My stomach churns with a tumultuous blend of nervousness and irritation, a physical ache that seems to mirror the emotional upheaval inside me. The sudden, pointed question cuts through my composure, making my pulse quicken and my thoughts spiral. It's as if the very person I've admired and cherished, the one whose presence is a source of both comfort and heartache, is now the center of my frustration. The irony is almost unbearable-my deepest affection is now tangled with an overwhelming urge to lash out, to punch the one handsome face that has captured my heart and stirred my emotions. In that moment, the complexity of my feelings feels like a storm, both alluring and tormenting.

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat, my vocal cords seemingly refusing to cooperate. I tried to muster a coherent reply, but before I could manage even a sound, a sudden noise from the direction Adrit had gone caught my attention.

A thud echoed through the night, and everyone immediately sprang into action. We all got up and hurried towards the source of the sound to check if Adrit was okay. I trailed behind, my steps quickening as I tried to catch up, only to find that the group had abruptly stopped, each person instinctively hiding behind the nearest trees.

Confusion gripped me as I tried to push forward, but before I could fully understand what was happening, Viaansh's hand gripped my arm, pulling me back. My face collided with his hard chest, and I stumbled, feeling his warmth against me.

"Don't," he whispered urgently. "Your brother is busy with another girl."

The shock of his words hit me like a jolt. My eyes locked with his, and I could feel the intensity of his gaze. His lips were mere inches from mine, and his eyes softened as they searched my face, trying to find something he couldn't quite articulate. Just then, Mishri's gasp broke through the tension, and the realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

Turning my gaze towards the scene unfolding before us, I saw a girl-fairly beautiful-standing in front of Adrit. She had just confessed her feelings for him, her voice trembling but resolute. My heart sank as I processed the situation, the painful truth settling heavily in my chest.

"I like you," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly.

Adrit's reaction was immediate. "What?! No way!" His eyes widened as if he'd just seen a ghost-or maybe just a really, really bad math test.

"Please, stop yelling," she snapped, clearly miffed by his over-the-top response.

Adrit, still grappling with reality, stammered, "I've known you since I was in 12th grade, and never in a million years did I think you'd have feelings for me."

"Girls are pretty good at concealing their emotions, you know," she replied, twirling a strand of hair with a dramatic flair, as if she were auditioning for a soap opera.

"But I don't feel the same way," Adrit said, trying to sound indifferent but failing miserably.

"Come on, stop pretending. I overheard you talking to your friends. I know how you feel," she said firmly, sounding like she was reading from a script.

Adrit tried to protest, but she stepped in closer, and before I could process what was happening, she planted a kiss on him. Not just any kiss, but a full-blown, romantic movie-worthy kiss. Adrit hesitated for a moment, then wrapped his arms around her like he was trying to keep a wild horse from bolting. The kiss deepened as if they were in a battle for who could be more dramatic.

Their embrace was so intense, I half-expected someone to yell "CUT!" from the sidelines. When they finally pulled apart, Adrit whispered, "I love you..."

"I love you too," she replied, her voice so sincere it could have made a romance novel jealous.

They hugged tightly, their bodies pressed together like two puzzle pieces that didn't quite fit but were determined to make it work. Adrit buried his face in her neck, and she nestled into his shoulder, as if the world outside had ceased to exist. Watching them, I couldn't help but think that I'd just witnessed the most over-the-top, melodramatic love scene in the history of camping trips.

Just as I was starting to enjoy the scene, Varun's loud sneeze shattered the moment. "AACHUUU..."

"Ewww... Put your hands over your mouth while sneezing!" Shyam yelled, his face scrunched up in disgust as he wiped away the stray droplets of saliva.

I couldn't help but scrunch up my nose, equally grossed out by the unexpected interruption.

Adrit and the girl he was kissing were left stunned and caught off guard. Both looked around, trying to piece together what had just happened. We all emerged from our hiding spots in the bushes, trying to suppress our laughter and awkwardly making our way back into view. The romantic bubble had burst, leaving behind a hilarious mess of startled expressions and lingering embarrassment.

"I-I-" Adrit stammered, but his attempt at an explanation was drowned out by Viaansh, who stepped in and started mimicking him. Holding me in his arms, he whispered, "I love you," in a melodramatic tone.

The group erupted in laughter, the sound echoing around us. I stood there, feeling a pang of hurt. Hearing those three words turned into a joke was like a knife to my heart. The playful mockery cut deeper than anyone could know, and my chest tightened with an unsettling mix of embarrassment and pain. Mishri's eyes met mine with a look of pity, her sympathy clear as she recognized the weight of the situation. Despite the laughter around me, I felt like I was standing alone in a painful spotlight.

I wished those words from Viaansh had been more than just a joke. The fleeting moment of affection, turned into mockery, stung deeply, leaving me to ponder what might have been if his feelings had been genuine.

Shrugging off the aching feeling, I steeled my expression and turned to Adrit. "Shall we move to the camping area to discuss a few things, or do you want to indulge in some more drama?"

Adrit nodded, his hand intertwined with his companion's as they started walking toward the camping area. The sight of them moving together, seemingly lost in their own world, only deepened the bittersweet sting I felt.

"How come I didn't know? I was always around you," Viaansh said, his disbelief evident.

"That's because I'm very secretive," Adrit replied, his tone defensive.

Varun and Shyam couldn't contain their snickers, barely managing to hide their amusement.

"What's there to laugh about, you pair of gay monkeys?" Mahika finally spoke up, her voice tinged with irritation.

"Oh, we just can't imagine this monkey being in a relationship," Varun retorted, his grin widening.

Mahika finally managed a smile, a small victory amidst the awkwardness.

"Why were you so irritated these days?" I asked, my tone stern.

"It's because she kept approaching me, and I was determined to ignore her as much as possible," Adrit confessed.

"You're such an asshole," I said, my disappointment clear.

"I know, right? I don't even know what I saw in this munchkin to fall in love with him," Mahika agreed, her disdain for Adrit evident. Adrit stared at her, clearly shocked.

"Hey! Don't say that. I love you," Adrit whined, his voice full of desperation.

I couldn't help but cringe at his words. "No one cares," Mahika and I replied in unison, prompting laughter from everyone.

"It's already 2:00 a.m. I think we should get some sleep now," Mishri said, and everyone nodded in agreement.

We all headed to our separate tents: Mahika, Mishri, and I in one; Viaansh and Adrit in another; and Varun and Shyam in yet another. As we settled into our respective spaces, the laughter and tension from earlier gradually gave way to the quiet of the night.

As I searched for my bag to retrieve my ear pods, I realized it wasn't in the tent. Remembering that Adrit had carried one of my bags, I made my way to their tent.

"Bhai, one of my bags might be in your tent," I called out.

Viaansh unzipped the tent and gestured for me to come inside. "Your bhai went to the washroom. Come in and take whichever bag is yours."

I nodded and stepped inside, retrieving my bag. As I unzipped it to check that all my snacks were intact and not raided by my hungry brother, I noticed that my personal diary was missing.

Noticing my frown, Viaansh asked, "What's wrong?"

"I can't find my personal diary," I admitted.

Viaansh's expression shifted as he seemed to recognize the situation. He reached for a couple of diaries lying nearby, both looking similar. "I have the same diary. Maybe this one fell from your bag. Don't worry, I haven't read anything," he said with a reassuring smile.

I returned his smile and was about to leave when he gently held my hand. Surprised, I turned to face him. His expression was contemplative, but the only words he whispered were, "Good night."

"Good night," I whispered back, before leaving the tent.

As I lay down in my tent, stargazing through the mesh roof, my mind replayed the day's events. So much had happened-Adrit's unexpected reunion with Mahika, the games we played, and Viaansh's odd behavior. From the "Would You Rather" game to the "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire" fiasco, and Viaansh's unsettling joke, it all seemed surreal.

Then there was the moment when he stopped me from leaving his tent, a gesture that felt out of place. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss with Viaansh. His actions and the undercurrents of his behavior were leaving me with more questions than answers. As the stars twinkled above, I wondered what the future held and what hidden truths were yet to be revealed.

I must have dozed off while lost in thought because when I woke up, the tent was bathed in daylight, and everyone was already outside. The sounds of laughter drifted in from outside. I quickly brushed my hair, got up, and stepped out of the tent.

"You're awake!" Mishri exclaimed. "Go brush your teeth, and then we'll have breakfast."

I nodded, then Shyam added, "Oh, and wake Viaansh up when you're at it. He's still asleep."

I brushed my teeth and made my way to Viaansh's tent. He was sleeping peacefully, and I couldn't help but look at him fondly. A few strands of hair were falling across his forehead, and I gently brushed them aside to get a clear view of his serene, ethereal morning face.

He was so tall, so imposing, yet there was something remarkably tender about him in his sleep. His curly brown hair was tousled, and though I wanted to smooth it out, I restrained myself.

"Viaansh bhaiya, wake up," I said softly, shaking him gently.

He shifted to the side but didn't wake. "Viaansh bhaiya," I called again, a bit louder this time.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. A sleepy smile spread across his lips as he took in my presence.

"You look beautiful even with your morning messiness," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

I was taken aback by his unexpected compliment. "What are you saying, Viaansh bhaiya?" I asked, still trying to process the sudden affection.

He narrowed his eyes playfully. "Can you do me a favor?" he asked, his tone shifting to a more serious note.

"Hmmm?" I responded, feeling a mix of intimidation and curiosity.

"Stop calling me bhaiya," he whispered huskily, his words sending a shiver down my spine. Before I could fully register his request, he stood up, grabbed his brush, and went outside.

I sat there, completely stunned, trying to process the unexpected shift in our dynamic.

I composed myself and stepped outside, forcing a smile as I joined the group for breakfast. I sat down, trying to focus on the cheerful chatter around me. However, my gaze kept drifting back to Viaansh. When our eyes met, he gave me a longing look that I couldn't quite decipher.

My heart raced with the unsettling thought: Does he like me? No, that couldn't be it. I shook off the thought and returned his smile, trying to immerse myself in the conversation with everyone else, though my mind was still tangled in confusion.

"Viaansh, could you please pass me the basket of fruits?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.

Viaansh looked at me with a delighted expression, like a puppy finally getting what it wanted. Everyone else stared at me, surprised by the absence of bhaiya.

"What? I need to appear a bit more friendly since I've known him for a while. How long do I have to stay formal? He's not even that much older than me," I explained, shrugging off their surprised looks.

The group nodded in understanding, accepting my explanation and returning to their breakfast.

Soon, we all gathered to head back to the van, signaling the end of our camping trip. We settled into our seats, and this time the arrangement was a bit different. Mahika and Adrit chose to sit together, leaving Mishri the opportunity to pair Viaansh with me. Mishri took this chance, ensuring Viaansh ended up beside me while she sat with Varun and Shyam.

As the van started its journey home, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about the unexpected seating arrangement.

"Thank you," Viaansh whispered in my ear, his voice soft yet stirring.

His whisper always sent a shiver down my spine, leaving me both unsettled and intrigued. I looked up at him, managing a smile despite the fluttering in my chest.

"Mention not," I replied, trying to keep my tone light and casual.

I pulled out my earpods and let the music play softly as the van ride continued in silence. Everyone was engrossed in their own activities, leaving me to my thoughts. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant, and afterward, I finished some college work on my phone before diving into a few Kindle books.

Before I knew it, I dozed off again, a habit I was all too familiar with. When I woke up, the van was dark, and I was surprised to find my head resting on Viaansh's shoulder. He was peacefully asleep, his head leaning back against the headrest while one of his arms was gently draped around me.

I looked around and saw that everyone else was also sleeping. Taking the chance, I nestled closer, wrapping my arms around Viaansh. Unconsciously, he tilted his head to rest on mine, creating a cozy, perfect position for us to sleep together.

I woke up to the gentle jostling beside me. My eyes fluttered open to find Viaansh trying to extricate himself from my embrace. Panicked, I quickly released my hold, feeling a surge of embarrassment as I looked away.

Viaansh offered a sheepish smile, and I could barely meet his gaze.

"We're about to reach," he whispered softly, careful not to disturb the others.

"Mm..." I mumbled in response, my mind still hazy from sleep.

I glanced at my watch-it was already 10 PM.

"Why have you been acting so strangely lately, Viaansh?" I asked, my curiosity overcoming my embarrassment.

His initial reaction was one of surprise. "Who, me?" he asked, looking genuinely bewildered.

I nodded, watching as his expression shifted. It seemed like he was on the verge of revealing something but then his face hardened into a mask of indifference.

"It's nothing like that," he said, his voice steady but emotionless. "You're just overthinking things, Aadhu."

I nodded, though I wasn't entirely satisfied with his explanation. I accepted his reasoning, choosing not to press further, but a part of me remained unsettled by the mystery of his recent behavior.

As Adrit and I approached our stop, I prepared to wake him up, but Viaansh interrupted, his voice urgent yet soft. "I need to talk to you about something. Can we meet?"

"Sure. Let's meet tomorrow at Cakes and Cups Cafe," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Time?" he asked, his breath almost hitching.

"10 a.m.?"

"Perfect," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of determination and something I couldn't quite place.

I glanced down at my hand, still resting under his grip. He quickly let go, and I turned to wake Adrit. As he began unloading our luggage, I waved goodbye to everyone, my gaze lingering just a bit longer on Viaansh, my heart racing with anticipation.

As I walked away with Adrit, my mind buzzed with questions about why Viaansh wanted to meet me. My heart skipped a beat every time I thought about it.

Why did he ask to see me? What could be so important that he needed to talk in person? I replayed our conversation in my head, trying to decipher any hidden meanings behind his words or his intense gaze. Was it something serious, or was he simply trying to clear up some misunderstanding? And that lingering touch-why did it feel so charged, so full of unspoken words?

I couldn't help but wonder if this was a chance to finally understand the strange way he's been acting around me lately. Was it possible he felt something too, or was I reading too much into it? The uncertainty was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. I found myself eagerly anticipating our meeting, yet bracing myself for any outcome. Whatever it was, tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.

As soon as I stepped inside my home, I was engulfed in a bone-crushing hug. "Aadhu mera bachcha... I missed you so much... How are you?" My Mamma's voice was full of warmth as she squeezed me tight.

"I'm fine, Mamma," I managed to say, though my voice came out muffled against her shoulder.

No sooner had she let go than my father took her place, wrapping me in another hug and kissing my forehead. "I missed my doll a lot," he said, his voice filled with affection.

"I missed you too, Dad," I replied, feeling a deep sense of comfort in his embrace.

Just then, Adrit's voice cut through the tender moment, dripping with mock offense. "Even I was not at home for two days. Why am I not getting any attention?"

"Because you're a useless duffer," I shot back without missing a beat.

"We both have the same genes, duffer," Adrit countered, his face deadpan.

"Oh, so you mean I took more brain cells than you while I was in Mom's womb?" I asked sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.

"No, that's not what I meant. I meant we're both similar," he tried to clarify, though I could sense the frustration building.

"Oh, hello! My IQ is five times yours."

"0×5=0," Adrit retorted smugly.

"So you accept that you have zero IQ," I quipped back, smirking at him.

"Talking to you is of no use," he grumbled.

"Then who told you to talk?" I fired back, feeling the victory close at hand.

"You-"

"Quiet, Adrit! Not a word more," Mamma cut in, her voice firm. Adrit huffed in annoyance and turned to leave, clearly frustrated at having lost the argument. I couldn't help but smile at my little victory as I watched him retreat to his room.

"Both of you, come down fast for dinner!" Mamma yelled from downstairs.

I quickly freshened up and headed to the dining table, where everyone was already seated, waiting for me. As soon as I sat down, the clinking of cutlery and the sound of food being served filled the room. The atmosphere was warm, with the usual hum of conversation, but I had something that would definitely stir things up a bit.

"Mamma, bhai has a girlfriend," I announced, casually breaking the ice.

Adrit, who had just taken a bite of his food, immediately choked, sputtering in surprise. His eyes darted to me, a mix of shock and indignation flashing across his face, while Mamma and Papa exchanged amused glances.

"Is she good looking?" Mamma asked, her tone light, but with genuine curiosity.

"Yes... she's beautiful, more than bhai deserves," I replied with a teasing smile, fully aware of the effect my words would have on Adrit.

Mamma nodded, clearly satisfied with my assessment, while Papa raised an eyebrow, his expression both stern and amused. "I don't mind you having a girlfriend, Adrit," he began, his voice carrying that fatherly authority, "but that doesn't mean it will affect your studies. Am I making myself clear enough?"

Adrit, still recovering from my revelation, quickly nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. The tension in his shoulders eased, and he muttered something under his breath, probably cursing me for dropping the bombshell so casually.

But I couldn't help it. Teasing Adrit was one of my favorite pastimes, and his reaction made it all the more satisfying. The dining table was once again filled with the comforting sounds of family, but I knew tonight's dinner would be one for the books.

After dinner, we all wished each other good night and headed to our respective rooms. The house fell into a comfortable silence as I retreated to my sanctuary, feeling the familiar warmth of my space wrap around me. I reached for my diary, intent on capturing the whirlwind of emotions from the day. But as I stood up to head to my study table, the diary slipped from my grasp and tumbled to the floor.

"Crap," I muttered under my breath, bending down to pick it up.

As I lifted the diary, something unusual caught my eye. A few photographs had slipped out from between the pages, fluttering to the ground like forgotten memories. I frowned, puzzled, and picked them up. These weren't just any photos-they were candid shots of me, taken from angles that I hadn't noticed before. Some were of me studying, others were of me lost in thought, and one was even of me laughing, completely oblivious to the camera.

My heart skipped a beat as I stared at them, confusion and curiosity swirling in my mind. These were moments I didn't even know had been captured, let alone that they existed. I flipped through the pages of the diary, searching for any explanation. Was this really my diary? Had someone tampered with it?

The photos felt intimate, personal in a way that was unsettling and yet strangely flattering. Who had taken these? And why had they placed them in my diary?

A deep unease settled over me as I realized that someone had been paying close attention to me-far closer than I'd ever imagined. My thoughts immediately raced to Viaansh, the recent changes in his behavior, the way he had started to act differently around me. Could it be him? Had he been the one taking these photos, observing me from a distance? But why?

I sat down on my bed, holding the photos in one hand, the diary in the other. The familiar pages of my diary suddenly felt foreign, like a story that wasn't entirely my own anymore. The room around me seemed to close in, the silence growing heavier as questions filled my mind, questions I wasn't sure I was ready to answer.

I flipped open the first page of the diary, my heart racing with anticipation. As soon as my eyes landed on the first line, I froze.

'Dedicated to Aadhira Chatterjee, By Viaansh Seghal.'

I gasped, the words echoing in my mind, making the room around me blur into insignificance. My breath hitched, and I felt my pulse quicken, the realization sinking in like a wave crashing over me.

This wasn't just any diary-this was Viaansh's. And it was dedicated to me.

I felt a magnetic pull as I turned the pages, each word drawing me deeper into his world, a world I hadn't even known existed. Every line he wrote was laced with a raw, unfiltered emotion that laid bare his heart, exposing feelings I had never imagined he harbored. His words weren't just ink on paper; they were confessions of a love that mirrored my own, a love that I had thought was one-sided.

He wrote about the little things, the moments that had passed me by without a second thought-how my laugh would light up a room, how he found comfort in just watching me from afar, how his heart would race every time I was near. Each entry was a window into his soul, revealing the depth of his affection, his longing, his silent admiration. The realization that I wasn't alone in my feelings was both exhilarating and overwhelming.

But as I continued reading, my excitement quickly turned into a cold dread.

If this diary, filled with his deepest emotions, was in my hands, then my diary-containing all my private thoughts, my confessions, my dreams-was likely in his. The thought sent a shiver down my spine. He would know everything. Every secret, every fleeting thought, every time I had scribbled his name in the margins, hoping against hope that he might feel the same.

Panic bubbled up inside me. If Viaansh had my diary, there was no way he wouldn't read it. The vulnerability of that realization was paralyzing. I could almost picture him now, sitting somewhere with my diary in his hands, flipping through the pages, discovering every hidden corner of my heart that I had never dared to reveal.

I clutched his diary to my chest, torn between the thrill of knowing he felt something for me and the terror of what he might be discovering about me in that very moment. The walls of my room seemed to close in as I tried to process it all. What would he think? What would he say? Could I even face him after this?

I knew one thing for certain-nothing between us would ever be the same.

I fumbled with my phone, my hands trembling so much that I nearly dropped it twice before finally pressing the call button. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat louder than the last as I waited for him to pick up. The ringing seemed to stretch on forever, amplifying my anxiety.

Finally, he answered. "Aadhira," he sighed, but his tone wasn't tense. It was soft, almost relieved, as if he had been waiting for this call just as much as I had been dreading it.

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words caught in my throat. "Viaa-" I started, my voice shaky, but he gently cut me off.

"Aadhira," he said again, this time with a warmth that eased the edge of my panic. "We'll talk tomorrow. There's a lot we need to discuss."

His words were calm, reassuring, and it struck me how composed he sounded compared to the storm of emotions swirling inside me. Was he feeling the same turmoil? Or had he already come to terms with everything?

"Good night, Aadhira," he said softly, the tenderness in his voice making my heart ache.

"Good night, Viaansh," I whispered back, my voice barely audible.

As I hung up the phone, I was left with a sense of anticipation, my thoughts racing with what tomorrow might bring. The uncertainty gnawed at me, but his steady voice had given me a sliver of hope. Whatever happened next, I knew one thing-everything was about to change.

But as I hung up, a new feeling began to blossom in the midst of my anxiety-a fragile, yet undeniable hope. Could this really be happening? Could we finally be on the same page, our feelings aligning in a way I had only dared to dream about?

Finally, I thought, the love I've harbored so secretly, so carefully, might actually be reciprocated. The idea was intoxicating, sending a rush of warmth through my chest. My heart raced, not with fear this time, but with the thrilling possibility that Viaansh and I could finally be one.

The thought made me smile despite everything, my mind spinning with the endless possibilities of what tomorrow could bring. For the first time in a long while, the future didn't seem so uncertain-it seemed full of promise.

☆♡☆♡

Finally they have potential to be one.💋

Or maybe not?😉