Author's POV-
The college campus was buzzing with the usual morning energy, but for Reyansh and Pratiksha, things had taken a strange turn.
The dreams they shared every night had made their real-life interactions awkward. Though these two didn't talk anyway, they just fought.
They avoided eye contact, they didn't talked after that day, as if they had already talked much in their dreams.
Raj had struck a deal with the college principal to promote his new travel business. The principal, seeing an opportunity for a unique educational experience, agreed to organize a week-long trip for the entire college.
During the morning assembly, the principal took the stage, a broad smile on his face. "Students, I have an exciting announcement to make. Thanks to a collaboration with Raj Singhania's new travel company, we are organizing two weeks-long trip to the beautiful village of Shantivan (a fictional place) in the hilly regions. This trip will not only be a chance to explore nature but also to help the local community their. Each student will need to contribute ₹10,000 for the trip. This fee covers transportation, accommodation, and meals for two weeks. We will also be participating in community service projects to help the local area."
The students erupted in cheers, the excitement palpable. Niharika jumped, clapping her hands in excitement. "Yay! This is going to be so much fun! Though I didn't wanted him to come along with us but he's not that bad. I can tolerate him if Reyansh and You are with me."
Pratiksha standing next to her, couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm but she was worried, worried about the fee, she wanted to go their but she cannot. The fee was so much for her and that too for a village. But the college is going to help the local community their which needs students' contribution too.
Niharika turned to Pratiksha, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Pratiksha, isn't this amazing? A whole week in the hills!"
Pratiksha forced a smile, but inside, she was panicking.
"Yes, it's very amazing" she replied weakly.
Noticing her discomfort, Niharika asked "Pratiksha, tum theek ho?" (Pratiksha, are you okay?)
Pratiksha nodded, trying to hide her worry. "Yes, I'm okay. I was imagining myself in the hills."
Niharika smiled and nodded, "Indeed, I'm going to take a lot of pictures. We are going to enjoy this trip."
As the assembly ended, the students dispersed, buzzing with excitement about the upcoming trip. Pratiksha, however, couldn't shake off her worry. She knew cannot go their and she have to tell this to Niharika but she is afraid what if Niharika would react same as her schoolmates, she have to let her mind know that she can't enjoy the beauty of nature there, but she had no idea how. She sighed and left for her classes with her bestfriend.
Reyansh watched her walk away all the time he was watching her reaction from far, feeling a mix of questions. Why she isn't happy? But he shook off his thoughts.
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After their lecture, Niharika and Pratiksha walked down the corridor Raj after coming from discussions with director, joined them more like joined Niharika.
Niharika turned to Pratiksha, "Pratiksha, are you really okay? You should be excited about the trip."
Pratiksha hesitated, then started giving her excuses. "Woh... actually, mujhe na... altitude sickness hota hai. Pichli baar jab main pahadon pe gayi thi, toh main giraffe ki tarah gir gayi thi." (Well... actually, I get altitude sickness. Last time I went to the hills, I fell like a giraffe.), here starts her blabbering.
Raj couldn't help but laugh. "Like a giraffe? That's a new one!"
Niharika glared at him. "Raj, shut up."
Pratiksha continued, "Aur... aur mujhe na, jungle mein bhoot se darr lagta hai. Kya pata, Shantivan mein bhoot ho!" (And... and I'm scared of ghosts in the jungle. Who knows, there might be ghosts in Shantivan!)
Raj chuckled again. "Bhoot? Bhoot ki maa ki-?" (I would not translate this) Niharika shot him another glare.
Pratiksha, trying to come up with more excuses, added, "Aur waha khana kaise khaa sakte hai hum, barf khane se daat me takleef nahi hogi?" (And how can we eat that food, eating ice will not cause toothache?)
Raj was now laughing uncontrollably.
Niharika, exasperated, turned to Raj. "Raj, agar tumhe chup nahi rehna hai, toh yahan se chale jao." (Raj, if you can't keep quiet, then leave.)
Raj raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'm quiet."
Niharika turned back to Pratiksha, her expression softening. "Pratiksha, I know you have any other reason. You can share with me."
Pratiksha looked down, feeling embarrassed. "I am really not interested in going there." she lied.
Niharika placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, you are not willing to tell me now but I know you are more excited than me to go there, I've seen your extra love towards nature and trees, okay? Your garden and your grandfather have told me enough about you."
Pratiksha just shrugged. Niharika didn't inquired her further to not make her uncomfortable.
She somehow knew the reason about her not going to the trip, she had noticed whenever she would make any plan of going out for party or just roaming, Pratiksha would deny making excuse or telling the truth that she don't want to waste her parents' money in not so important things. Niharika is totally opposite to her but she is proud of her friend for being this sensible.
As the gate appeared Pratiksha bid her bye to Niharika and Raj who was holding Niharika's hand but she didn't noticed.
"Raj?"
He hummed.
"Mujhe iss ladki ko apni bhabhi banana hai" (I want this girl to be my sister-in-law.), she said looking at her friend's fading figure in the crowd.
"Don't you think Yogesh is minor?", Raj inquired looking in the same direction with a frown as he didn't liked the idea of that kid marrying his crus-'s friend.
"Abbey jhalle main Reyansh bhai ki baat kar rahi hu!", she said scrunching her nose. Their hands are still in each other's hand. (I'm talking about Reyansh not my cousin brother)
"Oh ha, I guess we have to do something."
"Yes! Mission Niharika aur Raj ne bana di jodi", she said in excitment.
He hummed looking at her, their hands still interwind and maybe they will be forever like this.
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TRIP KI FEE BOHOT JYADA HAI BHENC-
SO, I GUESS PRATIKSHA WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GO THERE.
BUT I DON'T THINK REYANSH WOULD BE OKAY WITH THIS.
sigh LET'S SEE.
DO VOTE AND COMMENT (please puppy eyes)
LOVE YOU ALL <3
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