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टकरार में भी इश्क़ की चमक रहती है, 

दो दिलों की जब बराबर की टक्कर होती है। 

हर तकरार में छुपा होता है प्यार, 

बस नज़रें समझें तो रिश्ता मजबूत होता है।

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Adrisha trudged through the college campus, her usual vibrant energy dimmed by the lingering sadness from yesterday's incident. The Tangled Tribe noticed her uncharacteristic silence and tried everything to lift her spirits. Aarav, the group's resident comedian, had recited numerous silly jokes, but Adrisha didn’t laugh. Her friends could see she was deeply hurt, her eyes dull and her usual smile absent. She went through her classes in a daze, barely speaking and offering only a forced, strained smile whenever someone addressed her. Her friends knew her better than she knew herself, and they recognized her fake smile for what it was—a shield to stop them from worrying.

As the day progressed, the weather began to worsen. Dark clouds gathered in the sky, and the air grew heavy with the promise of rain. By the time Adrisha's classes were over, the sky was an ominous shade of gray, and the weather forecast predicted heavy rain. Just as she stepped outside, the first rumblings of thunder echoed in the distance. She instinctively reached for her phone and called her friends to find out where they were. They told her to come outside but to leave her bag and phone in the locker for safekeeping. Confused but trusting them, she did as they asked, wondering why they wanted her outside in such weather.

She made her way to the football ground, curiosity piqued despite her lingering gloom. As she approached, she saw her friends sitting together, laughing and chatting animatedly. Their laughter seemed almost surreal against the darkening sky and the brewing storm.

"What's up, guys?" Adrisha called out, her voice carrying a hint of confusion. The group turned to her, grinning mischievously. Aarav stood up, his eyes twinkling with mischief, and winked at their friends, a silent signal that set them all in motion.

Without warning, they all started running towards her. Adrisha's eyes widened in surprise, and she instinctively began to run in the opposite direction. Their laughter rang out, blending with the sound of raindrops as the sky finally opened up, and the rain began to pour in earnest. Within moments, they were all drenched, their clothes clinging to their bodies, but their laughter continued to echo through the air.

Adrisha glanced back, her heart pounding. Her friends had stopped chasing her and stood there, breathing heavily and smiling, their eyes bright with excitement. Aarav, Kaashvi, Aadriti, Suhana, Prisha, and Anant had formed a line, their postures indicating they were up to something.

Anant stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips. He snapped his fingers, and suddenly, music filled the air. The familiar tune of "Koi Ladki Hai" from "Dil To Pagal Hai" started playing, and Adrisha couldn’t help but feel a spark of joy igniting within her.

As the music started, Aarav and the group began dancing to the beat, pointing at Adrisha every time the lyrics said, "koi ladki hai."

Koi ladki hai, jab woh hasti hai

Baarish hoti hai, chhan chhan chhan

**_Chhan chhan chhan, chhan chhan chhan*

Adrisha stood flustered for a moment, shocked at what was happening. The students around them watched in awe, some with their phones out recording the impromptu performance. As her friends continued dancing, their movements exaggerated and playful, they reached out their hands to her in unison with the lyrics.

Koi ladka hai, jab woh gaata hai

Saawan aata hai, chhan chhan chhan

Chhan chhan chhan, chhan chhan chhan

Adrisha, feeling a surge of playfulness, pointed at Aarav when the lyrics mentioned "koi ladka hai," making her friends burst into laughter. Aarav feigned shock, dramatically placing a hand over his heart as if deeply moved by her gesture.

The group continued their dance, their joy infectious. Adrisha couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore. She burst out laughing as they pointed at her and sang along. They moved closer, and Aarav, with a mischievous grin, lifted her up in his arms and spun her around while singing. Adrisha held onto his shoulders, laughing and feeling the weight of her sadness lifting.

Chhan chhan chhan, chhan chhan chhan

Koi ladki hai, jab woh hasti hai

Baarish hoti hai, chhan chhan chhan

Koi ladka hai, jab woh gaata hai

Saawan aata hai, chhan chhan chhan

As the rain poured down, Aarav put Adrisha down and gestured for her to join them in their dance. Without hesitation, she joined in, dancing to the lively beat. The students around them, unable to resist the infectious energy, began to join in as well. Soon, the entire football ground was filled with people dancing, their worries washed away by the rain and the joyous music.

Jab se mile hoon sab se juda hoon

Mujhko to yeh duniyawale aankhon mein rakhe hai

Bachke chura loon

Dekhoon kahin tujhko saaya bhi tera

Hai dhoond na paaye mujhko samjhaoon

Adrisha danced with carefree abandon, her movements fluid and joyful. As the lyrics continued, she felt herself getting lost in the moment, forgetting all her worries.

Bhoole se mil jaaye milke ghila bhool jaaye

Aankhon mein bhar loon main sapna tera 

Aankhon mein bhar loon main sapna tera

Koi ladki hai, jab woh hasti hai

Baarish hoti hai, chhan chhan chhan

The ground was alive with laughter and movement. Music continued to play, shifting from one upbeat song to another, and everyone danced their hearts out. Adrisha felt a lightness she hadn't felt in days. The rain-soaked grass squished beneath their feet, but they didn’t care. It was pure, unfiltered fun.

Then, in the midst of the dancing, Anant took a dramatic tumble, landing with a thud and sliding face-first into the mud that was beginning to form due to the heavy rain. Laughter erupted even louder as everyone doubled over at the sight. Anant, undeterred, gestured to Adrisha with a grin, and she, playing along, pushed Aarav into the mud.

Chaos ensued as a playful mud fight broke out. Everyone started pushing and pulling each other, slipping and sliding in the mud. Aarav grabbed Adrisha’s leg and pulled, sending her sprawling into the muck. She shrieked in mock outrage as he dragged her across the grass, both of them laughing uncontrollably.

Adrisha lay on the ground for a moment, catching her breath and looking around at her friends. Despite the rain, the mud, and the chaos, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She was thankful for the kind of friends who would go to such lengths to make her smile, to remind her that she was never alone.

Finally, they all gathered in a group, covered in mud and still laughing. They wrapped their arms around each other in a tight group hug, the warmth of their friendship enveloping them. The storm may have raged on, but within their circle of friends, there was only warmth, laughter, and a bond that nothing could break.

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Adrisha observed her parents with growing concern. Their usual liveliness was replaced by a tense silence that weighed heavily on her heart. Regardless of their often strained relationship, they were her parents, and their distress unsettled her deeply.

“Dado, kya ho raha hai Mumma aur Papa ke saath?” 

(Grandma, what’s going on with Mumma and Papa?)

Kalyani sighed softly, her eyes reflecting a hint of sadness. “Kuch nahi beta, bas kaam ka stress hoga.” 

(It’s nothing, dear. They’re probably just stressed about work.)

Adrisha nodded, but the explanation did little to soothe her worries. She settled her head in Kalyani’s lap as they sat together on the couch, taking comfort in the rare quiet of a Sunday afternoon.

Kalyani gently ran her fingers through Adrisha’s hair. “Arre meri jaan, itne din baad aaye ho, kya apni purani dadi ko bhool gayi?” 

(Now, tell me, my dear. You’ve been so busy with your trips. Have you forgotten about your old grandmother?)

Adrisha sighed dramatically, a smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, meri pyari Dado, aapko kaise bhool sakti hoon?” 

(Oh, my dear lady luck, how could I ever forget you?)

“Bas, ab toh kaam bhi nipta liya hai,” Adrisha explained. 

(I was just catching up on work that piled up during the trip.)

“Sab kaam khatam ho gaya?” Kalyani asked, her voice gentle and soothing.

(Is it over?)

“Ji, sab kuch ho gaya,” Adrisha replied, smiling as Kalyani continued to stroke her hair. 

(Yup, all done.)

“How was the get-together at Amrita’s house? Did you meet her son?” Kalyani inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“Arey Dado, kya batayein, aapko to pata hi hai Amrita Aunty kitni acchi hain.” 

(Oh Dado, what can I tell you, you know how lovely Amrita Aunty is.)

Kalyani nodded, but Adrisha’s expression darkened. “Par unka wo beta, ek number ka nalayak hai nalayak.” 

(But her son, he's a real piece of work.)

Kalyani raised an eyebrow. “Woh aap se bade hain, thoda izzat dikhaiye,” she admonished, gently tugging Adrisha’s ear. 

(He is older than you, show some respect.)

“Par bade logon mein kuch achhe traits bhi hone chahiye na, aap hi bataiye?” Adrisha continued, defending herself. 

(But shouldn’t older people have some good traits, you tell me?)

“Aapko pata hai unki ek to itni darawani ganji aankhein hain, aur din bhar logon ko ghurte rehte hain. Gussa to unki naak pe rehta hai, tabhi to itni lambi naak hai. Aur wo kabhi smile nahi karte—hamesha aise hi sada hua sa chehra bana ke rakhte hain. Langur bhi unse acche lagte hain, aur upar se wo khambe jitne lambe hain. King Kong kahin ke. Mujhe to samajh nahi aata ki Amrita Aunty aur Rishan Uncle ke bete kaise hain,” Adrisha exclaimed, her frustration evident. 

(He has these scary, bulging eyes and he glares at everyone all day. His temper is always on the edge, no wonder his nose is so long! And he never smiles, always looks like he’s swallowed something sour. Even langurs look better than him, and he's as tall as a pole. King Kong, I tell you! How did Amrita Aunty and Rishan Uncle end up with a son like him?)

Kalyani chuckled at Adrisha’s dramatic descriptions. Suddenly, Adrisha’s eyes widened as she noticed someone at the doorway.

“Aap?” she stammered. 

(You?)

Kalyani looked at Eshaanth with curiosity. “Haan beta, aap?” 

(Yes, dear, who are you?)

“I’m Eshaanth Raichand, son of Amrita and Rishan Raichand. I came to deliver the invitation card for my sister’s god bharayi,” he said politely, his tone surprisingly calm. Adrisha’s eyes widened at the unexpected softness in his voice.

“Oh, dear, why are you standing there? Come inside,” Kalyani welcomed him warmly.

“No, I’ll be on my way,” Eshaanth said. “I just came to deliver the invitation.” 

(No, I will take my leave now. I just wanted to deliver the invitation.)

"Nahi, beta, aise kaise chale jayenge? Yeh aapka pehla visit hai yahan. Baithiye, main abhi aayi.” He nodded and smiled slightly as Kalyani said that.

(No, dear, how can you leave like this? It's your first time here. Sit down, I'll be right back.)

Their eyes met, and Eshaanth’s gaze turned icy. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean...” Adrisha began, feeling embarrassed about being caught bad-mouthing him.

“Chhodo yeh sab. Main tumhara explanation nahi sunna chahta. Main hamesha jaanta tha ki tumhare manners theek nahi hain, lekin aaj tumne sabit kar diya,” he said coldly, making her bristle with anger. 

(Cut it. I don’t want to hear your explanation. I’ve always known you were mannerless, but today you proved it.)

"And what about you—what you did to me—was that right?" she asked, her gaze steady, almost challenging. "You humiliated me in front of everyone. I know I shouldn’t have thrown that shoe, but I never imagined it would hit you. Aarav and I have that kind of relationship; we joke around like that all the time. I threw it at him because I knew he wouldn’t mind—it’s happened before. But I never expected it to hit you." She paused, her voice softening as she admitted, "And for that, I am extremely guilty. I’m sorry—I sincerely apologize."

As she looked into his eyes, Eshaanth could see the sincerity behind her words. It was clear that this was not easy for her, and he found himself caught off guard by her willingness to take responsibility. He never thought she would apologize.

"But what about how you treated me?" Adrisha continued, her voice growing colder as she pressed on. "Do you think that was a gentlemanly gesture? Do you think you should have treated a woman like that?" Her words cut through the air, laced with both pain and accusation. "And now you call me mannerless? At least I don’t go around... manhandling strangers." She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly, watching for any reaction from him. For a brief moment, Eshaanth felt his heart sink, but he forced himself to keep his face emotionless, unwilling to show any sign of weakness.

Adrisha’s voice grew sharper, almost defiant, as she added, "At least I have the guts to apologize for my mistakes, but you clearly don’t have any, Mr. Eshaanth Raichand." Her words hung in the air, heavy with finality, before she turned on her heel and walked away. Eshaanth stood rooted to the spot, watching her leave, her words echoing in his mind. He found himself staring blankly at her retreating figure until she was out of sight.

Just as he was about to exit the house, Kalyani entered the room. She noticed his tense demeanor and tried to persuade him to stay.

But Eshaanth shook his head, his voice clipped. "I have some urgent work to attend to," he replied, brushing past her with a nod of respect but an air of impatience. Kalyani, sensing his mood, didn’t press further, allowing him to leave.

As he sat in his car, the weight of the conversation settled heavily on him. Adrisha’s words replayed in his head, over and over, each time pulling at something deep within him. Her hurtful eyes, filled with both pain and defiance, lingered in his thoughts, tugging at his heartstrings.

For the first time, doubt crept into his mind. Had he been too harsh? Was he wrong to judge her so quickly, to assume the worst without understanding her intentions? Eshaanth prided himself on being fair and just, yet now, as he gripped the steering wheel, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had been anything but. He had acted out of anger and pride, and now he was left questioning if those emotions had clouded his judgment.

With a heavy sigh, he started the car, but the questions in his mind remained unresolved, gnawing at him as he drove away, leaving behind more than just the house—leaving behind the certainty he had once felt about his own actions.

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It had been two days since Eshaanth came to deliver the invitation card for the upcoming God Bharayi ceremony, which was now just a week away. The anticipation was building, and preparations were in full swing, with everyone excitedly discussing the event.

Today, the entire group—comprising the close-knit friends and families—had planned a much-needed shopping excursion. The air was thick with excitement, and the group was abuzz with energy. As always, they had come to pick up Adrisha, having firmly instructed her the night before to be ready by 10 AM. Their past experiences with her notorious lateness meant they were not taking any chances this time. The group knew that getting Adrisha out of the house on time was often as challenging as the actual shopping itself.

They arrived at Mishra Bhawan, a charming, two-story house nestled in a quiet, tree-lined street that seemed almost timeless. The house stood as a symbol of warmth and tradition, its exterior painted in a warm, earthy tone that blended perfectly with the surrounding greenery. Traditional wooden latticework framed the windows, while vibrant flowering plants adorned the front porch, their petals adding splashes of color that seemed to invite visitors in. As they approached, the familiar scent of freshly brewed chai wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of the flowers, creating a welcoming atmosphere even before they stepped inside.

Inside, the house was a perfect blend of the old and the new, a testament to the family’s rich heritage and their ability to adapt to modern times. The living room, where the group gathered, was a space filled with warmth and light. Large windows draped with sheer, flowing curtains allowed the morning sunlight to flood the room, creating a soft, golden glow. The furniture was a harmonious mix of ornate wooden pieces and modern comforts—a plush sofa here, an antique coffee table there. Handwoven rugs, rich in color and texture, covered the floor, their patterns telling stories of craftsmanship passed down through generations. The walls were adorned with family photographs, capturing moments of joy and pride, alongside colorful paintings that added a contemporary touch. The soft hum of a ceiling fan blended with the strains of traditional music playing in the background, further enhancing the serene ambiance.

As the group entered, the house came alive with their presence. Anant and Kaashvi immediately resumed their playful banter, engaging in a lighthearted battle over the last piece of Lays, their laughter filling the room. Prisha and Aadriti, their excitement barely contained, chattered eagerly about the upcoming shopping spree, their voices overlapping in their enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Suhana and Aarav were deep in discussion, debating the perfect color scheme for the baby shower decorations, each trying to outdo the other in creativity. The decision to skip college for the day seemed justified in their eyes—this outing was far more important, a rare chance to spend time together and create memories.

Upon seeing them enter the living room, Kalyani’s face lit up with a wide, affectionate smile. She was seated comfortably in an armchair, her posture relaxed yet dignified. Her eyes, still sharp and full of life, sparkled with joy as she took in the sight of her granddaughter’s friends, who had become like family to her. These young people brought a vibrancy to the house that she cherished deeply, their presence a constant reminder of the love and warmth that filled her life.

Aarav, ever the charmer, was the first to approach her. He walked over with a cheeky grin, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "How are you, sweetheart? You look so young and beautiful. Shall we go on a date?" he said, his tone playful yet sincere.

Kalyani laughed heartily, her eyes twinkling with affection at Aarav’s flirtatious remark. She reached out and pinched his cheeks, a gesture that had become a tradition between them. She then motioned for him to lean in closer and, with a tenderness that only a grandmother could offer, placed a soft kiss on his forehead. Aarav’s smile widened even further, his eyes closing momentarily as if savoring the warmth of the moment.

The rest of the group quickly followed suit, surrounding Kalyani with hugs and touching her feet in a sign of respect. She blessed each of them warmly, her hands lingering on their heads as she kissed their foreheads, her heart swelling with love for these children who had brought so much joy into her life.

"Mujhe aap log bhool gye hain," she said with a mock pout, her voice carrying a playful tone as she pretended to be hurt by their delay in greeting her.

(You guys forgot me.)

Suhana, always quick with a witty retort, slipped her arms around Kalyani from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder. "Aap koi bhulne wali cheez ho, Dadi? Aapko koi bhool sakta hai kya?" she teased, her words dripping with affection and a hint of mischief.

(Are you something to be forgotten, Dadi? Who could ever forget you?)

Kalyani chuckled, her hand reaching up to pat Suhana’s cheek lovingly. The banter between them was as natural as breathing, a testament to the close bond they shared.

Kalyani’s eyes sparkled with joy as she addressed the group, her tone both teasing and affectionate. "If you had informed me, I would have prepared something special for all of you," she said, her mind already wandering to the various delicacies she could have whipped up had she known they were coming.

Anant, always thinking with his stomach, couldn’t resist voicing his regret. "Bola tha maine Adrisha ko ki Dadi ko bolna ki mujhe moong dal halwa khana hai, usne aapko nahi bataya," he said, his voice carrying a mock disappointment as he recalled his unfulfilled craving.

(I had told Adrisha to inform you that I wanted moong dal halwa, but she didn’t pass on the message.)

Kaashvi, who had heard this complaint far too many times, playfully smacked him on the head, rolling her eyes at his insatiable appetite.

Kalyani shook her head with a knowing smile, her voice filled with gentle reproach. "Din bhar bas khana aur khana, kuch aur sochta hai tu," she teased, her tone light and affectionate, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

(All you think about is food, nothing else.)

Anant, however, wasn’t about to give up so easily. He pouted like a child, his voice taking on a whiny tone as he called out, "Dadi..."

(Dadi...)

Kalyani’s expression softened instantly, her maternal instincts kicking in. "Kyun pareshan kar rahe hain mere bacche ko? Aaja beta, main aapko khilati hoon halwa," she said, her voice soothing and warm as she offered to make him his favorite dessert.

(Why are you troubling my child? Come, beta, I’ll make some halwa for you.)

Anant’s face lit up with a triumphant grin, his earlier pout forgotten as he relished the thought of the delicious treat. The rest of the group watched with amusement, their hearts warmed by the familiar exchange.

Aadriti, noticing that Adrisha was still nowhere to be seen, turned to Kalyani with a curious expression. "Dadi, aapki woh grand-daughter kahaan hai?" she inquired, her tone laced with both concern and a hint of exasperation.

(Dadi, where is your grand-daughter?)

Kalyani sighed, shaking her head in playful disappointment. "Aap logo ko toh pata hi hai," she replied, a resigned smile on her face. The group immediately understood, sharing a collective sigh—they were all too familiar with Adrisha’s tendency to oversleep.

(You all know where she must be.)

Prisha, ever the dramatic one, threw her hands up in mock frustration. "Kya hoga is Lady Kumbhkaran ka?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with exaggerated exasperation, drawing knowing smiles and chuckles from the others.

(What are we going to do with this Lady Kumbhkaran?)

Aarav, always the one with a plan, flashed a mischievous grin. "Aap pareshan na ho, Dadi. Hum uthate hain use apne style mein," he assured Kalyani, his tone full of confidence as he prepared to lead the charge.

(Don’t worry, Dadi. We’ll wake her up in our style.)

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