4

I stirred awake, the morning sunlight filtering through my curtains. As I rubbed my eyes, memories of last night flooded back — the party, the music, and that unexpected kiss with Yuvraj, my nemesis. I groaned inwardly, feeling a mix of guilt and confusion. What was I thinking? I wondered.

My phone buzzed with a reminder from Mom about my morning classes. I sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. I glanced at the time and quickly formulated a plan to avoid facing Yuvraj today. "Mom" I called out weakly as I walked into the kitchen, "I'm not feeling well today. I think I'll skip classes."

Mom frowned with concern."Are you okay, Aisha? You seemed fine last night."

I nodded, trying to muster up a convincing look of illness. "Yeah, just a headache. I'll rest today."

Mom sighed, clearly not fully convinced but knowing better than to argue. "Alright, take care of yourself. I'll let your college know."

After Mom left for work, I sat down with my phone and messaged Naina.

AISHA❤️:

Hey Naina, not feeling well today. Skipping classes.

Naina's quick reply popped up.

NAINA❤️:

What happened? You were fine yesterday.

I hesitated, fingers hovering over the screen.

AISHA❤️:

I'll tell you later. Just need a day off.

Naina sent a string of concerned emojis followed by a thumbs-up emoji.

NAINA❤️:

Okay, take care. Let's catch up soon.

I put my phone down, relieved yet still troubled by the events of last night. I knew that I couldn't avoid Yuvraj forever, but for now, I needed time to sort out my feelings and figure out how to face him again.

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Yuvraj stood outside the college gates, nervously fiddling with his bag strap. His conversation with Yash last night echoed in his mind like a relentless drumbeat. I have to apologize to Aisha, he thought, his stomach churning with guilt and anticipation.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of classes, Yuvraj's heart sank. He hadn't seen Aisha anywhere. Disheartened, he wandered towards the canteen, hoping for a glimpse of her. Spotting Naina chatting with her friends, he hesitated before approaching her. She noticed him immediately.

Naina, always perceptive, sensed Yuvraj's unease. "Hey, what's up? You look troubled" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Yuvraj hesitated, his mind racing. "Uh, Naina, I... I was just wondering if Aisha is around today?"

Naina frowned slightly, studying her brother's troubled expression. "No, she's not coming today. Why? Is something wrong?"

Yuvraj's heart raced. He hadn't anticipated this interrogation from his sister. "No, nothing's wrong. I just... wanted to talk to her about something" he replied evasively.

Naina's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing there was more to Yuvraj's request. "Bhai, are you sure everything's okay? You know you can tell me, right?" Her tone was gentle yet probing.

Yuvraj sighed inwardly, torn between confessing and protecting his dignity. "Yeah, yeah, everything's fine, Naina. Don't worry about it" he replied, attempting a reassuring smile.

Naina studied him for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. "Alright, but if anything is bothering you, I'm here, okay?"

"Yeah, thanks, Naina" Yuvraj muttered gratefully, relieved that she didn't press further.

Naina smiled softly before excusing herself to join her friends. Yuvraj watched her leave, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension. He knew he had to find Aisha soon and make things right, no matter how difficult it seemed.

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AFTER 3 DAYS

Aisha and her family were invited to Yuvraj's house for dinner as a gesture of goodwill and celebration. Yuvraj's parents had recently returned from a long overseas trip and wanted to reconnect with old friends, including Aisha's family.

Meanwhile, Naina, Yuvraj's younger sister, was currently away at a summer camp in the mountains, where she was participating in a leadership program focused on environmental conservation.

in the evening, Rathore Mansion:

The evening was charged with tension as Yuvraj anxiously awaited Aisha's arrival with her family. For three days, she had avoided him, and he couldn't shake the guilt of kissing her without her consent. Tonight, however, fate offered a slim chance at redemption as Aisha's family was coming over for dinner.

Yuvraj stood nervously in the living room, pretending to rearrange the cushions while stealing glances towards the door. Finally, the bell rang, and Aisha entered with her parents. She greeted his parents warmly but avoided his gaze, her eyes fixed on anything but him.

Throughout dinner, Yuvraj tried to catch Aisha's eye, to say something, anything to explain, but she remained elusive. As plates clinked and conversations flowed around them, he found himself lost in regret and missed opportunities.

After dinner, Aisha retreated to the balcony, seeking solace in the cool evening breeze. Yuvraj hesitated for a moment, then followed her outside. The silence between them was heavy with unspoken words.

"Aisha, please" Yuvraj began, his voice tinged with desperation. "I need to talk to you."

Aisha turned to face him, her expression guarded yet curious. "What is it, Yuvraj?"

He took a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I'm sorry, Aisha. I should have never kissed you without asking. It was wrong, and I regret it deeply. I understand if you're angry with me, but please, let me explain."

Aisha's eyes softened slightly, but she remained silent, waiting.

"I didn't mean to disrespect you" Yuvraj continued earnestly. "I was caught up in the moment, and I made a terrible mistake. I should have respected your boundaries."

There was a long pause as Aisha studied him, her expression unreadable. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "You hurt me, Yuvraj. I trusted you."

Yuvraj winced at her words, his heart sinking. "I know, and I'm truly sorry" he replied, his voice cracking with emotion. "I never wanted to hurt you. Please, Aisha, can you forgive me?"

Before Aisha could respond, the door slid open behind them, interrupting their tense conversation. Aisha's father appeared, looking concerned. "Aisha, beta, it's getting late. We should be heading home now."

Aisha glanced back at her father, then turned to Yuvraj, her expression conflicted. "I... I need some time, Yuvraj" she said quietly. "I need to think."

Yuvraj nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "Of course, Aisha. Take all the time you need. I'll wait."

With a small nod, Aisha walked back into the house, leaving Yuvraj standing alone on the balcony, grappling with the uncertainty of her response.

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Please ignore my grammatical errors, do share your reviews and please give some love and support🌷

-tara✮

[1038 words]