unexpected guests and unwelcome news

The Next Morning

The alarm blared obnoxiously, jolting Radhya awake. Groaning, she reached out to silence the intrusive sound and sat up, rubbing her eyes. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, announcing the arrival of yet another day.

"Ugh, why does Monday have to come so soon?" she muttered in frustration.

Grabbing her phone from the nightstand, she blinked at the screen in surprise. A notification flashed— 30 missed calls from last night.

Furrowing her brows, she checked the caller ID. Rakshit. A flicker of disappointment crossed her face as hazy memories from the previous night surfaced. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, debating whether to text him. But she shook off the thought and got out of bed.

The sound of running water and soft humming filled the room as she freshened up. Soon enough, she was dressed in her favorite jeans and a simple sweater, her bag slung over her shoulder.

Downstairs, her father, Mr. Aditya Mittal, sat at the dining table, flipping through the morning paper. The comforting aroma of omelets, toast, and fresh coffee filled the air.

"Good morning, kiddo. Slept well?" he greeted her with a warm smile.

Radhya grinned as she poured herself a cup of coffee. "Morning, Papa! Yeah, though that alarm nearly gave me a heart attack."

Mr. Mittal smirked. "Maybe if you didn't stay up so late, you wouldn't need such a loud alarm."

Radhya rolled her eyes playfully. "It was the weekend, Papa."

They shared a laugh, settling into the easy comfort of their morning routine.

As Radhya checked her watch, she hastily grabbed her bag. "Thanks for breakfast, Papa! Gotta run, or I'll miss the bus."

But just as she turned toward the door, Mr. Mittal called out, "Wait up, Radhya."

She halted, eyeing him suspiciously. "Yes, Papa?"

"I need you home early today," he said, his tone shifting slightly. His face practically glowed, his eyes gleaming with barely contained excitement.

Radhya raised a suspicious brow. "Why? What's the occasion?"

"You'll see," he grinned. "Now go, or you really will miss your bus."

Still skeptical, Radhya stepped outside—and stopped dead in her tracks.

Leaning casually against his car, arms crossed, was Rakshit. His signature lopsided grin was firmly in place.

Radhya blinked. "Rakshit? What are you doing here?"

"Hey, what's up?" Rakshit straightened up, brushing imaginary dust off his car's hood like nothing was out of the ordinary. "What does it look like? I'm here to drive you to college."

Then, with an arched brow, he added, "And by the way, you owe me an explanation—for ditching the party without telling me and ignoring my calls last night."

He opened the passenger-side door for her, looking as calm as ever.

Maybe she was overthinking. He was always like this—cocky, confident, full of himself.

"Or were you planning on walking today?" he prodded, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Without a word, she slipped into the seat, and he shut the door before getting behind the wheel.

He started the engine, but the car didn't move.

"Uh, Radhya?" he tilted his head toward her.

She frowned. "What?"

"Seatbelt?" He gestured toward it with his eyes.

She laughed nervously. "Oh. Right. Forgot." Fastening it quickly, she settled into the seat.

The hum of the engine filled the silence as Radhya stared out the window, arms crossed tightly. She wanted to say something—anything—to break the tension. But every possible sentence died on her tongue before it could form.

"About last night."

His voice cut through the silence like a blade.

She turned to him, heartbeat quickening. "Huh?"

His gaze remained on the road. "You've been acting weird since last night."

Radhya inhaled sharply, the memories resurfacing. Maybe it was better to address this awkwardness head-on.

Taking a deep breath, she finally asked, "Am I that unlikable that you refused to kiss me in a stupid game?"

Rakshit nearly slammed the brakes. "What? Are you insane?"

His voice was sharp, disbelief evident in his expression.

"What the hell are you even thinking?" he huffed. "You're my best friend—the most likable person I know."

Before she could respond, he cut her off. "I didn't kiss you because you looked terrified. Your head was down the whole time, your hands were literally shaking, and you were sweating like crazy. I wasn't about to put you in an uncomfortable situation for some dumb game."

Radhya exhaled, feeling a weight lift off her chest. Maybe he was right. A kiss might have complicated things between them.

Feigning nonchalance, she smirked. "Well, just so you know, you totally missed out. My kisses are legendary."

Rakshit scoffed. "Oh, I'm sure. Headlines tomorrow: 'Local boy regrets for life—now doomed to live in despair.'"

Radhya laughed. "Too late. The headlines are already trending in my head."

Rakshit smirked as the light turned green. "Alright, madam 'Legendary Kisser,' hold on tight. Wouldn't want you falling for me again—literally."

Radhya swatted his arm. "Oh, shut up! You're impossible."

"But you love me anyway."

"Love is a strong word. Let's stick to tolerating you for now."

The tension melted into their usual playful banter, filling the car with laughter.

At College

Just as they entered the campus, a sudden shout rang through the air.

"WATCH OUT, RADHYA!"

Before she could react, a ball came hurtling toward her. Panic froze her in place. Just as she squeezed her eyes shut, a gust of wind whooshed past her, and something warm and firm wrapped around her waist.

"Are you alright?"

She opened her eyes—and met an intense, ocean-deep gaze. Riyansh.

For a moment, she forgot to breathe. The faint scent of cedarwood surrounded her, sending an unfamiliar restlessness through her.

Realizing she was still pressed against his chest, she quickly pulled away. "Oh… uh, thanks."

"Anytime," he said smoothly.

A sharp voice interrupted. "Thanks for saving my best friend."

Rakshit.

His tone was friendly, but his narrowed eyes told another story. He stepped between her and Riyansh, his presence firm.

Radhya frowned at his reaction, but before she could dwell on it, Aaliyah came barreling toward her, squealing.

"Radhya! You won't believe what happened!"

Radhya barely steadied herself before Aaliyah spun her around excitedly.

"That witch Kiyara? Someone dumped a bucket of ice-cold water on her in the washroom today."

Radhya's eyes widened. "What?!"

Aaliyah giggled. "Serves her right after what she pulled last night. Tit for tat."

Radhya froze. Those exact words…

Her gaze flickered to Riyansh, who smirked slightly.

Did he…?

He met her gaze, as if reading her mind. "It wasn't me."

Was he lying?

Before she could press further, his teammates called him away.

As he walked off, Aaliyah sighed dreamily. "Damn, he's handsome."

But someone else definitely didn't like that.

Radhya turned to Rakshit, whose expression was unreadable. But his clenched jaw said enough.

At Least his expressions were screaming it out loud, whatever was happening,he was not happy at all.

Without prolonging the matter, I held Aaliyah's hand and started pulling her towards our lecture,

"Ice ice baby,"

A humming sound caught my eyes suddenly,

"Rakshit?",I gasped,

"No it can't be him, "what if it's him?"

"Should I ask? ,"but he had come with me ,And he was with me all the time, no he is not there,

I completely rejected the thoughts of Rakshit's involvement.

"Radhya, "Today we won't be able to go to watch a movie.

"Huh, "I was amazed and looked at Aliyah.

Actually mom has called us home early today, maybe she has to go somewhere. Aaliyah said sadly,

Well It is not possible for me today as well, as papa has also asked me to come home early.

Wow that's great, now I won't feel guilty that because of me our movie plan got ruined.

Now it is mutual,she giggled

"Yes," I nodded,we both laughed and headed to our class ।।

After school

"Papa Who is coming?,"

we have been waiting for him in the living room for the last half an hour,

They are about to come, BTW how do I look, he asked in curiosity.

Weird enough, since when did my papa start caring about his look, he is all dressed up in black tuxedo, hair was set well with gel.

I suspected things, but he is my father, what can go wrong, I washed off the thoughts of doubting him.

You look amazing, as always.

I showed him thumbs up.

Thank you, sweet,,,,,

He was interrupted by the sound of our doorbell, and a big smile bloomed on his face.

That must be them , comeon behind me ,he ordered as he led the way and I did as I was told to .

He opens the door ,and am stand confused as the sight of Rakshit ,Aaliyah and her mom ,

"What the hell is happening ?"