"Why are you smiling, Aadhira?" Mamma's voice pierced through my thoughts, catching me off guard.

Startled, I quickly tried to mask my emotions. "U-uh, Mamma, I just remembered a joke Mishri told me," I stammered, hoping my voice sounded more confident than I felt.

Mamma nodded, but the way her eyes lingered on me told me she wasn't entirely convinced. Her doubt hung in the air, a silent reminder that she knew me too well. My heart raced, but I forced a casual smile, praying she wouldn't dig any deeper.

As I sat down for dinner, the familiar smells of Mamma's cooking filled the air, but tonight they felt distant, almost unimportant. My mind was a thousand miles away, wrapped up in thoughts of Viaansh. I could still feel the warmth of his hand holding mine earlier today, the way his touch sent a thrill through me that I couldn't shake. It was like my heart had found a new rhythm, one that danced to the memory of his smile, the softness in his eyes when he looked at me.

I chewed my food, barely tasting it, every bite automatic as my mind replayed our time together. The words we exchanged, the way he made me feel like I was the only person in the world-it all felt surreal, like I was floating in a dream I didn't want to wake up from. The thought that we were finally together, after all those secret glances and hidden feelings, filled me with a joy so intense I thought my heart might burst.

But beneath that joy, a small, nagging doubt began to creep in. Was this really happening? Could something this perfect truly be mine? A part of me was terrified that this happiness might be too fragile, too fleeting. What if it slipped away before I even had a chance to hold onto it? I tried to shake off those thoughts, focusing instead on the way Viaansh had looked at me today, as if I was his entire world.

Still, I couldn't help but think about the future. What happens next? How do we navigate this new reality? The thought of our families, of Adrit finding out, made my stomach twist with anxiety. There would be challenges ahead, I knew that much. But for now, I just wanted to hold onto this feeling, this new beginning with Viaansh.

My heart was a chaotic mess of joy, fear, and hope, all swirling together as I sat there, my dinner growing cold on the plate. I was completely lost in thoughts of him, the man who had unexpectedly become the center of my universe.

I finished my dinner as quickly as I could, barely registering the taste of the food as I hurried through each bite. My heart was racing, the thoughts of Viaansh tugging at me, urging me to escape to the privacy of my room where I could finally let them run free. As soon as I placed my plate down, I excused myself, the need to be alone with my thoughts overwhelming.

I darted down the hallway, my footsteps quick and light, feeling a mix of excitement and nervous energy bubbling inside me. The moment I reached my room, I closed the door behind me with a soft click, leaning against it for a second as I caught my breath. Finally, I was alone, free to indulge in the whirlwind of emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface all evening.

My phone rang, the sound slicing through the quiet of my room. I glanced at the screen, and the moment I saw the caller ID, my heart skipped a beat before racing even faster. It was Viaansh.

A wave of nervous excitement washed over me, making my hands tremble slightly as I reached for the phone. Just seeing his name on the screen made everything else fade away. It was as if the entire world had narrowed down to this one moment, this one call. I hesitated for a split second, trying to steady my breath, before finally answering.

"Hello?" I called out, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Hi," he responded, his voice warm and cheerful, instantly calming my nerves.

"Ready for college tomorrow?" he asked, a teasing lilt in his tone that made me smile.

I walked over to my bed, sitting down with a pillow hugged close to my chest, needing something to ground me. "Of course. I'm really excited for tomorrow," I replied, unable to hide the anticipation in my voice.

"Really? Why so?" Viaansh teased, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it from me.

I rolled my eyes, but my heart fluttered. "Come on, you know the reason," I said, my voice softening.

"Oh, but I want to hear it from you, princess," he coaxed, his tone playful and endearing.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Well, it's because I'll get to see you," I admitted in a barely audible whisper, the words carrying a mixture of shyness and affection.

"See me? So what? You see me almost every day. What's so special about tomorrow?" he asked, continuing to tease me, clearly enjoying this little game.

I rolled my eyes again, even though he couldn't see it. "Shut up, Viaansh," I muttered, but I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips.

He chuckled, the sound warm and familiar, making my heart swell with affection. I lazily laid back on my bed, the pillow still clutched to my chest. "Mmm... I already miss you," I confessed, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

He chuckled again, this time more softly. "You're behaving like a love-sick girl," he teased gently.

"I am a love-sick girl," I shot back, my voice taking on a mock-serious tone. "Having a boyfriend so far away, where I don't know how many girls are eyeing you, is very stressful, you know?"

"Oh, of course. It's the most stressful thing I've ever heard of. I pity you, princess," he replied, his tone dripping with exaggerated sympathy, making me laugh despite myself.

"You love teasing me, don't you?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"No, I genuinely feel bad for you. Maybe I should come to you," he said, his voice taking on a more serious note, but I could still hear the playful undertone.

"Stop joking, okay?" I replied, half-serious, half-amused.

"I'm serious, Adhu. You don't trust me? Okay, I'll show you. Bye," he said abruptly, cutting the call before I could even process what he was saying.

I stared at my phone, surprised, before rolling my eyes with a hint of a smile playing on my lips. His antics were both frustrating and endearing, and I couldn't help but feel amused by this new game he had started. Even when he wasn't around, Viaansh had a way of making my heart race and my thoughts spin, leaving me in a delightful state of confusion that I wouldn't trade for anything.

I set my phone aside, hoping to catch some sleep, but my mind was too restless to settle down. The thought of Viaansh's sudden call and his playful teasing kept replaying in my head, making it impossible to relax. Frustrated, I tossed and turned for a while before giving up entirely.

With a sigh, I got up and walked over to my study table, my eyes landing on something that instantly brought a sense of calm-Viaansh's diary. The diary that had become my secret treasure, filled with his thoughts, his art, and his feelings for me. The very idea of it made my heart ache with a tender longing.

I picked it up and moved to stand by the window, the cool night air brushing against my skin as I flipped open the worn pages. The familiar scent of paper and ink wrapped around me like a comforting embrace. I began to read, my eyes tracing the lines of his handwriting, each word pulling me deeper into his world.

As I read, a soft smile crept onto my face. From now on, this would be my favorite escape, the best way to pass the time whenever I found myself missing him. In these pages, I could feel his presence, his love, and the depth of his emotions laid bare for me. The words he had written, so full of honesty and affection, were like a window into his soul, and they made me feel closer to him than ever.

Standing there by the window, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, I knew that no matter how far apart we were, I would always have this connection to him-something tangible, something real. And in that moment, as I lost myself in his words, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of us in this intimate, silent conversation.

"Missed me, Princess?" a familiar voice suddenly broke the silence, making me jump. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat when I saw Viaansh hanging from my window.

My eyes widened in shock. "What are you doing?" I whispered harshly, but the concern in my voice was clear as I quickly moved to pull him up. My hands trembled slightly as I grabbed his, helping him clamber through the window.

He stepped inside my room with that same mischievous smile, his eyes twinkling as if he hadn't just risked his life to meet me past midnight.

I could barely believe it-here he was, standing in my room, looking at me like it was the most natural thing in the world. My heart raced, a mix of fear and excitement swirling in my chest. How could he be so reckless? And yet, how could I be anything but thrilled to see him?

"You're absolutely crazy," I muttered, though my tone was more affectionate than scolding.

He shrugged, still smiling innocently. "Crazy for you," he said softly, his words making my heart flutter even more.

I stared at him, caught between wanting to scold him for being so foolish and wanting to throw my arms around him for being here. "You could have seriously hurt yourself, Viaansh," I finally managed to say, though the worry in my voice was already starting to melt away, replaced by a warmth that only he could bring.

"But I didn't," he replied, his eyes never leaving mine. "And now I'm here, with you. Isn't that what matters?"

I shook my head, biting back a smile. How could he always manage to turn my worry into something so sweet? I let out a soft sigh, the tension in my shoulders easing as I realized just how much I had missed him.

"Fine," I said, giving in. "But next time, use the door, okay?"

He chuckled, stepping closer and wrapping his arms around me. "I'll think about it," he teased, his voice a low murmur against my hair.

As I leaned into him, feeling the steady beat of his heart against mine, I couldn't help but smile. Crazy or not, there was no place I'd rather have him be.

"What were you doing, Princess?" Viaansh whispered, his voice soft and curious as he leaned in closer.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a slight flush of embarrassment, but I knew there was no point in hiding it. "Reading your diary," I admitted quietly, glancing up at him through my lashes.

He looked down at me, and a playful smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "You have a good time pass," he teased, clearly enjoying the fact that I'd been absorbed in his thoughts.

I clicked my tongue, a little annoyed by his teasing, but mostly because he didn't seem to understand how much those pages meant to me. "It's not just time pass, Viaansh," I said, my voice soft but firm. "It's way more than that."

His smirk softened into a tender smile as he looked at me with those eyes that seemed to see right through me. He reached out, gently caressing my hair, his fingers threading through the strands with a tenderness that made my heart ache.

Without a word, he pulled me closer, clutching my head to his chest as he rested his chin on top of my head. I could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, feel the warmth of his body enveloping me like a protective shield.

In that moment, I felt a profound sense of comfort and connection, as if every unspoken word between us was understood. The diary, his words, his presence-it all wove together to create a bond that felt unbreakable. And as I stood there, wrapped in his embrace, I knew that what we had was something far deeper than just a way to pass the time. It was a connection that ran through every word, every glance, and every heartbeat we shared.

"By the way... you're looking hot," Viaansh said with a mischievous glint in his eye, his voice carrying an unmistakable teasing tone.

I gasped, suddenly aware of the way my nightie clung in all the wrong places, its sheer fabric not exactly suitable for unexpected visitors. My cheeks flushed a deep red as I realized just how inappropriate my attire was for this surprise midnight encounter.

"Viaansh!" I stammered, pulling away slightly, my embarrassment evident as I tried to adjust the fabric awkwardly. "You didn't have to notice that."

He chuckled, the sound warm and teasing. "I couldn't help it," he said, his eyes twinkling with playful admiration. "But if it makes you feel any better, I think you look beautiful no matter what."

Despite my embarrassment, I couldn't help but smile at his compliment, the sincerity in his voice cutting through my self-consciousness. "You're impossible," I said, shaking my head as I tried to regain some composure.

He simply grinned, his arms still around me, making it clear that his teasing was all in good fun. "I know," he admitted, his voice softening as he gazed at me with genuine affection. "But I wouldn't have it any other way."

We stayed in silence for a while, standing side by side and gazing out the window. The night had settled in fully, wrapping the world outside in a deep, velvety darkness. The faint outline of the trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the occasional distant sound of a night bird filled the air, but otherwise, everything was still.

The darkness outside felt comforting, like a shared secret between us, cloaking us in a quiet intimacy that words couldn't capture. It was as if the world had paused just for us, allowing this moment to stretch out, unhurried and full of unspoken emotions.

I could feel Viaansh's presence beside me, solid and reassuring, his warmth radiating through the small space between us. The night seemed to deepen around us, creating a perfect cocoon where nothing else mattered. There was something profoundly peaceful about just being there with him, in this shared silence, with the darkness as our only witness.

As we stood there, I realized that moments like these, where words weren't necessary and just being together was enough, were the ones that truly made me understand the depth of what we had. The darkness wasn't something to be afraid of-it was a reminder that even in the quietest, stillest moments, our connection remained, as constant and enduring as the night itself.

"Yesterday at this time, we were brother and sister," I said teasingly, glancing at Viaansh to see his reaction.

He groaned, running a hand through his hair as if the memory was too much to bear. "Don't remind me about that," he muttered, clearly not fond of the charade we had to play. Then, his tone shifted, taking on a more curious edge. "But tell me one thing," he added, turning to face me with an inquisitive look.

I met his gaze, curiosity sparking in my eyes. "What?" I asked, wondering what was on his mind.

"That position we were in when we woke up in the van," he began, his voice low, "was it accidental or intentional?"

All the color drained from my face as I remembered that moment. My heart skipped a beat, and I found myself at a loss for words. The way we had woken up, tangled together, his arms around me, had been something I tried to play off as an accident, but now, under his questioning gaze, I wasn't so sure I could keep up the pretense.

When I didn't respond, Viaansh turned back towards the window, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "I got my answer," he said with mock seriousness, his tone light but teasing.

I looked at him anxiously, trying to gauge if he was upset, but instead of anger, I caught the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Thank you," he added, the teasing glint back in his eyes. "I really liked that position."

His words sent a flush of warmth rushing to my cheeks, and I quickly turned to face forward, trying to hide my embarrassment. The teasing, the way he could turn even my most flustered moments into something lighthearted and sweet, only made me fall for him more. But in that moment, all I could do was blush furiously and hope the darkness outside would hide just how red my face had become.

"Don't you have to go home?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant, but the thought of him leaving already tugged at me.

He raised his eyebrows, a playful challenge in his eyes. "Do you want me to?"

"Of course no-" I began to blurt out, but quickly caught myself, realizing what I was about to admit.

His lips curled into a mischievous grin as he leaned in slightly. "Why? What do you want me to do with you right now?" he teased, his voice low and suggestive, clearly enjoying the way he was getting under my skin.

I playfully glared at him, trying to hide the blush that was creeping up my cheeks. "Shut up, Viaansh," I retorted, giving him a light push. "What if someone sees us?"

He chuckled, the sound deep and warm, nodding his head as if acknowledging the risk we were taking. "Alright, alright," he said, still smiling. "But you know, I'd risk a lot more just to see you blush like that."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. No matter how much he teased, there was something so comforting about having him here, something that made the idea of him leaving almost unbearable. Yet, his presence also filled me with a sense of exhilaration, knowing we were bending the rules, even if just a little.

"So... from the window, or will you take me out the door?" Viaansh asked, raising an eyebrow with that playful glint in his eyes.

I shook my head firmly. "No way am I letting you go back out that window, even if it means getting caught." I grabbed his hand, my heart pounding with the thrill of what we were about to do, and pulled him toward the door.

I unlocked it and carefully peeked outside, holding my breath as I checked for any signs of life. The coast seemed clear, so we stepped out, moving as quietly as possible, tiptoeing through the hallway. My heart was racing with every step, the tension thick in the air between us.

But as soon as we reached downstairs, my heart nearly stopped. There, sitting at the dining table, was Adrit, casually talking to someone on his phone, his typical goofy smile plastered on his face. Panic surged through me as I realized we were moments away from being caught.

In a flash, I slapped my forehead in frustration-a little too hard, as it turned out. The sound echoed through the room, and Adrit started to turn in our direction. My instincts kicked in, and I quickly shoved Viaansh against the adjacent wall, pressing myself close to him to stay out of sight.

I glanced up at him, and to my horror, he was grinning, clearly enjoying every second of this dangerous game. "I don't think your brother is as romantic as me," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear. "He should've gone to Mahika's house like I came to yours."

I fought the urge to laugh and instead slapped his arm, trying to stay serious even as the corners of my lips twitched. From where we were hiding, I could hear Adrit mumbling, "Nothing, I just heard something, but I guess I was just imagining things." With that, he continued up the stairs, oblivious to the close call. The moment I heard his door shut, I let out a long, shaky breath.

Next to me, Viaansh was barely containing his laughter, his shoulders shaking with the effort. I shot him a glare, but his amusement was infectious, and I had to bite my lip to keep from giggling. Grabbing his hand once more, I quickly led him toward the exit. We finally slipped out the door, the cool night air hitting us as we stepped outside.

"Bye, Princess," he said, his voice soft and full of affection.

"Haan, bye... Now go fast!" I urged, giving him a light push, though part of me didn't want to see him go.

He chuckled at my hurried tone, but he didn't argue. He made his way to his Bullet, casting one last glance back at me, his eyes full of warmth as he waved. I waved back, my heart still fluttering from the adrenaline, and watched as he disappeared into the darkness, the roar of his bike fading into the night.

With a deep sigh, I turned and quietly slipped back upstairs to my room, the whole night playing over in my mind. I crawled into bed, pulling the blanket over my head, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Despite everything, I couldn't help but smile as I lay there, the thrill of the night still buzzing through me like an unspoken secret between us.

Adrit and I stepped into the college together, the familiar hustle and bustle of campus life surrounding us. My thoughts were still lingering on last night's secret meeting with Viaansh, the memory of it making my heart beat a little faster.

As we walked, I spotted Viaansh approaching us through the crowd. The moment I saw him, my heart fluttered, a mix of excitement and nerves swirling in my chest. He walked with that easy confidence that always made him stand out, and when he reached us, he greeted Adrit with a casual hug, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened between us just hours before.

But as he pulled away from the hug, he caught my eye and winked, a subtle gesture that sent a rush of warmth through me. It was so quick that Adrit didn't notice, but to me, it felt like a secret just for us, a reminder of the bond we shared that no one else knew about.

Viaansh then turned and waved at me, a casual gesture, but one that made my heart skip. I waved back, trying to keep my expression neutral, though inside, I was buzzing with the memory of his arms around me, the whispered words we'd shared in the quiet of the night.

"Why is your face so red, Aadhu?" Adrit asked me out of nowhere, his voice laced with curiosity. I froze, feeling the heat rise even more in my cheeks. Could he tell I had been lost in thoughts about Viaansh again? My heart raced, and I scrambled to find a believable excuse, avoiding his sharp gaze.

"It's... it's nothing, bhai," I mumbled, trying to brush it off, but I knew he wasn't going to let it go that easily.

I saw Viaansh smirking at me, his eyes gleaming with mischief as if he knew exactly what was going on in my mind. That only made my face burn hotter.

"Are you not feeling well?" Adrit asked again, his voice now tinged with concern.

"I'm fine, bhai, really..." I replied, my voice faltering slightly as I desperately tried to compose myself. "It's just... a bit hot here, that's all." I fanned myself with my hand, hoping the excuse would hold, but from the way Viaansh was watching me, that smirk growing wider, I knew I wasn't fooling anyone-least of all him.

"Yeah... It is," Adrit said, looking around the open space of the ground, where the sun beat down relentlessly. "Come on, I'm heading to my class. You should go to yours as well." I nodded, still feeling the weight of Viaansh's gaze lingering on me.

As they started walking across the grass, my eyes naturally drifted to Viaansh, trying and failing to resist. He turned his head back once more, catching my gaze and giving me that playful wink again. My heart sped up, and I felt the familiar warmth rush to my cheeks, betraying me.

I watched him retreat across the ground, and I couldn't help but gawk at his effortlessly striking figure. He wore ripped black jeans that fit him perfectly, paired with a black shirt tucked neatly into his jeans. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing his veiny hands, the sun highlighting every curve and muscle. There was something about the way he carried himself, so casual yet confident, that made him impossible to ignore.

The sight of him against the backdrop of the open ground, with the sun casting a golden glow on his dark attire, made him seem even more captivating. I swallowed hard, my thoughts a mess as I tried to pull myself together. But no matter how hard I tried, my mind kept wandering back to him.

I walked into my class and quickly took the first bench I saw vacant, hoping to calm my racing heart after that intense moment with Viaansh. I pulled out my notebook, trying to focus, but my mind was still buzzing.

Just then, my professor walked in. "Aadhira, could you please bring my phone from the art room? I forgot it there," she said, her tone casual, unaware of the internal battle I was already fighting.

"Yeah, sure, ma'am," I replied, forcing a polite smile, though inside, I was mentally cursing her. Of all places-the art room. The same place where Viaansh might be. My heart started racing again, and I could already feel the dread and excitement building up as I stood up to leave.

I walked out of my classroom and made my way up the stairs to the second floor, where the art room was located. My heart was already a mess from the earlier encounter, and now I was headed straight into his territory. As I entered, I noticed there were only four or five students scattered around, all deeply engrossed in their work. The air was filled with quiet concentration, and the smell of paint lingered in the room.

My eyes, almost instinctively, found Viaansh seated by the window, completely absorbed in his painting. The sunlight pouring in from the window illuminated his face in the most captivating way, casting a soft glow that made him look almost divine. His brow was furrowed in concentration, yet the moment he heard my footsteps, as if he could sense my presence, his eyes lifted from the canvas and locked with mine.

In that instant, a wave of nostalgia washed over both of us-the memory of five years ago when I had come to his class to borrow his notebook. That same spark from all those years ago flickered between us, and I could see his eyes soften.

Without breaking the gaze, he stood up from his seat, each step towards me filled with purpose. His presence was overwhelming, and I could feel my heart pounding. "What happened?" he asked, his voice low and calm.

I shook my head quickly, trying to focus. "Just came here to get my professor's phone. She left it here."

He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine as I grabbed the phone. I turned to leave, eager to escape the tension building between us, but before I could step out of the room, I felt his hand gently pull me back.

"What are you doing, Viaansh?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Someone might see us."

He ignored my plea, his eyes intent on mine. "Can I ask you something?" His voice was soft, yet firm. "Will you go on a date with me?"

For a moment, time seemed to stop. My heart raced so fast, it felt like it might burst. A smile crept onto my lips before I could stop it, and I nodded, unable to form any words. The warmth in his eyes deepened as he released my hand, stepping back with that same quiet confidence.

"Tomorrow morning, 10 a.m., Gandhi Park. Okay?" he asked, slipping his hands into his pockets, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

I nodded again, my mind still swirling, before finally turning to leave. As I reached the door, I gave him a small wave, and he returned it with a subtle nod. The moment I stepped outside, I realized my whole world had just shifted.