It was a summer evening and I was super nervous. The results of my entrance examination were about to be revealed.

Being from an elite family, it was of great importance for me to enter a field where I could gain maximum respect. Preferably, MBBS (medicine). The clock struck 5 and I opened the link. I got admitted! Everyone in my family became super excited. "Call the butler! Tell him to arrange a grand feast immediately! Maahi has finally gotten admission to AIIMS! Call our nearby relatives to celebrate!" My mom shouted across the hallway.

It was a grand party even though it was thrown within 2 hours. My mom was always an expert in making the most out of any situation. My dad came running from his office. He was my role model. Even though he ran a multi-billionaire business of transplant clinics, he always made time and came for me whenever I needed help.

My little brother (Jeev) and sister (Kavya) congratulated me along with the rest of the family. I was really happy and couldn't wait to jump into college life.

My dad then received a phone call later that evening after we gave our regards to our guests and bid them farewell. He became serious and then suddenly burst into laughter, "of course Zainab! It will be absolutely exciting! Bring him, we will treat him as if he's our own son!" I walked into his room carrying his green tea. " Zainab uncle? Who's he?" I asked.

"Zainab is a wonderful friend of mine. He worked with me in the Amway business before I left. He's got a son of your age and he's been selected in IIT Dehli. They want him to stay with us while he completes his degree here. He believes his son is a little bit of a rebel and doesn't want him to be spoiled in a hostel. His name is Vayu by the way."

I got a bit excited. What if he is handsome? It would definitely be exciting if I fall in love and like the movies, be soulmates. I was grinning ear to ear. Today was definitely the best day of my life.

The next morning the entire household was busy. We were all busy cleaning our rooms and making arrangements for our new guests. Me and my sister giggled about our fantasies as we went shopping to buy a few books Zainab uncle asked to arrange.

Evening came and a Marati Suzuki alto 800 car came to our outer gate. "They are here!" My dad exclaimed. " What an average car." Kavya said. "Be quiet Kavya, it's rude to look down on people. Behave yourselves children and don't make Vayu feel uncomfortable."

Zainab uncle walked in and gave a huge hug to all of us. He was a happy-go-lucky gentleman and definitely gave a happy vibe. His son walked in with his luggage and oh my god... He was gorgeous.

He definitely worked out, had beautiful green-blue eyes and fair skin. Even though he was from a middle-class family he definitely was stunning. My sister gawked as he walked through.

He touched my parent's feet as a custom and was warmly welcomed. Maybe something exciting could happen after all!

"Hey, guys!" Vayu shook our hands and we exchanged greetings. Jeev smiled and showed him his guest room. "Oh my God Maahi, he's so hot, I'm calling dibs on him," Kavya whispered in my ears. I was 18 and she was 15 but if we were to talk about innocence. I was no way dirty-minded as her. I laughed and teased her, " the height difference is so much it will look like a dad is dating his daughter!" Kavya kicked me playingly. Suddenly Vayu came behind her.

"You two sisters are very lively." He complimented. My sister gave a bashful look and jumped, "hey! Don't suddenly appear behind me like that!" I and Jeev laughed at Kavya's red face. Vayu said, " well all of you kids are adorable I'm excited to hang out with you all, let's become good friends!"  "But I'm your age, not a kid at all!" I exclaimed. He laughed, " I did not give my entrance exams last year so I'm one year behind. I'm actually 19." He smiled.

Jeev smirked and repeated the word kid to irritate me. He's 1 year younger than me but very bratty.

After our meal, we all sat down and talked with each other. Being a shy person who did not speak much, all I pretty much did was listen. But one thing was clear, he was nothing like what Zainab's uncle said.

We gave our goodbyes to Zainab uncle and went to our respective rooms. Mom entered and gave me a list of documents I had to collect before going to the office in my college for the next day.

Morning came and it was time for me to get to business. Workout, shower, make a to-do list, and go to my college. My day was packed.

After I completed my job, I went for a detour in my Mercedes Benz B class car. I went to DLF Emporio to do a little window shopping. As I went from shop to shop I suddenly saw a familiar person. He looked like Vayu.

I did not pay attention and walked ahead.

Suddenly someone tapped on my shoulder. I looked behind and my hunch was right, it was Vayu!

"Maahi! What are you doing here?!" He asked. Suddenly a really hot girl came forward. She had a model figure and a bit of makeup was plastered on her, but I was in awe. "Who's she?" She asked. "It's none of your business babes," Vayu said.  Was she his girlfriend? Then that makes Kavya heartbroken! It sounded kind of funny in my mind and wasn't paying attention to what they were saying. I broke their conversation and said, "I apologize but I've got some shopping to do, see you later !" I walked off into Sephora.

As I exited suddenly another hot girl was accompanying Vayu. When I reached my car I saw Vayu in the parking lot with 5 girls. IS HE A PLAYBOY?! With good looks come many consequences after all.  I excelled in academics, golf, singing, oration, writing, but never in human interactions and physical appearance. A decent skincare routine was all I had. Looking at him made me kind of jealous. However, when I saw his situation get a bit out of hand I couldn't stop myself from giggling.

My phone rang and it was mom's call. "Sweetheart, you've taken too much time, come home." "Yea mom, I'm on the way." I closed my phone and proceeded to head home. Suddenly Vayu jumped towards me and ran over to my passenger seat. "Maahi, can you take me with you?" The other girls started glaring. I felt kind of satisfied making them jealous. Well, I have always been shrewd. "Sure Vaayu bhaiya, come in." He sat down.

"First of all, don't call me bhaiya." I laughed. "Okay I won't." after what followed was an hour of awkward atmosphere with my embarrassing music playlist playing in the background. I had nothing to say to him nor did he have anything to say to me. Whenever we stopped at a red light, I would glance at his phone and see him reading a hundred messages. Must be a really popular dude I thought to myself.

The silence was killing him so he finally said something,"Uhh, so those are my new friends from college." "Oh okay.. nicee.. I can't wait to have friends in college starting tomorrow." Our conversation died down and we finally reached home.

At the end of the day, I and Kavya went to our swimming pool to relax. I told her everything I saw. Kavya and I both ended up laughing. Kavya's heartbreak was a mood lifter. My sister then exclaimed, "he might be good in bed after all. I thought he was like his uncle but he's definitely a wolf in sheep's clothing." "Oh shut up Kavya are you crazy?! If anybody hears us we are dead!" We both laughed our hearts out and had a good time.

A week of college passed.

 I got up and did my usual morning routine. The house was bustling as ever but one thing changed. The mansion was always bright but ever since Vayu came, it was brighter. The staff was super friendly with him. He became Jeev and Kavya's best friend, mom and dad adored him as much.

The only thing that didn't change is my relationship with him. If we were a group we would talk normally. The moment it was us two. The silence was followed. Well, I was never really open to strangers but even though it was a week since he came, everyone opened up to him.

I felt kind of jealous of how everyone opened up to him so easily. Med school was hard, but more than ever I was determined to shine brighter than anyone in the house.

I spent nights learning how to become more elegant, more open, and make more friends. However, at the dining table, the conversation would mostly be based on Vayu's achievements. He was doing an exceptional job in weapon engineering. Everyone would simply ask if I had a fine day and move on. I wanted more attention.

Jealousy became resentment and soon I hardly spoke to Vayu. I hated my nature for being like this but I couldn't help it.

Summer break came close and my dad had a serious conversation with us on the dining table, "Listen, everybody, your mom and I are going to the Maldives for a business trip would any of you want to come? Vayu?" "I would like to come!" I barged in the conversation. "We already booked your ticket Maahi," mom smiled. "Sure! I don't mind coming along," Vayu exclaimed.

Jeev and Kavya couldn't go. They had exams and were very busy. If Vayu went with me alone, I would feel extremely uncomfortable, "never mind, I don't want to go. Let Vayu go in my place." "Maahi, we've already booked the ticket in your name and I won't change it. Vayu wants to come with us. Don't tell me. Are you both fighting or in cold blood?" He asked. I gulped, "no.. there isn't anything like that.." "Well, then it's decided."

My anger towards Vayu is completely one-sided. That too, for petty reasons. There was no point in making a big fuss out of it. 'I'm fucked' is all I thought to myself.

As I was about to change in my nightgown, I heard a knock on the door. "Who is it?" I asked. "It's me Vayu, can I come in?" I freaked out. My room was a mess and filled with books. A few fake bones were on my study table and my anatomy notes flooded my bed. "NO I'LL COME OUTSIDE GIVE ME A SECOND!" "I'm coming in no matter what." What? The audacity this person had. Is this guy dense? Just because everyone loves him doesn't mean everyone is comfortable with him. He should have that much common sense. At least that's what I expect from commoners.

"Woah, you've got quite a mess here." The books which I had scurried to carry fell on the floor. I was embarrassed. "Please exit this room, it's messy here." He ignored me and closed the door. "Vayu..?" I said. He suddenly walked towards me and invaded my personal space of 1 meter. I freaked out. He leaned in and looked in my eyes. "Maahi. Let's talk here."

He sat on the edge of my bed. "Hey! Be careful! My notes are-" "Hmm.. rectus femoris.. sartorius.. how do you learn all of this?" He asked. "Umm... what do you want to talk about that's so serious?" I made a nervous laugh to change the topic.

"Maahi. I know a lot of things about everyone in the family and household except you. I wanted to be clear about one thing. Please don't hesitate to speak your mind about anything to me. Let's be friends." He pulled his hand forward for a shake. I stepped forward with my left foot and grabbed his hand firmly. Even though I tried to exert dominance, the one with a more firm grip was him. After I loosened my grip he pulled me forward.

"Do you think I'm dumb? I totally can tell you don't like me for some reason and something is bothering you about me. What is it?" He glared. I freaked out and jumped back. "What the heck is with you? I've absolutely got nothing against you!" He got up and folded his arms, " you know, I'm an expert at reading the room, we are expected to get along with each other until I get my degree, so let's get along." Suddenly Kavya barged in the room. "Vayu! We've been looking for yo- wait a second.. why are you here?" Vayu smiled brightly which I could totally tell was fake. "Just giving some life advice to Maahi."  Kavya frowned, "Maahi doesn't need life advice. She's a literal walking prodigy like Jeev. Come, my mom's calling you in the laundry room for some help."

Mom was asking Vayu to help her?! But mom always asked me for favors! No wonder she didn't ask me to run errands for a few days. My blood was boiling. Was he my mom's son or am I her daughter? I became furious, " even I'm coming." I stomped towards the storage room. "Maahi? Where is Vayu? Also, what are you doing here?"  "Mom, your precious Vayu is taking his sweet time I'll handle the job. Tell me what help do you need." I saw a basket full of clothes. I assumed mom wanted me to put them in the laundry basket so I grabbed a cloth from the laundry bin.

"Maahi! Those are Vayu's clothes! Don't touch them! I need to ask if he was fine getting his clothes ironed -" Suddenly Vayu walked in, "what are you doing Maahi-" he stopped and looked shocked. Mom looked at my hands and screamed. I looked at my hands and screamed. OH MY GOD, I WAS HOLDING HIS BRIEFS. I  hurriedly apologized, threw the briefs aside, and ran to my room.

I was so embarrassed. How was I going to face him tomorrow?! It was already difficult as it is!