Shaving, Styling & Safety Instructions

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Aashna woke up before her alarm, an unusual occurrence for someone who usually had to drag herself out of bed. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across her room. Stretching, she grabbed her phone and checked the time. Today was NGO visit day. And bike ride day.

She groaned. Why had she agreed to that?

After freshening up, she picked out a pair of black shorts and a light green top. Something comfortable, yet presentable. She glanced at herself in the mirror, twisting slightly. "Not bad, Pathak," she muttered, before pulling her hair into a ponytail and heading to the dining table.

Her parents were already seated, sipping their morning tea. Aryan, her younger brother, was scrolling through his phone, probably watching some football highlights. She sat down and grabbed a toast.

"So, you're going to an NGO today?" her mother asked casually, but there was a certain sharpness in her tone that Aashna immediately caught.

"Yeah, for our project. I told you yesterday."

Her father put down his newspaper. "And you're going with... what was his name? Dhruvin?"

Aashna sighed. "Yes, Baba. With Dhruvin. But it's just for work."

"Work that involves a bike ride?" her mom asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's just more convenient, Ma. We won’t have to rely on trains or cabs."

"Trains would’ve been safer," her dad muttered.

Aryan smirked. "Let me guess. He's got a Royal Enfield or something? Guys who take bikes that seriously always have a little extra flair."

Aashna rolled her eyes. "Why does it sound like you’re more excited about this than me?"

"Because I am," Aryan replied with a grin. "Also, on a serious note be careful."

Her mother sighed. "Aashna, just be careful. And if anything feels unsafe, call us immediately."

"Ma, I will be fine. Trust me."

Meanwhile, at Dhruvin’s Place…

Dhruvin had never been this meticulous about getting ready. Ever.

Thirty minutes in the shower. Ten minutes shaving. And a solid forty-five minutes pacing his room, trying to decide what to wear. He needed to look good—but not like he was trying too hard.

"White t-shirt? Too plain. Black shirt? Too much attitude. Blue denim jacket? Ugh, too Bollywood hero."

After way too much deliberation, he finally settled on a simple black t-shirt and light-washed jeans. Casual, but still put-together. Running a hand through his damp hair, he smirked at his reflection. "Perfect."When he finally emerged from his room, his Aaji and Aajoba were already at the breakfast table, watching him with amused expressions.

Aaji leaned forward. "Kaay re, hero. Evdha vel ka lavla tayar honyasathi? Kon yetay tujha sobat?" ("What’s this, hero? Why did you take so long to get ready? Who’s coming with you?")

Aajoba chuckled. "I’m wondering if he’s going for an interview or something."

Dhruvin groaned, sitting down with his plate. "Aaji, Aajoba, it’s just a project visit. Why are you both making it a big deal?"

Aaji smirked. "A project visit… but why so much perfume then?"

Dhruvin sighed dramatically. "Aaji, you should join a detective agency," he said grabbing an extra helmet and making a quick exit before the teasing got worse.

When Dhruvin pulled up in front of Aashna’s society, he spotted her immediately. And wow.

His heart did a completely unnecessary somersault.

She looked… adorable. Fresh, light, effortless. The way her hair framed her face, the light green top complementing her skin—it was annoyingly distracting. He had seen her in her usual jeans-and-kurta look, sharp and guarded, but this was different. Softer.

Aashna, on the other hand, felt her stomach drop for a second when she saw him. Why did he have to look this good? The black t-shirt fit a little too well, and his slightly messy hair made him seem effortlessly charming. Which annoyed her. Immensely.

He smirked. "You’re staring, Pathak. You okay?"

She rolled her eyes. "I was just making sure you actually look responsible enough to drive."

"Aww, you care about my safety? That’s so sweet."

"No, I care about mine."

She handed him a small folded paper. "Safety rules. Read them before we leave."

Dhruvin unfolded it and blinked. "Wear helmet, check brakes, maintain speed limit, don’t make unnecessary turns, avoid potholes—Pathak, did you make a contract for this ride?"

"I believe in being prepared."

"So no dramatic Bollywood bike stunts?" he asked, feigning disappointment.

She shot him a glare. "If you try anything stupid, I will jump off mid-ride."

"Noted."

He handed her the spare helmet, but she crossed her arms. "I don’t need it. I’ll be fine."

Dhruvin sighed. "Aashna, it’s for safety. Just wear it."

"I don’t like helmets. They mess up my hair."

"Ah yes, because your fashion emergency is more important than your skull."

She shot him a pointed look. "I’ll be fine, Deshmukh. I’m not a kid."

Dhruvin tilted his head. "Nope. Not happening."

Before she could react, he simply popped the helmet onto her head and snapped the glass shield shut.

Aashna made an indignant noise, trying to push it up, but he just reached out and closed it again.

"Pathak, we’re already late," he said smoothly, starting the bike. "Hop on, or I’m leaving you behind."

She huffed but climbed on, adjusting the strap under her chin. "I hate you."

"Aww, and here I thought this was our first romantic ride."

She smacked his shoulder. "Just drive."

Dhruvin grinned, revving the engine. "As you wish, Pathak."

And with that, they sped off, into what was surely going to be an unforgettable ride.

❤️❤️❤️

Author’s Note

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