Hello ji. Aap sab kaise ho? Hehehee. Mein soch rahi hu ki chapters ko monthly update karu. This way my promise is kept aur aap sab ko wait bhi nahi karna padega. What do you think about it? Comments mein bataao. Logo ko ka second half of the year bahut badiya jaata hai kyunki kaafi saare tyohaar aate hai par mere liye iss baar ka second half kaafi dukh, dard peeda laaya hai!! Khair chod yeh baat. Ab meri chai pe charcha khatam hui, comments ya conversations mein charcha aage badha sakte hai hum. Aap prasthan kar sakte aage.
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(A/n: Hindi words:- Beta - Son; Beti - Daughter; Bhai - Brother; Bhaisahab - Elder brother; Bhabhi - Sister-in-law, Brother's Wife; Di, Didi - Sister; Bua ji - Aunt, Father's sister; Fufa ji - Uncle, Aunt's husband.)
Kriti's Pov
Another day, another challenge. You guys must be wondering which challenge? If I am going to sit with Reyansh from now on, challenges and obstacles will arise in my life. Still, I am excited for the day. Let's go!
I left for college after having breakfast and parked at my usual spot. I texted Ishu to find out about her whereabouts only to find her offline. Strange! She never switches off her mobile data. I think something is definitely wrong with her. I should go to her home. I can skip today's class as there are only two lectures if needed, I will ask Priyanshi about it. I turned to leave when someone called me.
"Aku, where were you going?" Ishu asked and I was surprised to find her in the college.
"Ishu, I was going to your home to check on you."
"Par mujhe kya hua hai, jo tu mere ghar jaa rahi this?"
(What happened to me that you were going to my home?)
"You haven't met me since college began, plus you had kept your mobile data off which you never do."
"I told you na I had some work yesterday. Secondly, I was trying to reduce my screen time, so I turned it off." She told me which didn't convince me but I nodded.
"Let's head to class, it's time for our class."
We reached our class and as expected someone took my seat. Must be Reyansh and his group. I went near Priyanshi's bench to sit beside her when Ishu asked me
"Aku, why are you going at the back? We usually sit in the front."
"Yeah, we used to. Now, we will sit in the back with my new friend Priyanshi." I replied and all she gave me was a frown. I thought I would explain to her afterwards and stood near my seat.
"Excuse me, That's my seat." I interrupted him.
The guy turned his head, giving me a puzzled look before returning to his conversation. It was none other than Vishal Sehgal, Reyansh's other best friend.
"I think your brain processes things late. I said that's my seat, Step aside." I said a bit rudely this time.
"Who are you to order me?"
"Stray dogs don't listen to you if said sweetly, so I commanded you." which earned a few chuckles from the class.
Sorry guys sarcasm just slips from my mouth whenever I meet self-obsessed and entitled assholes.
"Who the hell do you think you are?"
"I know my name but thanks for your concern."
"You...." I cut him off and said.
"We can bicker after the class, now leave the seat. The class is about to start."
Before he could say anything, Raj pulled him to his seat.
"Aku, what happened in my absence? I feel as if I am meeting you for the first time." Ishu asked me looking confused.
"I will tell you everything later. First, let me see where Priyanshi is so I can introduce you two."
I looked here and there but Priyanshi wasn't present in the class. I stopped looking for her when the professor entered the class.
"Sir, May I come in?" A frantic voice echoed in the class and it was Priyanshi.
"Yes, You can but don't repeat it. I don't like tardiness." She nodded to him and came to sit with us.
"Did I miss anything, Akriti?"
"No, you didn't. Let me introduce you to Ishu."
"Ishu, meet Priyanshi, Priyanshi, meet Ishani my best friend."
After their introduction, we concentrated our focus on the class.
~~~~
Break time
We left for the canteen.
"Tell me, You didn't do that." Priyanshi exclaimed as I filled her in about today's drama.
"Indeed, she did. I have never seen her act that way before. The Akriti I know always steered away from trouble. Always minding her own business. Even though she fought with Reyansh since school, she never made the move. It was always Reyansh pushing her buttons to get a reaction out of her." Ishu replied.
"I liked this version of yours more. I have seen you being invisible all year long except excelling academically." Priyanshi stated and I agree with her tbh.
"I disagree with you. The fewer troubles she invites, the better for her. Akriti Kapoor, you know what is at stake."
Ishu never called me by my full name. If she did, it means she is hell-serious about this. She is concerned for me, but I promised myself a year full of memories, so might as well get into trouble.
"Anyways, I'm famished and can't wait to fill my tummy." Priyanshi intervened and diverted the topic.
The cacophony of the college canteen was a familiar backdrop to my routine. We were going towards our table when my eyes met his forest green blazing with hate. I broke the eye contact instantly. We reached our spot, ironically opposite the 'Cool Table,' or Reyansh's gang. As soon as I turned my back to them, I felt a piercing gaze drilling into the back of my head. I knew it was Reyansh; only he could glare with such intensity that it sent goosebumps down my spine. I brushed off his stare and redirected my attention to my friends.
"I will have a veg frankie." Ishu said
"I will have a cheese-grilled sandwich." Priyanshi told
"I will have the same as you and barbeque potato wedges."
I replied and went to place our orders. I was waiting to pick up our orders when someone came and stood beside me. I didn't bother to cast a gaze at the person.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Kapoor Princess, herself slumming it in the canteen."
"Oh, it's the self-entitled asshole. What brings you here?" Rolling my eyes I replied.
"Just here to watch the show, of course. Your performance this morning was quite entertaining."
"Oh, you mean, when I politely asked your little friend to move from my seat? I believe that's called manners." He scoffed.
"Politely? More like rudely. You could've handled it with a bit more grace, don't you think?"
"Grace? That's not in my vocabulary for self-entitled and arrogant jerks like you and your friend. He should've moved from my seat when I spoke politely with him but I forgot he is your friend. Of course, manners and you guys are two opposite ends of the pole."
"Well, at least you're honest but remember, karma's a bitch, Akriti. And it's coming for you." He smirked with amusement filled in his eyes.
"I'll be waiting." I smirked
Before he could reply, I heard my name being called. I was going towards the cash counter to pick up our orders when I lost my balance. I closed my eyes bracing myself for the impact but it never came. I opened my eyes and met Reyansh's eyes. His eyes, usually filled with mischief and arrogance, held a different emotion. A flicker of concern, perhaps even tenderness flashed through his eyes. His usually intimidating and intense stares were drawing me in making me forget all the annoyance and anger I felt before.
I couldn't bring myself to look away from his eyes. Suddenly, my heartbeat sounded foreign to me. It was thumping so loudly that I bet others could hear it too. His arms almost made me feel safe as if he could shield any danger towards me.
What the hell is wrong with me?!!
I have never behaved in this way. Snap out of it, girl.
I broke our eye contact and looked around only to find everyone looking at us. I turned towards him again only to find him looking at me.
"Reyansh, leave me." I said but he didn't make any attempts to free me.
"Reyansh, everyone is looking at us. Leave me." As if realisation dawned upon him, he looked around and turned to me.
He abruptly left his arms from my waist and I fell on my ass. Fuck! That hurts!
"Are you out of your mind? Why did you leave me?" I yell at him losing all the sense of gratitude in me for him.
"I did what you asked me to do rather you should thank me." He said with that irritating smirk back on his face.
"A disclaimer would've been better before throwing me down."
"Did the Princess expect me to escort her to her seat?" He asked sarcastically and everyone in the canteen started laughing.
My friends came in and helped me stand up. I dusted off the dirt from my clothes and replied to him.
"I would rather prefer to die than expect help from you. I was going to thank you for saving me but I always forget that jerks like don't deserve my kindness let only gratitude."
"Show is over, guys. Hope you enjoyed it." Reyansh said bowing down dramatically and left to his table.
"Are you okay, Akriti?" Priyanshi asked me but I hadn't moved my gaze from him. He will surely pay for this. I mean it!
"Yes, I am okay. The pain will go away in some time. Let's eat our lunch. I badly need it."
We had our food and attended the remaining lectures.
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I reached my home after a tiring yet painful day. The whole house was empty except for the house staff as usual. I headed towards my room when Sweta Aunty (Head of the House Staff) called me.
"Ma'am has asked you to attend a party tonight, Akriti beta."
"Which party, Aunty?"
"I don't know much about it. You can ask ma'am."
I thought I would call Mom but refrained from doing so. Instead, I called Di to find out about the party.
"Hey Di."
"Hey, Kriti. Aaj apni Di ki yaad aa gyi?" She teased me.
(How come you remembered me today?)
"I always miss you Di. Aap hi busy rehte ho."
(I always miss you, Sister. You are busy all the time.)
"Bas, bas nautanki band kar! What do you want?"
(Stop this melodrama!)
"Can you tell me which party we are supposed to go to?"
"It's no we, it's you sweetie."
"Huh?!"
"You are going with Mom and Dad, dear. It's like your debutante ball, getting introduced in high society."
(A/n: I watched a reel about Le Bal Des Débutantes a few days back and thought why not use it here.)
"Besides, it's Anita Bua's party. You have nothing to worry about."
"I have everything to worry about, Di. She is that typical relative who always likes to poke her nose in other's business. On top of that, she won't stop yapping about how I should get married to her nephew, when I turn 25. I mean for god's sake she is dad's distant cousin who still pokes in our family matters like she is our mo-."
"STOP! I get that she is not on your list of favourite people still she is our elder. Show her some respect. Dad is a single child and Anita Bua is the last close thing as a sister to him. Please! keep your dislike aside and bear with her tonight."
"I will try. What should I wear as it's my debut." I asked rolling my eyes
"Don't roll your eyes. Wear a one-piece or a floor-length gown."
"No, a one-piece sounds good. Thank you, Di. Love ya!" I ended the call.
I had my lunch and slept. Mom had texted me to get ready by 8:00 pm. After the much-needed sleep, I woke up at 6 pm and took a relaxing bath and started my makeup and hairstyle.
I had worn a navy blue satin dress and tied my hair in a ponytail, accessorising with golden hoops, stack bracelet and a dainty neckpiece to complete the look. I checked the time and it was 7:45 pm. I applied my favourite perfume and checked my appearance one last time before leaving my room.
I was waiting for my parents to arrive when someone came from behind and closed my eyes.
"Mein kon hu?"
(Who am I?)
"Aapko sune bina bhi pehchan sakti hu, Bhai."
(I can recognise you even without hearing your voice, brother.)
Bhai removed his hands from my eyes and turned me around.
"Meri behen kaha hai aur kya kiya hai tumne uske saath?"
(Where is my sister and what have you done to her?)
"Hahaha, very funny."
"Pehli baar tu bandariya nahi lag rahi hai."
(For the very first time, you are not looking like a monkey.)
"Bhaiiiii." I whined.
"Acha thik hai ab nahi tang karuga par sachi tu bahut pretty lag rahi hai." He replied and applied 'Nazar ka tikka' behind my ear.
(I won't tease you further but seriously you are looking pretty.)
(A/n: Nazar ka tikka is a very common India. Mothers generally apply a dot using a kajal behind the ear to ward off eye evil.)
"Ana ne bola tha tujhe Nazar ka tikka laga du jaane se pehle."
(Ana told me to apply tikka before we leave.)
"Aap bhi aa rahe ho party mein?"
(Are you coming to the party as well?)
"Yes. I am meeting a client and parties are all about building connections." He replied and I nodded.
"Where are Mom and Dad?"
"They will directly reach the party venue because they have a last-minute emergency. We are going together. Ready?" I nodded and left for the venue.
We reached the venue posed for some pics in front of the paparazzi and entered inside.
When I entered the hall, all eyes turned to us. Everyone was scrutinising us, particularly me. Bhai led us to our parents who were talking with Anita Bua and Samar Fufa ji. I would give up anything to leave this place but I have no choice.
"Namaste, Bua ji. Namaste Fufaji." I greeted them when they saw us.
"Namaste Beta. Aap kaisi ho? Aapki padhai kaise chal rahi hai?"
Samar Fufaji asked me
(Hello child. How are you? How are your studies going?)
"Mein thik hu. Aap kaise ho? Padhai achi-"
(I am fine. How are you? Studies are-)
"Ji, aap bhi kya baat leke baith gaye ho. Humari Akriti toh pehle se padhai mein achi hai. Bhabhi aap ne Akriti ko bataya nahi ki yeh party kitni important hai. Kitni simple dress pehni hai." Aur bua ji ka taana maarna suru.
(What topic have you started the convo with? Our Akriti has already been studying. Bhabhi, you haven't told Akriti how important this party is. What a simple dress you are wearing) (And my aunt started taunting me.)
"Bua ji, meri behen hai hi itni sundar ki kapde usse nahi voh kapdo ko Sundar bana beti hai." Bhai replied in my favour.
(Aunt, my sister is so beautiful, it is not the clothes that make her beautiful, it is she who makes the clothes beautiful.)
"Haa voh toh hai-"
(Yes, that's true-)
"Anita humara Vicky kaha hai. Kaafi saal ho gaye usse dekhe. Voh aaya hai kya?" Dad interrupted her and diverted the attention from me. Thanks, Dad!
(Anita where is Vicky? It's been years since I saw him. Is he here?)
"Haa bhaisahab. Voh aaya hai. Hum usse abhi bulate hai." She said, leaving to call her son.
(Yes brother. He is her. Let me call him.)
I always avoid such parties, so I haven't seen him. The last time I met him was when I was 8. I was busy conversing and talking with Bhai when I heard Bua Ji's voice.
"Bhaiya milye humare Vicky se." I turned around to greet him only to get shocked.
(Brother, meet my son Vicky.)
"You!"
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How's it, guys?
I hope you all are safe and sound.
Who is this Vicky and why was Akriti so shocked? Who do you think is Vicky? Guess and write the name in the comments. Characters ka naam toh yaad hai na? Agar yaad nahi toh prologue phir se padh sakte ho. Agar koi charcha karni ho toh 'Chai pe charcha is always open in my conversation section. Please spare my translations. I tried my best to translate it exactly. There is one-two dialogue which may sound stupid in the English translation. Everyone is free to write the correct translation in the comments section and the conversation section is open for some chai pe charcha. I am always open to criticism, Correction 'HEALTHY CRITICISM'.
Guys do vote, share and comment!!!
Har Har Mahadev
Aapka din shubh rahe 🙏🏻 🙏🏻
See ya.
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