Hey there, awesome readers!

Before you dive into this chapter, don't forget to hit that vote button and drop a comment if you're enjoying the story! Your support really helps and motivates me to keep writing more for you. Let's make this chapter a blast together!

Now, let's get into it!

_________________________________________________________

नफरत के खेल में भी अक्सर प्यार छिपा होता है, 

बराबर की टक्कर में रिश्ता और गहरा होता है। 

जब दोनों दिलों में हो जज़्बातों की लड़ी, 

तब ही समझो कि सच्चा इश्क़ बना होता है।

___________________________________________________________

Adrisha parked her scooter in the bustling parking area of Elite International College, the most prestigious institution in Delhi, where the affluent youth studied. Earning her spot through a scholarship, she often found herself amid their extravagant antics. Today, she walked in with a huge grin, eager to catch up with her friends after a week away.

As she approached, she saw Prisha, Anant, Aadriti, and Kaashvi engrossed in conversation, while Suhana and Aarav stood nearby, suspiciously quiet, each clutching a water balloon. Adrisha shook her head, chuckling at their predictably mischievous behavior. She moved closer, arms open for a hug, but was met with an unexpected hand-off. Suhana and Aarav slyly deposited a few water balloons into her hands and then, with devilish synchrony, launched one straight at Professor Sharma, who was strolling by.

Time seemed to slow as the balloon sailed through the air and splashed onto the professor's pristine white shirt. The courtyard went silent. Adrisha stood there, holding the incriminating balloons, her mouth agape as the professor turned, water dripping from his back, and fixed her with a withering glare.

"What is the meaning of this?" he thundered, his voice resonating with the promise of impending doom. Adrisha's brain scrambled for an excuse as she hastily dropped the balloons at her feet.

"Sir, wo dekhiye aapke peechhe!" she exclaimed, attempting a desperate distraction. The professor, with a bemused frown, actually turned to look. Seizing her chance, Adrisha took a step to escape, but her plan failed miserably.

(Sir, look behind you!)

"Stop right there!" Professor Sharma's voice halted her mid-step. Adrisha turned back slowly, her shoulders slumping in defeat. Her friends were now openly laughing, some even clutching their sides.

"Sir, I swear, it wasn't me!" she pleaded, holding up her hands defensively.

The professor's face turned a deeper shade of red. "Do you think I'm blind? I saw you holding the water balloons!" he bellowed. His voice carried such authority that even the squirrels in the nearby trees paused to listen.

Adrisha shot a murderous glance at Suhana and Aarav, who were trying to suppress their laughter behind the professor. She muttered through clenched teeth, "Tumko to mai baad me dekhti hu."

(I'll deal with you later.)

The professor's eyebrows shot up. "What did you say?" he demanded, misinterpreting her threat.

Adrisha quickly backtracked, waving her hands frantically. "Sir, aapko nahi!" she tried to explain, but it was too late; the professor was already in full lecture mode.

(Not you, sir!)

"Shut it! Mai sab janta hu aaj kal ke baccho ko. Teacher ki koi respect nahi." He pointed a stern finger at Adrisha, who was trying to look as innocent as possible. "You will get the punishment! You will clean the college pool. Come with me!"

(Shut it! I am well-versed in today's kids. No respect for teachers.)

As the professor marched off, Adrisha followed with a resigned sigh. Her friends were still in hysterics, and she knew she'd never live this down. She cast one last look at Suhana and Aarav, who were now pretending to look concerned.

Under her breath, she muttered her final vow for revenge, "Aarav ke bacche ki to aaj maine nani yaad dila deni hai."

(I'm going to make Aarav see stars today.)

**************************************

Adrisha was fuming as she scrubbed the pool tiles, her frustration palpable with each swipe of the mop. The equipment room, cluttered and smelling faintly of chlorine, had been added to her punishment by the sports teacher—another chore she didn't deserve. She clenched her teeth and muttered under her breath, vowing to teach the two culprits a lesson. Meeting up with her friends had been the highlight of her day, but their antics had soured her mood.

After finishing her punishment and classes, Adrisha checked her phone, expecting a flood of apologies and check-ins from her friends. Instead, she found a single message: a group text informing her of a get-together at Aarav's house.

Adrisha also saw the message from Aarav's mom, Amrita Raichand, personally inviting her to the get-together. Amrita had been a familiar figure in Adrisha's life for a long time. Often, Adrisha would visit the Raichand household to bring notes to Aarav, who, as the school football captain, frequently missed classes due to games and practice sessions. Aarav relied on Adrisha and their group to fetch the necessary notes from his classmates, knowing they would ensure he didn't fall behind. The special treatment was not limited to Aarav; all of the group members were friends with each other's classmates, allowing them to receive assistance when needed. Each member of the group would take turns giving him the notes so that none of them would feel overburdened.

Amrita Raichand, despite the family's immense wealth and the grand mansion they called home, was a remarkably diligent and down-to-earth woman. She was incredibly sweet and treated Adrisha with genuine affection, much like a daughter. Whenever Adrisha came over, Amrita would always ensure she was comfortable, offering snacks and drinks and sometimes insisting she stay for dinner.

Adrisha's connection with the Raichand family deepened significantly when Amrita discovered that Adrisha was the daughter of her long-lost friend, Asha Mishra. This revelation was a heartwarming surprise, rekindling a bond that had been severed by time and distance. Amrita's joy at finding her friend's daughter only strengthened the ties between the two families, bringing back cherished memories and shared histories. The rediscovery of this familial link led to an easy rapport and an immediate sense of familiarity whenever Adrisha visited the Raichand household.

Moreover, the relationship between the Mishras and the Raichands had been strong, given the high regard in which both Abhishek Mishra and Rishan Raichand were held in their respective circles. Their mutual respect and admiration laid a solid foundation for their families’ closeness. Visiting Aarav's house, therefore, was more than just a casual interaction; it was a reunion of sorts, seamlessly blending the past with the present. The established camaraderie and shared values made these visits feel like a natural extension of their longstanding relationship, reinforcing the sense of family between the Mishras and the Raichands.

Over the years, the consistent hospitality and warmth helped Adrisha build a strong bond with every member of the Raichand family. The only exception was Aarav's older brother, who had been out of town for most of this time, leaving him somewhat of a mystery to Adrisha

It seemed like everyone had abandoned her to be at Aarav's brother's long-overdue return to the city. They had jokingly said she could come after class. She scoffed at the audacity of it all and decided to head home first.

Her house was empty, a typical scenario on weekdays. Her father was likely engrossed in legal arguments at the Supreme Court, her mother busy managing her duties as a college principal, and her grandmother attending a Satsang, seeking spiritual solace. Adrisha enjoyed these quiet moments, the calm before the storm of her bustling social life.

In her room, she rummaged through her closet, looking for something appropriate for a casual yet slightly formal gathering. She chose a cute white dress that fell just above her knees—a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. She slipped into a pair of comfortable converse, perfect for the warm evening, and tied her hair into a messy ponytail, letting a few loose strands frame her face. Satisfied with her reflection, she grabbed her helmet and headed out.

Adrisha rode her scooter through the bustling streets, the city is alive with the evening rush. The cool breeze and the rhythm of the ride calmed her nerves. As she approached Aarav's house, she couldn't help but reflect on the odd friendship that had formed over the years. They all came from different backgrounds and had different interests. Suhana and Aarav, both from the business faculties, were the glue that held the group together. Suhana's outgoing nature and Aarav's easy-going charm made them natural leaders. Aanant and Aadriti were the athletic ones, both in college on sports quotas—Aanant a skilled swimmer and Aadriti a graceful gymnast. Prisha, with her love for literature, and Kaashvi, the budding fashion designer, added a creative flair to the group. Despite their differences, or perhaps because of them, they had all bonded unexpectedly with Suhana being the common link.

**************************************

Just as Adrisha was about to reach Aarav's house, her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. Of course, it had to be one of Aarav's friends. They were all chilling and had decided to call her. She answered the phone with a curt "What?" clearly not in the mood for games.

"Kaha hai tu?" Aarav asked, trying to sound casual.

(Where are you?)

"Kya kaam hai bol, jaanti hoon aise to tu phone nahi karega." Adrisha replied angrily, knowing full well that Aarav wouldn't call without a reason. Her tone made him laugh nervously.

(What's the matter? I know you wouldn't call otherwise.)

"Aisa nahi hai, Aadu, tu to jaanti hai na tu meri sabse pyari, sabse intelligent bestie hai?" he tried to butter her up, fully aware that she was upset.

(It's not like that, Adu, you know you're my favorite, most intelligent friend, right?)

"Haan beta, wo to main hoon. Aur zara mujhe aane do, phir main acche se batati hoon ki main kitni acchi hu," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm, making Aarav chuckle nervously. He glanced at the group, who were all quietly listening in on the conversation.

(Yes, of course, I am. Just wait until I get there, and I will tell you how good I am.)

"Bol, kyun phone kiya?" she pressed, wanting to get straight to the point.

(Tell me, why did you call?)

"Wo na, hum log bol rahe the tu yaha aa rahi hai," Anant jumped in, trying to sound casual.

(Well, we were just saying that you're on your way here.)

"Haan toh?" Adrisha responded, still annoyed.

(Yeah, so?)

"Toh raaste mein ek supermarket aata hai," Kaashvi piped up.

(So, there's a supermarket on the way.)

"Haan pata hai, maa ko mat sikha. Kaam ki baat pe aa chal," Adrisha shot back, irritated by the obvious statement. Aarav's chuckle was louder this time, clearly amused by her sass.

(Yeah, I know. Don't teach your mother how to suck eggs. Get to the point.)

"Toh na, hume kuch snacks chahiye," Prisha finally revealed their intention.

(So, we need some snacks.)

"Aur kya hain wo snacks?" Adrisha asked, shaking her head in disbelief.

(And what snacks are those?)

"Jyada kuch nahi, bas Korean noodles, cheese popcorn, ice cream..." Suhana began, listing items with an innocent tone, as if they were asking for simple things.

(Nothing much, just Korean noodles, cheese popcorn, ice cream...)

The list went on: "Swiss chocolate, truffle cake, mozzarella sticks, gourmet chips, Belgian waffles..." Suhana continued, adding more expensive treats.

"Aur kuch reh gaya?" Adrisha asked, her voice now deceptively calm.

(Anything else?)

"Haan, ek Cheetos," Aarav added, sealing the deal.

(Yes, one Cheetos.)

"Accha, aur in sab ke paise tumhari saas degi?" Adrisha quipped, making the entire group burst into laughter.

(Oh, and is your mother-in-law going to pay for all this?)

"Please, Aadu," Aarav pleaded, and Adrisha could tell he was pouting on the other end.

"Tere ghar get-together h Aaru, waha khana hoga mere bhai, thoda control kar le," she joked, making them laugh.

(Your house has a get-together, Aaru, and you will get food there, so exercise some control.)

He bared his teeth in a false smile and said, "Ye sab movie night ke liye h, Adu."

(Everything is for movie night, Adu.)

"Movie night?" She whispered.

He continued, "Yeah, and before you deny it, Mom has already talked with your mom."

"Accha, thik hai," she finally relented, hearing them cheer in the background. She could only shake her head, a smirk playing on her lips.

(Alright, fine.)

As she drove towards the supermarket, a mischievous plan formed in her mind. She would buy all the snacks they requested, but before handing them over, she would feed them something unexpected.

**************************************

Adrisha navigated the aisles of the supermarket, her focus on collecting the list of snacks her friends had eagerly requested. Her cart rolled along, steadily filling with an assortment of goodies. As she reached the snack aisle, her eyes swept over the shelves, searching for the familiar orange and red packaging of Cheetos. But to her dismay, the packets she sought were perched on the highest shelf, well beyond her reach.

Determined, she rose onto her tiptoes, stretching her arm upward. Her fingertips grazed the edge of the shelf, but it wasn't enough. Undeterred, she tried again, pushing herself higher. Just as she was about to give up, she sensed a presence beside her. The faint, expensive scent of Tom Ford's "Oud Wood" enveloped her, warm and exotic, sending a shiver down her spine. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, savoring the rich aroma. It took her by surprise to feel someone standing next to her.

Adrisha opened her eyes and turned to her side, her heart skipping a beat as she found herself staring into a pair of mesmerizing grey eyes. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that fleeting, charged moment. It was him. Eshaanth Raichand. The sight of him standing so close, his expression equally startled, took her breath away. She could feel her pulse quicken, the air between them thick with unspoken tension and a rush of unexpected emotions.

Eshaanth, too, seemed momentarily caught off guard. His brows furrowed slightly as he processed the situation, his eyes flickering with a mix of recognition and something deeper, something unresolved. He had seen a girl struggling to reach a snack and had instinctively moved to help. But the familiar scent of her perfume, sweet and delicate like jasmine, tugged at a distant memory. It was the same scent that lingered in his mind from their last encounter, a scent he hadn't expected to experience again.

Adrisha's gaze drifted from his eyes to the packet of Cheetos he held in his hand. For a moment, they stood there in silence, the weight of their past interaction hanging between them. Eshaanth's face hardened, his expression becoming unreadable as he placed the packet on the highest shelf, deliberately out of her reach. It was a subtle yet unmistakable message, a reminder of the rift that existed between them. Adrisha's eyes widened in disbelief, her lips parting slightly as she processed his actions.

Eshaanth took a step back, running his fingers through his hair in a casual, yet effortlessly cool manner. His gaze lingered on Adrisha, his eyes scanning her from head to toe with an smirk. It was the first time he had seen her dressed in something distinctly feminine—a simple white dress that reached just above her knees. Until now, their encounters had been marked by her preference for tomboyish attire, always practical and sporty. The sight of her in a delicate dress, her hair tied in a messy ponytail, was a revelation that seemed to amuse and intrigue him.

Adrisha, caught off guard by his lingering gaze, felt a flush rise to her cheeks. She couldn't help but take in the sight of him as well. Eshaanth was dressed in a casual t-shirt and sweatpants, a far cry from the formal and polished image she had previously associated with him. The relaxed outfit made him look younger, almost boyish, and undeniably charming. His aura was different now—less guarded, more relaxed—and it drew her in, making it hard to look away.

As he ran his fingers through his hair, Adrisha's eyes were drawn to his right arm. It was the first time she noticed the intricate tattoos that adorned his skin, a vibrant mix of designs that caught the light. There was a large eye tattoo on his forearm, surrounded by delicate floral patterns. Below it, a series of abstract designs intertwined with calligraphy, each element rich with meaning. The colors were bold and striking, ranging from deep blacks and grays to splashes of vibrant hues, creating a stunning visual tapestry that extended from his wrist up to his elbow.

She couldn't help but be fascinated by the artwork. The tattoos spoke of a side to Eshaanth she hadn't imagined—a blend of creativity, rebellion, and a hint of vulnerability. They were a stark contrast to the composed and somewhat aloof persona he typically presented. As her gaze lingered on the tattoos, Adrisha found herself wondering about the stories behind them, the experiences and emotions they symbolized.

The brief exchange left her feeling a mix of emotions—curiosity, attraction, and a hint of nervousness. It was clear that there was more to Eshaanth than met the eye, and she felt an inexplicable pull to understand him better, to explore the layers beneath his enigmatic exterior. The tattoos were just one piece of the puzzle, a tantalizing hint of the depths that lay within him.

The supermarket, bustling with life and movement, felt distant and surreal. The world outside their small bubble faded into the background, leaving only the tension and unresolved emotions that simmered between them. Adrisha felt a mix of irritation and curiosity, the quiet resentment from their last encounter clashing with the inexplicable pull she felt toward him. She noticed the way his gaze softened momentarily, as if he, too, was grappling with conflicting feelings.

surface.

"Why did you keep the packet up there?" Adrisha demanded angrily, her voice sharp with irritation.

"Because I don’t waste my time helping ungrateful people," Eshaanth shot back, his smirk a deliberate provocation.

Adrisha’s eyes flashed. "So, you think you're some sort of noble guardian now? How charmingly pretentious of you," she retorted, her tone dripping with scorn.

"You know, at this point, you’re basically my personal stalker," Eshaanth said, his voice laced with disdain.

Adrisha’s temper flared. "Oh, and you're just the epitome of humility, aren’t you? Acting like you’re some sort of royalty," she snapped, her frustration evident.

"Saatve aasmaan se neeche utariye, Mr. Delusional Raichand. Apne ye nakhre Noorjahan ke kisi aur ko dikhaana. Mere paas bahut se kaam hain aur usme kisi ganji aankh ko follow karna to bilkul nahi hai," she said, her voice icy.

(Come down from your seventh heaven, Mr. Delusional Raichand. Show your royal tantrums to someone else. I have too much on my plate to deal with a bald-eyed egomaniac like you.)

Eshaanth’s face darkened with irritation. "Mind your language, Miss Mishra."

"And you mind your attitude, Mr. Raichand. Your inflated ego and condescending attitude are getting real old," Adrisha shot back, her voice laced with contempt.

Eshaanth narrowed his eyes. "And your attempts to act all high and mighty are just pathetic. You’re not impressing anyone."

Adrisha smirked, "Well, considering the source of the critique, I'll take that as a compliment."

As she turned away, she signaled to a store employee to fetch the Cheetos. Eshaanth followed her to the checkout counter, his anger evident. When their eyes met again, Adrisha’s eye roll was deliberate, a final jab that made Eshaanth's jaw tighten in response.

He watched her with cold disdain, his patience wearing thin. "You know, if you spent less time trying to be a drama queen and more time being reasonable, maybe people wouldn’t find you so insufferable."

Adrisha’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. "And if you weren’t so busy being a self-righteous jerk, maybe you wouldn’t be so unbearable."

The tension between them was electric, each remark further fueling their mutual disdain. As they stood in line, the air between them was thick with animosity, a silent but fierce battle of egos that neither was willing to back down from.

**************************************

Thanks for reading, everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I'd love to know—what was your favorite part? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts! And don't forget to share the story with your friends so they can join in on the fun too.

Can't wait to hear from you!