9. The Trip

Target :- 50 votes and 180 comments

(Next update will be by Friday if only the target is completed)

A very long ch ahead...

(As you have to wait alot)

(You will like Saanvi pov it had some development)

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~Ridith's Pov~

I was already so irritated, and just when I thought things couldn’t get worst, in walked another level of annoyance: Aarna.

She looked at me with that cheerful smile.

“You need a peaceful place, right?” she asked, her tone way too annoying

“Yes,” I replied, keeping my tone flat. “So, let me leave you.”

I turned away, hoping she’d get the hint.

I found another corner, hoping to escape all the chaos, but it was no better

people were still bustling around, voices echoing in every direction.

I was about to move again when I felt a sudden tug on my hand.

Startled, I looked down to see Aarna gripping my hand firmly and pulling me along.

“Hey! What are you—”

“Shh!” she whispered, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Before I knew it, she had dragged me to the other side of the mansion.

The noise and chaos faded with each step, replaced by a soothing quiet.

Finally, we reached a secluded spot, hidden away from everyone else.

It was… peaceful.

For a moment, I could feel my frustration slipping away.

Aarna looked around, satisfied, then turned to me with a victorious smile.

I settled down on a sofa, relieved to finally get some space, and opened my laptop to get some work done.

But as soon as I started typing, I noticed Aarna giving me a strange look, eyebrows raised.

“What?” I asked, barely glancing up.

She just shrugged, but instead of leaving, she plopped herself down beside me.

I tried to ignore her, focusing on my screen, but I could feel her eyes on me, like she was watching every move I made.

Time passed, and I got stuck in a task.

Before I could even ask, Aarna leaned over and started helping me, her fingers flying over the keyboard with surprising skill.

She may look crazy and mad but her working skills just-

Wait how she know my work?

Does she do the same work as me?

I looked at her, curious.

“What’s your occupation?” I asked, my tone slightly teasing.

She grinned. “I’m an archaeologist.”

I couldn’t resist a smirk. “Oh, kabadi waali (junk collector).”

She was about to shoot back a retort when, out of nowhere, a piece of fabric from the Sangeet decorations fell, landing squarely over both of us.

It draped around us like a tent, and we sat there, stunned, blinking at each other through the sudden, colorful canopy.

For a moment, the world around us disappeared.

Under the draped cloth, Aarna’s face was so close, her eyes locked onto mine.

Something about her gaze felt oddly familiar, like I’d seen it before, somewhere in a memory I couldn’t quite grasp.

I turn my past pages to examine these eyes but it failed.

My heart skipped a beat, and I realized I’d actually forgotten to breathe.

I didn’t move, and neither did she; we were both caught in this strange,

magnetic pull.

Then, suddenly, a loud click snapped us back to reality.

I blinked, breaking the intense moment, and looked up to see Ishaan grinning at us, his phone held up like he’d just captured the most thrilling shot.

“Bhai tere ko hamesha se photographer he bana tha kya?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

(didn’t you always want to be a photographer or something)

Ishaan laughed, then, sensing my mood, he quickly took off running.

Without a second thought, I abandoned my first love - my laptop on the sofa and bolted after him, determined to catch that troublemaker.

I chased Ishaan through the hallways, our laughter echoing.

We darted around corners, and before I knew it, we’d reached the crowded part of the mansion again.

But now, it was surprisingly calm; most of the guests had left, leaving a peaceful silence in their wake.

I sighed, realizing I’d wasted enough energy on Ishaan.

“This guy is impossible,” muttered to myself.

He still didn't delete that photo.

Giving up the chase, I figured I’d get back to my work — only to remember I’d left my laptop on the other side of the mansion.

With a resigned sigh, I made my way back, but just as I stepped outside, raindrops began to fall, slowly at first, then picking up pace.

Within seconds, the rain turned into a steady downpour, drenching everything in its path.

I stood there.

I turned to Ishaan, narrowing my eyes. “Because of you, I’m stuck here.” I said, my voice laced with annoyance as the rain still poured down.

Ishaan just shrugged, looking unbothered, when, out of nowhere.

Aaditya appeared, a mischievous grin on his face. “Why don’t we just use an umbrella?”

he suggested, like he’d just come up with the ultimate solution.

Before I could respond, he dashed off, leaving us there in the rain, to find an umbrella.

Before Aaditya could return with his “master plan” umbrella, my gaze drifted to the other side of the mansion.

There, in the rain, stood Aarna, clutching my laptop tightly to her chest.

I knew my laptop was waterproof, so technically, it would survive the rain.

But the question nagging at me: why would she come out in this heavyrain just to bring it to me?

I watched, puzzled, as she hesitated for a moment, then, to my surprise, started running in my direction, rain drenching her with each step.

the moment I saw Aarna running toward me, something shifted.

Her figure blurred slightly through the sheets of rain, yet her determination was clear as day.

Without even realizing it, I straightened up, my eyes fixed on her.

She kept running, completely undeterred by the downpour, clutching my laptop close.

It was as if the rain didn't bother her at all—she was focused

For some reason, my heart skipped a beat.

As Aarna reached me, I extended my hand, and she placed hers in mine, letting me pull her up beside me.

She held out my laptop with a small, teasing smile. “Here’s your first love, your laptop,” she said, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Although… I do feel a little jealous of it but still.”

I didn’t respond, too caught up in taking her in.

The rain had soaked her completely, and her saree clung to her like a second skin, tracing every graceful curve.

My eyes traveled over her, and my pulse quickened as I noticed every detail

the way the fabric outlined her form, the delicate gold waist band resting on her fair waist, adding a touch of elegance to her look.

The rain made everything shimmer.

I tried to pull my gaze away, but it was like gravity itself kept bringing my eyes back to her.

Just as I stood there, completely lost in the sight of Aarna, we heard a loud, triumphant voice cut through the rain.

“Behold, the umbrella has arrived.” Aaditya announced, grinning from ear to ear as he strolled over, holding the biggest, most ridiculous, rainbow-colored umbrella I’d ever seen.

It looked like it belonged at a beach, not in a mansion courtyard.

He paused, noticing the way Aarna and I were standing close, with her hand still on mine and my gaze lingering on her.

His grin grew even wider, mischief dancing in his eyes.

“Well, well, I see you two managed just fine without the umbrella. Should I leave?” he teased, winking dramatically.

“Or maybe I should just take a picture?” Ishaan said and click our photo again

Oh god this boy have no other work to do.

~Aaditya's Pov~

It was a typical morning—well, typical if you count waking up to my mom and Mrs. Shergill standing in the living room, making some kind of “announcement.”

I groaned.

What now?

I rubbed my eyes and headed toward them, figuring I might get some breakfast out of this.

As I walked, distracted by thoughts of what was about to be announced, I didn’t see Saanvi coming from the other side.

BAM!

I literally ran into her, stumbling back with my arms flailing like a clumsy fool. “Woah, Saanvi! Watch where you’re—”

Before I could finish, she smirked and poked me in the chest, “Maybe if you didn’t have your head in the clouds, you wouldn’t run into people, Mr. London!”

I rolled my eyes. “You call it being in the clouds, I call it being classy.”

“Oh, please! Classy? You London guys only wear suits. Ever thought of wearing a kurta? I can’t even picture you in one.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You better not. Because if you saw me in one, you would definitely fall for me.” I shot her a grin, turning on my heel to walk off, but Saanvi had this disgusted expression like she was trying to erase the image from her mind.

As I got to the other room, I overheard the words trip in farmhouse.

I didn’t care enough to listen—until I realized I had no kurta.

None.

Zip.

Nada.

I needed to figure out how to make this work.

I couldn’t just show up in a suit while everyone else looked like they were ready to visit a temple or something.

I rushed to find Ishaan and Ridith, finding them chatting in the hall. "Guys! I need a kurta. Help me out."

They both stared at me like I was mad.

Ridith raised an eyebrow. "A kurta? You? Bro, you’re the last person I'd ever picture in one."

I let out a dramatic sigh, grabbing Ridith’s arm. “Come on, I need this for the trip. Please! You have no idea what I’m going through. My mom will probably disown me if I show up in another suit.”

"I threw my hands up dramatically. "I’m desperate. I need this kurta. It's a matter of family honor at this point."

Ishaan and Ridith exchanged a glance, then looked back at me like I had just asked them to perform a miracle.

Ridith sighed deeply, stood up, and walked over to his closet

I could practically feel the dramatic tension building as Ridith opened his wardrobe with a slow motion flair.

I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath like I was about to be handed a prize at the Oscars.

He pulled out a kurta and handed it to me with all the grandeur of a king giving away his crown.

“Alright, fine. Here, take this. But don't come complaining if you look like you’re about to enter a family wedding and get mistaken for the groom.” he said

With that, I grabbed it like it was a treasure.

As I walked off, I could already picture Saanvi’s reaction to me wearing a kurta.

She’d be speechless... and then...

she’d fall for me.

No doubt.

"Alright, moment of truth," Ishaan said with a knowing grin. “Saanvi is going to love this new desi look on you.”

I nearly choked. "Saanvi? What are you talking about?"

Ridith raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “Oh, come on. Don’t play dumb, Mr. London. You got this kurta just to impress her, didn’t you?”

I stared at him, completely caught off guard. How in the world did he know? Trying to play it cool, I shrugged. "Pfft, no way, I just… thought it was, uh, time for a change, you know?”

They chuckled

Standing in front of the mirror, I began unbuttoning my shirt, fully aware of the two figures lounging behind me were staring at me shamelessly.

Ridith said “Whoa, showing off the abs?”

I rolled my eyes, half-sighing, half-laughing as I tossed my shirt aside. "It's not showing off if I’m just…changing, right?”

I finally managed to get the kurta on, adjusting the sleeves and making sure I looked presentable. I glanced in the mirror, trying to convince myself I didn’t look like a total fish out of water.

As I left my room, feeling a strange combination of nerves and confidence in this kurta, I walked down the corridor, only to see my mom approaching from the other end.

She stopped in her tracks, her eyes lighting up with delight.

She clasped her hands together, looking at me with the kind of expression she’d have if I were a movie star walking the red carpet. “Mere Manokamna puri hui.”

(My wish has finally come true.)

I raised an eyebrow, and said “Uh… which manokamna?”

She let out a little laugh, eyes misty with pride. “To see my son in Indian wear, All these years, I’ve waited to see you in something other than those suits you insist on wearing.”

I rubbed the back of my neck, embarrassed but secretly pleased. “It’s just a kurta, Mom. No big deal.”

She shook her head, smiling warmly. “No, it’s more than that. You look like my beta and not some business tycoon from London.”

(Beta - son)

I chuckled, feeling a little heat rise in my cheeks. “Alright, alright, don’t get too emotional. It’s just for the trip, anyway.”

She reached out and adjusted the collar, her touch gentle. “Just for the trip… and maybe a little for Saanvi too, hmm?”

I literally chocked my own saliva.

What is in the earth my mom is even saying

I let out a mock gasp. “Mom, please! You’re making it sound like I dressed up just for her.”

She just gave me a knowing smile. “Oh, I didn’t say it… but you did. As guy who always wear suits and never touch a kurta have suddenly out of no where wears a kurta? It actually mean something.” With that, she walked off, leaving me standing there, feeling like she had me figured out way too well.

But I know

It's just a bet.

It doesn't mean something.

I don't know what no the earth, people are thinking.

Anyway leave it.

With a smirk, I took a deep breath, heading off to find Saanvi and see if all this effort was about to pay off.

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~Saanvi's Pov~

I was helping Aarna with her luggage, chatting casually with her and Ruhi about the trip ahead.

We are going to our farmhouse

Because both family want to spend some time together before wedding.

Aarohi di was happily fussing over a few last-minute items, while the boys

Ridith, Mr NRI, Ishaan, and Rishabh jiju were still nowhere in sight.

We all are going in one car and other members are going in another.

I was in the middle of telling Aarna something when the boys finally walked out.

My words cut off mid-sentence as my gaze locked onto that NRI, who was... wait, was he actually wearing a kurta?

My jaw nearly dropped.

There he was, sleeves rolled up, exposing his strong, veined forearms.

The kurta fit him perfectly, accentuating his frame in a way I hadn’t quite seen before.

effortlessly attractive.

No! Wait... what?

Attractive?

My foot!

He is an idiot.

Why my heart is giving a little jump ?

Please

He is so hot– my subconscious mind said to me

No he is not!

I tried convincing it, but it's just not listening to me.

Still caught in the trance of seeing Aaditya in a kurta, I barely registered that he was moving closer. My mind was somewhere between wondering how he pulled off this look so effortlessly and trying to stop myself from staring again.

But then I noticed he was walking right toward me, his gaze locked onto mine. My heart thudded in my chest, a slight panic and thrill mixing in as he stopped just inches away. Before I could step back or regain my composure, he leaned down, his face so close to mine that I could feel the warmth of his breath.

Our eyes met, and for a second, the world around us faded. His intense gaze held mine, and I felt my breath catch, unable to look away.

The space between us was so small, it felt like the air itself was holding its breath.

Then, in a low, and deep teasing voice, he whispered, “Told you, you’d actually fall for me.”

His words snapped me back to reality, my face warming as I quickly took a step back, trying to play it cool, though my heart was racing like crazy.

I felt my face flush.

Quickly, I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, avoiding his gaze.

Without a word, I turned and walked straight to the car, trying to seem calm.

I slipped into the passenger seat, taking a deep breath and facing forward, hoping no one noticed just how flustered I was.

I felt a surge of embarrassment

Everyone was finally in their seats when Aaditya slid into the driver’s seat right next to me. I shot him a questioning look. "Why are you sitting here?"

He gave me a smirk. "Because I'm driving the car."

I frowned. "Who said you to drive? I was supposed to sit here."

"Well, I’m already here, so guess it’s settled," he replied, gripping the steering wheel with a smug grin.

I looked back at the others, considering moving to the back seat—but the thought of doing that felt even worse. Huffing, I crossed my arms. “Fine. But if you so much as mess up one turn, I’m taking over.”

He chuckled. “Relax, Miss Co-Pilot. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

I shot him a glare but settled into my seat, determined to ignore his every move—though the small smirk on his face made that a lot harder.

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I sat there quietly, holding my phone with Google Maps open, checking the route to make sure this NRI didn’t mess it up.

But then, suddenly, he took a turn in the opposite direction.

“Uh, where exactly are you going?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He gave me a quick, mischievous glance. “Oh, didn’t I tell you? I’m kidnapping you. Going to push you off a valley.”

I rolled my eyes. “Very funny. Try to keep us on the actual route.”

Just then, Ishaan leaned forward from the back seat. “Relax, We’re going to pick up Varsha. She’ll be with us for the rest of the events.”

A strange feeling crept up on me. My grip on the phone tightened, though I wasn’t entirely sure why.

I tried to sound casual as I asked, “Who is… Varsha?”

Even though I already knew the answer, I found myself waiting a bit too eagerly for the explanation.

Aaditya shrugged, glancing at me with an innocent smile. "She’s just one of my childhood friends."

Ishaan snickered from the back. "Just a childhood friend?"

At that, Ridith and jiju (Rishabh) exchanged knowing looks, and suddenly all his brothers chimed in together, grinning. "Nah! Absolutely not."

I clenched my jaw, feeling an odd prickling irritation I couldn’t quite place.

Ishaan leaned forward, grinning ear to ear. “Oh, Varsha was more than that, She was Aaditya’s best friend. After he went to London, she missed him like crazy. They were always in touch, texting, calling, she even visited him once.”

My grip tightened around my phone, and I stared out the window, hoping no one could read the sudden tension in my expression.

What did I care about this… Varsha?

But I couldn’t ignore the slight burn in my chest, and each word about their “friendship” seemed to fan it just a little more.

Ruhi tilted her head, curious. "If she’s so close, why didn’t she attend the other functions?"

Aaditya answered immediately, almost too quickly. "Her exams were going on. She couldn’t make it until they were over, her last one just finished yesterday."

My eyebrows shot up.

Wow.

He seemed to know every little detail about her.

He knew everything about her.

It was as if he could predict her every move, every excuse.

As Ruhi and Ishaan continued to tease him, I forced a tight smile, trying to ignore the annoying pang that only seemed to grow with each passing second.

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The moment we pulled up, the beauty of the place hit me. The mansion stood tall, surrounded by lush green gardens and the place was beautiful with tall trees lining the path.

The sun was setting, giving everything a soft, golden glow.

The air was fresh, and it felt peaceful, like the calm before something exciting.

As soon as the car stopped, Aaditya jumped out like he was late for a train, sprinting towards the entrance with a speed I didn’t know he had.

His urgency was almost comical, but there was something about it that made me curious. Why the rush?

I rolled my eyes, figuring I could use the time to breathe in some fresh air and clear my mind. Plus, I needed to figure out more about this Varsha.

I casually walked outside, hoping to get a glimpse of her and maybe understand why Aaditya seemed so... obsessed.

I stood in front of the car, eagerly waiting to see who this "Varsha" is.

The moment they walked up, I could see them laughing, their voices blending together in a carefree melody.

Aaditya was so close to her, his hand casually resting on her waist as they teased each other. They looked so comfortable together, like they belonged.

And then, I saw her.

She was… stunning.

Her fair skin seemed to glow under the sunlight, and her long hair cascaded down her back, stopping at her waist.

Her eyes sparkled, bright and full of life, and her laugh—it was like music.

Everything about her seemed effortless, like she had no idea just how beautiful she was.

I couldn’t help but feel a pang in my chest.

I had to admit, they made a perfect pair, and for a second, I wondered how I would ever measure up.

But why even I care.

Wait.

Hold on, were they twinning?

Aaditya was in a pink kurta, and she, Varsha, was wearing a pink kurti.

They looked like a couple straight out of a Bollywood film, matching outfits and all.

Why even I told him to wear a kurta?

It stung a little, and I quickly looked away, trying not to show it.

Just then, Ruhi and Aarna appeared beside me, breaking my train of thought.

Aarna, holding up a bunch of pink crayons with a mischievous smile, asked, "Should I color your frock into pink?"

I blinked, confused. "Why are you holding crayons?" I asked, completely thrown off guard.

Aarna just shrugged, giggling, and I couldn’t help but smile at her randomness, though my mind was still stuck on the image of Aaditya and Varsha.

By now, everyone had come out of the car, all eyes on this Varsha girl.

I don’t know why, but I couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy as I watched her interact with everyone so easily.

And of course, Aarna and Ruhi, who couldn’t resist teasing me, were still at it.

“Shut up—” I was about to stop Aarna from teasing me when I saw Varsha walk over to us, confidently holding Mr. London’s hand.

She smiled at all of us and said, “Hi.”

I didn’t respond right away.

Why would I?

My voice seemed stuck in my throat, and I just stared at her, unsure of what to say.

The others replied with a cheerful “hi,” but I just stood there, frozen.

How could I greet her, when all I could think about was how perfectly she fit in here?

She turned to greet the rest of the group.

“Hi Ishuu!” she said, wrapping her arms around Ishaan.

Lamo!

that was the nickname Ruhi had given him.

“Hello Rid,” she said, hugging Ridith next.

Of course, she used the nickname Aarna gave him.

Poor Aarna.

“Hi Risi bhaiya!” she said, finally turning to greet Rishabh, giving him a hug too.

I couldn’t help but glance at my di and friends, who were practically rolling their eyes at the whole scene.

I tried to hide a small laugh.

It was actually kind of funny how they were all acting so… well, normal around her.

We were about to start our journey again when she came closer to my Mr. London and said, “I’ll sit in the passenger seat with you.”

I instantly blurted out, “No, I’m sitting there.”

Wait… wasn’t I the one who didn’t want to sit beside him?

Why did I even say that?

But I had to admit, I did want to sit next to him.

Right now!

I was all ready to fight with her

“Oh, okay,” she said sweetly, her voice almost too soft. “I’ll sit in the back then.”

I couldn’t help but notice the way her words were dripping with honey, the gentle way she spoke, making it sound like she was being kind.

But what I didn’t expect was the subtle sting I felt.

She wasn’t trying to make anyone feel bad, but somehow, I ended up feeling… well, hurt.

But why I am hurt.

I feels like crying

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I sat in the passenger seat, my mind still on Varsha.

I didn’t even care about the map anymore.

I just felt... lost.

Not physically, but inside.

Suddenly, my head started spinning.

A strange dizziness washed over me.

I gripped the seat, trying to steady myself, but the world felt like it was tilting.

I felt like I might throw up, and then everything went blurry.

I could barely hold on

I took a deep breath, but it didn’t help.

My vision blurred, and I was about to close my eyes when Aaditya’s voice broke through.

“Saanu, are you okay?”

I opened my eyes to see him leaning toward me, his face full of concern.

I placed my head on his shoulder for support

But wait–

Woah!!

He called me Saanu

Ahhhh! I am so happy

No I am not!!

Then suddenly...

~To Be Continue

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~Spoiler Alert~

Saanvi pov~

My vision blurred, and I felt myself drifting.

My eyelids were barely open

Then, I realized—wait, I wasn’t sitting anymore.

My feet weren’t touching the ground.

I was... in the air?

I blinked slowly, trying to focus, and then I noticed his arms around me, holding me up.

I was in Aaditya’s arms.

I had...

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~Chapter Aesthetic~

Ridith and Aarna

Aarna

Ridith and Aarna

Waist band (Aarna)

Aaditya's Outfit

Varsha’s Outfit

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I hope you liked the Chapter

The story is now reached on it's real twist.

Abhi toh majja ayega na biddu