Beneath the Starlit Skies
INTRO
This story is set in India, but don’t expect it to be too desi desi, alright? Expect late-night calls, romantic drama, stupid fights, glowing skies, and probably way too many stares.
Also... shoutout to ChatGPT for being my chaotic brainstorming partner. If you see anything weird, blame the bot—but also pls don’t sue me, thanks.
Short intro on characters?
Prerna Rao
17 years old
[well like other stories I don't want to give a big intro about their character and personality or whatever??? Please I'm sorry I'm just too lazy]
Himani Mehra
17 years old
Devansh Singhania
17 years old
So...all four of them have been friends since middle school! And like if they are now 17 years old and all are in 12th...
Four friends.
Two love stories.
One giant mess.
They flirt, they fight, they fall—occasionally on purpose.
High school’s chaotic, hormones are worse, but hey… at least the night sky’s cute.
Episode 1
♡ Episode 1 : The beginning ^_^ ♡
The small town of Aurembay (no such town, it's imaginary guys) always smelled like rain and dreams.
It was the kind of place where every sunset felt like a promise whispered into the wind - a promise of magic, of adventure...maybe of love tooo??
[I know, it's a dramatic explanation of the town...but adjust it lovelies~]
Prerna stood at the edge of the old town bridge, her fingers trailing along the rusted rails as the breeze played with her hair.
Beside her, her best friend Himani leaned back on the rail, smiling lazily at the horizon.
Himani
Another boring day at Aurembay High
Himani sighed dramatically as Prerna laughed softly..
Prerna
Maybe for you. I happen to enjoy the drama
Himani raised her eyebrow just as two figures approached them from the other side of the bridge.
Devansh and Vihaan - the two names that caused way too much chaos in their peaceful lives.
Devansh, with that cocky smirk and messy hair, walked with a lazy kind of swagger. His eyes immediately found Prerna, as if drawn by some invisible thread.
He gave a sly little wink that made her heart betray her, skipping a beat she tried so hard to control.
Devansh
You two look like trouble
Devansh teased, stopping in front of them.
Prerna said, arms crossed
Devansh chuckled lowly, stepping a little closer
Devansh
Anyways, admit it, darling...you missed me.
Prerna rolled her eyes, but her cheeks betrayed her, flushing pink.
Prerna
In your dreams, Dev.
Meanwhile, Vihaan, sweet a bit shy or basically serious compared to Devansh, smiled warmly at Himani
Vihaan
Hey... I brought you that book you wanted
He said awkwardly pulling a slightly battered novel from his bag pack.
Himani 's eyes lit up, and for a second, Vihaan looked like he'd been given the world.
As the evening deepened, the four of them ended up sprawled across the grassy field near the bridge, watching the stars peek out one by one.
Prerna whispered, staring up at the endless sky.
Devansh murmured, so close to her now that their hands brushed in the grass.
Devansh
I already have everything I could ever want right here
Prerna turned her head to look at him, her breath catching in her throat at the intensity in his eyes.
And maybe, just maybe...under that starlit sky, something new and electric began between them - a story just waiting to be written
Episode 2
♡ Episode 2: The Almost Moment ♡
It was Friday night, and Aurembay's annual stargazer festival was in full swing. (Yeah I know it's an Indian setting but why not add the touch of something else to?)
Lanterns floated over the lake like glowing spirits, music echoed through the air, and the scent of warm waffles and caramel popcorn drifted through the crowd.
( I know guys...you may have this question: why not an Indian festival? Well...I want to add Desi vibes…the music…our cultural clothes and cuisines...but I'm so sorry my stupid mind didn't click right! And I drafted this in my notes...but in upcoming episodes I sure will add it! If I make changes the story plot will be ruined!
So let our characters enjoy this Thailand festival of lanterns!)
Prerna had no intention of getting swept up in the romance of it all.. until a voice from behind made her spine tingle.
???
Guess who's your partner for the lantern release?
She turned. Devansh. Tall, smug and way too close for her heartbeat to handle.
Well...she smirked, taking a step back - but her eyes betrayed her.
She didn't mind.
Devansh
Oh, come on, babe.
He whispered, leaning down so only could hear.
Devansh
Make a wish with me. You never know...maybe it'll come true.
Meanwhile, Himani stood a few feet away, giggling softly as Vihaan tried to win her a plush bunny from the dart game.
He missed....three times.
Himani
You're terrible at this
Vihaan
Just warming up, sunshine
And on the fourth try - Bullseye.
He handed her the soft bunny plush with a little bow.
Vihaan
For my favorite girl
Back at the lake, Prerna and Devansh were struggling to light their lantern.
Prerna
You're doing it wrong!
She said, reaching for it
Devansh
No, you're just distracting me
He replied, fingers brushing against hers - slowly. Intentionally.
Their hands stayed there a second longer than necessary.
She looked up...and he was already looking at her.
He said softly, all teasing gone from his tone
Devansh
You ever feel like... something's happening between us?
She blinked, caught between the flicker of the lantern flame and the fire in his gaze.
He whispered, his voice a little deeper now.
Devansh
You're the only girl who drives me insane and makes me want more…all at once.
Just then — POOF — the lantern caught fire.
They both yelped, Prerna jumped and —boom— tripped right into Devansh 's arms.
Instead, he smirked against her ear and said,
Devansh
Told you I'd catch you, darling.
Heart racing, cheeks blazing, she pushed him away — gently — but the damage was done.
That night, as the lanterns floated high and the stars burned low.. something had changed.
And deep down, both of them knew — they were in trouble.
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