Chapter 27: "Crispy" Pancakes

Author's Note:

Before you dive into this chapter, I wanted to share something that I should have said before and some people are aware of too but well yeah.

Alongside "Our Fate", I wanted to let you know about my other ongoing book, "Our Hate".

They both are a part of my "Ours" series.

Our Fate is Book 1 and Our Hate is Book 2, you don’t need to read them in sequence.

While the stories aren't directly connected, they share the same world, and each offers its own unique journey. You won’t miss out on any major details by reading one before the other, so feel free to dive in wherever you like!

Each book stands strong on its own, though you might catch some hidden ties if you read both;)

If you're looking for more from this universe, be sure to check out Our Hate, Book 2 in the series, also available on my account.

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(𝖡𝗒 𝖿𝖺𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝖨 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗉𝗈𝗌𝗍𝖾𝖽. 𝖨'𝗅𝗅 𝗉𝗈𝗌𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝖺𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗅𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝖺 𝖻𝗈𝗇𝗎𝗌:)

𝖤𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀!!!🫠💗

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The sun had just started to paint the sky in soft hues of orange and pink when Iraa quietly slipped out of the villa.

The crisp Manali air nipped at her skin as she walked toward the garden, where Vedang was waiting.

He leaned against a tree, looking effortlessly handsome with his messy hair and a casual grin.

His outfit:

Iraa's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.

“Good morning,” Vedang whispered as she approached him, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You look like someone who had trouble sleeping.”

Iraa rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile. “Maybe because someone kept talking to me until 2 AM.”

“Guilty,” Vedang chuckled, stepping closer to her. “But I couldn't help it. Yesterday was… something.”

“It was,” Iraa agreed softly, her cheeks flushing as she remembered his confession and their stolen kiss under the stairs. “Are you regretting it yet?”

Vedang’s playful expression softened. He gently took her hand in his, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. “Not a chance. But what about you? Any second thoughts?”

Iraa shook her head, feeling warmth spread through her chest. “Bilkul nhi. Just… trying to process everything.”

He smiled, pulling her closer. “Good. Because I plan on stealing more of your time today.”

They walked together, fingers intertwined, trying to enjoy their secret moments without being caught.

"I can't believe it's our last day here" Iraa said looking down pouting a bit. "I know, I'll miss it a lot" Vedang patted her hair softly.

Before heading back inside, Vedang pulled Iraa into a secluded corner, his eyes searching hers. “Iraa, I know hum abhi ye sab secret rakh rahe hain, but I just want you to know… I’m all in.”

Iraa’s heart raced as she looked up at him. “Me too, Vedang.”

They both leaned in, but the sound of footsteps nearby made them break apart quickly, exchanging a knowing smile.

“There you two are! Kaha the tum dono!” Aditi said, oblivious to the tension between them.

“Just getting some fresh air,” Vedang replied smoothly, giving Iraa a small, reassuring smile.

Aditi didn’t seem to notice, but Iraa’s heart was racing. They had almost been caught, and the thrill of it only made her feelings for Vedang stronger.

It was the final day of their vacation, and a bittersweet feeling hung in the air.

The two families were gathered in the living room, sipping chai, exchanging stories, and making the most of their last moments together.

"Bahot maza aaya," Iraa's mom said smiling, and Sidharth’s mom smiled back.

"Sahi mein... humare bacche bhi ab ghul mil gaye hain, that is so heartwarming!" Ram said.

Back inside, the entire "children" group was gathered around the breakfast table. As usual, Dev and Aditi were at it, their playful bickering filling the room with laughter.

“Adi tu janti haina pancakes aren’t meant to be burnt, right?” Dev teased, poking at the slightly overdone pancakes on his sister’s plate.

“Chup kar, Dev. These are ‘crispy,’ not burnt,” Aditi shot back, sticking her tongue out at him.

“Oh, is that what Karan likes? Crispy pancakes?” Dev’s eyes gleamed with mischief as he mentioned Karan, knowing full well about Aditi’s crush.

Karan wasn't in the room. Aditi turned bright red, glaring at her twin. “Tum bas jealous ho because you don’t have someone to impress.”

She accidentally openly admitted that yes she had a crush. Everyone else tried to suppress their laughter.

Vedang leaned closer to Iraa and whispered, “Looks like Adi’s got it bad for your brother.”

Iraa chuckled softly. “Seems like it. But who’s going to tell her Karan’s completely oblivious?”

“Not us. Let’s see how this plays out,” Vedang winked, squeezing her hand under the table.

“Please, I don’t need to impress anyone,” Dev smirked. “But you, on the other hand, should probably work on those cooking skills”

Vedang watched the exchange, amused, while Iraa tried to stifle her giggles. Aditi huffed, crossing her arms, but the slight smile on her lips betrayed her.

"Ahem *COUGH*" someone cleared their throat, making everyone shocked. It was Karan.

Aditi facepalmed herself, looking anywhere, trying to look nonchalant. Meanwhile, Dev didn’t know what he had heard.

Karan sat down at the opposite end of the table, in front of Aditi. "Bhai! Haha, kidhar the aap huh?" Iraa asked, trying to change the topic, which wasn’t really helping.

"Got busy. Also, Veda, I need your help later," Karan said in his usual calm tone. Vedang nodded, knowing it was work-related.

"Karan bhai! How's the pancake?" Dev asked, smirking, while Kriti hit him, trying to shut him up.

"They're good, and for your information, I like my pancakes crispy,” Karan muttered, smirking a bit, emphasizing the word "crispy."

Aditi blushed, her heart racing. “Uh-huh, sure,” Dev snickered, earning a playful punch on the arm from his sister.

In the afternoon, everyone was sitting together as usual. Vedang, Sidharth, and Karan were playing cards.

Vedang couldn’t help but steal glances at Iraa, who was sitting across the room, talking animatedly with Kriti and Aditi.

"Aankhe *coughs* bahar *coughs* aa jayengi," Sidharth said, catching Vedang's attention.

"What?" Karan asked, completely oblivious.

"Kuch nahi, it's your turn!" Sid said, giving Vedang a side-eye, while Vedang just rolled his eyes. Karan excused himself as his phone rang.

"Kitna obvious karega," Sidharth giggled. "K-kya?? Maine kya kiya?" Vedang said, trying to look modest, and Sidharth just shrugged.

Iraa’s POV

I was tired and so sleepy. Of course, I slept so little last night. And these girls talk KITNAAA.

My thoughts randomly went to Vedang. Every now and then, I’d catch him staring, and our eyes would lock for just a moment, and I always looked away, getting all shy.

"Ahh, he's so handsome," I huffed.

No one's POV

"Who's handsome?" Kriti asked a bit loudly, catching the guys' attention.

"What?" Iraa asked in utter shock. "What what? You said he's so handsome. Who's handsome?" Aditi asked, giggling.

"You HEARD THAT?!" Iraa yelled a bit. "You said it loud, madam," Kriti chuckled. Meanwhile, Vedang smirked, kind of proud, while Sidharth smirked at him.

Iraa mentally facepalmed herself and looked at the other two, waiting for her answer.

"Ah woh uh... Sidharth!" She said, making everyone's eyes widen. Sidharth choked on air and looked at Vedang, who was now glaring at him as if he would kill him.

"Bro, maine kya kiya? Mere paas mat dekh," Sidharth said, already scared.

"Whaaaat???????" Aditi shouted and got up. Iraa realized what she had said and then looked at Vedang, who was clearly looking offended.

"OHH NO, WAIT!!! I MEANT... Sidharth! M-Malhotra! Haha," Iraa said, trying to sound convincing.

"Ohh thank god!" Aditi sighed and let herself fall on the sofa dramatically. "Yes, haha! Why would I say that about your brother... NO WAY," Iraa said, fanning herself.

"HEY! I am here, hi. And I don't look bad (he really doesn't)," Sid said, a bit offended.

"I mean, yeah... I just didn’t want confusion," Iraa said, and he nodded "fair enoug" . She looked at Vedang, who still had the same expression on his face.

Sidharth looked at him, and yes, he was still pissed. "What now? She said Sidharth Malhotra!" he whispered-yelled at Vedang.

"What's going on?" Karan said, rejoining the group. "Nothing, your sissy just said Sidharth looks so handsome, and all of those idiots thought it was me," Sidharth replied.

Karan gave him a disgusted look. "Bro, what? Not you too! I don't look bad!" Sidharth said, again offended.

"I know, I know. That was just weird," Karan said, chuckling. "Yeah, don’t worry, she meant Malhotra, Sidharth Malhotra! I'm not interested in your sister," Sidharth said, rolling his eyes.

"Yeah, you better not be!" Karan said a little seriously but in a funny way, making Vedang gulp a bit.

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