Bare-Backed Secrets & Blushing Confessions

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Lying on his bed, Dhruvin scrolled through the photos from last night’s Diwali party, his lips unconsciously curling into a soft smile. His friends had taken endless pictures—group selfies, candids, and random blurry clicks—but his fingers stopped when he came across one particular photo.

It was of him and Aashna.

She wasn’t even looking at the camera. Her tired eyes, the way she had been lost in thought, her soft yet distant smile—something about that photo unsettled him. He stared at it, his mind going back to her words from last night.

"Books were the only solace in my troubled past."

What did she mean? What had happened?

His grip on the phone tightened as curiosity gnawed at him. He hated not knowing things about her, especially when they clearly mattered to her. He swiped out of his gallery and went to his call log, dialing Sia’s number.

The phone barely rang twice before she picked up.

“Oye, it's 2 AM. Don’t tell me you’re missing me.”

Dhruvin rolled his eyes. “Shut up, Sia. I need to ask you something.”

“If it’s about why Advait calls her honey, sweetie  and all other nicknames, let me tell you, I have no idea—”

“Sia, I’m serious.” His tone made her pause.

“Okay, okay. What’s up?”

Dhruvin hesitated for a second before saying, “Do you know anything about Aashna’s past? Something… troubling?”

There was silence on the other end.

Then Sia sighed. “Dhruv… She doesn’t talk about it. Not even with me. She’s built walls around herself for a reason, and if she didn’t tell you, maybe she’s not ready.”

His jaw clenched. “So you don’t know anything?”

“I don’t. But if anyone does, it’s Advait.”

Dhruvin exhaled sharply, his fingers hovering over Advait’s contact. He debated calling him, but deep down, he knew it would be useless. Advait was too loyal to Aashna. If she hadn’t told Dhruvin herself, Advait wouldn’t either.

"Meri bhi na kismat hi kharab hai." (My luck is just terrible.) He muttered under his breath.

“Kya bola?” (What did you say?) Sia asked.

“Kuch nahi. Chal, I’ll talk to you later.” (Nothing. I’ll talk to you later.)

He cut the call, tossed his phone aside, and let out a deep breath. Maybe he was overthinking. Maybe she’d tell him when she was ready.

For now, he had a party to plan.

Aashna woke up, stretching as the first rays of the sun seeped through her curtains. She rolled over and reached for her bedside drawer, pulling out a small velvet box. She traced her fingers over it, opening it to reveal the delicate silver bracelet she had picked out weeks ago.

She had told herself she’d give it to Dhruvin when she was sure.

Sure that he was different. Sure that she wasn’t just another girl to him. Sure that what she felt wasn’t just admiration or fondness, but something deeper.

And today… she was sure.

A small smile graced her lips as she closed the box and got out of bed. She didn’t have time to overthink things today. After all, she had a party to attend.

As she made her way to the dining table, her mother gave her an approving look.

“You’re glowing today.”

Aashna rolled her eyes. “Aai, please.”

“No, really. I haven’t seen you this happy in a while. That Dhruvin is a nice boy, isn’t he?”

At the mention of his name, Aashna's cheeks warmed. She quickly focused on her breakfast. “He’s okay.”

Her mother smirked. “Okay??  I’ve never seen an ‘okay’ make you light up like this."

Aashna groaned. “Aai, stop it. I have to go. His Aaji called me early to help with the gift hampers. I’ll get ready there itself.”

Her mother nodded. “Good. Go help them. Aaji really likes you, you know.”

Aashna smiled. “I like her too.”

She finished her breakfast, packed the things she needed, and carefully placed the bracelet in her bag before heading out.

Reaching Dhruvin’s house, she was greeted warmly by Aaji and Aajoba. After exchanging wishes and taking their blessings, she asked about Dhruvin’s whereabouts.

“He was up till late decorating. Still sleeping,” Aaji said, shaking her head. “Go wake him up, na?”

With a mischievous smile, Aashna nodded and made her way upstairs. She entered his room quietly, and there he was—sprawled on his bed, face buried in his pillow, his bare back rising and falling steadily.

She hesitated.

Despite knowing him for six months, seeing him like this always did something to her heart.

Gathering herself, she sat on the edge of his bed and ran her fingers through his messy hair. “Dhruvin, wake up.”

He groaned, shifting slightly but refusing to open his eyes. “Aaji, yaar… zopun de na…” (Aaji, let me sleep…)

Aashna bit back a laugh. “It’s not Aaji. It’s me.”

Still half-asleep, he smirked. “Aashna in my room early in the morning? I must be dreaming.”

She rolled her eyes. “Utho, Dhruvin. Khup kaam aahe.” (Wake up, Dhruvin. There’s a lot of work to do.)

Without opening his eyes, he murmured, “If you’re here, kaam can wait.”

“Fine,” she huffed. “I’ll just decorate the house alone while you snore.”

At that, he cracked one eye open and smirked. “If I knew waking up to you would be this nice, I’d have done it sooner.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Flirting this early? Impressive.”

He sat up, stretching, giving her a lopsided grin. “What can I say? You bring out the best in me.”

Aashna chuckled, shaking her head. “Get ready. We have work to do.”

As she left the room, Dhruvin leaned back, watching her go, a lazy grin on his face. This Diwali was going to be special.

❤️❤️❤️

Author’s Note

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