WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Pooja:

"What are you guys talking about? What lesson? If it's important, I want in too!"

Daniel:

"Those lessons aren't for kids."

Pooja:

"I'm not a kid—I'm 26!"

Daniel:

"Haha, you're still a cute little kid to me."

Pooja: (thinking)

What the hell is wrong with him? Why is he calling me a kid again and again? Did I misunderstand something?

Alice:

"Babes, you really got it wrong. Look over there... Nick and Tia."

Pooja:

"What the—what are they doing?!"

They're in public! That's way too much! I should stop them before it goes too far.

Daniel:

"Hey, wait—where are you going?"

Pooja:

"To stop them!"

Daniel:

"Relax, it's not a big deal. Look around—everyone here is just being themselves. It's a place for young people. No one's judging. And that includes you. Just... be yourself."

Pooja: (thinking)

Someone's telling me to be myself... How long has it been since I heard that? My parents always want me to be like someone else. It feels... good to hear those words.

Daniel:

"Now go out there, find someone who's right for you, and enjoy the moment."

Pooja: (thinking)

I stared at him blankly when he said that. Find someone? Here? They'll eat me alive!"

Daniel:

"Huh?! What do you mean by that?"

Pooja:

"Umm..."

Alice:

"She means it's too much for her. She's overwhelmed."

Daniel:

"Oh right, I forgot—you're still a little kid. How could you even think about stuff like this?"

Pooja:

"I'm not a kid! Stop calling me that—or you'll regret it."

Daniel:

"Whoa, the kid's angry. Okay, fine. I'll stop—if you answer one thing."

Pooja:

"What is it?"

Daniel:

"Have you ever kissed someone?"

Alice:

"Haha! She and kissing? No chance!"

Daniel:

"Come on, answer me."

Pooja: (thinking)

Did he seriously just ask if I've kissed someone? What if I say no? He'll just mock at me again...

"Yes... I have."

Alice:

"What?! Since when?! You never told me!"

Daniel: (thinking)

It's so obvious she's lying. Her face turned red the moment I brought it up. I can't help but tease her more.

"Look at your face—it's all over you that you're lying. Why? Just to prove you're not a kid anymore? Come on. Admit it."

Pooja:

"No, I really did kiss someone."

Daniel: (raising an eyebrow)

"Really?"

Pooja:

"Yes! I mean—I'm 26! Of course I've... k-kissed..."

Daniel:

"Oh sure, then prove it. Come kiss me right now."

(He said it teasingly, sure she wouldn't dare.)

Krish:

"Dude, what are you doing? Abhi said not to flirt with his fiancée's friend."

Daniel:

"Relax, man. I'm just joking around. It's all for fun."

(Suddenly, footsteps approached... Daniel turned his head to see who it was—and froze.)

Daniel: (thinking)

What the hell—?! She's kissing me?! Pooja is literally kissing me! I... I didn't expect this.

I was speechless... completely caught off guard.

(For a moment, he just sat still, shocked—but then instinctively, he brought his hands up to her cheeks and gently kissed her back. The crowd around them blurred. Time seemed to pause.)

Pooja: (thinking)

I don't know what came over me... I just did it. His lips are warm. I feel my heart racing, but strangely—I don't regret it.

Daniel: (thinking)

Her lips pressed against mine—soft, hesitant at first. I was stunned. This wasn't a joke anymore. She kissed me. Pooja kissed me.

For a split second, I froze. But then... something took over. My hand moved to her cheek, gently holding her in place. I kissed her back—slowly, then deeper. It was intense. Real. Raw.

The noise around us faded. My pulse was pounding in my ears.

She was standing, but I could feel her body leaning into mine. With one smooth motion, I slid my arms around her waist and pulled her gently onto my lap. She gasped slightly, but didn't stop me. Her hands moved up to my chest, as if steadying herself—and maybe steadying her nerves, too.

Pooja: (thinking)

I didn't mean to go this far... I just wanted to shut him up. But now... I don't want to stop.

His arms feel warm, strong. His lips are addictive.

No one's ever looked at me like this before... like I'm not a kid. Like I'm a woman.

Daniel: (in a low voice, close to her ear)

"Still think I should call you a kid?"

Pooja: (whispering back, breathless)

"Say that again... and I'll bite you."

Daniel: (grinning)

"Now that's more like it."

Our foreheads rested against each other for a moment, both of us breathing heavily—flushed, smiling, caught in something neither of us planned.

Around us, the world slowly started to return. A few people were watching, whispering.

Pooja: (softly)

"We're... in public."

Daniel: (shrugs)

"Let them stare. I don't care."

But I could feel her shift slightly, self-conscious. So I gently helped her off my lap, my hand lingering at her waist as she stood.

Daniel: (teasing, but softer now)

"I guess I underestimated you..."

Pooja: (smiling, flushed)

"Damn right you did."

A Few Beats Later...

Alice: (wide-eyed)

"Did I just watch Pooja—our Pooja—kiss Daniel in front of everyone?"

Krish:

"Man, he's too smooth for his own good."

Nick (laughing):

"He didn't even see it coming! Look at his face—dude's in shock."

Tia: (grinning at Pooja)

"Well well... I guess we're all full of suprises tonight".