Time never waits, and just like that, two weeks flew by as I returned to Mumbai. Reuniting with my old school friends felt like a slice of heaven, like was finally back to where I belonged.

I gaze around my room, now a complete disaster zone thanks to my friends turning our supposed reunion into chaos. We're all supposed to be catching up, but instead, it's chaos central. And to top it off, our results are due in a few days. Everyone's making plans to move out of here, but here I am, stuck in a whirlwind of thoughts, all revolving around a certain someone.

'You can change schools if you didn't like the last one.' Dad's suggestion echoed in my head, ringing like a fire alarm. Does that mean I won't have to endure Pune again? Will I never see Advik's face again?

"Earth to Anika!!!"

I jumped at the sudden interruption.

"Since when did you become so quiet?" Ria's voice jolted me back to reality, and I cocked my head to the side, trying to process her words. 

Me? Quiet? That's like the sun showing up in the middle of the night.

"I know, right? Seems like Pune air did something to her," Reha exclaimed, stuffing the last cheese ball into his mouth. Suddenly, Zain jumped on him, barking and showering him with enthusiastic licks. Reha leapt around my room, trying to escape my golden retriever's playful assault.

"Zain! No!" I scolded him, shooting a glare in his direction before settling into his spot, his tail wagging happily in the air. Ah, my adorable baby!

"Seriously? Can you stop acting like a child now?" Jiya quipped, giving Reha a side-eye, which caused me to burst into laughter.

"But her dog is bullying me!" Reha protested, pointing an accusing finger at my Zain. "His name is Zain!" Jiya corrected him with a furrowed brow.

"Guys we are here to discuss the theme of the wedding anniversary! focus on that!" Ria flings her arms up in exasperation, sending balloons and cardstock papers flying across the room.

I glance around at the chaos of pictures and decorations scattered across the floor. My parents' wedding anniversary was just around the corner, and Bhai and I had cooked up a plan to surprise our parents. But since Aditya was busy with his work a little more than he should've been, I've called in reinforcements - my trusty band of friends.

"What's wrong with you?" Jiya noticed the silence hanging over me, and I couldn't help but frown. "What's wrong with me? I'm perfectly fine," I flashed a smile, hoping to brush off her concern.

"Anika, come get the snacks!" Mom's voice rang out from downstairs. "I'll be back," I announced, rising from my chair. "I'll help you... And you all better clear this mess before we get back," Jiya scolded others before joining me outside the room. She's always been the 'mom of the group,' the reserved one, which sometimes makes her a bit scary.

"Are you going to tell me or not?" She shot me a glare as we headed to the kitchen.

"I'm just... a little stressed about the results," I admitted, avoiding her eyes as I opened the fridge. "That's all." 

But deep down, I knew the impending doom of my grades was haunting me like a ghost with bad news.

"And who's that guy?" Jiya's question catches me off guard, and I gulp nervously. "Which guy?" I respond, genuinely clueless about what she's referring to. I never mentioned Advik or any other guy when we talked on the phone while I was in Pune.

"The one you put Instagram stories with?" She folds her arms across her chest, her expression sceptical.

"Huh?" I feign innocence, grasping at straws.

"The basketball one?" Jiya prompts, her tone insistent.

"Oh, Veer? I just wished him a happy birthday, what's the big deal with that?" I chuckle, grabbing the tray and retreating to my room.

"Don't worry, Jiya. If there were any guy in my life, I would tell you first," I assure her, shaking my head.

"You better do, or I'll push you off a cliff, my darling," she retorts with a sarcastic smile as we enter the room. The threat hangs in the air, but we both know it's all in good fun.

After a few hours of chatting and arguing, we decided on a black and gold-themed party with a dress code of gold for couples and black for us. And guess what? Shopping spree time!

"See you on Friday, then," Reha waved as he strolled out of my room. "10 a.m. Don't forget."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," I nudged him out, and before I knew it, Zain leapt off the bed with a hearty "Woof!" Reha's eyes bulged, and he ran out of the room.

"byee byeeeee!"

After waving goodbye to my friends, I jumped onto my bed, playing some songs on my echo dot while Zain sat near me, fluttering his tail.

"What?" I looked at him, and he barked in response.

"Can I tell you a secret?" I sat up, and he tried to climb onto my lap, licking my cheeks and forehead. Eight months without him had been hell for me.

"I know, I know. I trust you more than anyone, Zain." I adopted him when he was two months old after our neighbour kicked him out of their house, saying they didn't like him. At first, Mom didn't agree to keep him, but after lots and lots of effort and manipulating them by skipping meals, she finally agreed. I mean, look at this cutie potatoie. Only blinds will not like him!

"Woof!"

"You know," I started, ruffling his hair, "as much as I hate to admit it, I think I might like Advik." Zain barked again a couple of times, and I giggled. "Do you wanna see him?" I asked, unlocking my phone, and Zain jumped around me happily as if he was more excited seeing Advik.

"Look!" I showed him the photo of Advik I had taken secretly when we went to the ice cream parlour for the first time. "He is cool, right?" Zain barked, fluttering his tail and huffing, while a cheeky grin took over my face.

Finally, it's Friday! I headed out with my friends to shop for gifts and outfits to celebrate my parents' anniversary. Everyone grabbed clothes for themselves, but I didn't find anything I liked.

"Balloons, cakes, banners, party poppers, gifts for uncle and aunt... Are we missing anything?" Ria glanced at me, scanning our checklist.

"Anika, what are you wearing? You didn't buy yourself an outfit?" Jiya asked, puzzled. I shook my head in response. Honestly, none of the options caught my eye, so I decided to skip my clothes and prioritize getting the necessary items first.

"I think I have a few at home," I lied, knowing full well I didn't own any appropriate black outfits except for hoodies and t-shirts.

"Guys?"

We looked at Reha who was gawking at his phone with wide-open eyes,

"What?"

He glanced up from his screen. "There's news saying that results will be out tomorrow."

My breath caught in my throat.

Not tomorrow? especially when we're supposed to celebrate my parents' anniversary. For the first time in my life, I wasn't sure about my results. I knew I hadn't given it my all this time.

The thought of facing their disappointment on their special day made me feel like a failure for the first time in my life.

"Probably just a rumour," I said, trying to reassure myself.

"I have been seeing this kind of news since last week,"

"Don't believe it until we get an official notification from the school,"

Everyone started discussing it, but my mind felt foggy, stuck in a loop of worry. "Hey," Jiya's voice broke through my thoughts, her hand resting gently on my back. 

"Don't stress too much, okay? We know you've worked hard. Don't overthink it." I nodded weakly, grateful for her words, but I still doubted it.

What if things didn't turn out well? 

What if I could've done better but didn't? 

What if I ended up disappointing everyone?

The doubts swirled relentlessly in my mind as I made my way home. At this point, I couldn't even muster the excitement to shop for new clothes, all the excitement... everything was gone.

The next day was the same as yesterday. Everyone seemed excited except me. but I couldn't muster up any enthusiasm. Despite my efforts to convince myself that it was just a false alarm, the notification from the school about the results being released today shattered my hopes.

It was nine in the morning but meri shakal par to 12 hi baj rahe thy
(it was nine in the morning but on my face, it was twelve only. )

"Why the long face, champ?" Dad's voice breaks through my thoughts as Mom hands him a glass of juice.

"Did you hear about the results being out today?" I asked, my tone blank, and my brother glanced at me, his hand gripping around his protein shake bottle. "Is it today?" he questions, rising from his chair.

I nod, and Dad lets out a chuckle. "So what?"

"I'm kinda scared," I admit honestly.

"Why are you scared? Did you not give your best?" Aditya's voice carries a hint of sarcasm, his eyebrows knitting together in a familiar frown. Dad shoots him a sharp glare, and he clears his throat, grabbing the keys to his car and making a swift exit from the dining area.

"Don't listen to that typical perfectionist brat!" Dad's words break the tension, and I can't help but chuckle. "So, what's the plan for today, hun?" he asks, swiftly diverting my mind from the impending results to something else.

"I bought outfits for both of you for tonight's party," I informed him, crossing my arms over my chest in a huff. "But not for Bhai though. His closet is already stuffed with nothing but black, white, and grey clothes, and he didn't even bother to come shopping with me!"

"And what about you? What did you get for yourself?"

His question left me momentarily speechless. How could I admit that the news of the results had spoiled my mood? Instead, I simply shook my head in response, signalling a silent 'no.'

"Ah that's not what my daughter would totally do!" he mimicked my actions folding his hands on his chest and shaking his head showing disappointment, 

"We still have time, why don't you go buy something for yourself too?" He took out his credit card throwing it in my direction and I caught it, 

"par dad, results?"
(par = but)

"They're not out yet, and whatever's done is done. We can't change it, can we?" He reasoned, trying to maintain a calm demeanour despite my anxiety gnawing at me.

"Wow, you weren't that chill during my Aditya's result huh?" Mom remarked, sarcasm dripping from her voice. I pressed my lips together, feeling the tension rise.

"but I am chill now? any problem with that?"

"you're just spoiling her."

I bit my tongue, suppressing the urge to retort.

"as I should?" Dad fires back, unapologetic.

not again.

"yaar aap dono aaj to mat lado?" (can you two not fight today?) I got up from the chair. I am so done with their bickering. I wonder how they got 'the best couple of the year' during the last business party.

"maine to kehna hi chorr diya hai" Mom mumbled walking back to the kitchen, muttering some more words under her breath, "Marr jaungi naa jiss din tab maalom chlega in logo ko" 
(I have stopped saying anything,) (when I die, then these people will know.)

while Dad gave me a 'chill down sweetheart' look.

This family is just... weird. Now I understand why I turned out like this.

See, I, actually come from a bloodline with something incredibly wrong with them.

"AAAADDDIIIII????" I called out from the outside of his room, knocking on his door rapidly but no response came

"PRINCESSS????" I knocked again

"What!?" his voice came from inside, clearly annoyed.

"take me shopping," I said, my cheeky grin widening as I held up the credit card Dad just handed me a while ago. I gave the door another hopeful knock, but there was still no answer. I knew he was ignoring me.

"I will take you cat-"

the door flings open, and I can't help but smile in victory.

"don't touch her." He said, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"Gotcha!" I took his Bombay cat in my arms closely, who had been playfully weaving around my legs moments before.

"meow!" she protested before leaping onto Aditya. He lifted her into his arms, and she promptly climbed onto his shoulders, purring contentedly... Traitor!

"I am busy baccha, I need to wrap up the meetings before evening," he said buttoning up his coat and my smile fell, "otherwise, I am not sure if I'd be able to attend the party either."

"I am not going alone! I need a new dress!!" I shouted, stunning myself and him. Quickly keeping my hands on my mouth, and looked at my brother. Shouldn't have raised my voice. 

"Sorry,"

He noticed my shocked face, "you've become so stubborn," he said and disappeared into his room with his cat. I then walked down the stairs scrolling Pinterest for inspo. 

Mom is wearing a saree and dad's sherwani so I ponder if I should also opt for something traditional, but the thought of handling heavy dresses sends a shiver down my spine. 

After all, growing up with a brother, what else could be expected? My clumsy, overconfident self would undoubtedly end up embarrassing me in front of everyone.

In the midst of my hot girl Pinterest scrolling, my phone suddenly rang. It was Veer calling. I quickly picked up,

Veer: "DID YOU FORGET ME ALREADY??? WHAT THE HECK ANIKAA????"

I quickly scoot my phone away from my ears,

"stop shouting!?" I shout back,

Veer: "okok!"

"Why did you call me?" I asked, and suddenly the result news flew back into my mind, "is it out already?" I asked him, halting my steps,

Veer : "Out what? How do you know Dadi kicked me out last night?"

He asked slightly raising his voice, amused, and I laughed "I am asking about results?"

Veer : "Resultes? oh... results... WAIT WHAT?? RESULTS??? IS IT TODAY???"

I could feel his eyes widening from the other side, "yes, it's today!"

Veer : "Mujhe pehele kyu nhi bataya?"
(why didn't you tell me earlier!)

"I thought you knew."

And he suddenly went silent, "Hello? Veer?"

Veer : "Suniye,"
(listen)

"yes?-"

Veer : "Gian hai aap!" 
(You are Gian!)

And he cut the call. I sigh, switching back to Pinterest and saving a few pictures of outfits.

"I'm going out~!" I sang, dashing toward the door. The bell chimed, and one of our caretaker aunties shuffled to answer it.

"I'll get it," I intercepted her, striding over to the door and swinging it open. My eyes dilated at the sight of a massive flower bouquet.

No, someone stood there, hiding their face behind the bouquet of red roses. "Happy anniversary!" they exclaimed, their voice brimming with excitement. I furrowed my brow, puzzled by the unfamiliar visitor.

"Ishaan? Is that you?"

I glanced back at my mom emerging from the dining room, and the guy holding the bouquet shifted the flowers, revealing his face. A few strands of his raven hair fell across his forehead from his man bun, and his black eyes sparkled against his tanned skin as he flashed me a smile.

"Hello, You must be Anika? Advik told me about the dormitory-"

"OHHH ISHAAN BHAIYA??" I blurted out, cutting him off and widening my eyes. I quickly pressed my index finger to my lips, signalling for him to keep quiet as Mom was right behind me. He made an 'o' face in understanding and walked over to Mom.

"Hello, Aunty!" He walked to Mom and bent down touching her feet and taking blessings before handing her the bouquet. "I am glad you made it here,"

Mom continued chatting with him, and later Dad joined in. So, he's Ishaan, Bhai and Advik's roommate? Does that mean Advik should be here too?

My curiosity bubbled up, and I stepped outside, peeking around for any sign of that weird Cutie patootie. But there was no one except a couple of cars and our guard.

Shrugging my shoulders, I decided to let it slide since I was getting late. But I stopped when Dad asked Ishaan bhaiya, "Advik nhi aaya?"
(Advik didn't come?)

"wo city mall ke pass utar gya that, kaha kuch gifts lene hai,"
(He got down near City Mall, and said he wanted to buy some gifts.)

oh. So he is here too?

"Mom Dad I am going!" I shouted before walking out of the house. I opened the door of the car and happily looked at our driver

"Uncle, City Mall Chalo!"
(Uncle, let's go to City Mall!)

My eyes wandered around the mall, searching for a specific someone, but he was nowhere to be seen. 

Bad timing, I guess?

The ground floor of the mall wasn't too crowded, and I had no reason to check out the men's section. Apparently, I would not find him in the women's section either. What would he be doing there, anyway? So, I figured I'd just meet him directly at the party.

I sighed in defeat. Couldn't he have waited just a little longer?

I wander through the mall, scanning the racks for a decent dress, but there are just too many options, making it all so confusing. Glancing up at a showcase, my eyes lock onto a specific black lengha, and I take a step back to get a clearer view. But suddenly, I bump into someone.

"Shit! I'm sorry," I apologise, turning to face the person. He scratches the nape of his neck, a sheepish expression on his face.

"Nah, it's alright," he said, shaking his head. "I've been watching you for a while; you seemed confused. Do you need any help?" His words caught me off guard. Watching me for a while? What is he, a creep?

"No, I'm good, thanks," I politely declined, turning to leave. But before I could take another step, he caught my arm and said, "I'm just offering some help, don't play too hard to get??"

"Excuse me? Are you out of your mind?" I glared at him, ready to retort, but before I could say anything further, I was pulled back by someone else.

"When she said no, it meant no. Is that so difficult for you to understand?"

Advik's hand clenched the guy's collar, and my eyes widened in shock. "Yo, chill out, dude. Didn't know she was with you," the guy muttered, freeing himself before swiftly walking away.

I glanced at Advik, feeling a mix of confusion, surprise, and relief all at once.

"Why are you always causing trouble?" Advik's glare pierces through me, and my jaw practically hits the floor.

"Excuse me? He approached me first!" I shoot back, returning his glare. "And I could've handled him just fine if you hadn't interfered."

He stared at me for a moment, "Fine, then. I'm out..." then turned to leave. "Have fun," he said, his back already turned.

"No, wait! I was just kidding," I blurted out, grabbing his arm before he could walk away.

"Help me choose an outfit," I trailed off, strolling to my cart and retrieving a couple of outfits I'd pre-selected.

"Which one?" I held them out, studying Advik's thoughtful expression as he examined them. The first was a sleek black sundress adorned with subtle pearl detailing, while the other boasted a midi length, adorned with intricate gold threadwork and charming puff sleeves.

"mhm..." he pointed at the first dress, "this one," then shaking his head afterwards 

Wow, I didn't like this one at all.

"Why don't you try something..." He scanned the room, his gaze settling on the particular lengha I had admired earlier. "Something like that?"

"Well... as the president of the troublemaker community," I stated, locking eyes with him and emphasising the word 'troublemaker' while crossing my arms. With a shake of my head and closed eyes, I scoffed, "I'm sure I'll fall."

"Then I will catch you."

"You're here to enjoy the party, not babysit me," I remarked, turning to put the dresses back in the cart. "I can take care of myself."

I heard him laughing behind me, and I rolled my eyes.

"But I really liked that one," he admitted. Of course, that lengha was stunning, with its flattering sweetheart neckline and sleeveless design. Adorned with a delicate net shrug adorned with embroidered pearls touching the ground, it oozed elegance. 

"Then why not buy it?" I suggested to him.

"Do you think I'll look good in it?" he mumbled sarcastically, and I shot him an incredulous look,

"I mean, buy it for someone?"

"For whom?" he asked, looking at me.

"your girlfriend?"

His gaze met mine, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes, as though my words had caught him off guard. But what could I do? My tongue had a mind of its own, spilling out words like a runaway train, and I couldn't seem to rein it in.

"Good idea." He clapped his hands together, and something inside me broke.

it was my heart.

"But unfortunately," he raised an eyebrow, "I don't have one, yet."

My eyes lit up as I felt something inside me repaired.

Yeah, it was my heart.

"I'd love it if she would wear something like that in the future," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, his gaze fixed on the fabric displayed a few feet away.

"Do you like traditional clothing... a lot?" My curious mouth blurted out without my permission, and he nodded, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

"Enough... Let's go," he said, gathering the items I held, and stepping away. But my gaze lingered somewhere else now.

"Anika? Is there something else you want?" Advik's voice broke through my thoughts.

Nodding slightly, I approached him. "Go ahead, I'll catch up at the reception."

"I need to buy something."

"Why? Let's go together?" He asked, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. I shook my head, gently pushing him away.

"It's a ladies' thing, Adverb..." I explained, urging him to go on his own. "You won't understand... gooooo!"

With a puzzled expression, he watched as I dashed towards the ladies' section, leaving him standing there with 'confusion' written all over his face.