Pratiksha's POV-
This trip has been more boring than I expected. Despite having my friends around, Raj keeps popping up to chat with us. Niharika sits beside me, engrossed in her phone, exchanging messages with Raj, who occupies a seat just a few rows ahead.
Honestly, I can't decipher what they're discussing. Their conversations seem to be in some secret code only they understand. Timing was not supposed to be this late in night.
The bus driver was the star of the show. Let's call him Captain. His mission? To turn innocent students into human fountains of regret. Seriously, this guy hit the brakes like he was trying to catch a falling pizza slice. Bags flew, people screamed.
I half-expected him to shout, "Welcome to Buscoaster!".
I really didn't wanted random people to puke infront of me. GOSHHHH. Why do they even come.....control Pratiksha it's just your mood. I sighed.
Finally, we stumble out of the bus, disheveled and slightly traumatized. The driver looks at me, like he's saying, "You're welcome, kiddo."
And you know what? Maybe he deserves a round of applause. After all, he turned a mundane bus ride into a rollercoaster of bodily fluids and existential questioning.
When I came out of the bus, hair in disarray, and suddenly, a dude on a motorbike screeches to a halt right in front of me. Like, he parked his bike on my shoes. I'm about to unleash my inner Hulk, when I looked up and gasped, eyes widen. The same person whom I miss- had to thank.
"Rey-Reyansh?", a wide smile lingered on my face.
Without thinking anything I ran into his direction and jumped on him with my arms around his neck.
I heard three person's gasp but I cared less...until....realisation hits me like the ball from the street's cricket match.
OHH GOSHH DID I JUST?
I moved my head a little in the direction of his face, his cologne hits my nostrils.
Which perfume did he used?
shut up Pratiksha, this is no time asking this question.
I looked at his face, who seemed froze. I can notice his red cheeks due to our closeness.
Hell, even I'm feeling my cheeks burning.
And then someone cleared her throat, we got separated. I heard that someone chuckling from behind and here they are, my bestie and her uhmm hmm Raj.
"Okay, that wasn't unexpected. Mujhe pata tha kuchh hoga magar ye hoga nahi pata tha." (I knew something would happen but didn't know it would happen.) I heard Raj exclaiming but I cared less due to the shock.
Why I always end up embarrassing myself? What he will be thinking right now? Probably that what type of girl I am? So chipku? So desperate? Godddddddd! Save you child.
Before I could decipher his reaction, Niharika's voice broke through my thoughts. "Pratiksha, you okay?" she asked, her tone laced with a hint of teasing.
I nodded, trying to regain my composure. "Yeah, just... " I didn't knew what to say.
Reyansh finally found his voice. "Umm hey..." he said softly.
I just nodded without looking in his direction. I'm too embarrassed to response.
He chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Well, I got rid of all the work so I thought why I should waste my money. So here I am."
I too chuckled awkwardly. "Hehe"
Raj and Niharika exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama. "So, are we just going to stand here, or are we going in?" Raj asked, breaking the awkward situation.
"Yeah we should" I agreed, grateful for the distraction. We started walking towards the cottage/hotel (I don't know guys). Reyansh falling into step beside me.
As we walked, I couldn't help but steal glances at him.
"You were very fast. The distance wasn't short." I exclaimed, when he too looked in my direction with side eye as if he felt my eyes on him.
"I'm fast at everything."
His words caught me off guard, and I halted in my steps. "Wh-what did you said?" my eyes widen, my cheeks again felt like burning and my voice barely above a whisper.
He gasped, as if he realized what he just said.
Without looking here and there he grabbed Raj's hand and ran in the direction of the hotel.
"What the fuck dude. Niharikha save me!!!!!" I can hear Raj exclaiming dramatically being a baanar (monkey) he is.
Niharika and I exchanged glances. "I wonder what he said that your cheeks are red?" she said keeping her arm around my shoulder. I freed my self from her and shooed her away.
As we reached the hotel entrance, I noticed my reflection near the door. My cheeks actually had a tint of red. Is it even possible with brown skin?
The hotel lobby was a welcome sight, with its warm lighting and cozy atmosphere. We checked in and headed to our rooms, eager to freshen up after the eventful bus ride. I, Niharika and Anjali, we three girls are in one room.
As I unpacked my bag, I couldn't help but replay the moment of the unexpected hug. It somehow felt nice? I shook my head, trying to focus on the present.
The hotel room was quaint, with wooden furniture and floral curtains. The beds looked inviting, and I couldn't wait to collapse onto one. Niharika and Anjali were already sprawled out, chatting about I don't know why.
I wonder how my bestie is so much confident? I can't even respond to a stranger's approach without stuttering.
Then I got a call from my mother and I started talking to her and other family members and telling them about my well being. Though I didn't mentioned about the disgusting bus ride.
I changed into comfortable clothes and flopped onto my bed. The soft mattress embraced me, and I closed my eyes. Again remembering about the incident.
"Pratiksha, you're blushing again," Niharika teased, interrupting my thoughts.
I groaned. "It's nothing. Shut the fuck up and let me sleep!"
The next morning, we woke up early, ready for the adventure not before I called my family asking about them. The weather is cold here but I love winters.
Huff! better than summers.
The air was crisp as we stepped out of the hotel. All the students, holding a camera strolled towards the narrow path to the village.
As we walked, I found myself strolling beside Niharika. She chatted animatedly with Raj, their bickering and teasing blending with the morning breeze. I listened half-heartedly, my gaze wandering to the surroundings.
And then, out of nowhere, my eyes darted to him. He was dressed in winter clothes, can't deny that he's looking effortlessly handsome. How did someone manage to look so good while battling the cold?
Ohh god, I'm ruined.
I couldn't tear my eyes away. The way he observed the scenery, the mountains, the river, the beautiful trees, his expression a mix of wonder and appreciation towards god's creation- the nature.
As if feeling my gaze, he looked in my direction and our eyes met. I didn't notice the uneven ground. My foot caught on a rock, and I stumbled. Panic surged, but before I could fall, strong arms wrapped around me. It was him.
Our breaths met, visible in the chilly air. His eyes held mine, and for a moment, time stood still. Are we in a Bollywood movie?
"Careful," he murmured, his voice low and brows frowned.
I managed a shaky smile. "Thanks."
He chuckled, releasing me and walked away. Still looking at the mountains.
And that's when I heard a click sound. Looking in its direction I noticed my bestie and her 'uhmm hmm' I mean Raj clicking photos of each other.
I internally smiled adoring them and walked towards the narrow path. Glancing at the god's creation.
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HMM...THAT'S ENOUGH FOR TODAY!
BYE <3
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