13. Secrets of the Night

Target :- 55 votes

180 comments

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I wanted to inform you that due to my upcoming examinations in Jan, I won’t be able to release chapters during that time.

So to make up for it, I’m working diligently to provide as many chapters as possible before then.

Typically, I release 3 chapters a month, but in December, I’m aiming to deliver 4-5 chapters to ensure you don’t miss out.

[3rd chapter of dec]

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Flash back>>>

~Author pov~

Aarna’s eyes sparkled as she spotted a tray of vibrant-colored juice on the counter. "Oh wow, this looks so refreshing!" She thought to herself.

Without thinking much, she grabbed a glass and took a sip.

Her face lit up, "This is so tasty!"

Quickly, she called Saanvi. "Saanvi, you have to try this juice. It’s amazing!"

Saanvi, intrigued, joined her.

Both of them happily drank the juice, unaware of what they were consuming.

Like this they empty so many glasses of juice.

As Aarna put down the empty glass, she smiled dreamily. "I’ll be back in two minutes, just going to look at the beautiful moon." she said, spinning in place dramatically.

Saanvi gave her a confused look, then shrugged. "Okay, I’ll also go and will see the sun."

Both burst out laughing and waved at each other as they wandered off in different directions.

~Ridith pov~

Aaditya was talking with Varsha

As they weren’t talk much since he came back from London.

Then I got a call.

I stepped out of the hall to escape the noise and take that call.

The cool breeze outside was a relief.

I paced near the garden, finishing my conversation, but just as I turned around, I saw something—or rather, someone—strange.

Aarna.

She was standing near a bush, swaying slightly, as if she was having a conversation…

with a flower.

“Wow, Mr. Tulip! You’re so fancy!” she said, wagging her finger at the plant.

Then she giggled—loudly—and added, “But don’t think you’re better than me. I’m a star. A superstar!”

I blinked, trying to process what I was seeing.

Was she… drunk?

How?

Before I could figure it out, she turned and spotted me.

Her face lit up, and she shouted, “Ridith! My childhood hero!”

My what?

Before I could respond, she ran toward me, arms open, like some dramatic Bollywood heroine.

“Aarna, stop! You’ll trip—”

And she did.

Straight into my arms.

For a moment, I froze.

She was clinging to me like a koala, her head resting on my chest.

She looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes and whispered, “Oh my God, I feel like I’m in a movie. You’re my hero!”

I sighed, trying to keep my cool. “Aarna, what’s wrong with you? What was in that juice?”

She grinned mischievously. “Magic potion! It’s amazing. I feel like I’m flying without wings!”

Magic potion? Was she serious?

I shook my head, trying to stand her upright, but she wobbled and leaned closer. “Ridith, you’re so cold, but also so warm. Like… like ice cream with hot chocolate. I’ll call you Choco-Biscuit!”

Choco-Biscuit? What in the world?

“Great,” I muttered, rolling my eyes. “Now I’m dessert.”

She giggled like I’d told the funniest joke in the world. “You’re so funny, Biscuit!”

I couldn’t decide whether to laugh or groan.

Aarna was a handful even on her best days, but this?

This was something else.

Trying to avoid any curious stares, I guided her back toward the hall.

“Rid,” she said suddenly, tugging on my sleeve.

“What now?”

She gave me the most serious look. “Don’t tell Saanvi, but I think the tulips like me more than her.”

I bit my cheek to keep from laughing. “Noted. Your secret’s safe with me, Miss Superstar.”

I should have known something was off when Aarna kept slurring words like “Ridith, you’re a cold iceberg but I’m a volcano of fun!”

Fun?

This wasn’t fun—it was a nightmare.

"Aarna, it’s late. Let’s go home," I said for the hundredth time, but she crossed her arms like a stubborn child.

"No! Home is boring. I wanna climb!"

"Climb what?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"YOU!" she declared, pointing a wobbly finger at me.

Before I could react, she ran.

I swear she thought she was Usain Bolt. She sprinted toward some random bushes, giggling like a maniac.

"Catch me if you can, Ridith!"

I groaned and chased after her. "Aarna, stop! People are staring!"

"I’m a butterfly, Ridith! Let me fly!" she yelled, twirling dramatically, only to trip over her own feet.

When I finally caught her, she looked up at me with glassy eyes. "The world is spinning!"

"No, Aarna, you’re spinning," I muttered. And then—she vomited.

I was dragging her to car but then her stupid question started again

“Ridith, why do roads go straight? Why not zig-zag? Life would be more fun!”

“Because people like getting to their destination,” I replied, trying to steer her toward the car.

As we passed a shop with mannequins, Aarna froze in place, staring at one of them wearing a tuxedo.

“Ridith, look! It’s you!” she announced, pointing dramatically.

“That’s a mannequin.”

“No, it’s you! Same boring expression, same stiff posture. Admit it, Ridith, you’re secretly a mannequin.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, muttering, “I’m going to lose my mind.”

But somewhere between her declaring war on mannequins.

I found myself... smiling. It was so ridiculous, so chaotic, that even I couldn’t help it.

I was still chuckling when Aarna suddenly stopped in her tracks and squinted at me, as if she’d just discovered a new species.

“Wait a minute…” she said, dramatically pointing at my face. “You can smile?”

I blinked at her. “What do you mean, ‘I can smile?’ I’m human, not a robot.”

“No, no, no! This is big news!” she gasped, grabbing my face with both hands. “Ridith Rahman has a smile! And—it’s so beautiful!”

I stared at her, caught completely off-guard. “Aarna, you’re drunk.”

“So? Drunk people never lie! It’s like a universal rule!” she declared, nodding with a self-satisfied grin.

She leaned closer, inspecting my face. “Your smile is like… like… sunshine breaking through a stormy sky. Or like when you find an extra piece of chocolate you forgot about.”

“Okay, that’s enough,” I muttered, turning away, but she followed, bouncing around like a hyperactive child.

“Ridith, do you ever laugh? What does your laugh sound like? Is it like ‘ha-ha-ha’ or more like ‘hehehe’?”

She stumbled, and I caught her just in time. “Stop it Aarna, we’re going to a hotel. Right now.”

“Nooo! I want to dance in the sunlight!” she said, spinning on her heels. Before she could launch into another disastrous adventure, I hoisted her over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Ridith, put me down! This is kidnapping! HELP! SOMEONE SAVE ME!" she yelled dramatically.

"Don’t touch me! I’m an independent butterfly!" she declared, flapping her arms like wings.

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At the Hotel

After what felt like hours of chaos, I finally dragged her into a hotel.

She stopped at the reception desk and pointed at me.

“This is Ridith. He’s grumpy but cute,” she told the receptionist, who burst out laughing.

“Aarna, stop talking and walk.”

Dragging Aarna inside the room was a task in itself.

She kept stopping to poke at random decorations. “Ridith, look! A flower vase! It’s prettier than you.”

“Thanks for the compliment,” I replied dryly, hauling her toward the elevator.

------

Once we are inside the room, she collapsed onto the bed, sighing dramatically. “Ridith, this bed feels like clouds. Do you think angels sleep on clouds?”

I ignore her questions and went Inside the kitchen to make lemon juice.

While I was making lemon juice, she crawled under the bed.

“Aarna, what are you doing?”

“I’m hiding from you, Ridith! You’re too bossy!”

I crouched down to look at her. “Come out, Aarna.”

“Never!”

“Fine. Then stay there. I’ll leave.”

“No, wait!” She scrambled out, looking panicked. “You can’t leave me alone! What if the ghosts get me?”

I handed her the glass, she wrinkled her nose. “It smells like lemons.”

“That’s because it’s lemonade. Drink it.”

“I don’t trust you. You might’ve poisoned it.”

I groaned.

She took one sip and wrinkled her nose. “Yuck! You’re bad at making lemonade.”

“You’re bad at being sober,” I shot back.

Finally, she fell asleep, mumbling something about me being a “boring statue of seriousness.”

I sat on the sofa, intending to keep an eye on her, but exhaustion took over, and I closed my eyes.

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The Morning After

When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was Aarna still sleeping peacefully, sprawled across the bed like she owned it.

She look completely innocent—like she hadn’t just turned my night into a circus.

I rubbed my temples and called for a car.

picking her up bridal style.

She stirred slightly, muttering, “Ridith, are we flying?”

“No, Aarna. We’re going home.”

She smiled sleepily. “You’re my hero.”

“No, I’m your babysitter,” I grumbled.

She smiled sleepily. “You’re my favorite babysitter.”

I sighed. “Just go back to sleep, Aarna.”

Carrying her through the hotel lobby was embarrassing enough, especially with the receptionist smirking at me.

When we reached the car, I gently placed her inside and leaned back, finally letting out a deep breath.

As the car started I noticed her sleeping again.

~Aaditya Pov~

I sat on the couch, barely listening as Varsha talked about something from school. Her voice faded into the background while I glanced around the room. Ishaan was sprawled on the armchair, snoring loudly. Ruhi sat quietly by the window, staring outside.

“Where’s Ridith?” I muttered to myself.

“What?” Varsha stopped mid-sentence.

“Ridith’s not here, and it’s getting late. We can’t leave without him.”

Varsha stood up, frowning. “Let’s go find him. He’s probably off somewhere on his own.”

I nodded and grabbed my phone for light.

The cool night air greeted us as we stepped outside, following the path Ridith had taken earlier.

As we rounded a corner, I noticed a familiar figure by the pool.

At first, I thought it was Ridith, but as we got closer, I realized it was someone else.

“Saanvi?” I called out, squinting.

She turned around, swaying slightly, and I immediately knew something was off.

Her eyes were glassy, her smile wide but unsteady.

“Aaditya! My doctor!” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of delight and slurred words.

Oh, great.

She was drunk

I said. “You’re drunk, Saanvi.”

“And you’re handsome,” she blurted out, then gasped, covering her mouth. “Did I just say that out loud?”

Did she just flirt with me

Varsha looked at me, wide-eyed. “Is she… okay?”

“Saanu, what are you doing here?” I asked, walking up to her.

She held a finger to her lips, stumbling slightly. “Shh! The water’s listening.”

“The water?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes!” she said dramatically. “It understands me. Unlike some people.” She glanced pointedly at the pool, then giggled.

I sighed. “Okay, come on. Let’s get you away from the edge.”

“Nooo,” she whined, trying to twirl but nearly falling in the process. “I’m fine! Look, I can dance!”

“Saanu, stop it,” I said, catching her arm before she could topple over.

She looked up at me, her eyes narrowing. “You’re always so serious, Dr Aaditya."

But she wasn’t done. She tugged at my hand, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “You’re a doctor, right? Fix my broken heart.”

“What?” I blinked at her, stunned.

She giggled. “Just kidding! My heart’s fine. But you should really learn how to dance. I’ll teach you!”

Before I could protest, she started humming a tune and swaying clumsily.

I shot Varsha an apologetic look, but she just crossed her arms, clearly over it.

That made Varsha groan behind me. “Aaditya, she’s not making sense. Let’s just get her to any nearby hotel to stay this night as we can't take your drunk friend to home.”

Saanvi turned to Varsha, squinting. “Why are you so grumpy? Did someone steal your chocolate?”

Varsha gave me a look that screamed 'please get her away from me'.

“Alright, Saanu,” I said, trying to guide her away. “Let’s go.”

I stood there, utterly bewildered, as Saanvi wobbled away from me. “Saanu, stop!” I called out, but instead of listening, she ran straight to a streetlight pole.

To my utter horror—and slight amusement—she began climbing it like it was some sort of tree.

Once she was a few feet up, she clung to the pole with one hand and waved the other dramatically through the air, as if she were conducting an invisible orchestra.

“Look, Aadi! I’m flying!” she declared triumphantly.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Saanu, get down before you hurt yourself!”

She ignored me, giggling. “I’m on top of the world!”

I turned to Varsha, exasperated. “Can you please get her down? She might actually fall.”

To my surprise, Varsha nodded seriously, like she was about to handle the situation with precision and care.

I breathed a small sigh of relief—until I saw her walk over to the pole, look up at Saanvi, and then… start climbing it herself.

My jaw dropped. “Varsha! What are you doing?”

She turned to me mid-climb, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “She won’t listen to you, so I’ll bring her down myself!”

My god. One is mad because she’s drunk, and the other was clearly born this way.

Within seconds, I had two girls clinging to the streetlight pole, one drunkenly laughing and the other trying to act like she was on some sort of rescue mission. It was absurd.

“Alright, that’s it,” I said firmly, walking over. “Both of you, down. Now.”

Somehow, I managed to convince them to climb back down without anyone breaking a bone.

But as soon as Saanvi’s feet hit the ground, she turned to me, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Aadi, you’re so handsome,” she said, stumbling towards me and clinging to my arm. “Why didn’t I notice this before?”

I sighed, trying to peel her off gently. “Saanvi, you’re drunk. You don’t know what you’re saying.”

“I know exactly what I’m saying!” she declared, poking my chest. “And you’re amazing. Like, doctor and superhero amazing!”

Varsha rolled her eyes. “Okay, that’s enough. I’ll handle her.” She stepped forward and tried to pull Saanvi away from me, but Saanvi tightened her grip on my arm like a stubborn child.

“No!” Saanvi said, glaring at Varsha. “I only want to be with my Aadi!”

Varsha stiffened, her expression darkening. “He’s my Aadi,” she snapped, pulling harder.

“Girls,” I said, exasperated. “Don’t fight over this. Saanvi is drunk, and this isn’t the time for childish behavior.”

But Saanvi wasn’t done. She stuck her tongue out at Varsha, making an exaggerated face. “Nyah-nyah!”

Varsha’s eyes filled with tears, and she stepped back, clearly upset.

I groaned. “Saanvi, stop it. And Varsha, don’t cry. This is ridiculous.”

Saanvi pouted, but before she could say anything else, I scooped her up into my arms.

She blinked up at me in surprise, then grinned like she’d won a prize.

“My hero,” she said dramatically, resting her head on my shoulder.

Varsha walked silently beside me as I carried Saanvi towards the hotel. She didn’t say a word, but I could tell she was upset.

As I picked Saanvi up in a bridal style, she giggled uncontrollably, leaning her head against my chest. I tried to focus on walking steadily, but she clearly had other plans.

“Aadi, you’re so strong,” she said, batting her lashes at me. “Do you work out just to carry me?”

“Saanu, stop talking nonsense,” I said firmly, my face heating up.

But she wasn’t done. “You know, if I were awake, I wouldn’t let you carry me. But since I’m in your arms…” She trailed off and kissed my cheek suddenly, catching me off guard.

“Saanu!” I exclaimed, nearly tripping over my own feet.

She has turned me completely red by now, and I can't help but smile like a fool.

Her lipstick mark was printed on my face completely.

Varsha, walking beside us, immediately frowned. “Saanvi, behave yourself!"

But Saanvi only smirked. “Oh, I’m behaving, alright. Just giving my Aadi some attention.” She leaned in again, this time aiming for my other cheek.

I turned my head sharply to avoid it, but she still managed to plant a kiss somewhere near my jaw. “Saanvi, stop this!” I said, my face burning.

She grinned mischievously. “You know, Aadi, I love when you call me Saanu. It’s so… personal.”

Varsha huffed, crossing her arms. “What is this ‘Saanu’? Stop it, okay? Her name is Saanvi—Saanvi Malhotra.”

“Saanvi Shergill, actually,” Saanvi corrected her in a sing-song tone.

“Oh yes, that,” Varsha muttered.

But Saanvi wasn’t done. “Saanvi Shergill, but soon to be Saanvi Malhotra.”

My steps faltered for a moment as her words sank in. Wait, what?

Varsha’s mouth fell open. “What did you just say? Saanvi Malhotra? Only your sister’s wedding is happening, not yours!”

Saanvi leaned closer to me, a dreamy look on her face. “You’re such a good listener, Aadi. We’d make such a great couple.”

I sighed, utterly defeated, as Varsha shot me a glare. “You’re encouraging her!”

“I’m doing no such thing,” I said defensively, trying to keep Saanvi from kissing me again.

Varsha shook her head, clearly annoyed. “Just put her down, Aaditya. I’ll handle her from here.”

Saanvi clung to me like a koala. “No! I only want to stay with my Aadi. He’s so warm and comfy.”

Varsha narrowed her eyes. “He’s not your anything. Aaditya is my best friend.”

“Best friend,” Saanvi repeated mockingly. “Well, he’s my future husband.”

What?

My jaw drop.

I am her what–?

“Saanu!” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

She blinked up at me, her lips forming a pout. “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Yes!” Varsha interjected, her hands on her hips. “You’re embarrassing yourself!”

Saanvi stuck her tongue out at her. “You’re just jealous because I’m in Aadi’s arms and you’re not.”

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Once we reached the hotel, I placed Saanvi on the bed and made sure she was comfortable.

“Stay with me, Aadi,” she murmured sleepily, her earlier mischief replaced with a childlike innocence.

I sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Just sleep, Saanu. You’ll regret all of this in the morning.”

Varsha stood by the door, her arms crossed, watching us with a mix of frustration and something else I couldn’t quite place. I looked at her and gestured for her to sit down.

“We’ll sort all this out tomorrow,” I said tiredly.

“You should get some rest too. It’s been a long night.”

She turn her face with her dramatic 'huh'.

And when from there

I tried to stop her but she didn't listen.

~Flashback Ends>>>

Everything was perfect but now everyone was thinking that how will Saanvi react on her last night behavior.

~Saanvi pov~

I went to the farmhouse with Ruhi because she wanted to change.

As she change and we stepped outside, I was cornered by my mom and Aarohi Di.

“Where are you going in such a plain outfit?” Mom asked, inspecting me like I was a mannequin.

“Exactly,” Aarohi Di chimed in. “You’re a fashion designer, Saanvi! Have some pride in your work.”

I groaned internally but didn’t argue. After all, there was no escaping their fashion-obsessed intervention.

I sit there while Ruhi run back to that spot.

Dokhebazz !!!!

Then we all there decide some design for outfit as I have to stitch them.

It's been almost half an hour since I am here, I don't know what they all are doing there.

After what felt like a decades, they were satisfied and I left the farmhouse to return to the forest campfire.

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The moment I arrived, I noticed something strange. Everyone was gathered near the beach, sitting around quietly.

The air felt heavy, like I had just walked into the middle of an intense discussion.

I sat down on the sand, glancing at everyone. “Why does everyone look so serious? Did I miss something?”

No one answered. Instead, they exchanged awkward glances, as if waiting for someone else to speak up.

Finally, Ishaan broke the silence. “You know, Aaditya can play a great guitar.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? I thought he only knew how to irritate me.” I smirked at Aaditya. “Although, I wouldn’t mind hearing him play.”

Aaditya shook his head. “I can’t. I don’t even have a guitar.”

Out of nowhere, Ishaan produced a guitar and handed it to Aaditya with a grin. “Here, take this.”

Ridith joined in with a sly smile. “And you know, Varsha can sing too. Aaditya’s guitar is incomplete without Varsha’s song.”

Ruhi added, “And you know who’s a classical dancer? Saanvi!”

I blinked.

Me?

Dancer?

Even schoolteacher rejected me at my whole school life and here I am a dancer

Ishaan "Oh!  sure, bhabhi, please show us your dance please"

Wait—

what?

He call me his bhabhi, why?

I am not his bhabhi

"Stop calling me that" I said

Ishaan "What?"

"Uhm!! That-" I said, Ishaan was just about to say something but Varsha interfere

She said in her fully irritated and angry voice "Why didn’t you call yourself as his wi—" she was saying but Aaditya stop her by putting his hand on her shoulder

What's going on?

First of all they all were behaving strange and now what's this?

I notice how everyone tried to change the environment.

They all turned their attention to Aaditya and Varsha.

The group started urging Aaditya and Varsha to perform together.

At first, they both resisted, but eventually, they gave in.

Their behavior make me even more curious.

What were they hiding?

Before I could press further

They sat close together, their heads almost touching as Aaditya strummed the guitar and Varsha began to sing softly.

I noticed Aaditya, sitting under moon light, his sharp features and messy hair make him hard to ignore.

His deep eyes hold a quiet charm, matching the soulful tune he plays.

The melody feels as unforgettable as him.

For a moment, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. When did he start looking so… I shook my head, trying to push the thought away.

But my heart betrayed me, fluttering in a way that felt both unfamiliar and unsettling.

“What’s happening to me?” I muttered under my breath, my cheeks heating up.

Just then, Aaditya glanced up, his eyes meeting mine briefly. My breath hitched, and I quickly looked away, pretending to adjust my hair.

I found myself admiring him again but then I noticed Varsha sat—far too close for comfort.

They were laughing softly, leaning into each other like the ultimate childhood best friends.

Blood rushed to my veins, an inexplicable irritation bubbling inside me.

What was this feeling? Jealousy?

I clenched my fists, the sight making my chest tighten. Unable to take it anymore, I stood abruptly. “I think my mom’s calling me,” I blurted out and left before anyone could stop me.

As I walked through the dark, silent forest toward the farmhouse, the faint sound of Aaditya’s guitar lingered behind me.

My mind, however, was in chaos.

Why did I leave?

Why can’t I see them together?

They’re just best friends… right?

But I am his no one.

And it's the fullstop.

The thought of Aaditya and Varsha being so close again replayed in my head, and this time, anger sparked within me.

Aaditya beta, you are too much sticking to Varsha.

Just wait and watch what I’ll do.

~To Be Continued

~Chapter Aesthetic~

Aarna and Ridth

Saanvi and Varsha

Aaditya and Saanvi

Aaditya

Aaditya and Varsha

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~Spoiler Alert~

An apple a day, keep doctor away but if the doctor is handsome keep the apple away.