Pani Puri Politics

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The wind was crisp as Aashna adjusted her scarf, holding onto Dhruvin’s hoodie as he maneuvered his bike through the dimly lit streets. Just as she was about to ask why they were taking a detour, he pulled up beside a small street-side pani puri vendor. The neon lights flickered, the scent of tangy spices filling the air. Aashna's eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Madam ka medium spicy aur mera meetha,” Dhruvin ordered effortlessly, as if this was routine.

She turned to him, appalled. “Meetha pani puri? That’s a crime.”

Dhruvin smirked, leaning lazily against the bike. “Listen, I don’t want to die with my tongue on fire. Meetha pani puri is underrated.”

Aashna huffed but didn’t argue further—she had long given up trying to convert him. The pani puri vendor handed them their plates, and Aashna happily devoured hers while Dhruvin took his sweet version with zero regret.

When they were finished, Dhruvin wiped his hands on a tissue and was about to leave when he felt a tug on his hoodie. He turned back to see Aashna looking at him expectantly, eyes darting toward the vendor but not saying a word. He sighed, already knowing the problem.

“Bhaiya, sukha puri do na,” he called out.

The vendor quickly handed over the dry, crispy puris, and Dhruvin passed them to Aashna popping one into her mouth. “Dekha? Itna pasand karta hoon tumhe ki apni sukha puri bhi tumhe de diya.”

Aashna rolled her eyes but grinned, happily munching away.

By the time they reached Manan’s apartment, the place was already buzzing with laughter and loud music. Their group had gathered in a loose circle, drinks in hand, mid-way through a chaotic game of Truth and Dare.

“Finally!” Manan exclaimed dramatically when they walked in. “Loverboy and his princess have arrived.”

Dhruvin shot him a glare, but Aashna just shook her head with a smile. They settled into their spots, just in time to witness Raj doing an awkward chicken dance as his dare.

“Alright, new arrivals get a turn now,” Saumya declared, pointing at Aashna. “Truth or dare?”

Aashna glanced at Dhruvin, who was watching her with mild amusement. “Dare.”

Saumya smirked. “Perfect. Call Advait and tell him you miss him.”

Aashna groaned, while Dhruvin made a face. “That’s not even a dare,” he muttered.

“Oh, it is for Mr. Possessive here.” Manan grinned, clearly enjoying himself.

Aashna rolled her eyes but did it anyway, and Advait, as expected, dramatically responded with, “Aashna, I knew you’d finally realize I’m the best!” to which Dhruvin muttered, “I should’ve chosen the dare for her.”

Before they could move on, the doorbell rang. Their food had arrived.

Burgers, fries, and milkshakes were handed out, but that led to another round of chaos.

“Who the hell ordered only fries?” Raj demanded.

“Why are there extra burgers but only one cold drink?” Sia frowned.

Manan pointed at Saumya, who threw a fry at him. “Because SOMEONE messed up the order.”

As everyone finally settled, Dhruvin and Aashna instinctively began their own little ritual—without a word, Dhruvin split his burger in half, while Aashna quickly plucked out the tomato slices from hers and dumped them onto his.

“You still don’t like tomatoes?” he asked, shaking his head.

“They taste like actual nightmares,” she replied without hesitation.

Dhruvin chuckled. The first time she had done this, he had been bewildered. Now, it was just a part of them.

Knowing her habits well, he casually reached for his fries, set a handful aside, and nudged them toward her.

Aashna blinked at him. “What’s this?”

“Your ‘later fries.’ Because you always regret finishing them too soon.”

She grinned, happily dipping a fry into her milkshake, savoring the perfect sweet-and-salty bite. “You really do know me too well.”

“Obviously.” He smirked. “Also, that’s disgusting.”

“It’s a delicacy,” she corrected.

They bickered over it for a few more minutes, their laughter blending with the others’. And as the night went on, Aashna realized how much she had missed just being in this moment—with him, with their friends, with the tiny habits that had now become second nature.

For once, life felt simple, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Author’s Note

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