14. Sanskari Bhabhi Equation

This marks the final chapter of 2024!

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~Saanvi's Pov~

Aaditya beta, you are too much sticking to Varsha.

Just wait and watch what I’ll do.

I walked into the farmhouse and headed straight to the hall, where all the aunties were busy gossiping.

My eyes landed on Mrs. Malhotra, Aaditya’s mom, who was sipping tea and laughing softly at something.

Perfect.

I approached her, putting on my best polite smile. “Aunty, do you know where Aaditya is?”

Mrs. Malhotra turned to me with a kind expression. “Oh, he? He said he has an exam coming up and didn’t want to be disturbed, so he’s studying in his room. I even told Ishaan to make sure no one bothers him.”

“Ishaan?” I repeated, barely holding back a laugh.

Ishaan, the professional troublemaker?

“Yes, Ishaan. Such a good boy, isn’t he?” she said with genuine admiration.

“Oh…” I trailed off, trying to sound concerned. “But I saw Ishaan, Aaditya, and Ridith going to the campfire area in the jungle. It’s so late, and I was too afraid to go there myself…”

Mrs. Malhotra’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? He has an exam, and he’s playing? This boy! I thought he was serious about his studies, but no!”

I quickly added, “Oh, it’s okay, aunty. I just needed to take Aaditya’s measurements because I have to prepare his dress, na?”

Mrs. Malhotra’s face hardened with determination. “Beta, you wait here. I’ll go see what this boy is up to.”

Ishaan mom, Mrs Shed add "I am sure, it's Ishaan idea, he is the one troublemaker"

Mrs. Rahman, Ridith’s mom, frowned and added, “Ridith too? He’s supposed to be the responsible one! These boys have no sense of time.”

"You wait, I am bringing them here" Mrs Malhotra added and she stood up and stormed toward the campfire area.

Suppressing a smile, I followed behind her, keeping a safe distance.

Let’s see, Aaditya beta, how you explain this one to your mom.

Mrs. Malhotra marched into the campfire area with me quietly trailing behind her.

She stopped abruptly, standing tall with her hands on her hips, scanning the group.

The campfire scene froze.

Aaditya, Ridith, Ishaan, and the others all stand, staring at us like kids caught stealing cookies.

I tried to look innocent, peeking from behind Mrs. Malhotra, making my best 'I-didn’t-do-anything' face.

Mrs. Malhotra walked straight toward Aaditya, who had been holding his guitar.

The poor guy quickly lowered it, his eyes fixated on the ground like it held the secret to his escape.

She grabbed his ear and twisted it sharply.

“Ow! Maa, it’s hurting!” Aaditya yelped, trying to squirm away.

It was hurting me too when you were playing guitar with Varsha.

“You said you were studying because of your exam!” Mrs. Malhotra scolded, still twisting his ear. “So this is your study, huh?”

I bit my lip hard, but I could feel my shoulders shaking from the effort.

Aaditya mumbled something incoherent, still wincing in pain, as she pulled him by his ear toward the farmhouse.

“You two, also come fast,” Mrs. Malhotra barked at Ridith and Ishaan, who were gulping so hard I thought I could hear their necks creak.

They scrambled to follow her, heads hanging low.

I stayed behind, trying my best to hide my laughter.

But one glance at Ruhi and Aarna, who were silently snickering, almost made me lose it.

Finally, I followed Mrs. Malhotra, and behind me, Ruhi, Aarna, and even Varsha trailed along, all trying to hold back their giggles.

---------------

I came inside my room, while Aarna and Ruhi were somewhere else

I sat on my bed, the cool breeze from the open window brushing against my face, but my mind was far from calm.

My thoughts swirled like a storm, crashing into each other, leaving me restless.

I closed my eyes, leaning back, and let the words in my head flow freely.

Why did I say all that?

Why did I run to his mother like a child seeking justice?

Why did his laughter with someone else burn a fire in me?

The sound of his guitar still echoes in my ears,

His smile—soft and rare—lingers in my heart.

But why does it hurt to see him with her?

Why does my chest tighten when his gaze doesn’t find mine?

He is just a boy, isn't he?

A boy who teases, who challenges me at every turn.

Then why do I feel like I’ve lost a battle I didn’t know I was fighting?

I pressed my palms to my face, trying to drown out the storm.

But his voice, his presence, and that one moment where he looked up at me with those eyes—it all kept coming back.

Why does Aaditya make me feel this way?

And why, in the midst of this chaos,

Does my heart whisper the answer I’m too afraid to hear?

And one name lingering softly on my lips: Aaditya.

I was still lost in my thoughts when the door burst open, and Ruhi and Aarna waltzed in like they owned the place.

Ruhi smirked. "So, Saanvi Shergill, what’s cooking? Or should I say… who’s cooking your heart?”

“What?” I frowned, sitting up. "Nothing is cooking! Especially not with Aaditya!"

"But we didn't mention your Aaditya" Ruhi added.

"Uhm! Whatever" I said

Aarna plopped down beside me. "Oh really? Then why did you run to his mom and cause all that drama? Jealous much?"

“I was not jealous!” I protested, crossing my arms.

Ruhi snorted. “Yeah, right. If it wasn’t jealousy, then why did you stare at them like you wanted to set the whole jungle on fire?”

“I did not stare!” I exclaimed, but my voice betrayed me.

Aarna leaned in, smirking. “Oh, we’re not saying it’s bad, Saanvi. Just admit it—you love Aaditya.”

“No, I don’t!” I folded my arms, looking away. "I just want him stay away from me"

Ruhi rolled her eyes. “if so then eat aaple because, An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

I snapped back. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but if the doctor is handsome, keep the apple away.”

The words left my mouth before I realized it, and both Ruhi and Aarna burst into laughter so loud it felt like the walls were shaking.

“YOU LOVE HIM!” they yelled in unison, pointing at me like they had just cracked some grand mystery.

“Shut up!” I yelled back, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. “I don’t like him. Aaditya and I are just... Aaditya is just... annoying!”

Ruhi tapped her chin. “Annoying, huh? So annoying that you couldn’t even stand Varsha sitting next to him?”

“She’s his childhood friend!” I argued, trying to stay calm.

Aarna smirked. “Right. Childhood friends who she can’t stay away from. Remember what Ishaan said? Varsha went all crazy when Aaditya left for London. And the way they sit so close—"

“Exactly!” I cut in, standing up. “Why does she only have one guy friend? Why does she act like she can’t live without him?”

Both of them went silent for a moment, then exchanged looks.

“Maybe Varsha is in love with Aaditya too,” Aarna said softly.

That hit like a bolt of lightning. My chest tightened, and before I could stop myself, I stood taller. “No. Aaditya Malhotra is mine. No one else can have him. Not even Varsha!”

Oh my God, these are making me say those things I was denying to my heart from hours.

Why did I say it?

I want the world to buried me.

Ruhi blinked. “Whoa, possessive much?”

Aarna giggled. “Love really does make people go mad, doesn’t it?”

I sat back down, burying my face in my hands.

“I don’t love him,” I mumbled, but my voice sounded weak even to my own ears.

Ruhi and Aarna grinned at each other, high-fiving like they had just won a battle. “Sure, you don’t, Saanvi. Sure.”

But deep down, I knew they were right.

I was just too stubborn to admit it.

--------------

I was sitting in my room, still embarrassed, trying to hide my face in my hands.

Ruhi, of course, was in her mischievous mood, trying to get me to come to dinner.

She grabbed my blanket and pulled it off me with a playful grin.

“Come on, Saanvi. It’s dinner time, no time to hide!” she teased, her voice too cheerful for my mood.

I could feel the redness creeping up my neck. I was so embarrassed I could barely look at either of them.

How was I supposed to face anyone.

I sighed and reluctantly started to get ready.

I was just about to leave when Aarna stopped me.

She came up to me, grabbed my dupatta, and threw it over my head with a swift move.

“Why are you—”

“Leave it, let’s just go,” she said, a smirk playing on her lips.

I had no choice but to follow them.

As we made our way to the dining area, I passed by Mrs. Malhotra, who was standing there.

The next thing I knew, both Aarna and Ruhi had bent me down in front of her, forcing me to bow at her feet.

Mrs. Malhotra was as shocked as I was.

I was practically frozen in place, unsure of what was happening.

“You know, aunty, Saanvi is so sanskari,” Ruhi said, looking at Mrs. Malhotra with a proud grin.

Aarna nodded, adding, “Yes, she touches elder’s feet whenever she sees them.”

Mrs. Malhotra’s eyes widened with affection.

She bent down and gently lifted me up. “Aww, meri beti, kitni sanskari hai,” she cooed and then leaves.

(Aww, my daughter so Sanskari)

I blinked at her in confusion. “What just happened?”

Aarna and Ruhi walked past me, and I just stared at them, wide-eyed.

Ruhi turned back to me with a mischievous grin. “Arey, sasu-maa thi teri, namaste karna toh banta hai na?”

(she’s your mother-in-law, it’s mandatory to greet her.)

Aarna chimed in with a laugh. “Ladka chhod, tu uski maa ko mana le, phir sab set.”

(“Leave the boy, impress his mother, then everything’s set.”)

I stared at them both, utterly baffled. “What do you mean? I didn’t—"

Aarna winked. “You’ll figure it out soon later too.”

I had no idea how I ended up in these situations, but one thing was for sure:

my life had definitely become a lot more complicated with Aaditya in it.

----------------

I was about to take a bite of my food when Ishaan suddenly broke the silence. "Where is Aaditya and Ridith?" he asked, looking around the room.

Mrs. Rahman replied first, “He went somewhere for some work.”

Mrs. Malhotra, however, was quick to add, “and, Aaditya said this time he’ll study all night, so no disturbances. You do one thing—after eating, take his food and give it to him.”

Before Ishaan could even respond, Ruhi jumped in with a mischievous smile. “No aunty, actually Saanvi will go and give him his food. Am I right, Ishaan?”

Ishaan looked at her and then nodded, “Yes, Darli—Ruhi, why not?”

I could feel my face turning red as I stared at Ruhi, who was giving me a knowing look.

Aarna leaned in close to my ear and whispered with a teasing tone, “Although you have to do it later.”

Mrs. Malhotra started to stand up, shaking her head. “No, no, it’s okay, there’s no need—”

But Mrs. Shergill quickly interrupted, “No, no, you sit. She’ll go. Saanvi, go give this food to Aaditya.”

I sighed in resignation and stood up, but not without earning a playful smack on both thighs from Ruhi and Aarna.

“Ab toh Teri Maa bhi yahi chahti hai,” Aarna whispered in my ear, her voice dripping with mischief.

(“Look, now your mom agrees too.")

I couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and excitement.

I grabbed the plate with a tight smile, glanced at Mrs. Malhotra, and made my way toward Aaditya’s room.

As I walked away, I thought, Well, I guess I’ll get to see him after all… on this pretext.

This wasn’t how I imagined seeing Aaditya.

I stood in front of Aaditya's room, feeling a strange flutter in my chest.

Why am I so nervous?

I thought to myself, trying to calm my racing heart.

After a few deep breaths, I finally mustered the courage and knocked on his door.

"Come in," I heard his honeyed voice from inside, and I could feel my heart skip a beat.

I slowly entered the room, my eyes scanning everything around me.

The room had a certain charm to it—organized but with a relaxed, artistic touch.

The walls were decorated with a few framed posters of music legends, and there was a bookshelf stacked with books.

As a med student, I couldn’t help but notice the contrast between the sleek, clean desk and the comfortable chair next to it, filled with textbooks, notes, and a stethoscope hanging from the back.

But it was his table that caught my attention. As my gaze shifted to the area near his bed, I froze.

There he was.

Shirtless.

He was sitting with his back slightly turned to me, holding a guitar, his fingers moving skillfully over the strings.

I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the scene.

His muscular arms flexed with each movement, and his messy hair fell in soft waves around his face.

His window, just across from him, bathed him in soft light, making the whole moment feel unreal.

I had never expected this.

His guitar playing was so smooth, so engrossing, that it took me a moment to realize I was staring.

Oh, so this is his idea of studying all night.

He didn’t turn around to look at me, still focused on the guitar, completely unaware of my presence and said "Ishaan you come again, I am telling you I will not go anywhere, doesn't matter how many swear you eat on the name of your sanskari bhabhi, who actually doesn't exist"

I chuckled softly, feeling a mix of amusement and admiration.

Sanskari = Saanvi

Bhabhi = Saanvi

Sanskari + Bhabhi = Saanvi

Saanvi = Me

Ishaan’s Sanskari Bhabhi = Aaditya’s Wife

Therefore, Me = Aaditya’s Wife

Hence proved, that me = future Mrs Saanvi Malhotra

I flip my hair imaginary,

Huh!

For a reason I am MBA student

Then, without thinking, I said, “Aaditya, your mom (my sasu maa) sent your food.”

(Mother-in-law)

At the sound of my voice, he instantly turned around, his eyes widening in shock.

He quickly tried to hide his bare chest with his guitar, but I couldn’t help but smile.

He looked so flustered, but I didn’t want to make it worse.

I simply turned around, letting him regain his composure.

A moment later, I heard him speak. “All set,” he said, now in a white shirt, sleeves rolled up, his veins visible as he tugged them up.

His messy hair added to his effortlessly handsome look.

Oh God, my eyes.

I handed him the food, but as I turned to leave, I heard him call out, “Listen.”

I paused and turned back to face him. “Yes?” I said, my heart pounding.

My head low, in shyness

“Thanks for it, Saanu,” he said with a grin.

Saanu.

My heart skipped.

He called me that.

I love it so much.

“Welcome,” I replied with a shy smile before turning to leave.

~Ruhi's Pov~

It was 10 at night, and our room had turned into a comedy stage.

Saanvi was snuggled under her blanket, either sleeping or dreaming about my jiju, Aaditya.

Her face had this peaceful glow, and the slight smile on her lips was proof enough.

Love truly makes people look angelic.

Meanwhile, Aarna was seated at her desk, aggressively typing on her laptop.

Or rather, attacking her laptop.

The poor keyboard was bearing the brunt of her frustration.

Like practicing wrestling with the laptop?

I thinks she is jealous of that laptop, because Ridith, her love spends more time with his laptop than with her.

As I was staring at her, I feel her threw a pillow at me

But why?

I lay on my bed, trying to sleep, but no matter how much I tossed and turned, sleep was nowhere to be found.

Ugh, why can’t I be like Saanvi? She was snoring softly, probably because of jiju

I also want someone in my life whom I can dream whole night and sleep peacefully

But ugh!

Finally, I gave up and sat up. "Aarna," I called softly, not wanting to wake Saanvi.

"Hmm?" she replied absentmindedly, not even looking up from the screen.

"I'm going to the terrace. It's so suffocating here," I said, standing up and stretching.

"Okay," she muttered, still glued to the laptop, her expression looking like she was decoding NASA-level algorithms.

I frowned. "That's it? No ‘be careful’? No ‘don’t go alone’? Wow, what a caring friend you are!"

She just waved her hand in dismissal. "Bring a glass of water while coming."

I huffed and muttered under my breath, “Next time, I’m stealing your charger, let’s see how fine you are!”

And with that, I grabbed a shawl and headed for the terrace, feeling thoroughly ignored. Typical Aarna, lost in her own world.

~Ishaan's Pov~

I was scrolling through my phone, lying lazily on Aaditya's bed, while Mr. Aaditya was busy "studying."

At least, that’s what he called it—highlighting one line in his book every ten minutes and then staring dramatically into space.

“Bro, are you memorizing the syllabus or solving the mysteries of the universe?” I asked, smirking.

“Shut up, Ishaan,” he muttered, not even looking at me. His pen tapped rhythmically on the table. I think he’s just using it to look intellectual.

I continued scrolling, but Aaditya’s intense focus was bothering me.

I couldn’t understand how anyone could look so serious without actually doing anything.

Yeh banda toh shakal se bhi serious hai!

his phone buzzed on the table.

I leaned over, smirking. “Sanskari bhabhi ka hai?” (Is it from Sanskari bhabhi?)

Aaditya rolled his eyes. “No,” he said, picking it up.

Before I could say anything, he suddenly answered the call. “Oh, Varsha,” he said, his voice softening slightly.

Oh, so it’s Varsha now?

My ears perked up.

I stopped scrolling, curious.

I could hear her on the other side, sounding like a child who lost her candy. “Aadi, you didn’t reply to my message! And do you even care that I fell off the stairs today? It’s like you’ve forgotten me now that you’re back!”

“Relax, babe,” he said, chuckling, his voice calm and comforting. “You know I’ll always be there for you. Did you hurt yourself badly?”

Varsha continued, “No! But you could have checked at least once! Do you even know how lonely I feel sometimes? You used to call me every day in London!”

Aaditya’s smile widened as he replied, “Sorry, babe. Next time, I’ll text you first. Now, tell me how you’re feeling.”

What am I even watching?

Babe?

Too close, man.

He’s way too close to this ‘childhood best friend.’

What's about my Sanskari Bhabhi

I leaned back, arms crossed, silently fuming. “Here I am, struggling to win my darling's attention,” I muttered under my breath. “And this guy? Two girls behind him—one who calls and whines, and another one dreaming of him with a dupatta on her head—and he’s behind his science!”

The irony wasn’t lost on me.

My guy here could balance physics, chemistry, and girls with a smile.

Meanwhile, I couldn’t even get one peaceful moment with my Ruhi.

Life’s unfair.

Aaditya was still on the call with Varsha, smiling and nodding like he was in a customer care meeting.

I had enough.

I rolled my eyes and left him to his childhood tantrum queen.

I needed some air.

Or maybe, I just needed a break from this injustice called life.

So, I decided to head to the terrace.

As soon as I stepped out into the cool night breeze, my eyes stopped in their tracks.

There she was—my darling—standing by the edge, her dupatta and hair dancing together in the high wind.

The moonlight bathed her in a glow, making her look like a dream.

I couldn’t help but grin.

See, this is why she’s my destiny.

We both couldn’t sleep and ended up here.

Same vibe, same thinking.

She and I have the same late-night thoughts.

She’s like my perfect match—maybe even my soulmate.

I mean, fate keeps putting us together, right?

With all this excitement bubbling up, I walked over to her and sat down beside her, feeling pretty confident.

I even nudged her arm slightly.

But my darling?

She acted like I was invisible.

Not a glance, not a word—just straight-up ignored me.

I cleared my throat.

Still no reaction.

Wow, so I don’t even exist now?

My smile faltered for a second, but then I decided to stick around.

You can ignore me all you want, Ruhi.

I’m not going anywhere.

I leaned a little closer, resting my elbow on my knee and flashing my best smile.

“Acha, Ruhi,” I began, “you came to the terrace just for me, didn’t you?”

Without even turning to look at me, she replied, “Yeah, because the rest of the world doesn’t deserve to suffer your nonsense at this hour.”

Ouch.

My heart.

I pretended to be offended. “Oh come on, Ruhi! You can’t hate me that much.”

“Not hate,” she said coolly, “just a very strong allergy.”

Wow, I thought, she’s really in her element tonight.

But instead of retreating, I leaned in closer, smirking.

“You know,” I said in a mock-serious tone, “you should really consider marrying me. I’m charming, handsome, and—”

“—unbearable,” she cut me off, rolling her eyes.

I clutched my chest dramatically. “You’re breaking my heart here, darling.”

“Good,” she said flatly. “Maybe it’ll teach you to stop using cheesy pickup lines.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

Okay, lemme try something else.

I leaned closer to her, flashing my most charming smile. "Ruhi, you know na, you’re like biriyani—spicy, irresistible, and totally worth the effort.”

Without missing a beat, she shot back, “And you’re like khichdi—plain, boring, and nobody asks for it.”

I gasped, clutching my chest. “Arrey, don’t say that! Khichdi is comfort food, Ruhi. And I could be your comfort, too!”

She turned to me with a straight face. “More like a stomach ache.”

Ouch. That one hit hard.

But I wasn’t going to give up.

“You know,” I said, leaning even closer, “if you keep roasting me like this, I’ll melt like ghee on paratha.”

She didn't reply.

Ahh

My poor heart

'Its okay baby she will be your soon, all yours' I said to my heart.

But my subconscious, that namakmirchi wali inner voice, decided to chime in:

“Oh really, rajkumar Ishaan? You think this is a Bollywood movie? She’s ignoring you harder than a cat ignores roti.”

I mentally argued, No, no. She’s just shy. That’s how love stories begin.

“Love story? Beta, the only story here is how you’re starring in your own jhalla fantasy while she’s planning ways to escape from you. Stop dreaming, Shah Rukh Khan ki sasti copy!”

But I can feel it! She’s the one for me!

“Feel? All you’re feeling is the cold breeze, because bro, she’s freezing you out. Did you see her face? She looked at you like aalu ke pakode without chutney!”

Shut up, subconscious! She’ll come around.

“Yeah, just like auto wala comes around after saying ‘nahi jaayenge!’ Keep dreaming, majnu. Meanwhile, she’s dreaming of ways to block your number.”

I sighed, shaking my head to silence the roast.

Leave it, let me try again, this time something better.

“Acha darling see,” I said, switching tactics. “You know what? If you marry me, I’ll do all the housework—pocha, jhadu, bartan—everything!”

She raised an eyebrow. “You? Doing housework? You’d probably flood the house trying to wash one plate.”

I threw my hands in the air. “Arrey, Ruhi! Don’t ruin my dream, yaar! I’m trying to be your Ram, and you’re treating me like Ravan!”

Ruhi raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with Ishaan’s over-the-top drama. “Wait a minute. I thought you were an atheist—someone who doesn’t even believe in God.”

I smirked, leaning a bit closer. “Anything for you, darling.”

“And, by the way, if I’m Ram, does that make you my Sita?”

Ruhi scoffed. “In your dreams, Ramleela ke rejected script.”

I don't know should I cry or jump off the terrace.

Ruhi crossed her arms and looked away, clearly trying to ignore me.

But I wasn’t one to give up so easily.

So, I threw my trump card.

“In such a windy time,” I started, trying to sound all thoughtful and poetic, “what you love to have.”

"I love to have a hot coffee" she said, finally a clear answer.

“Why would you need to drink hot coffee, darling, when you yourself are so hot?” I asked.

Her eyes widened for a second before she swatted at me. “Tu hatt!”

Wait!

Did just now Ruhi called me hot

Oh my God

I can't believe

I don't know why but blood rush in my cheeks.

"Thank you'' I said, she give me a weird look but it's okay

Then suddenly I decided something right then and there. This wasn’t going to end with a simple exchange of words. Oh no. I had plans. Big, romantic, very Ishaan plans.

“Wait here,” I said, giving her my most charming grin. “Don’t move an inch.”

Before she could argue, I was already sprinting down the stairs and heading straight to...

~To Be Continue

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~Chapter Aesthetic~

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~Spoiler Alert~

A grin spread across my face as I turned to Ruhi. “Darling, looks like the universe is finally on my side.”

Ruhi gave me a suspicious glare. “What nonsense are you talking about now?”

I leaned against the wall, casually folding my arms. “We’re stuck here. Just the two of us. No one to disturb us. This is destiny, Ruhi. Pure destiny.”

Ruhi’s eyes narrowed. “Destiny, my foot. Move aside.”

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Hello buddies ♡

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As it's last chapter of 2024, tell me which couple you like the most?

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