Ruhi's POV
Today is the last day of college before Diwali vacations started. I was not going to attend the lectures as I wanted to do self-study, but Aditi and Radhika insisted me to come.
So here I am, getting bored as the professor is revising the same topic for the nth time. I have already completed this topic!
Siddharth is still ignoring me, not that I mind, I am living a really peaceful life without his interference. However, the other four of them are not even trying to make us talk like they always do.
Right now, Radhika and Aditi are complaining about the canteen food, while Naman and Rishi seem to be in their own world, Rishi whispers something in Naman's ears and Naman blushs, HE LITERALLY BLUSHED AT SOMETHING RISHI SAID!
I have to warn Aditi about this, these guys are acting really strange, like what is Rishi even saying, has he started flirting with Naman too? Damn! I feel bad for Aditi.
Okay, what am I even thinking?
After what felt like an eternity, the lectures ended. I sighed as I packed my bag, I would have slept if it would have continued for even another minute. As we walked out, Radhika and Aditi came, Aditi asked, "Why do you look so exhausted?"
I scoffed, "So what do you expect my reaction to be after learning the same topic hundreds of times?"
Radhika clicked her tongue, "Come on, see it as your revision!"
I rolled my eyes, "I would have completed a whole new topic until now if I was at home! You guys wasted my time! Why did you guys even want to come?"
Aditi shrugged, "I hadn't seen Naman since yesterday."
I looked at her in disbelief, I hit her in frustration, "You-", before I could complete my sentence, I heard someone calling me, a really familiar voice.
I looked in the direction of the voice and as soon as I saw the person, I literally screamed with joy. I sprinted towards him and threw myself at him, he hugged me tightly. I could feel the happy tears forming in my eyes.
After I was satisfied, I pulled back, tears threatening to spill, I whispered, "I missed you."
He smiled softly, "I missed you too, my baby!"
Not thinking twice, I again pulled him in a warm hug. He chuckled softly as I snuggled my head in his chest, "Everyone is looking at us, baby!"
I said, my voice muffled because of his broad chest, "I don't care!"
He gently pushed me away and cupped my cheeks, wiping the tears from the corner of my eyes, he said, "You look really ugly when you cry, you know that right?"
I smacked his chest, "Shut up! My skin glows when I cry!", though I couldn't help but chuckle.
I finally pulled away and looked at him from top to bottom, I couldn't help but notice how much he has changed since we had last met, his broad shoulders, his height, his face, he has really become quite handsome. But he doesn't need to know that.
I teased, "You don't even need to cry to look ugly, you know that, right?"
He rolled his eyes, "No, I don't. Because that's not true. I am really hot and handsome."
"Narcissistic much?", I scoffed.
He smirked, "Yes, I am! I love myself very much!"
I shook my head as a chuckle left my mouth. I missed him way too much. I noticed him constantly glancing in a particular direction, so I asked, "What are you looking at?"
"That guy, he is glaring at us since you came running towards me. And trust me, he is burning holes in my skull just with his eyes!", he said.
Confused, I looked in the direction he was pointing and saw Siddharth. We made an eye contact just for a split second, then he immediately looked away. I sighed as I ran my hand through my hair, "He is Siddharth.", I mumbled.
He smirked, "Oh, he is the one you can't stop talking about!"
I made a face, "I don't talk about him that much, okay?"
"Yeah sure!", he said sarcastically. "But why is he throwing daggers at us?"
I clicked my tongue, "Leave him na! I don't even want to talk about him! Come, I'll introduce you to my friends.", saying this, I dragged him towards where the group - except Siddharth - was standing. I made him stand in front of them and started introducing them one by one, "Radhika and Aditi, whom you already know. He is Rishi and he is Naman." They all shook hands with him and just when I was about to introduce him to them, Siddharth came and forwarded his hand, his eyes were on me when he gave us a sweet smile and said, "Won't you introduce me, Ruhi?"
Ignoring the flutter in my chest after hearing my name from his mouth, I cleared my throat and said, "He is Siddharth." They shook hands and Siddharth said, "Nice to meet you, mate!"
He smiled faintly and replied, "Same here. I've heard a lot about you!"
Siddharth raised his eyebrow as he glanced at me, "You did?", he said, "I am sure you've heard the best about me!", his tone dripping with sarcasm.
I rolled my eyes, and he said, "Well, I would rather you don't hear the lovely compliments she gave you."
We chuckled and then I finally said, "Guys, this is-", he interrupted me, introducing himself, "Raj."
Radhika and Aditi smiled, and side hugged him. They have spent a lot of time together and know each other very well. They talked to him about how he was and how life was in USA, while my eyes drifted towards Siddharth, who was standing there with his jaw clenched.
What's wrong with him?
Anyway, as we were walking towards our vehicles, I asked Raj bhai, "You said that you won't be able to come, right?"
He shrugged, "I lied. I actually wanted to surprise you on your birthday, but I didn't get my leave at that time, but as soon as it did, I flew here."
I side hugged him, "Thank you so much for coming!"
He hugged me back and said, "How would I not come when my baby calls me?"
I smiled at him, our bond has always been like this, full of love. We did fight, but the love for each other was way more than any fights. He has always taken care of me; he is like my second parent. Whenever mom and dad are away, it's him who would stay with me.
We don't have any cousins from mom's side as she was the only child of my grandparents. We do have cousins from dad's side, but we are not in speaking terms with them.
Anyway, about Raj bhai, he went to the USA for further studies. Currently, he is in his final year of BSc in computer science. Aiming to become a software engineer, he has worked hard in achieving his goals, something I admire about him.
Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I found Siddharth standing there. I raised an eyebrow at him as we walked side by side as Raj bhai walked further ahead.
He cleared his throat. I waited for him to say something, and waited, and waited, but he didn't say anything, so I cleared my throat too, a bit louder than him.
He glanced in my direction as I did so, and then, instead of finally speaking, he again cleared his throat, louder. I narrowed my eyes as I did it again, trying to sound louder than him. He again cleared his throat louder than me, I did louder than him. Just when I thought he couldn't do it any louder, he started coughing loudly. I gave him a side eye and everyone else turned to look at him, when Raj bhai said, "Bro, vicks ki goli du?"
I suppressed my laughter as I looked at Siddharth trying to maintain his composure. After composing himself, I thought he would finally speak, but when he didn't, I threw an irritated look at him and increased my walking speed.
Just as I moved forward, he grabbed my wrist gently, and said, "Ruhi, wait!"
Why is he saying my name again and again? Ugh! And why the hell is my heart skipping a beat every time he did so?
I turned around to face him and looked at my hand which he was holding, he immediately left my hand and cleared his throat. Again.
I said in frustration, "If you clear your throat even one more time, I swear I will make sure it's the last sound you ever make!"
He finally said, "I wanted to ask you something."
I crossed my arms and asked, "So you are finally done ignoring me?"
"I- that-", he stuttered.
I interrupted him, "What do you want to ask?"
He hesitated, "I- I wanted to ask that you said that you don't believe in such things?"
My brows furrowed, "What things?"
"Aree, this only-", he pointed in Raj bhai's direction, "You remember when we went to that market before Navratri, you said that you think these things are a waste of time."
Confused, I tried to recall our conversation, "Yeah, I did say that I am not interested in relationships, so?"
"Then why?", he again pointed in Raj bhai's direction.
That's when I finally got what he was trying to say. I burst into laughter as I realized his misunderstanding. Confused by my reaction, he asked, "Why are you laughing?"
"Then what else am I supposed to do, you idiot!", I said between my laughs. My laughter faded when I noticed him looking at me for too long. With a small smile, I shook my head, "You really are a fool!" and went ahead, where Raj bhai was already waiting for me on the scooter. He asked, "Why were you laughing so much with your enemy?"
"Because my enemy has gone mad!", I said as I sat on the scooter behind him.
I told Raj bhai about Siddharth's misunderstanding and he laughed too. But I have to admit, he was acting quite weird back then. I mean, he's always so cold, but when he was talking to me, he didn't feel like the Siddharth I talk to daily, the grumpy one. No, he was unguarded, confused. His usual tough demeanor absent. What could be the reason? And why does he even care about someone's relationships whom he is just ignoring.
We reached home and I freshened up while Raj bhai made tea for both of us. We sat down, enjoying the tea. I exclaimed, "I still can't believe you actually came!"
He sighed, "I was planning to come for a long time, but I was stuck with my studies, final year is really difficult, you know? I finally got 2 weeks off, so I immediately flew here."
"Thank god you came! I won't be alone this Diwali! What about mom and dad?", I asked.
"Mom and dad are busy. They might be here this December though.", he replied.
"They are always busy.", I say, my voice low. Raj bhai's eyes soften, he pulls me into a warm hug. He says, "Ruhi, they miss us too. But they are stuck with a project, you have to understand, baby."
"I know bhai, it's just, I miss them so much! Anyway, let's change the topic, I have so many things to tell you! You won't believe how much I am enjoying college..." and then, I started telling him everything I did since the college started. He told me about his life in the USA, about how much he enjoys his degree, how much he enjoys coding.
Our parents weren't always away. This year, they had to go for a trip abroad, for a project. My mom and dad started a company together years ago, which they are still handling. I chose business after seeing them. They are my inspiration. I am walking on their footsteps; they did ask me to join their company, but I wanted to do something on my own. They respected my decision.
I suddenly received a text from Aditi to meet her at the park.
Aditi's POV
After coming back from the college, I was sitting with Isha di, talking about how we are so distant from our family. She complained, "I came here to spend time with my family, but they aren't even free for me! How can they be out for Diwali too? I thought I would finally be able to celebrate Diwali with them after 3 years! But they aren't even here!"
I sighed, "I know, di. Don't get sad, please. You know, it was like this only, the last 3 years without you. Yes, they were here, but just physically. I used to decorate the whole house alone, you know, making rangoli, putting on the lights, everything. They were there but were always busy with 'work'. So don't think that things would be different if they were here."
Di nodded understandingly, then asked, "What about your friends? Ruhi and Radhika's family is not here too, right?"
I nodded, "Ruhi's brother is here, but not her parents. Radhika's mom and dad are also out for a trip."
"But why did they leave Radhika during the festival?", she asked.
"Radhika was supposed to go with them too. They were planning this trip for a long time, it was her mom's idea, and her mom was very much excited about it. But then came our exams and hence, Radhika couldn't go. But she insisted that her parents should because she didn't want her mom to feel sad."
She nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly jumped from her seat, her eyes twinkling with excitement, "Then let's celebrate together! Let's have a house party this Diwali!"
I straightened up, giving it a thought, "But, what about Ruhi's brother? He came from USA just for her."
"Call him too, na!", she suggested, "What was his name? Raj, right? He is a great guy!"
I nodded, "Yeah! Good idea! I'll talk to them.", saying this, I grabbed my phone to call them when Di said mischievously, "Also, ask Naman and his friends too!"
I smiled, "Yes! Thank you!"
I immediately texted Ruhi and Radhika to meet me at the park in 30 minutes. I also texted Naman to come along with Siddharth and Rishi.
30 minutes later, we were all sitting at the park. I clapped my hands, "Guys, I was thinking that we should organize a house party this Diwali! I mean, none of our parents are available this Diwali due to some or the other reason, so why not celebrate together?"
Everyone agreed, "We definitely should!", surprisingly, Siddharth agreed too.
Siddharth said, "You called us all here so urgently for this? You could have just texted us."
Rishi agreed, "Yeah, you know what? Let me make a group chat! We are all friends for so long now, still we haven't created a group!"
"Cool then! I'll host the house party! I'll text you guys if there is a need!", I said.
Ruhi opposed playfully, "Hey! That's not fair! I am the party organizer of the group! You can't take away my position!"
I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, yeah, whatever. But this is my idea, so I'll host it!"
Ruhi said, "Okay, but tell me if you need any help! But hey, what about my b-", I interrupted her saying, "He is invited too."
Ruhi smiled, "Great then! Consider him in."
Siddharth blinked, confused, "Who is this 'him'?"
Ruhi suddenly smirked, "Raj."
Siddharth raised an eyebrow, "The guy from earlier? Why the hell is he invited?"
Ruhi crossed her arms, "Because I am not leaving him alone, any problem?"
"Yes, I have. We don't want you and your-", Ruhi interrupted him, "He is coming! That's final!" She threw a smirk in Siddharth's direction, to which he rolled his eyes. God knows when they will stop this drama!
Naman said, "So that's final! It's the 6 of us, Isha di and Raj!"
We all agreed and decided to head back home. But before that, Ruhi and Radhika turned to me. Radhika said, "Thank god you planned this, Aditi! I thought I won't be able to celebrate this year."
Ruhi agreed, "Yes! You know, I was talking with Raj bhai about this only!"
I smiled, "I can understand. I thought this would be best for all of us... and I was thinking that.."
Ruhi smirked, "No way girl! Are you going to propose Naman this Diwali?"
I nodded, "Yeah, maybe it's a good chance."
They exchanged an excited look and said that it was a great idea, and they would help me with it. I turned away after they left to find Naman leaning against a tree, probably waiting for me. I made my way towards him, "I thought you left.", I said.
He smiled softly, "Couldn't leave without talking to you. We aren't even getting anytime to talk, like just the two of us. So, I thought why not now."
I smiled back, "Come on then, walk me home!"
We walked side by side, when he spoke, "How are your exam preparations going?"
I groaned, "Seriously, Naan? Exams? Can we please not talk about that?"
He chuckled, "Okay, okay! So, your parents are not here for Diwali?"
I sighed and nodded, "I don't know what to say about them. They are never available for me and di, always busy with their work."
He said, his voice calm, "Why are they working so hard? For you and your sister, right?"
I clicked my tongue, "But, what's the use of working for us if they couldn't even spend time with us? That's not fair! Everyone is busy in life, but not to that extent that they forget their family!"
"Give them some time, they will realize their mistake, they will regret not spending time with you."
"I have given them lot of time, Naan! I'm waiting for them since we came to Mumbai! It's been 5 years now!"
"Then talk to them! Tell them that you need them! When are they coming back?"
"Probably, mid-November. Why?"
"When they come back, tell them how much you miss them, tell them how much you need them!"
I nod, "Maybe I should. Maybe, I never tried talking to them either."
He smiled softly, "See! Now you get it!"
"Don't you miss your parents? Don't you feel like going back to Delhi to meet them?", I asked.
He sighed, "I do miss them. Last time I went to Delhi was during Lohri."
My eyes widen, "You last saw them in January? How do you live without them?"
He shrugged, "I video call them daily. I'm again going to Delhi next year for Lohri."
"Wow! You will meet them after like 1 whole year!"
He chuckles, "You are making it sound like I'm gonna meet them after a decade!"
I smile sheepishly, "Yeah, but you were a huge mumma's boy back then, so it is quite surprising."
"I am living here for 3 years without my mom, so I think I am not mumma's boy anymore!"
"Oh, come on! You can never stop being a mumma's boy!"
He again chuckles, "Yeah, maybe. But I am glad that I came here." My eyes soften as he said that, knowing it was directed towards me.
As we reached my place, I turned to him, a smile dancing on my lips, "Thank you, Naan!"
He smiled back, "You don't need to thank me.", he said as he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Okay then...Byee!" He pulled his hand back and nodded, "Bye."
I started walking away. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked. I looked back at him, he was still standing at the same place, making sure I reached home safely. But as my attention was fixated at him, I didn't notice a small stone in my path and stumbled slightly, making me yelp. I balanced myself and again looked back, he had already taken a step forward, being cautious, I blinked, assuring him that I was okay, and he nodded in response.
I finally went inside and leaned against the door, it feels so good to just talk to him. I looked through the window, seeing him finally walk away. He was rubbing the back of his neck, nervous and flustered.
I chuckled looking at him. When I straightened up and moved away from my window, I saw Isha di standing her with her arms crossed and eyebrow raised, she said, "Bada 'hehehe' kar rahi hai kabse! Kya hai aisa window ke bahar?"
She tried peeking out of the window, but I stood in front of her, obstructing her view, I looked out of the window, some street dogs were roaming around, some kids were playing cricket. "I was just looking at the dogs playing cricket!", I blurted out.
I immediately regretted my words as di gave me an incredulous look, "What?"
I took a deep breath and said, "I-I mean, I was looking at the children playing cricket and the dogs were disturbing them! Yes! That's what I was looking at!"
She gave me a judgmental look, but decided not to press on it, "Okay, whatever! Tell me what happened at the park."
I grinned, "They agreed! We are going to host it. You are going to help with everything."
She smiled back, "Finally, something to do. I swear I was so tired of sitting idly all day!"
"Great then! Let's start the planning, we don't have a lot of time!"
We started planning and discussing what all things we are supposed to do, we had to buy a few things, decorate the house, decide games and also arrange the menu. I have to go for some shopping! I decided to take Naman's help, because I could get some help in deciding the menu, and maybe, just maybe I want to spend some time with him.
I called Naman. He picked the phone in the second ring, "Hey!", came his usual enthusiastic response.
"Hii! You have one hour, get ready and meet me at the market for shopping.", I said.
"Your word is my law, your highness!", he said dramatically.
I chuckled, "Okay then, meet me at the market in an hour."
He clicked his tongue, "Why bother your legs, majesty, I'll pick you up myself!"
I rolled my eyes, "Shut up, Naan!"
I heard him chuckle, "Okay, okay! But pick and drop service still remains, okay? I'll meet you in an hour."
I agreed and continued my work of planning. I have to prepare everything until tonight, as it's Diwali tomorrow.
After an hour, I found myself seated behind Naman on his bike. "Where to?", he asked.
"Market. We have to buy flowers, candles, and many more things."
We reached the local market, which was full of lights, with stalls and shops selling various bright and colorful articles like lanterns, diyas, candles, etc. We made our way to the diya stall. We looked at the clay lamps adorned with colorful patterns, each one unique than the other in shape, size and pattern.
We together selected a few of them and also bought some simple tealight candles. We then moved towards the flower vendor; the vibrant shop filled the air with the smell of nature. We picked some marigold garlands and flowers and some rose petals.
I made my way towards the next stall, rangoli. I was buying the bright colorful sand, when I noticed Naman was absent. I looked around to find him lingering near the flower shop, so I called his name, "Naman! Come on!"
He immediately rushed towards me, "Yes?"
"We need to hurry up! What were you doing?"
He rubbed his eyebrow, avoiding eye contact, he said, "Um...I was just...looking around, nothing much."
I looked at him for a second and then nodded, "Okay. Let's continue."
We bought a few more items and walked back to where the bike was parked.
I asked, "I am really confused about the menu! What should I do?"
He nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly, his eyes lit up, he said, "We could do potluck party!"
"Oh my god, yes! That's perfect! Thank you so much, Naman! You made my work so easy!", I exclaimed.
He gave me a cheeky smile and said, "It's my pleasure, your highness!"
I chuckled, "Come on, let's go home then. I have a lot more to do and also, I need to study!"
As we reached my place, I turned to Naman, "Thanks again!"
He smiled, "You're welcome."
He looked at me as if he wanted to say more but then decided against it. I bid farewell and turned to walk away, when I heard him say my name, "Aditi!"
I turned around to see him avoiding eye contact and rubbing the back of his neck almost sheepishly. "What is it?", I asked.
"Umm...I have something for you.", he said, still looking at the ground. I then noticed he was hiding something behind his back.
"What is it, Naan! Just show it!", I said, my voice filled with curiosity.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, he brought his hand from behind his back, revealing a single red rose.
My eyes widened and I let out a sound of surprise. He finally looked at me, his cheeks heating up, "This is...for you."
I could feel the blush creeping up my face as I accepted the rose. I bit my lower lip, not knowing what to say. "Thank you.", I managed to say, my voice almost a whisper.
He took a step closer; I could see his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed hard. Taking a deep breath, he started, "Adi, I... umm...wanted to say that I-" suddenly, the sound of my ringtone cut his words. He immediately stepped back, his face turning into a deep shade of red.
I looked at my phone to see it was Isha di. I groaned and picked the call, my face flushed too, "Hello!"
"Where are you?", came her voice.
I glanced at Naman, who had suddenly developed a new, profound interest in observing the ground. "I will be there in a minute.", I replied.
"Come fast!", she said.
"Yes.", I said and cut the call.
I turned my attention back to Naman, who was still looking at the ground, biting his lip nervously. "Naman!", I called him, "You were saying something."
He finally looked up, his cheeks still flushed, he said, "I- that- nothing."
I felt a pang of disappointment at his 'nothing', but it immediately vanished after I looked at the rose in my hand.
I cleared my throat, "Your highness appreciates your efforts.", I said with a smile, trying to ease the mood.
He smiled sheepishly, "It's not a big deal.", he said, relieved by the change of topic.
"I should go now, Isha di is waiting.", I said.
He nodded, "Call me if you need anything."
I nodded with a smile, "Sure."
"You can call me otherwise too.", he added with a flirtatious smile.
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't stop my smile from growing wider. "Okay, byee!"
"Byee!"
I finally turned around and walked away. Before going inside, I looked back to see Naman still standing there, waiting for me to get in safely.
After going in, I brought the rose near my nose to get it's fragrance. I sighed in satisfaction as I took in the floral smell.
I peaked out of the window to see Naman walking away, rubbing the back of his neck, just like he did earlier.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his actions. As I turned around with the rose still in my hand, I found Isha di standing there with her arms crossed. Again.
"Firse 'hehehe' karne lagi? What happened? Are the dogs playing cricket again?", she asked.
Before I could reply, she noticed the rose and smirked, "Oh, it's Mr. Sharma playing!"
I opened my mouth to speak, but she continued, her smirk widening, "Seems like Mr. Sharma has finally opened the game by batting a rose straight to your heart."
"I- Di! Shut up!", came my flustered reply.
She chuckled at my flushed condition and then finally stoppee teasing me, she said, "Come on now, we have a lot to do!"
We then decorated the house with flowers and lights. I will make the rangoli tomorrow with the help of Ruhi and Radhika. Others will bring the fireworks.
Lights? Check.
Flowers? Check.
Diya and candles? Check.
Music? Check.
Games? Check.
Food? Che- Oh shit! I forgot to message them about the potluck party!
I immediately grabbed my phone and typed a message on the group Rishi had created this morning, telling everyone to bring something from their home each.
They all showed tantrums in the beginning but then agreed anyway.
Food? Check.
After everything was finally sorted, I studied for a while and then made some final touches for tomorrow.
I can't wait for the party! It's gonna be soo much fun! Maybe Diwali without family won't be that bad.
My gaze drifted to the rose kept on the table and a small smile formed on my face. I picked the rose and placed it in a glass of water, so it won't wither so soon.
I did say that I would probably propose Naman at the party tomorrow, but now, I don't think I will. Tomorrow is going to be dedicated to all the friends.
I want to propose him on such a day, that it would be just the two of us. And after today, I think he will be the one to confess first.
Let's see, what happens next.
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