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1. That Weird Feeling

"Is my princess still asleep? You don't wanna be late on your first day of twelfth grade, do you?" Purvi called out in her usual calm voice.

"Exactly. You better get ready and look your best, right?" she added teasingly, already knowing how excited her daughter was—especially now that she was finally allowed to have a boyfriend.

"What do you mean, Mumma?" Siya mumbled, her voice still sleepy.

Siya rolled her eyes under the blanket. She knew exactly why her mother said that. As excited as she was for her final year of school, what really had her excited was the thought of meeting new boys. Sure, she was allowed to have guy friends, but she always made sure not to cross any line that might upset her parents.

Purvi was strict, but not in a bad way. Her rule was simple: no dating before 18. And it wasn't just for Siya—Rajveer, her oldest brother, had the same rule too.

Rajveer was 25 now and living in Delhi, but he still missed his parents—and his little sister. The age gap never really mattered between them. They still fought, joked around, and irritated each other like normal siblings.

Now that Siya was finally 18, she was curious about what was ahead. Not desperate or anything. Just curious. She already knew the kind of guy she'd want—and the kind she'd never go for.

After getting ready and throwing her backpack over her shoulder, Siya sat down for a quick breakfast before leaving.

Her dad, Virajas, looked at her and smiled. "We know you're excited, kiddo. We've been careful all these years, even when your friends started dating. It was never about controlling you—we just wanted to protect you. But now you're older, and we trust you. No pressure to rush into anything, but if you ever do like someone, don't be scared to see where it goes."

Siya almost choked on her toast. Wait... did her dad seriously just say that?

He had always been her biggest supporter, never someone who held her back. No matter how busy work got or how important his reputation was, her happiness always came first for him.

She smiled to herself. That's my superhero dad. He already knew her so well. He and Mumma both. The men in her family had always respected women, and Siya knew one thing for sure—whenever she did fall for someone, he had to be the same kind of person.

"Oh, superhero dad," she teased with a grin, "your princess already knows all that. Stop worrying."

Virajas pushed his chair back. "Alright, let's go. I've got work after dropping you off. And I'm guessing Tanya's already waiting."

"Oh, definitely. Bye, Mumma!" Siya leaned over to kiss her mother's cheek, and Purvi kissed her back immediately.

"And where's mine?" Virajas asked dramatically.

"Ugh, you two are impossible!" Siya laughed while running downstairs. "Literally the most romantic couple ever."

The second Siya stepped outside, someone squealed dramatically before pulling her into a crushing hug.

"Baby girl! I missed you sooo much this summer!"

"Same here, Tanya," Siya laughed, though she still sounded half sleepy. "But come on, we're getting late."

For a second, Siya's mind drifted back to when they were kids, running around and playing tag with the others. She had tripped over a tree root and scraped her knee badly enough to start crying.

Out of nowhere, Tanya came running over with wide eyes. Tiny, panicked, and weirdly serious.

"You okay?" she asked, crouching beside her.

"I-I think I hurt my knee," Siya sniffled.

Without even thinking twice, Tanya pulled out a tiny Bambi handkerchief covered in cartoons and gently pressed it against Siya's knee.

"Here. This'll help."

Siya stared at her for a second. "Thanks... you're like a superhero."

"Duh," Tanya grinned proudly. "Superheroes help their friends. And I'll always help you."

"Promise?" Siya asked quietly.

"Promise." Tanya hooked her pinky with hers. "Sisterhood forever."

And somehow, that was it. From that day on, they were basically attached to each other—sharing secrets, doing stupid things together, and laughing over absolutely nothing. Even now, Siya still had that old Bambi handkerchief hidden safely in her room. A tiny reminder of how she found her forever best friend.

Siya was shoving books into her locker when she noticed a new guy standing a few lockers away, looking completely lost. She was just about to go talk to him when someone else got there first.

"Welcome to Arora's Edu," Miss Kavya said kindly. "Come, I'll show you your locker first, then we'll head to class."

Back in class, Siya greeted Ms Komal, their new subject teacher, but honestly, her mind was somewhere else. She kept thinking about the new boy. Why did he look so nervous? And why didn't he just ask someone for help?

Leaning toward Tanya, she whispered, "Hey, do you know anything about that new guy?"

Tanya immediately smirked, fully ready for gossip. "Actually, yeah. I overheard some girls talking. He just shifted to Alwar, so today's his first day here. And apparently..." she lowered her voice dramatically, "he's gone through some pretty messed up stuff. That's probably why he looked so disconnected."

Siya nodded slowly, still thinking. Would he even want to be friends with me?

At lunch, she pulled out her phone and saw three unread texts from her mom.

Mumma: Come straight home after school. No roaming around.

Mumma: We have guests coming over—Dad's close friends and our new neighbours.

Mumma: They have a son around your age. I'm sure you two will get along. Love you, baby!

Siya stared at the screen for a second. Guests? New neighbors? A son her age?

Her brain instantly started overthinking. Who even are they? What's he like? Is this gonna be awkward... or actually interesting?

Whatever it was, she suddenly couldn't wait to get home.

While waiting for the bus, Siya opened the school media panel on her phone, trying to figure out who the traumatised one was.

Wait... am I seriously stalking him already? she thought, instantly locking her phone. I don't even know his name yet.

But damn, he was cute.

The bus finally pulled up, and the second Siya stepped inside, her eyes widened.

No way.

He got on, too—from the back door.

Oh God... did he just see me checking his profile?

He quietly took the seat right in front of her. Siya hesitated for a second before deciding she wasn't going to chicken out now.

"Uh... excuse me?" she said, trying not to sound nervous. "Can I sit here?"

The guy gave a small nod but didn't say a word.

"I saw you earlier," Siya said awkwardly, holding out her hand. "I'm Siya. You're new to Alwar, right?"

The boy instantly tensed up, like a startled deer. His eyes moved around nervously, almost like he wanted an escape route.

Siya slowly pulled her hand back. Okay... maybe too much too fast.

A minute later, he suddenly got up and stepped off at the next stop. Siya frowned slightly.

That's weird. There's literally nothing here... where's he even going?

As Abhimanyu got off the bus, his heartbeat still wouldn't calm down. That tiny conversation with Siya kept replaying in his head, somehow making him nervous and weirdly happy at the same time.

Before walking away, he glanced back once and saw her still sitting there.

"Calm down," he muttered under his breath, trying to steady himself. Why is my heart racing over some random girl?

He shook his head and forced himself to focus while walking toward the hotel where his parents were staying.

Every step felt heavier than usual. Why did I freeze up like that? he thought, remembering her smile again.

"Just breathe," he whispered while stepping into the hotel elevator.

But one thought refused to leave his mind.

Would she even want to talk to me again after that?

Meanwhile, Siya spent the whole ride home stuck in her own thoughts. She kept wondering about him, replaying the bus conversation again and again—until her mom casually told her that the new neighbors, the Singhanias, weren't coming over tonight anymore.

Her shoulders dropped instantly. "Seriously? Nothing's going right today," she muttered. She had actually been excited to meet them and finally see who this mysterious new guy was.

Still, she couldn't stop thinking about the bus ride.

Would he talk to me again?

And more importantly... was I just being friendly? Or was this something else?

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2. The Boy Next Door

"Morning, princess! Rise and shine, breakfast's ready," Virajas called out.

"Coming, Papa!" Siya shouted back while heading downstairs. She actually felt lighter today after finally telling her parents everything going on in her head about the traumatized one.

And like always, they listened instead of judging.

"Siya, beta, we understand," Purvi said softly. "Just take things slowly. Be friends first. Talk to him if he seems comfortable, but don't force anything."

Virajas nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And first figure out what you're even feeling. Is it sympathy? Or is it something more?" He paused before smirking a little. "And if it is love, relax. You've got time. At least learn the guy's name first."

Siya rolled her eyes, trying not to laugh. "He's three years older than me, by the way. Before you start interrogating me."

Virajas raised an eyebrow. "Hmm. Just be careful, okay?" His tone softened at the end, but the protective dad energy was still very much there.

Purvi gently placed her hand over Siya's. "And remember something—your first relationship doesn't have to be perfect. You have your whole life to figure love out. Just don't lose yourself while doing it."

Siya nodded slowly, a small smile appearing on her face.

Now that she thought about it clearly, she wasn't trying to rush into anything. She just wanted to know him better... maybe make him feel a little less alone.

"Tanya!" Siya grinned before pulling her into a hug.

She quickly started telling her everything, but Tanya being Tanya, interrupted halfway through. "Wait, hold on—why is this random guy living in your head rent-free already? Don't tell me you've caught feelings. Love at first sight and all that?"

Siya immediately felt her cheeks warm up. "I... I don't know," she admitted with a shrug. Honestly, she didn't even know the answer herself yet.

During French class, Siya noticed both sections were being combined. Her stomach instantly flipped. Maybe I'll see him again.

"Welcome, Abhimanyu Singhania," Miss Kavya said. "You can sit beside Siya Arora."

Abhimanyu.

So that was his name.

Siya tried very hard not to look too interested as he took the seat next to her.

"Hey... remember me?" she asked quietly. "From yesterday?"

He gave a small nod. "Hmm." His voice was calm, but distant.

Siya tilted her head slightly. "Wow. Are you always this quiet, or have you just never talked to a girl before?"

For a second, she almost got a reaction out of him. Almost.

His expression barely changed, but internally, his heart completely betrayed him. The truth was, he was always this quiet.

The lecture kept going, but Siya barely paid attention. Every few minutes, she caught herself looking at him, trying to figure out what was hidden behind all that silence.

When class ended, she gave him a quick smile before reaching for one of his loose sheets. Their hands brushed for barely a second.

And then their eyes met.

Something about his expression made her pause. There was sadness there. Maybe loneliness too. Something deeper than she expected.

The moment passed quickly, but it stayed with her.

And right then, Siya decided something.

She would break through his walls someday. She'd make him smile properly.

"Tanya, guess what? I sat next to Abhi in French today."

"Wait—who's Abhi?"

"You know... the guy you keep calling the traumatized one. His actual name is Abhimanyu Singhania, but Abhi sounds cuter."

"Ohhh, him. Okay then, continue."

"He kinda mentioned he was craving chocolate."

Tanya raised an eyebrow. "And did this man ask you for chocolate?"

"Not exactly," Siya admitted, trying not to grin. "But now I kinda wanna give him some."

Tanya burst out laughing. "Wow. Look at you. Is this a crush, or are you planning to confess with a Dairy Milk?"

Siya rolled her eyes. "Shut up. It's not even like that. He just seems... nice. Quiet, but nice. And I wanna be friends with him. Maybe help him open up a bit."

"And what makes you think you can do that?" Tanya asked with a smirk.

Siya shrugged casually. "Gut feeling. You know I trust my instincts."

"Fair enough," Tanya laughed, shaking her head.

During recess, Siya finally decided to do something about the whole Abhi situation.

Dragging Tanya along with her, she walked toward his locker while both of them pretended to look casual. Neither of them looked casual.

From the corner of his eye, Abhi noticed them instantly.

What does she want? he thought quietly. Probably the same thing everyone else wants.

But he wasn't that kind of person. At least, not anymore.

Before heading to the bathroom, he purposely left his locker slightly open. A part of him already knew she was planning something.

Still, he couldn't stop thinking about her smile from earlier. The way it somehow managed to crack through the numbness in his chest for a second.

When he came back, he stopped walking.

Inside his locker was a small pack of chocolates.

And beside it, a tiny note written neatly in blue ink.

As sweet as I hope your smile will be.

For a few seconds, Abhi just stared at it silently.

Then he realized it.

She must've seen him doodling chocolates in French class. She actually noticed.

His thoughts instantly spiraled. Why does this girl feel so... different?

And then came the second thought.

No. Don't even start.

His fingers tightened around the note.

Abhi, you can't fall for anyone.

And you definitely can't let someone fall for you.

Not when all you are is a mess filled with demons.

The second Siya walked in, Purvi noticed the smile on her face.

"What's with that smile, princess?" she asked knowingly, crossing her arms.

"Mumma, his name is Abhimanyu Singhania," Siya blurted out, way too excited to act normal. "But honestly, that name is so long. I'm just gonna call him Abhi."

Purvi raised an eyebrow immediately. "Oh? We're already giving him nicknames now?"

Siya laughed awkwardly. "It's not like that! I just... noticed he was craving chocolate during class, so I gave him some."

Purvi's lips curved into a smirk. "Smooth. That's exactly how friendships start."

Then she added teasingly, "So when do I get to meet this mysterious Abhi?"

"Mummaaa," Siya groaned, her cheeks turning pink. "Right now, I just wanna be friends with him."

"Hmm. Sure," Purvi said with a quiet laugh, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Siya's ear. "Just be yourself. That's already more than enough."

As Siya walked away still smiling to herself, Purvi watched her quietly for a moment.

Her little girl really wasn't so little anymore.

Once upstairs, Siya threw herself onto the bed and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before grabbing her phone. After thinking twice about it, she finally called Rajveer.

"Hey, Siya! Wow, look who finally remembered I exist," Rajveer said dramatically. "What's up?"

"Nothing much," she replied casually. "Just wanted to talk."

Rajveer instantly got suspicious. "Why do you sound so serious? Wait... is this about a guy?"

Siya groaned loudly. "Why is that always your first assumption?"

"Because I know you," he said proudly.

She rolled her eyes, though she was already smiling. "Okay fine. But don't tell anyone, not even Tanya. I think I'm kinda... attracted to someone."

"Oho," Rajveer teased immediately. "You already sound invested. Name?"

"Abhimanyu."

There was a dramatic pause. "Full name already? Yeah, this is serious."

"Shut up," Siya muttered, laughing.

Rajveer laughed too before asking, "So what's his story?"

Siya slowly told him everything that had happened so far, and somewhere in the middle of explaining it, her voice softened without her even realizing.

Rajveer listened quietly before replying, "Look, Mumma and Papa are actually pretty chill about this stuff. They just don't want you rushing into something without really knowing the person first."

"Yeah, I know," Siya sighed softly.

Then she quickly changed the topic. "Anyway, what about you? Still emotionally married to your work?"

Rajveer laughed. "Absolutely. Love life? Dead. Work life? Thriving."

They joked around for a while longer before finally hanging up.

Just as Siya placed her phone down, she heard the front door open downstairs.

A second later, her dad walked in carrying way too many gift bags for the guests.

The doorbell rang, and for some reason, Siya's heart immediately started beating faster.

It was literally just a doorbell, so why was she suddenly nervous?

Still, she rushed downstairs anyway.

Purvi opened the door, revealing a smiling couple standing outside. But Siya barely even looked at them because the person behind them completely stole her attention.

Abhimanyu Singhania.

Her stomach instantly flipped.

Oh.

So that's why her heart had been acting weird. Ever since this guy walked into her life, she'd been feeling things she couldn't properly explain.

The moment his eyes met hers, she forgot how to breathe for a second. There was something in them—something heavy, quiet, almost painfully deep.

Siya tried her best to act normal, but inside her brain was complete chaos.

She just wanted him to say something. Anything at all.

But the biggest question in her head stayed the same.

Did he feel this too?

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