Chapter 3: Snakes and Laughter- The Almost Perfect Prank

On Sunday,

Late afternoon,

Outside Naina's apartment complex:

(Vikram eased his car into a gentle stop just outside Naina's apartment complex.

Vikram leaned back in his seat, his hand still resting on the steering wheel, while Naina unbuckled her seatbelt.

She turned to him, her eyes twinkling with a warmth that matched the smile on her lips.)

Naina: (soft voice) Aaj ka din, bahut hi accha tha... Thank you, Vikram ji.

Vikram: (smirks, the dimple on his cheek making its appearance) accha toh tab hota, jab dessert bhi kha lete!!!

Naina: (laughs, shaking her head) aapke saath lunch khaana bhi, dessert se better hota hai.

Vikram: (raises an eyebrow) Accha? Yeh baat toh likhni padegi.

(She rolled her eyes, but the playful banter only made her heart flutter. There was something about Vikram— that made her feel light, cherished.

There was a moment of comfortable silence before Naina leaned forward, her smile faltering just slightly as nervousness crept in.

But Vikram met her halfway, and their lips brushed softly. The kiss deepened, a mix of tenderness and passion, leaving them both breathless.

As they pulled back, Naina's cheeks flushed pink. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, trying to mask her shyness.)

Naina: (hesitantly, biting her lip) Umm... Would you like to come upstairs for coffee?

(Vikram's gaze softened, his lips curling into an amused smile.)

Vikram: Sure.... Tum jao pehle. Main car ko visitor's parking mein rakh kar aata hoon.

(Naina nodded, stepping out of the car. She turned back once, giving him a smile that made his heart skip a beat, before heading toward her apartment building.

As soon as she was out of sight, Vikram's grin turned mischievous.)

Vikram: aah... perfect time for the perfect revenge!!!

(He pulled open the glove compartment. From inside, he retrieved a small, remote-controlled toy snake.

Its rubbery, lifelike body was designed to wiggle convincingly, and Vikram couldn't wait to put his little prank into action.)

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Later,

At Naina's apartment:

(Vikram followed Naina into her apartment, taking in the cozy, thoughtfully decorated space.

His eyes swept over the light-toned furniture, soft cushions, and framed photos on the walls.)

Vikram: Nice place, Naina!!!! (flashing her a warm smile) I must say... you have a good taste!!!

Naina: (laughs softly) Thank you...... ab chalo, aap sofe par baith jaao, aur relax karo. Main bas paanch minute mein coffee banakar laati hoon.

Vikram: (began to follow her) Arrey, let me help you naa. Main bhi acchi coffee banata hoon.

Naina: (turns around, mock sternness in her tone) I know... Kiara bahut taareef karti hai, aapke haath ke coffee ki.... But let me make it for you today. Please?

Vikram: (mock salutes her) okay maam!!!

(Vikram laughed and then settled himself on the couch. Naina smiled at him and the quickly walked into the kitchen.

As soon as she was out of the living room, Vikram pulled out the toy snake from the box hidden in his jacket pocket.

Carefully, he placed it on the ground near the edge of the kitchen and nudged it into position with the remote.)

(The snake slithered across the floor realistically, and Vikram smirked, ready for her reaction.)

Vikram: (building up a story) Waise Naina.... tumne news dekhi??? Abhi kuch din pehle hi news mein aaya tha.

(He kept his tone casual but serious enough to build suspense. Naina responded from the kitchen.)

Naina: (from inside the kitchen) kaunsi news?

Vikram: snakes ke baare mein.... Delhi mein kaafi snakes dikh rahe hain.... news nahi dekhi kya??— Massive Snake Sighting in Local Residences—Experts Warn People to Stay Alert!

Naina: (from inside the kitchen) haan.... dekha tha maine, news mein!!!

Vikram: (unable to control his giggle) Kehte hain, aise hi residential colonies mein ek- aadh saanp pakda gaya hai.... they found the snake hiding in the air conditioners or behind the washing machine in the utility area.

Naina: (from inside the kitchen, her voice rises slightly, tinged with concern) Haan, maine padha tha! It's really scary. Chhote bacchon ke liye toh aur bhi dangerous hoga.

Vikram: Haan, waise yeh colony safe toh hai na??

Naina: (from inside the kitchen) I think safe hai... matlab, abhi tak toh kuch suna nahi...

(As Vikram sat on the couch, he controlled the toy snake with the remote, guiding it to slither slowly toward the kitchen.

He grinned, imagining Naina's reaction. His heart raced with excitement, and he leaned forward, anticipating her scream.

And....

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Then it happened.

Naina let out a bloodcurdling scream.)

Naina: VIKRAM JI!!

(Naina's panicked voice filled the air, growing more frantic with each passing second.)

Naina: (from inside the kitchen) Vikram ji!!! Ss... saanp!!! There is a snake in the kitchen!!!!

Vikram: (chuckles under his breath, proud of his prank) Aah... revenge is sweet!!!

(He controlled the snake to wiggle more convincingly toward her. But then, her screaming became louder, more erratic.)

Naina: (she yells, from inside the kitchen) Vikram ji!!!! Help!!!!! Oh my God!!!!

(Before Vikram could react, a loud crash shattered the air, followed by the sound of breaking glass.

And then

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There was complete silence.

Vikram's smile vanished.)

Vikram: (voice shakes slightly) Naina??

(He froze, staring at the kitchen entrance, his heart thudding in his chest.

No response.

Panic gripped him.

He tossed the remote aside and rushed toward the kitchen. As he stepped inside, his eyes widened in horror.)

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In the kitchen:

(Naina lay unconscious on the floor, shards of glass from the broken coffee cups scattered around her.)

Vikram: oh god!!!! Naina!!!

(Vikram dropped to his knees beside her, his earlier excitement now replaced with guilt and fear.

He gently shook her shoulders, his voice trembling.)

Vikram: Naina, aankhein kholo, please!!!! I'm so sorry! Wake up, please!

(Her lack of response made his chest tighten. He cursed himself under his breath.)

Vikram: (mutters to himself) Kya zaroorat thi yeh stupid prank ki? Vikram, you're an idiot!!!

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In the living room:

(He scooped her up in his arms carefully and then carried her into the living room.

He placed her on the couch, brushing her hair away from her face.

His panic escalated as he knelt by her unconscious form, while his hands trembled as he gently shook her shoulders.)

Vikram: (tears rolling down his eyes) Naina! Please wake up... I'm so sorry. Tum theek ho jao, bas!

(For a moment, there was no response. His heart sank.)

Vikram: (His voice cracks with panic) Naina... please.... Wake up!!!! It was just a stupid prank!!! Asli snake nahi hai woh!!! Main toy shop se lekar aaya tha!!!!

(He patted her cheeks lightly, frantically muttering—)

Vikram: Kya karun??? (realizes) paani??? Haan.... Paani!!!!

(He got up to grab a glass of water, but just then, Naina's eyelids fluttered open.

She groaned softly, and Vikram's breath caught in relief.

But then, to his utter shock, a mischievous grin spread across her face.)

Naina: (her voice laced with mock seriousness) by the way, aapko doctor ki degree kisne di? Ek emergency toh handle nahi kar paa rahe ho aap, Dr. Vikram?

(Vikram froze, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief.

Before he could process, Naina burst out laughing, clutching her stomach as tears of mirth spilled from her eyes.)

Naina: (exclaimed between giggles) Oh my God, Vikram ji!!! Aapke expressions toh dekhne ke laayak hain!!!

(Vikram froze, the realization dawning on him. His eyes widened as he processed her words.)

Vikram: Wait... tum... tum acting kar rahi thi??

Naina: (wipes tears of laughter from her eyes) Haan, obviously!!! (laughs) Aapko laga main sach mein behosh ho gayi?

(He stared at her, dumbfounded, before shaking his head in disbelief.)

Vikram: Unbelievable!!!!

(Vikram muttered under his breath, slumping back against the sofa with an exaggerated sigh of defeat.

A reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips.)

Vikram: Tumne toh meri jaan hi nikal di thi!

Naina: (leans closer, poking his chest lightly) I hope you learnt your lesson— don't ever try to prank the prankster!!!!

(Vikram groaned dramatically, throwing his hands up in mock surrender.)

Vikram: Haan ji, aaj maan hi leta hoon. You are the Prank Queen! And I bow down to you, Your Highness!

(He made a theatrical gesture of bowing, which sent Naina into another fit of laughter.

She got up from the couch, shaking her head.)

Naina: Ab samajh aaya aapko? Mujhse panga lena kitna dangerous ho sakta hai?? (laughs) chalo.... I'll go finish making the coffee, phir aaram se baithte hain!!!!

(She turned to leave, but before she could take a step, Vikram jumped to his feet and gently grabbed her wrist.)

Vikram: Ruko!

(Startled, she turned to look at him. His expression was softer now, a playful yet tender intensity in his eyes.

He placed her hand against his chest, over his heart.)

Vikram: (his voice low, teasing) Coffee toh baad mein bhi pee lenge. Pehle meri dil ki dhadkan ka kuch kariye, Madam!

(Naina's lips curved into a smile, her eyes locked with his.

She could feel the rapid thrum of his heart under her palm, and for a moment, neither of them moved, caught in the intensity of the moment.

Her teasing demeanor melted into something more tender as she reached up, gripping the collar of his shirt.)

Naina: (tone is teasing and playful) Aapko, prank karte waqt sochna chahiye tha... Ab bhugtiye!!!

(With a mischievous glint, she pulled him in for a kiss. Their lips met softly at first, but the kiss deepened as Vikram slid his hands around her waist, drawing her closer.

Her hands moved instinctively to his chest, and before she realized it, her fingers had begun to unbutton his shirt.

Vikram stilled, pulling back slightly. His brow furrowed as he searched her face.)

Vikram: Naina... are you sure??

(Naina met his gaze steadily, her cheeks flushed but her eyes resolute. She nodded, her hands still resting on his chest.)

(That was all the confirmation he needed. Vikram's lips met hers again, this time with a deeper intensity, their shared emotions pouring into the kiss.

He tilted her head gently, his lips trailing to the side of her neck, leaving soft, heated kisses along her skin.

Naina closed her eyes, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt, completely lost in the moment.

So immersed were they in each other that they failed to notice the sound of keys jingling outside or the faint creak of the door unlocking.

With a loud bang, the main door swung open, startling them both. Kiaan and Kiara bursted into the apartment, their faces glowing with excitement.)

Kiaan and Kiara: (cheerfully) Hi Mumma!!!!

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Author’s Note:

Naina is officially the Prank Queen, and now Vikram knows it all too well! I bet he never saw that coming! 😆

Have you ever pulled off an epic prank on someone? Or maybe you’ve been the victim of a hilarious prank? Share your funniest prank stories in the comments—I’d love to read them!

If this chapter made you laugh, gasp, or even feel a little bad for Vikram, then don’t forget to hit that ⭐ vote button! Your support keeps the story going and helps me bring you more exciting updates. See you in the next chapter! 💖