It was morning. Aarohi stood quietly near the school gate, waiting—though she wouldn't admit to herself exactly whom she was waiting for.
Aarohi (thinking to herself):
He usually comes early… always standing here near this gate. Where is he today? Maybe he's off somewhere… probably with his girlfriend. But why do I care? I don't care… right?
Minutes turned into hours. Nirvay didn't show up.
Neither did Shreya.
They must really be out on a date.
The thought pricked her heart a little, but she quickly brushed it off.
What's wrong with me? I don't have time for this nonsense. I've got a whole life to live… I'll be someone who owns an Audi, has designer bags… and eats street golgappas without shame. No time for complicated boys.
But after lunch, Sukhi came running, her face pale with worry.
Sukhi: "Aarohi! I just heard from Ayush… Nirvay's little brother Jai… he's been in the hospital since last night. It's serious. Ayush was with Nirvay the whole time!"
Aarohi's heart dropped.
A tight knot of guilt formed in her chest.
While I was busy assuming the worst… he was fighting his own battles… I'm such an idiot.
Without thinking twice, Aarohi and Sukhi decided to visit the hospital after school.
---
Hospital Visit
When they arrived, they found Nirvay sitting outside Jai's room with Ayush. Nirvay looked exhausted, his eyes sunken from a sleepless night.
Aarohi (softly): "I'm sorry… I didn't know. I misunderstood everything."
Nirvay (gently): "No, Aarohi… I should be the one saying sorry. For what happened at school."
Aarohi (hurriedly): "Forget that… just tell me, how's Jai? Is he okay now?"
Nirvay: "He's stable. They shifted him from ICU to the general ward an hour ago."
Aarohi: "Can we see him?"
Nirvay: "Of course, you can."
When they entered the room, Jai lay there looking pale but trying to smile bravely.
Aarohi (cheerfully): "Hi Jai! You're so strong… like Hulk!"
Jai (weak but proud): "I'm not Hulk. I'm strong like Iron Man!"
They all chuckled softly.
While Aarohi sat by Jai's bed, her eyes caught a bouquet on the table with a card attached.
Get well soon, Jai. — From Shreya Didi.
Aarohi's smile faltered just for a second, but she said nothing.
After a while, Sukhi and Ayush went to get snacks, leaving Nirvay and Aarohi alone.
Aarohi (gently): "Don't feel bad about what happened at school. I get it now. Shreya wasn't entirely wrong… any girlfriend would feel jealous if her boyfriend spends more time with his best friend. Honestly, when I joined school, you, Shreya, Riya, and Piya were always together… maybe I should've kept some distance. But hey, don't worry—you'll always be my bestie."
Nirvay's expression changed. His gaze met hers, serious and steady.
Nirvay: "Shreya isn't my girlfriend."
Aarohi (shocked): "What? Did you guys break up?"
Nirvay: "No. She was never my girlfriend."
Aarohi: "Wait… what do you mean?"
Nirvay: "Shreya and I have been childhood friends because our parents are business partners. She didn't want boys chasing her in school, so she used my name to keep them away. I played along. Even Ayush doesn't know. She asked me to keep it secret."
Aarohi sat there, speechless.
So all this time… I was jealous of a relationship that never even existed… wow, Aarohi. Gold medal for jumping to conclusions.
---
Hospital Discharge & Night Chat
Jai was discharged after three days. Nirvay couldn't attend school while taking care of him. That night, Aarohi messaged him.
Aarohi: Jai got discharged today, right?
Nirvay: Yeah, he's home now.
Aarohi: Is he doing okay?
Nirvay: He's fine.
Aarohi: Will you come to school tomorrow?
Nirvay: Yeah, my aunt's arriving tomorrow to take care of him. I'll be back.
Aarohi: Okay, see you tomorrow. Good night.
Nirvay: Good night.
---
Next Morning – At School Gate
Sukhi walked confidently beside Aarohi.
Sukhi: "I always knew Shreya wasn't his girlfriend. There was zero vibe. No spark. Dead battery."
They spotted Nirvay and Ayush near the gate.
Aarohi: "Is Jai doing better now?"
Nirvay: "Yeah, but still under observation."
Sukhi: "Please! Our Iron Man Jai will be back in action soon!"
They all smiled.
In class, Nirvay sat beside Aarohi.
Nirvay: "Finished your syllabus?"
Aarohi: "Almost."
Nirvay: "Ask me if you need help. I might miss some school—I'm planning to take Jai to a new doctor."
Aarohi: "Don't worry about me. Just take care of Jai."
---
Canteen
During lunch, Sukhi couldn't hold back.
Sukhi: "Can you believe Shreya lied to everyone? Even faked gifts! Who does that?"
Aarohi: "Let's drop it now. I don't want to talk about her."
Sukhi: "Your path is clear now. You and Nirvay. Wink wink."
Aarohi: "He's just my best friend."
Across the canteen, Nirvay sat with Ayush, looking lost.
Ayush: "Try talking to your parents again. Maybe they'll change their minds about the divorce."
Nirvay: "If talking worked, my aunt wouldn't be here. They've already moved on. I'm done trying to fix things."
Ayush kept talking, but Nirvay's eyes were on Aarohi.
In front of the world, I'm living two lives. A fake one where I seem perfect. And my real one… where everything's falling apart. But when I'm with Aarohi… I feel like I'm actually living… not just existing.
Ayush: "Oye! Where are you lost?"
Nirvay: "Nowhere. Let's go."
---
After Class
As they packed up, Aarohi said,
"You should go to Jai. I've finished my syllabus."
Nirvay smiled and softly pinched her cheek.
"You've become so smart."
Aarohi: "That hurts, you know."
Nirvay: "Oops, sorry! Didn't mean to."
Aarohi (laughing): "Relax, don't panic."
From a distance, Shreya and her group witnessed the moment, silent but watching closely.
---
Night Chat
Nirvay: I won't come to school tomorrow. Jai's doctor's appointment. Good night.
Aarohi: Okay. Take care. Good night.
---
Lunchtime – Countdown Begins
The next day, Sukhi sighed dramatically.
"Only 15 more school days left… then prep leave… then exams… then school's over! I'll miss this so much!"
Aarohi: "Relax, Ayush will still be with us in 12th."
Sukhi: "I just wish Nirvay could come more often now."
Sukhi: "Ayush is calling me, I'll be back."
Aarohi: "Okay, I'm heading to class."
---
Shreya's Confrontation
Shreya suddenly blocked Aarohi's way.
Shreya: "How shameless can you be? Stay away from my boyfriend."
Aarohi: "Shameless? You're the one who faked a whole relationship! Nirvay told me everything. You were never together."
Shreya's face darkened.
Shreya: "Oh, really? Did he tell you why he became friends with you? Ever wondered what a guy like Nirvay could possibly want from someone like you? When I asked him why he was getting so close to you, he said, 'New toy, new game, let's play this.'"
Aarohi's mind raced back to the restroom conversation… to Sukhi's warnings…
Aarohi: "You're a master at twisting stories, aren't you? I don't believe you."
Shreya smirked and leaned closer.
Shreya (whispering): "Go ask him yourself. Did he say it, or not? 'New toy, new game, let's play this.' Just think, Aarohi… what do you think he wanted to play with? Your mind? Your emotions? Your heart? Or…"
(Shreya's fingers brushed Aarohi's shoulder.)
Shreya: "Your body?"