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...
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