Some memories don't knock before entering… they crawl back when least expected, wrapping around the heart like chains.
I tell myself to forget, to move on—yet his gaze, his silence, his shadow—it lingers.
It wasn't a moment I asked for, yet it marked me.
It wasn't a memory I wanted, yet it refuses to fade.
And now, sitting here, I can still feel it—like the echo of a truth I am too afraid to name.
Shreya's POV :
I came back downstairs with everyone, trying to act normal. Even though I had slept the whole night leaning against his shoulder, I didn't feel restless at all. In fact… it was the first time in ages that I slept like a child. My body felt rested, but my mind? Oh no… the moment I laid down on the bed, a flashback hit me like lightning.
Oh my God…
I buried my face in the pillow. Arghhhh! I actually slept in his arms, leaning on his shoulder, like some… some heroine from a cliché movie! What will he think of me now? How am I supposed to face him after this?
Then suddenly I remembered how I woke up earlier when ...
There was a presence beside me.
I frowned, my back aching a little. Probably Nishant bhaiya or Nakul bhaiya came to check on me, I thought lazily. But when I opened my eyes—
My heart stopped.
It wasn't Nishant bhaiya. It wasn't Nakul bhaiya.
It was " Vihaan. "
My eyes widened as I sat up straight in shock. Wait… what? ! My brain scrambled for memories. When did I fall asleep? The last thing I remember—I was listening to music, he was sitting beside me… and then boom! I must've dozed off. But… I was leaning against the wall! How did I end up—
The realization hit me like a storm.
I had been sleeping in his arms.
My breath hitched, and before I could stop myself, a scream tore out of my lungs.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Vihaan stirred awake, his calm, composed face barely flinching. His hair slightly ruffled, his eyes still carrying that steady composure as if my scream hadn't rattled him one bit.
("Relax, Junglee. You'll wake up the whole house.") His voice was low, annoyingly calm, as if my embarrassment amused him.
"W-what the hell are you doing here?!" I stammered, clutching the shawl to my chest like some shield.
("…You slept. I stayed.") His tone was flat, yet something in his eyes flickered. Something protective.
"I-I didn't ask you to—" I started, cheeks burning.
("…And I didn't ask your permission. Now stop screaming.") He leaned back against the wall , looking irritatingly unbothered.
I gaped at him, words stuck in my throat. My heart pounded so hard it hurt. I turned my face away, hiding my flaming cheeks. " Why does he always… always make me lose my composure? "
---
Later at the breakfast table ...
I dragged myself downstairs, praying no one noticed how red my face was. Nishant bhaiya looked up, "Shreya, come, sit. Have breakfast."
I nodded and quietly sat, keeping my eyes low, too embarrassed to even look around. But when I finally stole a glance at the table…
Vihaan wasn't there.
For the first time, he wasn't punctual. He was never late. Always the first one at the table, like clockwork. My chest tightened strangely. " Where is he? Did I make him uncomfortable? Is he avoiding me? "
But then… a tiny wave of relief washed over me. " At least I don't have to face him right now. "
I quickly picked up my plate. "Mom, I'll eat in my room. I have some study stuff to finish."
Mom smiled gently. "Don't stress yourself too much, beta. Have your food properly."
"I will," I mumbled and darted off to my room like my life depended on it.
---
In my room ...
I opened my laptop, desperately needing a distraction. YouTube was my savior. Random videos started playing, and I mindlessly shoveled food into my mouth. Suddenly, a thumbnail caught my eye—
"Techno Ninjas' New Head: The Secret Boss Revealed!"
Curiosity piqued, I clicked. A news anchor's voice rang out—
"The much-rumored boss of Techno Ninjas has finally stepped forward to lead the new program. Sources say he is young, mysterious, and highly influential in the business world."
The screen flashed an image.
My fork froze mid-air.
That face… so familiar. Where had I seen him before? My brain scrambled, but the harder I tried, the fuzzier it felt.
"Who… is he?" I whispered. My head ached with the effort to remember.
Shaking my head, I muttered, "Forget it. Focus on food and studies, Shreya." I forced myself back to my plate and notes, though unease lingered like a shadow.
---
A knock on the door
Knock. Knock. !!!
I frowned and got up. When I opened the door, a little whirlwind ran in—Vidhi.
"Cheyyyaaa !" she chirped, her eyes sparkling. "Are you free later? Please please pleaaase come shopping with me. It's for my friend's birthday!"
I chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Vidhi, you already have enough dolls and dresses."
Her eyes widened, her lips turning into the deadliest puppy pout I'd ever seen.
I sighed dramatically. "Fine. But only because of those puppy eyes."
"Yayyyy! You're the best!" she squealed, hugging me.
I changed into my usual comfort—baggy jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers. Just as I was about to leave, Vidhi placed her hands on her hips.
"Cheyyaaa !!! You can't wear that!"
"Why not?" I blinked.
"Because today is special! You have to look… pretty-pretty!" she declared, pointing to my wardrobe.
Rolling my eyes, I opened it half-heartedly—and froze. There it was. The off-white long dress Harsh had given me, the one he wanted me to wear on his birthday event.
For a second, my breath caught. Memories clawed at me.
I hesitated. My fingers trembled. But… in the end, I pulled it out. "Fine. This one."
I slipped into the dress, its fabric hugging me in a way that felt both strange and familiar. I tied my hair in a messy bun, threw on a little makeup, and slipped into heels. Looking at my reflection, I barely recognized myself.
Vidhi gasped dramatically. "Cheyyyaaa, you look like a princess!"
I forced a smile. "And you, Miss Elsa, look like a queen."
She giggled, twirling in her Frozen-themed dress.
We headed out, buying gifts along the way. Vidhi's eyes sparkled when she spotted a dollhouse.
" Cheyyyaaa , can we get this one? Pleaseee!"
I laughed. "Alright, let's take it."
And with that, we made our way to the party, unaware of the storm waiting for us.
---