front of them.

Ishan reached out to take one, his fingers just brushing the rim of a glass when Aman suddenly raised a hand in mock alarm.

"Ruko - paani hi hai na? Sprite to nahi?" he said, leaning back like he was shielding them from a potential threat.

Vani put on her most innocent face.

"Nahi nahi, paani hi hai. Pi ke dekh lo," she insisted.

Aman shrugged, picked up the glass he had been signaled toward, and took a small sip. He swallowed, then nodded slowly - a cue that it was safe.

Feeling reassured, Arush and Ishan each grabbed a glass and took a sip.

Vani had already turned around, walking away with a satisfied smirk when-

"Chee... ye kya hai?!" Arush and Ishan sputtered in unison, immediately spitting the water out onto the ground.

They looked at each other, horrified.

"Sharbat. Aapke liye special treatment. Remember?" Vani called back over her shoulder, laughing as she turned to face them again.

Aman couldn't hold it in any longer. He burst out laughing, clutching his stomach, while Arush and Ishan stared at their glasses like they'd just been betrayed by a lifelong friend.

"Isme to namak hi namak bhara

hai. Kitna kadwa hai ye!" Ishan gasped, wiping his tongue with the sleeve of his jacket.

Arush coughed, pointing an accusing finger.

"Aman bhi isse mila hua hai!"

Still chuckling, Aman leaned in and said under his breath,

"Sorry yaar... pehli baar to usne pyaar se manga, nahi to hamesha putna bani firti rehti hai."

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