Pratiksha's POV-
As I stepped in my room after dadu's champi, I called my bestfriend. Her name blinked on the screen, and I pressed the call button. The phone rang twice before she picked up, her voice a mix of surprise and delight. "Hey bestie, how's the day?"
"Boring without you. The classes were feeling like a black & white movie today." I huffed. Indeed it was boring, the feeling when your bestfriend did not came to school/college.
"It's okay, we'll catch up tommorow." she assured.
"How's everything at your home? I mean your sister and the baby?" I asked.
She gasped. "Oh, I forgot to inform you the main thing. They both are fine and now they are at home and...and...and I heard Raj and isn't my bestie missing my br-"
But just as she was about to complete her sentence, her voice changed. She started mumbling, and I strained to hear. "Hello?" I asked, but she continued to mumble. Then, out of nowhere, she blurted, "Bhai, please yaar." What was she about to say? Is Reyansh there?
"Hello Nihu, if you are busy then we can talk later, it's okay."
"No, no, everything is fine," she quickly reassured me. "Wait, let me send you a picture of the baby!"
I heard the ping of a message arriving and opened it eagerly. As the image loaded, I gasped. The baby was absolutely adorable, with chubby cheeks and tiny fingers curled into a fist. "Oh my gosh, Nihu, he's so cute and mesmerizing!" I exclaimed, my heart melting at the sight.
"I know, right?" she giggled. "He's the cutest little thing and didn't you saw the person holding him?"
As I continued to admire the baby, my eyes drifted to the person holding him. My breath caught in my throat. It was Reyansh, smiling down at the baby with such tenderness. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a strange flutter in my chest.
"Nihu, how's the mother?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady ignoring her last comment.
"Yeah, she is alright and she is resting in her room. You know Reyansh couldn't resist holding the baby," she replied casually, but I could hear the smile in her voice.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from the picture. He looked so different, so gentle and caring. It was a side of him I had never seen before, and it made my heart race.
"He's really good with babies," Nihu added, breaking the silence.
I swallowed hard. "Yeah, that's nice. Umm see you tommorow then, Nihu I need to sleep now." I murmured.
"Alright, I too need to go help Neha di."
"Sure, Nihu. Take care," I replied.
As the call ended, I found myself still staring at the photo. His gentle smile and the adorable baby filled my thoughts. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. There was something about the way he looked at the baby that made my heart flutter.
Hey bhagwan kya ho raha hai mujhe? (Oh God what is happening to me?)
I put my phone down and walked over to the window. The moon was shining brightly, casting a soft glow over everything. I could see the stray dogs roaming around, happily munching on the food we always left out for them. It was a peaceful scene, and it made me feel content.
I took a deep breath, letting the cool night air fill my lungs.
With a smile still on my face, I climbed into bed. I looked at the moon one last time promising it to again witness it next time. Slowly, my eyes grew heavy, and I drifted into a peaceful sleep.
............................................................
Next Morning, after bidding goodbye to everyone in my family and my mom, who insisted on performing the traditional "nazar utarna" ritual to ward off any evil eyes, I finally set off for college. My big bag was slung over my shoulder, heavy with clothes and essentials for the next two weeks.
As I walked through the college gates, my eyes scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces. The campus was bustling with students. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, eager to see my friends.
It didn't take long to spot Niharika and Raj. They were standing near the entrance, engaged in one of their usual playful banters. Niharika's animated gestures and Raj's teasing grin were a familiar sight, and it brought a smile to my face. I quickened my pace and headed towards them.
"Hey, you two!" I called out as I approached.
Niharika turned around, her face lighting up with a big smile. "There you are! We were just talking about you."
"All good things, I hope," I replied, dropping my bag to the ground with a thud.
Raj chuckled. "Of course, all good things." I raised an eyebrow at him and he rolled his eyes.
My eyes couldn't help but wander, looking for someone. I was looking for someone, but I couldn't bring myself to ask about him from these.
Raj smirked. "You look like you're searching for someone."
I quickly shook my head, hoping to divert their attention. "No, just taking in the sights hehe. Didn't knew our college have this much students." Niharika gave me a knowing look but didn't press further.
We started walking towards the bus after a while, chatting about everything that had happened yesterday. Despite my best efforts to stay engaged in the conversation, my mind kept drifting back to him. Where was he? Was he even on campus today?
...................................
My eyes were roaming here and there and still not found the person. And my bestfriends who knew my situation were not helping me either.
The thing is, even I can't ask them very straight. Where are you Reyansh? Who gets late on the day of an exciting trip?
We headed to the bus, and my anxiety rose with each step. He still hadn't shown up.
As I climbed onto the bus, I couldn't help but glance out of the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. But even after scanning the crowd multiple times, there was no sign of him. My heart sank a little more with each passing minute.
I glanced at my best friend who was sitting beside me and cleared my throat.
She looked at me from her phone raising her eyebrows.
"Don't you think we missed something?" (someone ) I asked innocently.
She looked at me for a few seconds and then replied with a wide grin, "NO!!! I don't think so."
I knew it! This bitch is just...shhhhh.....control Pratiksha.
"Niharka, why your mother's another child is not here?" I tried to make this conversation so indirect as I can.
She laughed holding my hands and I was so embarrassed all of a sudden, Oh goshhhh.
"Pratiksha, you can directly ask me where is Bhai. Though I had already decided that I would not tell you unless you ask me about him. But I'm noticing your condition from morning." she laughed again.
I felt my cheeks burning at her comment. "tch It's not like that..I..I"
"Okay fine, it's okay. Actually, he didn't show up because he had some work with Papa and also because of the newborn. He stayed back for Di's checkup since Jiju had to leave for Chicago again," She explained, her tone softening.
I sighed, feeling a little disappointment. "Oh, I see. Waise you know I was just asking don't think that I care-"
"Shutup I already know whom you care and he really wanted to come, but that baby comes first, you know?"
I nodded. She again focused on her phone and I know whom she's texting.
As the bus started moving, I tried to focus on the excitement of the trip ahead. But a part of me was not present her but somewhere else.
I snuggled into the seat, trying to find a comfortable position, and looked out of the window. The scenery outside was a blur of colors as the bus picked up speed.
I took a deep breath, reminding myself to enjoy the moment and the company of my friends.
Huffff...
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