Chapter 6 - Chapter- The beginning of unknowingly falling

School Gate

The next morning, Sukhi and Aarohi walked into school together. Near the gate, they spotted Nirvay and Ayush already waiting.

Sukhi (teasing):

"Are you two becoming the new school watchmen? You're always by the gate every morning!" 🤭

Ayush and Nirvay smiled, unfazed.

Aarohi (smiling):

"Sukhi, come on, let's go."

Nirvay:

"Aarohi, wait a second. I need to talk to you."

Sukhi (grinning, gently pushing Aarohi towards him):

"Ooo, go on, Aarohi. Ayush, let's move aside."

Nirvay:

"I've sorted out that issue with those boys. They won't bother you again."

Aarohi (curious and a little frustrated):

"Who were they? And what did I—or my poor scooter—ever do to them?"

Nirvay (smiling slightly):

"Don't overthink it. Come on, we're getting late for class."

Days Pass…

From that day on, Aarohi and Nirvay slowly drifted into their own little world. Their friendship deepened. After class, Nirvay personally tutored her every day. They would talk for hours—sometimes on the phone, sometimes through endless messages.

One Month Later – After Class

Most students didn't really care about them, but three people certainly did—Shreya, Riya, and Piya.

In the classroom, Nirvay was tutoring Aarohi.

Nirvay (playfully):

"I'm probably the only teacher who gives lessons, snacks, and chocolates."

Aarohi (grinning):

"Well, you do have extra—knowledge and money."

Nirvay (leaning in slightly, with a playful smirk):

"Need anything else?"

Aarohi (focused on her notebook, not looking up):

"No, no, this is more than enough."

Just a few seats behind, Sukhi and Ayush sat together.

Sukhi (whispering excitedly):

"Ayush, I swear, there's something more than just friendship between those two. Did you see the way Nirvay keeps looking at Aarohi? And look at her—completely stuck to her notebook." 🙄

Ayush (calmly):

"Nirvay already has a girlfriend, Sukhi."

Sukhi (in disbelief):

"Girlfriend? Oh please. His so-called girlfriend is sitting right there with her two BFFs. And you know what they do after class? They're always watching! Honestly, I never believed there was anything real between Shreya and Nirvay—not before, not now. She just screams his name all the time."

At the front row, Shreya, Riya, and Piya were having their own conversation.

Riya (irritated):

"Seriously, Shreya, whatever you say, this girl is just too clingy."

Piya:

"Yeah, have you seen her lips? No lipstick, no gloss, no makeup. Ugh."

Shreya stayed quiet, but her eyes were fixed on Aarohi and Nirvay.

Back to Aarohi and Nirvay

Nirvay (staring at her lips):

"Your lips look really soft. What do you use on them?"

Aarohi (still writing, casually):

"Lip balm."

Sukhi and Ayush's Commentary

Sukhi (bursting with excitement):

"Did you hear that? He said her lips look soft! That means he definitely wants to kiss her. I knew it! Nirvay's a romantic guy—unlike you, Ayush." 😕

Ayush (smiling calmly):

"You have any idea what you're saying? Fine, let me kiss you too then." 😙

Sukhi (blushing, pretending to focus):

"Let me watch these two first! Seriously, why doesn't Aarohi get it? When a boy says your lips look soft while staring at them, and you just casually say 'lip balm'? Only Aarohi can do that!"

Back to Aarohi and Nirvay

Nirvay:

"You've solved so many problems today—here, have a chocolate."

Aarohi:

"Thanks, I really needed this. Can you pass me some water too?" (She starts eating the chocolate.)

"Do you want one?"

Nirvay:

"No, you have it."

As she ate, some chocolate smudged on her lips. Nirvay gently wiped it off with his finger.

Nirvay (softly):

"Your lips really are soft."

Aarohi (casually):

"You should try this herb lip balm too."

Sukhi (dramatically facepalming):

"Oh my God, what should I even do with this girl?"

Ayush (laughing):

"First, stop your live commentary and go explain it to her."

Sukhi (pretending to give up):

"Explaining won't help. She'll just say, 'We're just friends. He has a girlfriend. There's nothing going on.'"

Meanwhile, Shreya's Side

Shreya (annoyed):

"Ugh, I can't watch this anymore."

Piya:

"Yeah, what's wrong with Nirvay these days?"

Riya:

"Is he playing some long game? I can't figure it out."

The three girls stormed out of the classroom.

Later, Aarohi, Sukhi, Nirvay, and Ayush also left for home.

Night – Nirvay's Room

Nirvay lay in bed, tossing and turning. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Aarohi's face… her smile… her lips.

Frustrated, he sat up and sipped some water.

Nirvay (thinking to himself):

I know what this is... but it's getting stronger every day. Sure, it's natural—we spend so much time together. But this... this is something else. Something I can't control.

Maybe I'm just overthinking. Aarohi only sees me as a friend. It'll pass. Probably just a phase... infatuation. Yeah, it'll go away.

He tried convincing himself as he lay back down and forced his eyes shut.

Next Day – School Canteen

The next day, Nirvay sat in the canteen, chatting with Shreya. Aarohi and Sukhi entered and spotted them. Nirvay smiled at Aarohi, and she smiled back.

A few minutes later, Nirvay walked over to her.

Nirvay:

"Hey, only 15 days left for the mid-terms."

Aarohi:

"Yeah, I'm stressing about that too."

Sukhi (teasing):

"Maybe you should focus more on exams than on food. If you fail, you won't die, but if you skip meals, you definitely will." 🤭

Aarohi:

"You always talk nonsense. Look, your hubby is here—Ayush!" 🤭

Sukhi quickly walked over to Ayush, leaving Nirvay and Aarohi.

Nirvay (grinning):

"Hubby? Seriously?"

Aarohi (smiling):

"Yeah, that's just how Sukhi is."

Nirvay (awkwardly):

"By the way, I was just talking to Shreya about exams... nothing else."

(Inner Nirvay: Why am I even explaining this?)

Aarohi:

"Okay."

Nirvay (gently):

"You seem sad today?"

Aarohi:

"No, just exam stress."

Nirvay (stepping closer):

"I'm here. I'll help you with everything."

Aarohi looked up at him, catching him staring.

Aarohi (snapping him back):

"Nirvay… Nirvay? What are you staring at?"

Nirvay (quickly recovering):

"Nothing, let's go to class."

The Exam Grind

Everyone got serious about finishing the syllabus, including Nirvay. But somewhere deep inside, his feelings for Aarohi were only growing stronger.

The exams passed. Results would be out in five days.

Sunday – Ice Cream Parlour

Sukhi and Aarohi were hanging out, enjoying their ice creams.

Sukhi:

"School starts again tomorrow… and the results too. On one side, I'm excited to see Ayush. On the other—whatever happens, we'll deal with it."

Aarohi (worried):

"Easy for you to say! You always score above 90%. What about me?"

Sukhi (teasing):

"Look, the way you ignored Nirvay and actually focused on your studies—I'm sure your marks will be good. Forget love, you'll pass in all subjects, top to bottom!" 🤭

Aarohi:

"What did you just say?"

Sukhi (grinning):

"Nothing, nothing! Eat your ice cream—it's melting, though I don't know when you will finally melt."

Next Day – Result Day

The result list was pinned to the notice board.

Aarohi (nervously):

"Wow, what a great way to get insulted publicly."

Sukhi:

"Come on, I know you've scored well. Let's go check."

They walked over, and Aarohi scanned the list.

Aarohi (squealing in happiness):

"Sukhi! I got 75 in Maths and 72 in Physics! I can't believe it! I thought just passing would be a miracle!"

Sukhi (proudly):

"I told you! Oh, and guess what? Nirvay topped again."

Aarohi (smiling):

"I have to thank him. He helped me so much."

Just then, Nirvay and Ayush arrived. Without thinking, Aarohi ran straight to Nirvay and hugged him tightly.

Aarohi (excitedly):

"Thank you, Nirvay! Seriously, thank you so much!"

Nirvay… forgot to breathe. His heartbeat skyrocketed. His face flushed deep red.

Sukhi (laughing):

"Aarohi's going to kill Nirvay today—look at his face! He's completely red!" 🤣

Ayush (smiling):

"Yeah, I can see that."

Sukhi:

"Aarohi, your 'thank you' is done now, right? Maybe you should let go of him?" 🤭

Aarohi quickly stepped away, awkwardly.

Aarohi (nervously):

"Sorry!"

Sukhi (teasing):

"Make up your mind—either say thank you or sorry, not both at once!"

Aarohi (blushing):

"Sukhi, let's go to class!"

As they walked away, Sukhi called back:

Sukhi:

"Nirvay, breathe or you're going to die. Ayush, get him some water!" 🤭

Nirvay (to Ayush, still breathless):

"I'll be right back."

Restroom

Nirvay splashed cold water on his face, trying to calm his racing heart. Slowly, a smile spread across his face.

Later – School Canteen

At lunch, Nirvay and Aarohi were still a little awkward, almost avoiding eye contact.

Sukhi (grinning):

"I got amazing marks—what else does life even need now?"