chapter 32

Pari flinched slightly when someone suddenly shook her shoulders from behind in an attempt to startle her."Scared?" Prena grinned, sliding into the chair across from her.Pari let out a soft sigh. "Of course I was."She picked up her water bottle, took a sip, and dabbed her lips with a handkerchief before glancing up."Why didn't you come to the first lecture?"Prena casually shrugged, reaching over to snatch a sandwich from Pari's plate."Had something important to handle. And honestly, I didn't even revise what we learned yesterday."Pari chuckled quietly, shaking her head at her friend's carefree attitude." So?"Pari frowned questionably." Let's roam around the university a bit after this. No class for me now and clearly, you too don't have."Pari thought for a few seconds before nodding yes.After finishing their food, the girls strolled through the long corridor, their steps unhurried and their laughter echoing faintly through the high ceilings. The sun filtered in through the windows, casting a soft golden hue around them."You know," Pari began, her tone lighter now, "my mother-in-law was really happy to hear about you yesterday."Prena tilted her head, curious. "Really?"Pari nodded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah. She even said she'd love to meet you.""Aww!" Prena gushed, placing a hand over her heart. "She's such a sweet lady."Pari's eyes lit up. "How about this weekend?"Prena thought for a moment, doing a mental check of her schedule. "Hmm... okay. I was planning to catch up on some sleep, but fine, you and your sweet mother-in-law win."Pari smiled delightfully."You better tell her I love sweets though. I'm not coming unless there's kheer."Pari laughed, "Done. I'll make it myself."Prena paused dramatically. "Then I'll bring a doctor along. Just in case."They both broke into laughter, walking ahead, their bond growing stronger with each step.They found a cozy spot on the ground beneath the shade of a large tree, the grass slightly damp but soft beneath them. With the winter sun warming their faces and the chatter of students in the distance, it was the perfect pause in their otherwise busy day.Pari plucked a tiny white flower from the grass and twirled it between her fingers while Prena stretched out lazily beside her.Just then, a loud thud snapped the calm as a football came flying toward them at full speed.Pari's heart jumped. She squeezed her eyes shut and instinctively raised both hands in front of her face to shield herself.But the hit never came.Slowly, she peeked through one eye and then opened both, blinking in surprise.Prena's one arm raised in triumph, gripping the football tightly."Woah," Pari let out a shaky breath, placing a hand over her chest. "You saved me."Prena grinned and tossed the ball once in her hand. "Of course. What are best friends for if not to save you from rogue footballs and heartbreak?"Pari giggled, still recovering from the shock. "I thought that was it. I thought my end was going to be in the form of a football injury."Prena chuckled.Just as their laughter died down, the boy who had come to collect the football returned, this time walking instead of jogging, guilt written across his face.He looked slightly older, with a stubble that hinted at his seniority. A Masters student, perhaps. His eyes flickered toward Pari before he spoke."I'm really sorry," he said, a little breathless. "Did the ball hit you?"Before Pari could open her mouth, Prena stood up, brushing imaginary dust off her top, her voice sharp."It could have! Are you people even careful before swinging a ball like that? What if it had hit her face?"The guy blinked, taken aback. "I didn't mean to. I said sorry, didn't I? Chill.""Oh wow, chill? A ball comes flying out of nowhere and you want me to chill? Next time, aim better!""Prena!" Pari tugged gently at her friend's arm, standing up beside her. "It's fine, really. I'm not hurt."Prena gave the guy a glare but crossed her arms, stepping back a little.The boy looked between them, eyebrows raised at Prena's reaction, clearly annoyed now.Pari gave him an apologetic smile. " We are okay. Thank you for coming over to check."His expression softened at Pari's calm tone. "Yeah... no problem. Just, be careful sitting here, okay? We usually practice in this area."Pari nodded. "Got it. Thanks."With a final look, he walked away with his football.Prena scoffed at him." I hate boys!"She grabbed her handbag and started walking away with Pari beside." Why? Not all boys are the same."Prena raised her eyebrows, " any example?"Pari thought for a few seconds before saying, " my... Husband? My brother-in-law?'Prena blinked before chuckling, " ofcourse."She circled her hand around Pari's elbow." Library?"Pari asked." No."" Com'on, let's study."This time Pari pulled the sulky girl to the direction of the library.Inside the library, the atmosphere was pin-drop silence. Only the occasional sound of pages turning and pens scribbling filled the vast space. Books lined every shelf, and the afternoon sunlight fell softly through the tall glass windows.Pari found a quiet corner near the window, and both settled down. She took out her notebook and began to revise the previous day's lecture with focus and ease.Prena, however, sat stiffly, legs crossed and arms folded like a rebel being punished. Her eyes scanned the open book before her, but her mind was clearly wandering somewhere far from the academic world.Ten minutes passed.Five pages turned on Pari's side.Prena? Still on the same page, and now gently tapping her foot, making a soft but continuous thud that caught the attention of a girl from the next table, who gave her a sharp look.Pari glanced up from her notes. "Prena...""I'm not doing anything!""You're tapping your foot."" I am not," she whispered defensively, only to realize she actually was. "Oops."She froze, planted both feet firmly on the floor, and took a deep breath.Another five minutes went by. This time, she picked up her pen and began underlining random words, very randomly.Pari narrowed her eyes and leaned over. "You're underlining the wrong words."Prena threw her pen on the notebook and whispered, "I'm trying! But how do people sit so quietly? It's like I've walked into a meditation retreat."A guy nearby cleared his throat, clearly annoyed.Prena leaned closer, " I swear, one sneeze and they'll exile me."Pari shook her head fondly and placed one earbud gently in Prena's ear. "Here. Calm music. No one will know."Prena's expression slowly relaxed as the instrumental music played, and for the next few moments, she managed to look almost scholarly."See? Not that bad," Pari whispered with a smile.Prena smiled back, eyes half-shut. "If I survive this hour, treat me to golgappas later.""Deal," Pari whispered, and both went back to their books, one actually studying, the other pretending like a pro.A few more minutes passed.Pari was halfway through solving a numerical when she noticed something strange in her peripheral vision.Prena had closed her eyes.Not in peace. But... in performance mode.Her head began to sway side to side, a soft grin curving on her lips. She tapped her fingers on the desk rhythmically and mouthed what was clearly lyrics, probably some Bollywood number blasting in her mind."Prena..." Pari whispered."Prena!" she whispered louder.Prena opened one eye. "Haan?""What are you doing?"" I don't know! The music's too good, Pari. It's like my mind turned into a DJ zone!" she whispered, waving her pen like a baton.Pari shook her head in disbelief. "You're literally making riddles and singing in your head.""Wanna hear one?""No!"As if on cue, the librarian gave a strict glare from the far end.Prena straightened up instantly, putting a finger on her lips and nodding at Pari like she was now sworn to eternal silence.For thirty seconds, it worked.Prena grabbed Pari's hand." Let's move before my brain drops the beat."Pari sighed heavily and packed her books. Maybe coming here was a bad idea.After fleeing the library to avoid being permanently banned, the duo found a quiet bench under a shady tree near the arts block.Pari immediately opened her book again, adjusting her dupatta neatly, her eyes determined.Prena, however, slouched beside her with an exaggerated sigh. "I already feel like I've lived a full day. Why are we still here?"Pari didn't even look up. "Because some of us have brains that actually enjoy learning."Prena scoffed. "Learning? This place is filled with torture manuals disguised as textbooks."Pari bit her lip to hide her smile. She was used to this now. Prena's inability to sit still was a personality trait."Go roam around if you're bored.""I will."And she did.Within fifteen minutes, she returned, dragging a puffed-up ego behind her.Pari raised an eyebrow.Pari frowned, flipping the page, "you got into another argument?""It was barely a debate!" Prena declared.Pari shook her head in disbelief.Prena pulled out her phone and began scrolling lazily, then leaned over to Pari. "How do you study so much? Don't you ever get tired?"Pari smiled and replied without looking, "I love it. It keeps me sane."Prena blinked, then looked up at the leaves swaying gently above."Must be nice... having something that keeps you grounded," she murmured, almost to herself.Pari looked at her from the corner of her eye but said nothing, sensing the subtle shift in her friend's tone.Soon, Prena snapped out of it. "Okay, enough depth. I'm off to grab samosas. Want one?""No, thank you.""Too bad. You're getting one anyway."And off she went again, a whirlwind of energy and chaos, while Pari continued her studies with a smile on her lips and warmth in her heart.After all, her day was filled with everything she secretly loved-books, peace, and a friend who made the world more entertaining than any novel ever could.Pari was taken back when Prena hugged her." It's been just 2 days and I love you already!!"Pari giggled when Prena squealed in happiness." If your husband gets bored of you, come to me."Prena added, broke the hug and winked at her. Pari gasped lightly before chuckling." I am sure my husband wouldn't."Prena pouted." Too bad. Only if I had found you before."Pari laughed and Prena smiled before waving her bye and leaving the university in her car.While, Pari waited for 5 minutes and a black luxury car came to a halt just a few steps away from where Pari stood. The Agnihotri logo gleamed under the fading sun, and the door opened.Pari's smile faltered the moment her eyes met the driver's instead of Vikrant's. The sparkle in her gaze dimmed, though she quickly masked it with a soft smile."Saab... nahi aaye, Ramu?" she asked, her voice dipped with disappointment as she walked toward the car.( Saab did not come, Ramu?)Ramu greeted her with a polite nod and stepped forward to open the backseat door." Saab was busy, memsaab. He has left a message for you."She nodded slowly, masking the slight sting of expectation unmet. She slipped into the back seat with a soft sigh as Ramu gently shut the door and took his place behind the wheel.As the car started moving, Pari instinctively pulled out her phone. A single notification blinked on the lock screen. She tapped it open.I'm sorry, Pari. I won't be able to make it to the university today. I've sent Ramu. Okay?Her brows furrowed slightly. She hadn't even felt the phone buzz - it was still silent.Okay.She stared at the message for a moment before locking her phone again and gazing out of the window. The buildings passed by in a blur, but her mind lingered on his absence.Pari reached home to the quiet comfort of the Agnihotri mansion. The moment she stepped inside, the warmth of familiarity soothed her lingering disappointment. After thanking Ramu, she made her way upstairs to her room.She changed into a soft, pastel blue kurti and white salwar, letting her hair down.The light cotton clung comfortably to her skin, a much-needed relief from the long day.As she descended the stairs, the aroma of freshly prepared sabzi and ghee-soaked rotis greeted her. Akansha was already at the dining table." Come, Pari." Akansha smiled warmly.Pari too smiled and sat down in her place.Pari told her about her classes, her professors, and mostly about Prena-the hyper, rebellious whirlwind of a friend she had somehow grown fond of." She's such a sweet girl." Pari said, "and a little stubborn too."Akansha laughed lightly, " you know even I was rebellious during my university and school days."Pari gulped down her food, " really?"Akansha nodded, her eyes turning nostalgic. "Yes... I was wild in my own way. Not the kind to follow rules blindly. If I believed in something, I'd fight tooth and nail for it. I bunked classes, got into debates with professors, even led a silent protest once."Pari's eyes widened in amusement. "You? I can't imagine that."Akansha chuckled softly, but there was a flicker of sadness in her smile. "Yes... that girl existed once. But then I got married to Angad, and slowly, she disappeared. It was like... the old Akansha died. I no longer felt like myself. I became what the world expected me to be."Pari's smile faded. She could feel the weight of the truth behind those words." Anyways," Akansha changed the topic.Dinner ended with a warm hug and Akansha heading off to her room. Pari returned to her bedroom by 9 PM, and the silence that followed felt... a little too still. The absence of Vikrant echoed in every corner.She sat at her desk and opened her books, trying to shift her focus. Notes, underlines, diagrams. She got lost in her study world until the clock struck 10 PM.Just then, the soft click of the door broke the silence.Her eyes lifted instantly.Vikrant walked in, his shirt sleeves folded, looking visibly tired but still managing a faint smile the moment he saw her." You came?" she asked softly, a gentle smile forming on her lips.He gave a small nod, and she stood from the bed, gathering her books. " I just completed, " she added while walking toward the shelf to keep her books back in place.He stared at her and only thought that rang into his mind was-Oh, I missed her.Pari came to him, " should I bring your dinner?"He smiled and shook his head, " had it with the client."Pari nodded and he cupped her cheeks before planting a peck on her lips. She blushed slightly." I'll be back."She nodded, by tilting her head side by side. Vikrant walked to the bathroom while opening the buttons of his shirt.He returned after a few moments, now dressed in sweatpants and a white vest. His hair was slightly damp, and a faint hint of fatigue clung to his features. Climbing onto the bed beside her, he stretched out his arms with a soft tug at his lips."Come here."Pari blinked, slightly flustered. "Uhm... let's just sleep. You must be tired-"Before she could finish, a light gasp slipped from her lips as Vikrant gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer."Just sit, Pari," he murmured.He settled her in front of him, his legs loosely circling hers as he pulled the duvet over both of them. With a shy smile tugging at her lips, Pari leaned her back against his chest, letting out a soft sigh of comfort. His arms wrapped around her, warm and protective.She tilted her head when he put his chin on her shoulder and asked," Tell me what you learned today."Pari's face lit up almost instantly. "Today's lecture was about Fundamental Rights, and we went through Article 14 to 21 in detail. Do you know Article 14 guarantees equality before law and equal protection of the laws?"Vikrant hummed in response, the sound vibrating through her back. "Hmm. What else?"Pari smiled, feeling encouraged. "Then there's Article 19, it talks about freedom of speech, expression, movement... oh! And Article 21 is so powerful! Right to life and personal liberty. Our professor said it's one of the most interpreted articles by the judiciary. It even includes the right to privacy now."She turned her face slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of his expression. "Isn't that amazing?"Vikrant tightened his arms around her gently, his eyes soft. "Very. You remembered everything so well.""I revised it once in the library too," she added with a little proud smile. "Also, did you know the Supreme Court said that education and a clean environment are also a part of Article 21?"He let out a small chuckle. "You're turning into quite the lawyer already."She giggled, leaning back into him. His grip around her tightened slightly, protectively, as his lips brushed the top of her head." I'm just glad you're happy in it."Prena's thought rang in her mind and she chose to tell him even about her." You know, the friend I made?"" Hmm, what about her?"Pari smiled widely, the memory lighting up her face. "She's very sweet, a little rebel. She saved me from a football today which came flying at me out of nowhere, and I thought my head would burst. But there she was, caught it like a pro."Vikrant raised an amused eyebrow. "Really? Your bodyguard in disguise?"Pari chuckled. "Exactly! And then she snapped at the guy who kicked it. Poor boy just came to apologize."He chuckled softly, brushing his nose along her temple. " She did great.""She's dramatic. In the library, she couldn't even sit still for ten minutes. Started humming, scribbling lyrics, even challenged the peace of the place with her imagination. She hates boys."He shook his head fondly. "And you still like her?""I love her already," Pari said, dreamy and certain. "She's loud, bold, kind... she hugged me today and said if you ever get bored of me, I should go to her."Vikrant's eyebrows frowned, " she said that?"Pari hummed, " and she-"" Stay away from her," Vikrant interrupted her in a sharp tone.Pari frowned and turned her face sideways to look at him." Why?"He put his lips on her cheek and left a tender kiss there before murmuring." Hamari ho keval tum."( You are only mine.)Pari chuckled and turned her face to the front." To hum usse shaadi thodi na kar rahe hain."( I am not marrying her.)" Who knows? She might grow interested in you. What if she's lesbian? Like, you said she hates boys. It could be the reason-"He stopped in the middle when Pari burst into laughter. Vikrant stared at her, a little baffled by how hard she was laughing. Her body shook against his chest, and her hand flew to her stomach as if trying to contain it."Pari..." he mumbled, half amused, half annoyed. "Kya hai?"( What?)Pari wiped the tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "You're so dramatic! Who thinks like that?"He narrowed his eyes. "I'm serious.""You're jealous of a girl!" she teased, turning a little so she could look up at him, her grin still wide."I am not," he said flatly, but his ears had turned faintly pink."You totally are." She poked his chest. "And anyway, she's just being her dramatic self. She's not in love with me, Vikrant."He leaned down and muttered near her ear, "Good. Because if she ever dares to be... then your friend or not, I won't like her anymore."Pari smiled softly and shook her head, resting back against himPari held his arms around her tighter and closed her eyes with a fluttering heart." But I am serious, you should make distance with her."He put his lips on her exposed shoulder and she tensed under his touch." Then I'll be alone. It's not like you will take admission again-"" I can," he replied with any doubt." Vikrant!"She lightly hit his arm and laughed slightly.He smiled and caressed his lips to the curve of her neck. Her eyelashes fluttered as she felt sick to stomach." You know what happened today?"She frowned, " what?"He withdrew his face and rested her back against his chest and kissed her jaw before joining his cheek with her and rocking her in his embrace gently." A client indirectly tried to make fun of you."" The one you had dinner with?"" No, it's different. He wanted his daughter to marry me."Her heart pinched with jealousy." What did you say then?"Vikrant smirked devilishly against her cheek, clearly enjoying the way her voice tightened with jealousy."I didn't say no," he whispered casually, brushing his fingers lightly down her arm.Pari turned slightly to face him, eyes narrowed. "You what?"He bit back a chuckle and tilted his head innocently. "I just said I'd consider it if I wasn't already married."Her mouth fell open. " Really?"Vikrant grinned wickedly, sensing the perfect opportunity to tease her a little more. His voice dropped into that low, smug drawl she had begun to recognize too well.*But you know," he started casually, "that man's daughter was quite... elegant. Polished. She even called me Vikrant ji with this sweet voice."Pari tensed instantly."She spoke five languages fluently," he added dramatically. "Imagine how classy it would look during business meetings- my multilingual wife by my side, greeting foreign clients effortlessly."Pari turned slightly, narrowing her eyes. "Vikrant..."He continued, clearly enjoying this too much. "And she's tall. Like really tall. Maybe even an inch taller than me in heels."Pari raised her eyebrows, " really?"He leaned in, still smirking. "And she served me filter coffee herself-"Pari promptly pressed her palm over his mouth, cutting him off mid-sentence. He blinked, surprised, as she slowly removed her hand." Kya aapko kabhi kisi ne bataya ki aap ko jhoot bolna ekdam nahi aata."( Has anyone told you that you don't know how to lie.)His brows furrowed. He hadn't expected that. Sure, he could lie when needed, but not to her, apparently. She saw right through him.Pari chuckled softly and turned to face him fully, her arms resting around his shoulders." Agar aap hume jante hain to hum bhi aapko jante hain. Kothe me itni sundar ladkiyan thi par hamare alawa kisi aur par dhyaan to aapka kabhi gaya nahi, ab kya jayega?"( If you know me, then I know you as well. You never glanced at any girl other than me in the brothel, then how will you now?)An amused smile tugged at his lips. She was truly talking like his wife now. Fierce, confident, and his." Acha? Shayad hume natak kar rahe ho? Tumhe rijha rahe ho?"( Oh? What if I was pretending? Trying to fascinate you?)She slid strands of his hair behind and replied with tinted cheeks." Moh to humne liya tha aapko," she murmured, her voice soft but laced with pride.( I had fascinated you.)" Acha?" He leaned his face closer to her and studied her expression." Itna guroor?"( This much pride?)She hummed proudly." Gurror to hoga hi. Jis aadmi se sab pareshan the, ladkiyan aakarshit thi vo aadmi hamare sammohan mein tha."( I have to be proud. The man who troubled everyone, the girls were attracted to, was under my spell.)Vikrant exhaled a small laugh, staring at her with a glint of both admiration and possession in his eyes.He tucked his index finger under her chin and forced her head a little up to meet her gaze." Agar us din masoomiyat ki jagah ye gurror dekha to mahadev hi jaante hain, bhaga le jate tumhe usi din aur shaadi kar lete."( If I had seen this pride instead of innocence that day, Only Mahadev knows, I would have eloped with you and married you.)She gasped lightly, " mahadev ke naam se hi itna khatarnaak kaam karne ki shuruat kyu karte hain aap?"( Why do you think of starting such a dangerous task in the name of Mahadev.)" Kyunki," he rubbed his tip of nose against her.( Because,)" Mahadev ki kripa se hi to tum mili ho hume."( I have found you with Mahadev's blessings.)She smiled and closed her eyes and he leaned closer and claimed her lips.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continue. 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