[21]

Ved was sitting calmly in his room, immersed in the quietude, when the

sudden intrusion of his siblings disrupted the peace. Vidhi and Vidhan strode in with mischievous grins plastered across their faces, their playful demeanor already hinting at trouble.

"Kal bhi stalk karna h kya?" Vidhan teased, his tone light but loaded with intent as he perched himself comfortably beside Ved on the bed.

"Koi jarurat nhi h," Ved retorted sharply, a trace of irritation seeping into his voice as he glared at Vidhan.

Unfazed, Vidhan turned to Vidhi, his smile widening. "Uska naam kya h Vidhi?" he inquired, clearly enjoying the banter and seeking to fuel it further.

Vidhi, ever ready to join the fun, grinned conspiratorially. "Aarohi... Aarohi Mehta," she replied, her voice laced with mock seriousness as she deliberately emphasized the name.

Ved, realizing he was their target of entertainment, scowled and swiftly picked up a pillow, hurling it at each of them in quick succession.

"Nikal jao yaha se, dono ke dono!" he barked, his frustration now impossible to conceal.

Vidhan dodged the pillow, chuckling, while Vidhi merely shrugged. "Accha theek h, hum ja rahe h, but usse pehle ek sawal puchna tha," Vidhi said, settling herself on the edge of Ved's bed.

Ved narrowed his eyes at her, suspicion flickering across his face. "Kya?" he asked cautiously.

"Do you have feelings for her, thodi si bhi?" Vidhan interjected, his tone serious but carrying an edge of curiosity.

Ved straightened his posture, his expression hardening. "I don't have any feelings for her. She is a total stranger to me," he replied, his voice firm.

Vidhi and Vidhan exchanged knowing glances but chose not to push further. "Okay," they said in unison, nodding before finally making their exit, leaving Ved alone with his thoughts-and the name that now lingered in the air like an unanswered question.

"Her feelings are none of my business," Ved muttered under his breath, attempting to dismiss the intrusive thoughts. With a sigh, he buried himself back into the pages of the book he had been reading, determined to lose himself in its words.

*******************

Banaras...

The city awakened with its characteristic charm-narrow alleys bustling with life, the aroma of freshly fried jalebis mingling with the fragrance of marigolds, and the ghats painted in hues of devotion as the sun began to rise.

Rishit, Vaani, and Kartik left their hotel early, eager to explore the essence of Banaras. For Rishit, however, the events of the previous night lingered in his mind, replaying like an unresolved melody.

"Rishit, let's explore the local market and food today," Vaani suggested cheerfully, her enthusiasm infectious. Rishit merely nodded.

The trio ventured into the vibrant streets, where vendors called out their wares and the colorful chaos seemed to hum with life. Vaani gravitated toward a jewelry stall, her eyes lighting up as she sifted through an array of intricate designs. Rishit and Kartik followed her, each in their own world.

"How is this one?" Vaani asked, holding up a delicate jhumka and turning to Rishit, who stood beside her, observing quietly.

"It's nice, but this one is more beautiful," Rishit said, pointing toward another jhumka with understated elegance.

"Aree haan," Vaani agreed, picking it up with a grin.

While Rishit and Vaani busied themselves in selecting the perfect pieces, Kartik, ever the documentarian, was engrossed in capturing the moments through his camera lens.

He framed the vibrancy of the Banaras streets, the intricate designs of the jewelry, and the unspoken camaraderie between Rishit and Vaani.

After purchasing a few trinkets, Vaani's attention shifted to a panipuri stall.

"Bhaiya, three plates panipuri," she ordered confidently, her excitement evident.

"Teen nahi, bas do," Rishit interrupted, his tone decisive.

"Kyun?" Vaani asked, her brows knitting in confusion.

"Main street food nahi khata," Rishit stated matter-of-factly, his expression betraying no emotion.

"What?" Vaani exclaimed in disbelief. "Aap street food nahi khate?" she pressed, as though trying to comprehend such an anomaly.

Rishit shook his head, unaffected by her astonishment. "Nahi," he replied firmly.

"Ek baar try to kijiye," Vaani coaxed, her voice laced with determination.

"Mujhe nahi khana," Rishit reiterated, his tone brooking no argument.

The vendor handed over two plates, and Vaani and Kartik dug in, savoring the tangy burst of flavors. Meanwhile, Rishit stood to the side, his disinterest evident.

"Rishit, try," Vaani urged again, this time taking a piece of panipuri and bringing it close to his mouth.

Her gaze softened, her eyes locking with his, urging him silently. Rishit hesitated but, drawn in by her gentle persistence, parted his lips and accepted the offering.

Kartik, sensing the moment's poignancy, quickly set his plate aside and captured the interaction with his camera, his lens preserving the fleeting tenderness.

"Kaisi hai?" Vaani asked eagerly.

"Acchi hai," Rishit replied, his face betraying no trace of emotion.

"Aapke chehre par kabhi expressions aate bhi hain ya nahi?" Vaani quipped, her tone playful.

Kartik chuckled, but Rishit remained unbothered. "Nahi aate," he said flatly, before turning on his heel and walking ahead.

"Arey, wait! Hum bhi aa rahe hain," Vaani called out, hastily settling the bill before trailing after him with Kartik.

Their next stop was a stall selling samosa chaat. Vaani wasted no time in placing the order. "Bhaiya, teen plates chaat," she announced, ignoring Rishit's attempt to protest.

"Bhaiya inki baat mat suno," she added, her tone leaving no room for debate.

Rishit shot her a look of disbelief but said nothing. When the vendor handed over the plates, Vaani and Kartik began eating enthusiastically while Rishit merely stared at his untouched food.

"Rishit, kha lijiye," Vaani urged, her voice softer now. Without a word, Rishit picked up his plate and started eating, his actions speaking of quiet resignation.

Their culinary journey ended on a sweet note with Malaiyo, a delicate Banarasi dessert. As the trio relished the creamy frothiness, the bustling city seemed to pause for a moment, encapsulating their shared experiences in its timeless charm.

*******************

Bangalore...

The classroom buzzed with the low hum of students flipping through notes and the professor's steady voice delivering the lecture. Ved and Vidhi sat side by side, their focus seemingly on the lesson, though Ved's attention wavered when he felt a pair of eyes on him.

He shifted his gaze subtly, scanning the room until his eyes landed on Aarohi. She was staring at him, her expression unreadable.

The moment their eyes met, Aarohi quickly looked away, her sudden movement betraying her nervousness. Ved hesitated for a fraction of a second before returning his attention to the lecture, choosing to dismiss the moment.

As the class ended, the usual chaos ensued, with students gathering their belongings and exiting the room. Amid the shuffle, Ved and Aarohi's paths unexpectedly crossed. Their arms brushed lightly against each other, making Aarohi freeze for a second.

"I am sorry," Aarohi murmured, her eyes fixed on the floor, her voice barely audible.

"It's okay," Ved replied in his usual composed tone before walking out of the classroom. Vidhi, quick to pick up on his mood, followed him silently.

Later, Ved and Vidhi were seated at a corner table in the canteen, enjoying a brief respite from their classes. The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and fried snacks filled the air. They were discussing the next lecture when Ved's demeanor shifted.

Amrita and Aarohi had entered the canteen, and Ved instantly sensed Aarohi's presence. His body tensed as his peripheral vision confirmed her sitting a few tables away.

Though she pretended to engage in conversation with Amrita, Ved could feel Aarohi's gaze on him-consistent, unwavering, and difficult to ignore.

"Vidhi, chal, chalte hain yaha se," Ved said abruptly, standing up from his chair.

Vidhi glanced at him, sensing his discomfort, and didn't question his decision. She nodded and gathered her things as they left the canteen together.

From her seat, Aarohi watched Ved's retreating figure, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"Aarohi," Amrita said, her tone a mix of encouragement and urgency, "Let me remind you that this is our last year in college."

Aarohi turned to her friend, her expression conflicted but aware of the truth in Amrita's words.

"Ab nahi toh shayad kabhi nahi," Amrita added with a meaningful glance, leaving the rest unsaid.

Aarohi nodded slowly, her mind racing with a mixture of hesitation and determination. After finishing their coffee, the two friends exited the canteen, the weight of Amrita's words lingering between them.

*******************

Banaras...

They spent the entire day immersing themselves in the soul of Banaras, wandering through its sacred lanes and soaking in its timeless allure.

The trio began their journey at the iconic Ganga ghats, where the river flowed with quiet majesty, its waters reflecting the golden hues of the morning sun.

They walked along the ghats, witnessing life in its raw and spiritual form-priests performing rituals, devotees offering prayers, and boatmen calling out to travelers. The air was fragrant with the scent of incense, mingling with the distant hum of temple bells.

At Dashashwamedh Ghat, they paused to take in the breathtaking view of the river. Rishit, ever introspective, stood silently, his gaze fixed on the flowing waters.

Kartik, as always, captured the moment-the serenity of Rishit against the backdrop of the eternal Ganga, while Vaani tried to entice him into a conversation about the myths and legends surrounding the place.

From there, they moved on to explore various temples. The trio visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, its golden spires glinting in the sunlight.

Vaani, captivated by the intricate carvings and divine energy, insisted on learning the story behind every idol and ritual. Rishit, though initially reserved, found himself drawn into the vibrant discussions, while Kartik documented every detail, from the bustling crowds to the flickering oil lamps that illuminated the sanctum.

Later, they ventured into the quieter alleys of Banaras, discovering hidden temples and shrines that spoke of the city's rich history.

As the sun began to set, they returned to the ghats to witness the famous Ganga Aarti. The trio stood amidst the crowd, mesmerized by the synchronized movements of the priests, the flickering flames of the diyas, and the chants that reverberated through the air, creating an otherworldly ambiance.

Vaani stood with folded hands, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of peace, while Kartik captured the ethereal glow of the aarti in his camera. Rishit, though silent, felt a strange sense of calm wash over him, as if the city's sacred energy had touched something deep within.

As night enveloped Banaras, the trio strolled through the vibrant streets, indulging in local delicacies and savoring the spirit of the city. From kulhad wali chai to the famous Banarasi paan, every bite and sip seemed to carry the essence of Banaras itself.

By the time they returned to their hotel, exhaustion had seeped into their bones, but their hearts were full. The city had left its indelible mark on them-its chaos, its tranquility, and its timeless charm woven into their memories forever.

******************

Once they returned to their room, the day's adventures seemed to catch up with them. Vaani plopped down on her bed, the tiredness evident in her every movement, while Rishit headed to the washroom to freshen up.

The room was quiet except for the muffled sounds of the bustling city outside. When Rishit emerged from the washroom, dressed in his nightclothes, his eyes immediately fell on Vaani. She was fast asleep, her form curled up on the bed, her soft breathing the only sound in the room.

For a moment, Rishit hesitated, his footsteps pausing mid-stride. Then, with careful, measured steps, he approached her. Her face looked serene under the dim light, the usual liveliness replaced by a rare stillness.

Instead, he quietly picked up the blanket lying at the foot of the bed and gently draped it over her. His gaze lingered, unbidden thoughts crowding his mind as the events of the previous night replayed themselves. The unspoken words, the fleeting emotions-it all felt so close, yet so far.

A deep sigh escaped his lips, breaking the silence. Shaking his head slightly as if to clear his mind, Rishit finally turned away and made his way to the couch.

He settled himself, his thoughts still restless despite the exhaustion in his body. The room grew quiet again, save for the faint rhythm of two souls breathing under the same roof, bound by moments neither fully understood yet.

____________________________________________________________________________

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