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.”
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