THE LOVE THAT LINGERS
new city new chill
Aarohi, a bold yet sensitive girl, has moved to a new city for her studies. New place. New people. New college. She’s living in a small flat with her roommate, Mansi, who’s warm, cheerful, and has a bit of a secret crush.
[INT – Aarohi’s Apartment – Evening]
Aarohi places her books on the table. Her phone buzzes. An Instagram DM from a guy who lives in the building:
Unknown Username:
> "Hey beautiful... saw you coming back today 😉"
Aarohi rolls her eyes and locks her phone.
Aarohi (to herself):
“Block. Weirdos have no hobby in life.”
Mansi walks in from the other room, holding two spoons.
Mansi
“Ice cream therapy tonight?”
Aarohi
“Hell yeah. That creep from our building texted me again.”(sighs)
Mansi
(shocked)Ugh! That psycho? We’re definitely going out. We’ll cleanse your soul with sugar and streetlights.
Aarohi and Mansi are walking side by side, laughing, each holding an ice cream cone.
Mansi
So… if you could punch anyone in this city already, who would it be?
Aarohi
(smirks)Do I get one name only? 😏
They laugh. Suddenly, two boys walk up from across the road — Mansi waves excitedly.
Aarohi quietly eyes them. One is smiling awkwardly — Keshav. The other has his hands in his pockets, calm eyes scanning Aarohi silently — Reyansh
Mansi
Aarohi, meet my people! That’s Keshav — my… friend.
(She blushes)
And this is Reyansh — he’s like a brother.
Aarohi
(nodding looks sideways):
Oh… hey
Reyansh
(his voice calm, a little dry):
Hi. New in town?
Aarohi
(looking ahead, not turning):
Yep. That obvious?
Reyansh
(chuckles softly):
No one local walks this road eating ice cream at night. You either just moved in… or you're lost.
Aarohi
(laughs under her breath):
Little bit of both.
There’s a brief silence. Aarohi still doesn’t fully look at him — streetlight is behind him, his face not visible, just his posture and voice.
The streetlights flicker above as Aarohi and Mansi walk side by side, shoes lightly crunching on the road. The boys have just left after a casual “bye.” It’s quiet now, calm.
It’s past 11 PM.The streets are quiet, the air is cool, and
Aarohi walks slowly, arms crossed, her hair flying slightly in the breeze. Mansi is walking beside her, humming a song softly, clearly in a good mood.
Aarohi
(casually):
So… Keshav and Reyansh
Mansi grins instantly, eyes lighting up.
Mansi
Ohhh we’re asking now? Okay. Spill — what do you wanna know?
Aarohi
(smirking):
Relax. I’m not stealing your crush. I’m just… curious.
Mansi
(teasing):I wouldn’t blame you. Keshav’s cute.
Aarohi
Not asking about him.
Mansi
(Mansi pauses, side-eyes Aarohi with a sly grin)
Aarohi
(quickly):I didn’t even see his face properly. It was dark.
Mansi
You didn’t see, but you’re asking?
Aarohi
(pretending not to care):
His voice was… different. Calm. Like he speaks only if it's worth it.
Mansi
(smiles):Yeah, that’s Reyansh. He’s not the loud, center-of-attention type. But he notices everything. Observes people. Doesn’t talk nonsense.
Mansi
(with a little softness):He’s been through a lot. Doesn’t open up easily. He’s not for fun. You either get all of him or nothing.
Aarohi
(nods slowly):
I respect that.
They keep walking. Aarohi is quiet now. Mansi peeks at her face.
Mansi
Wait… don’t tell me you liked him.
Aarohi
(half smiling)I Don’t even know him
Mansi
(sing-song):
Yet you asked. Aarohi and Reyansh, hmm...
Aarohi
(firmly):
Stop. I just asked because I was bored
Mansi
(laughs):
Right. Totally bored. You ask about every mysterious man you don’t see properly.
Aarohi
(inner voice):
I didn’t see his face… but I felt something strange.
And I hate how much I want to see him again.
Something small has started. A moment. A voice. A feeling...
2. Where Thoughts Begin & Trouble Follows
[INT – Aarohi & Mansi’s Apartment – Night]
The lights are dim. Aarohi lies on her bed, scrolling aimlessly on her phone, hair tied messy, one earbud in. She sighs and stares at the ceiling, talking softly to herself.
Aarohi
(whispering to herself):
“do you think he's thinking about me too?
Why wouldn’t he? I mean… I’m beautiful. Smart. Not exactly forgettable.
But still… why do I want to know so
Aarohi
She smirks to herself, then sighs
Her phone buzzes again. Another DM from that creepy neighbor.
“I saw you come back… you looked cute in that kurti 😉 Wanna hang out sometime?”
Aarohi
(disgusted, groaning):
“Oh my god, not again. What is wrong with this guy?
Mansi!!”
She walks into Mansi’s room holding her phone.
Aarohi
Mansi, this man is STILL texting me. Saying ‘we should chill sometime’ — are you kidding me?! He’s like 40, probably with 2 kids and a scooter named after his wife!
Mansi
(concerned):
He's actually getting worse now…
Aarohi
How does he even know my Insta? I hate this. He stares every time I come back home. Makes my skin crawl.
Mansi
(sighs):I already told Keshav. But… actually, Reyansh might be better for this.
Aarohi
(surprised):
Reyansh? Why?
Mansi
(grinning):Because he’s... kind of scary. Like, protective-scary. He’s calm, but has this don-like energy, you know? People don’t mess with him.
Aarohi
(raising eyebrow):
You’re telling me the boy who talks like he reads philosophy can punch people too?
Mansi
Exactly. He’s not the type to brag — but if someone crosses a line, he’ll end the line. I told him about your situation. He said to wait, observe a few more days. If that creep doesn’t stop...
Aarohi
...then Reyansh handles it.
Mansi
(nods):
His way. So don’t worry. Just act normal.
Aarohi
(half impressed, half skeptical):
Okay… mystery man energy unlocked
Late Morning
Sunlight filters through the curtains. Mansi is sitting on the floor doing her eyeliner, while Aarohi lies on the bed scrolling through her phone, her mood lazy.
Mansi
(excited):
Listen… let’s go to the temple today. Proper outing. Clean clothes. Fresh minds.
Aarohi
(groaning):
Temple? Girl, I can barely survive my 9AM lectures.
Mansi
Exactly! That’s why you need divine intervention.
Also… Keshav’s coming.
Aarohi glances up, mildly interested.
Aarohi
Ohhh. So it’s not a ‘spiritual’ trip. It’s a ‘get closer to my crush’ trip.
Mansi
(grinning):
i mean… God is love. So it counts.
Aarohi
(laughs):
And what am I supposed to do while you and Keshav stare at each other like school kids?
Mansi
(smirking):
Distract Reyansh. Tease Keshav. Look pretty.
Or you know… fall in love with the wrong guy.
Aarohi
(rolls eyes):
Hard pass. But fine. I’ll come. I could use a walk and better WiFi reception at the temple.
Later – Outside the Apartment
Keshav and Reyansh are already waiting near the gate. Keshav in a casual white tee. Reyansh leans on the wall, arms crossed, wearing a black hoodie, face calm as ever. The cab they booked arrives but is stuck slightly ahead in traffic.
Keshav
(checking phone):
“Why are girls never on time?”
Reyansh
(shrugs):
Because they know we’ll wait anyways
Keshav
True. Can’t even argue with that
A few minutes later, the apartment door opens. Aarohi steps out wearing a soft yellow kurti, with earrings, light makeup. Mansi follows behind, adjusting her dupatta.
Mansi
(calling out):
Hope you guys didn’t fall asleep
Aarohi
(teasing):
Reyansh, blink twice if Keshav made you wait too long.
Reyansh
(soft grin):
“Not as long as you took to decide your lipstick shade.”
Aarohi
(mock gasp):
you eavesdropping on my mirror talk now?
Mansi
(grinning):
Okay okay lovebirds, calm down
Keshav
Cab’s here… kinda. But traffic’s not moving.
Aarohi
Let’s take the metro. It’ll be faster and way less annoying.
(clapping):
Metro it is! Look at us — four beautiful souls on a holy journey… with zero planning.
Walking toward the metro station, casual chatter flowing. The energy is light, playful — but something in Reyansh’s quiet eyes lingers on Aarohi a little longer.
Mansi
(whispers to Aarohi):
Today’s mission: Make Keshav mine.
You and Reyansh? Just keep him distracted, okay?
Aarohi
(smirks):
Sure. I’ll ask him how many people he’s silently threatened this week.
Mansi
(laughs):
Perfect. Just don’t fall for that deep voice and calm nature.
Aarohi
(quietly):
No promises.
They visit the temple, offer prayers, then find a quiet grassy patch under a peepal tree. Keshav and Mansi excuse themselves to "explore nearby.
Now Aarohi and Reyansh are alone, again.
Reyansh
(looking at the view):
Peaceful here.
Aarohi
(sitting beside him):
Yeah. Better than being chased by creepy uncles online.
Reyansh
(raises an eyebrow, smirks):
I heard. Mansi told me.
Aarohi
(rolls her eyes):
I swear, I didn’t even show my face properly and these guys still think I’m a green signal.
Reyansh
You think it’s about the face?
Reyansh
(pauses, then softly):
Sometimes it’s the energy. Some people carry light… and creeps chase light.
You shine. They’ll notice.
Aarohi
(surprised, then smiles):
You talk like a poet. But with a knife in your pocket.
Reyansh
(laughs lightly):
Not a knife. Just clear lines. I don’t like people crossing them.
They both sit quietly, wind brushing through. Somewhere in the distance, Mansi laughs. Keshav probably said yes.
Aarohi glances sideways at Reyansh. This time, really looking.
Aarohi
(in her mind):
I finally saw his face.
Calm. Quiet. Sharp.
And suddenly… I wasn't so sure if I wanted to look away.
Reyansh
So… what brought you here? College?
Aarohi
Yeah. That, and the desperate need to run from a boring hometown.
Reyansh
Ah, the classic fresh start.
Aarohi
You sound like you’ve done it before
Reyansh
(quietly):
“Maybe.”
Aarohi
You don’t talk much, do you?
Reyansh
I do. Just not when it feels forced.
Aarohi
(raises an eyebrow):
Interesting. So what makes you talk?
Reyansh
People who say what they mean.
Aarohi
(smiles faintly):
Then I guess we won’t talk much
Reyansh smirks, saying nothing. Mansi and Keshav are laughing a few steps away, completely in their own world.
Reyansh
“You didn’t look at me properly.”
3.The Tilak, The Slap, and a Hint of Heart
Reyansh
You didn’t look at me properly.
Reyansh
People usually try to place someone. You haven’t even tried.
Aarohi
I don’t like guessing people. I like knowing them when they’re ready.
That makes Reyansh pause. He looks at her a little longer — not expecting that answer.
Aarohi
I don’t waste smart on just anyone
The temple stands quiet behind them, incense in the air, soft bells ringing in the distance
Aarohi
(watching them, mock serious):
Reyansh… we need to go see what these lovebirds are doing.
Reyansh
(smirks):
You want to spy on them?
Aarohi
(getting up):
Yes! What if they’re about to make kids here? I don’t want to be the witness to a PG-13 scandal in a sacred place.
Reyansh
(standing slowly):
They’re just talking.
Aarohi
Yeah, yeah. So were Romeo and Juliet before the drama started.
They walk toward the other side where there's a small mirror and baskets with tilak, flowers, and diya oil. Aarohi stops at the mirror and picks up a small stick and the yellow tilak paste.
Aarohi
(suddenly):
I want to try something.
Aarohi
(grins):
No, on me. You see that Krishna idol? The tilak on his forehead — it’s long, neat, shaped. I want mine like that. Not those two-minute dabs people do.
Reyansh
I actually know how to make it like that.
Aarohi nods, standing confidently in front of him. He dips the stick carefully, moves closer. The moment is oddly quiet. Intimate. His hands are steady.
He finishes. Aarohi steps to the mirror and looks... then freezes.
Aarohi
(eyes wide):
“Reyansh."
Aarohi
(emotion rising):
What. Did. You. Do. To. My. Face?
Reyansh
(blinking):
Uhh… tilak?
Aarohi
This is not Krishna-style tilak! This is some... wedding guest disaster!
Reyansh
(confused, still holding the stick):
I swear I made the triangle and curve
Aarohi
(emotional):
You RUINED it! It looks like a cartoon tick!
Aarohi
(She suddenly slaps him — not harshly, but in pure drama. Once. Then again)
Reyansh
(frozen):
Wait—did you just–? Did that actually happen–?
Aarohi
(She stands there, angry, almost teary-eyed)
Reyansh
(hand on his cheek, trying not to smile):
Are you gonna cry? Or slap me again? Or both?
Aarohi
(genuinely upset):
How could you do this? I trusted your hands! I wanted something spiritual and you made me look like I got stamped at Holi mela!
Reyansh
(gently, holding back laughter):
I’m sorry. Hit me again if it helps. I’ll let you break my nose next time.
Keshav and Mansi rush over, seeing the tension.
Mansi
What happened?! Why is Aarohi redder than her tilak?
Aarohi
(turning to her):
“Your brother just gave me a forehead trauma!”
Keshav
(holding back laugh):
Wait... you slapped him?
Reyansh
(still smiling, nodding slowly):
She slapped me. Twice. I think I’ve reached spiritual awakening.
Mansi
(cracking up):
Okay okay. Drama queen, come here. Let me fix your divine makeup.
Aarohi
(pouting):
I’m never letting a boy draw on my face again.
Everyone bursts into laughter. The tension fades. The wind carries it all away. But something — something real — settles quietly in Reyansh's heart.
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