(This is for me ignore it.
1:53 a.m. 10 November 2025.)
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[2 April : a feeling that I resent.]
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Yug's pov
"Uth ja gadhe ke bachhe! School nahi jaana?!" A loud voice yelled through my very peaceful dream, and someone suddenly pulled my blanket off my body.
Before I could even open my eyes- splash.
Cold water on my face, I shot up gasping as if I was just thrown into mid-winter Ganga ji.
I looked at my mother, my breathing heavy. "Mummy yaaar!!! Aise thodi kisiko uthaate hain?!" My voice was higher than I expected.
"Aur yeh subah subah papa ki insult mat kiya karo, mujhe bura lagta hain." I mumbled wiping my face with the blue tshirt I was wearing.
My ma's hands were on her waist, and a coffee mug in one hand, with that classic scary look. "Nahi nahi tumhe toh pyaar se alarm ke saath uthayenge. Gadhe peechle 20 minutes se alarm baj raha! Uth ab!"
She twisted my ear dragging me out of my bed, to the bathroom door. "Yug Mallick you have exactly 20 minutes, to get ready kyuki aadha time toh tumhe uthne mein lag! If you don't come out of your room in 20 minutes, phir dekhna!" She yelled again.
"Ah-ah mumma it hurts!" I whined because she was twisting my ear way to harder than usual.
She finally left , and I rubbed my ear to ease the pain. My ears are this long all thanks to this regular stretching.
So, meet my mother Lieutenant colonel Rhea Mallick, the superhero of my life. Whose part time job is to bully me kyuki Ghar par sirf hum dono hi hain.
I grabbed my towel and wipped my fake non-existent tears, stripped off and turned on the shower head.
And holy shit-
My soul left my body for a few seconds. "Ma! You could have atleast turned on the geezer!!!" I screamed, atleast high enough for the whole cantt to hear.
After a life-risking shower and brushing my teeth, I dressed up into my uniform and came out of room.
"Mummy khana, I am getting late!" I sat on the table putting on my shoes, "Eyi ne, taataari kheye ne." She came out of the kitchen with a plate of aalo parantha.
(That's bengali, and here are are translations:- "yeh le, jaldi jaldi kha le.")
After looking at the plate I gave a thumbs-up to her. I mean I lovee aalo ke paranthe. Hot and drenched with ghee.
She stood near me, as I stuffed my face, "Arnav's coming?' she asked.
Oh yeah, Arnav. My best friend from class 5th, who would never miss a single morning-
"Aunty ji!!! Main agaya!!"
Yeh jiyega 100 saal. Pakka.
Arnav's pov
I opened the door of Yug's quarter, which was basically my quarter too. Like bhai- he my own brother at this point.
"Come inside, beta. Breakfast?" Aunty asked as soon as I entered, the smell screamed something delicious, "ofcourse! When did I ever say no!" I smiled throwing my bag on the sofa taking a seat beside Yug.
"Or mere laal kya haal?" I laughed keeping my hand on his shoulder. "Or should I say soon-to-be ex head-boy."
"Bhai, Don't even talk about it." He shook his head.
"Matlab kuch bhi?! Those teacher just want to make me suffer. See merese se pehle, only 12th standard's student were allowed to be heads!" He threw his hands in the air, "and they went ahead changed rules last year, just to- what? MAKE ME THE HEAD-BOY? To control me?!"
I looked at him deadpanned. He is talking as if, I didn't suffer with him, if he was choosen the head boy, I was choosen as the sports captain.
I DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY INTEREST IN SPORTS?!
He noticed my look of judging him, and gave me smile, "oops sorry main bhul gaya tha, you became the sports captain too."
He teased with an ear to ear smile.
Bastard.
I sighed. Breathe Arnav breathe.
"I have a plan, to avoid being a member of council this year." I whispered but then-
"Here's your breakfast beta, enjoy." Aunty ji came out of the kitchen with aalo paranthas.
"Wahhh." I exclaimed digging in.
Plans can wait.
Ofcourse no one competes with Aunty ji ke haath ka khana.
"Arnav, beta?" Yug's mother suddenly asked, sitting infront of us across the dining table.
"Hanji?" I replied.
"Where's your badge?" She said pointing towards my chest pocket, where I usually pinned my sports captain badge.
I placed my hand on my chest,"Yahi par toh hai-"
Huh?
HUH????
Kaha gir gaya phirse!!!!!?
I stood up, eating the aalo parantha with the speed of rocket, not caring whether I choke on it or not.
That fucking school literally charges you fine if you loose your badge!
"Beta aaram se-" aunty ji slided a glass of water. "Bro eat slowly-" Yug warned.
"Wait for me. I will be back after finding it." I tapped on his shoulder in a hurry and opened the door of his house.
And then-
"Ah!"
Vanya's pov
"Are you blind, or what?!" I yelled at this stone built boy, rubbing my forehead. "Where the hell are you rush to?"
Not a single peaceful morning has came since I met these boys years ago. I miss my life. Ughh.
Arnav panicked looking at me, "Are you okay?! Does it hurt? I am so sorry!" His voice immediately swelled up with worry, "I think I lost my badge again, shit I just want the investiture ceremony of this year to happen for that cursed badge of mine to go away-"
"Here ullu ke patthe." I yanked his hand out and kept his badge in the middle of his palm.
"I picked it up on from the pavement side, even a 5 years old would be more responsible than you for god's sake, Arnav!" I pushed him aside making my way inside Yug's house.
"Bhaiya!!!!" I squealed hugging Yug's sitting figure from behind!!!
Bhaiya? Yes! Because from the last two years I have been tying him rakhi. And it was one of the best decision I took in my life, after Arnav refused. Not like I ever got to tie him one.
He always disappeared whenever Rakshabandhan was near.
"Aahhh I am eating!!! Let me eat!!" He tried to wriggle free. I slapped the his back, "Hatt subah subah chidchidhe rehte hain aap." Taking a seat beside him on the already-pulled out chair.
"Vanya, breakfast?" Yug's mother asked yawning slightly. I shook my head answering, "Done, already!" With a smile.
Then I suddenly remembered.
"Oh yes!" I exclaimed, leaning in towards Yug, "Heard from Nischit?"
He chewed, and chewed and chewed.
He must have heard I guess-
"Nope. None you even messaged me in these two weeks." He said while gulping, this bastard. I slapped the back of his head this time, "what the hell, iss baar kyu maara!?"
"Mera mann kiya isliye, gadhe kahike."
I rolled my eyes, standing up, "Nishchit messaged me last night, saying his cousin is taking admission in our school this year."
"Cousin?" Arnav and yug asked in unison.
I nodded, "Cousin sister."
Yug went back to his parantha. And Arnav came to me, "help me with this badge."
They would have been interested if it was a brother. Look at them, people already call these boys, gay.
I pinned the badge on Arnav's pocket," there you go."
He looked down at his pocket, and nodded,"perfect! And thank you for saving me from the fine."
Clumsy as ever, this is the 12th time he is almost lost his badge. And everytime he did, we had to call the whole squad for help, because apparently that shitty school doesn't spare anyone when it comes to messing with council badges.
Sone se banate hain pakka, inhe.
"Ho gaya mera khana, Vanya bus or bicycle?" Yug asked, as he and Arnav took their tiffin from Yug's mother.
"Bus. Tum log jaao, mere periods chal rahe hain, I don't even wanna walk." I informed putting a hand on my abdomen.
Both if them blinked, and then Yug walked towards his fridge, opened it, took something out, came near me, "hand." He said.
I extended my hand, and he kept a chocolate on it.
Without saying anything he walked inside his room, "chal bhai late ho rahe hain, Nishchit ko bhi bulana hain." He came out with his bag on his one shoulder and the badge of "HEAD BOY" shining on his chest.
I am going to vote him again this year. I made a secret note in my head.
Arnav tapped on my shoulder, "come let's go."
I nodded and followed them out.
"Bye ma!" Yug cheered, "byee aunty!!" Then I.
On our way, Arnav asked, "Is it hurting too much? You should have just stayed at home today, vanu." Looking at me, still with worry.
I glanced at him, but before I could speak-
"Yug!!!!!!"
A voice grabbed our attention, the three of us turned back in unison, to meet the vice head boy- our senior, Kaavyansh Singhaniya, in his casuals, walking towards us, "oh bhaiya!" Yug replied.
"And what's up, guys! You are finally THE seniors now." Kaavyansh bumped his shoulder with Arnav as their normal way of greeting.
"Nahi pata bhai, Aaj toh first day hain." Yug answered. "Baat toh sahi hain." Kaavyansh nodded.
I didn't really know Kaavyansh, neither did he know me, so I just stood their, like a fourth wheel.
"Ah, here take it," Kaavyansh gave yug something in his hand, "And make sure to give it to Reena ma'am, I am leaving for my hometown right after my boards end."
I just got a little glance of it was, another Badge, "VICE HEAD BOY", it's funny because the dynamics, our principal played last is something that should go down in history.
She made no boy from 12th standard could step up for head boy position, and even forced Yug to participate in the election.
And from the looks of it, I can say she tampered with the votes too. Just to keep Yug under control. That old witch.
Yug sighed, "will make sure of it." He assured with a smile and slid the badge into his pocket.
"Okay then, bye guys, enjoy your days." The ex-vice head boy teased, waving his hand at us.
We reached outside Nishchit's quater.
"Oyeeee kamine, jaldi niche aa!!!"
yug suddenly shouted, catching us off gaurd.
"Abbey chup hoja-" Arnav covered his mouth, "Ghar ke usse gaali de raha hain, aunty ji aanaa band karwa degi humara!" He whispered shouted.
Yug gave him a look, "main toh gaali hi dunga tum mein se kisi ne mujhe ek bhi message nahi Kiya, sab Ghar bhaag Gaye the!" He accused with a offended tone.
The window on the second floor opened, and
A boy who could compete young Chico leaned, "Suprabhaat, insaano!" Nishchit raised his hand, just like SRK in of the reels I saw yesterday.
He knows he is handsome.
Nishchit's pov
"Aa raha hu, wait a second!" I shouted, closing the window.
I picked up my bag and ran out of my room, "Nishu! Mera tiffin lete aanaa. Main ja raha hu." I asked, knocking on the door of her room, which was right besides mine.
The door opened in a second, "Apna tiffin khud lekar jaao Dada." Tanishi sighed, narrowed her eyes, looking exactly like how our mom looks, she crossed her arms.
"Arey please, please pleaseeee." I pleaded joining my hands, dramatically.
"Di, how many ponytails, should I make?" A low voice grabbed our attention from inside.
"One is enough, Ira your hair isn't that long." Tanishi replied, looking at Ira direction.
She turned to me, "Achha thik aachhe, I will bring your tiffin, too. You are going by cycle?" Her voice neutral, as she adjusted her hair.
"Yup, Yug and Arnav are here by their cycle, but I guess Vanya is taking the bus." I informed I swinged both the straps of my bag over my shoulder, and walked downstairs, "okay then see you in school."
"Ma, Nishu said she will bring my lunch, so I am leaving bye!!" I informed, while I took my shoes out of the shoe stand.
Ma came out of the kitchen, already ready for her work, while dad was still in there, "atleast have something before going-"
"No thanks!" I stood up from the chair finally typing my school's shoes and hugged her lightly, "bye!"
As I came outside, Yug and Arnav were already ready with their cycles, "jaldi aa bhai, aur kitna late karaayega?" Yug urged.
I threw them a look, and dragged my cycle out of the garrage. So much dust on it urgh.
There was a discarded piece of fabric inside the garage, grabbing it i dusted off the dirt, and threw the rag back inside the store.
"Chal chal chal, jaldi chal," I sat on the seat and pedaled.
As we cycled, three of us looked at each other, a slow smirk forming on our faces.
Yug nodded, then I and then Arnav.
We had a special plan already ready for the first day of school.
After a few more minutes, a junction came, where we were supposed to cycle straight, but we took the right, and this road went behind the school.
After spending so many years in same school, we knows it's path better the principal herself. I mean, last year who would have thought that the auditorium had a secret passage, which was earlier used by armies for emergency exit?
And who discovered it?
Ofcourse us!
I applied the break and, looked around, "it's still early," I noted, "yup no one's around." Arnav added.
After parking our bicycles along the school wall, we stood near it, "I thought you said we had a plan?" I glanced at yug and then at the big ass wall. "I thought we had a plan, jaaneman. Who knew even Burj khalifas like us would come short against the wall?" Yug shrugged off.
"Tum dono mein se kiski cycle mazboot hain?" Arnav suddenly broke out, clapping his hands, "hell are you thinking what I am thinking?" I asked nervously.
I might have a brain, but Arnav carries an engine in that head, and it only works when we have to do something crazy.
"Idea bura nahi hain, to be honest." Yug nodded again, like an old man, "My cycle is the strongest!" He didn't wait a moment, and aligned his bicycle against the wall, and now it's like a ladder for us.
"The limits we are going to just to, replace the sugar for principal's tea with salt." I sighed, equally in excitement and in fear of what-if-we-get-caught.
Tanishi's pov
Soon dada, left, and a it felt like the destruction after a groundbreaking storm.
The house went quiet, with me and Ira on the first floor and Ma, papa on the ground.
I lifted my smart watch from my study table and tied it around my wrist while checking on Ira.
Ira.
Our younger cousin sister.
Who was soo different from us. Maybe because of the household she was living in.
Maybe because of her parents.
Her hands trembled, as she struggled tie her shoe laces. Poor girl. Just what kind of people are my aunt and and uncle?
I couldn't bear to watch her, so I knelt infront, and smiled, "let me do it."
"No! I can tie them perfectly fine." She protested. After 3 days of continuously trying to converse with her, she had finally started speaking with me, a bit with Nischit and only few words with ma and papa.
"I know you can, but sometimes it's good to let others help you." I spoke through a smile, while twisting the laces. "It's not bad to take help sometimes, you know."
I could noticed her biting her lips, "it's done! Let's go!" I tried to cheer her up. She stared at her shoes for a moment as if her past is trying to hold her back from showing emotions, to- to live like a teenager just like all of us.
I kept my hands on her shoulders, gently massaging them, hoping to ease a bit of her tension. "Your mother won't be around you for a while, Ira. I know you are scared of her, but I hope you are not scared to live your life on your own terms." An uninvited tremble broke my voice.
After witnessing what Ira was going through in that house, I don't think I would ever be able to recover from that sight.
She hugged me. Silently breaking into tears. Low sobs. Painful attempts to not make a sound. Was she not even allowed to cry?
(A/n- I am crying guys, like literal tears)
"Shhh. It's okay." I patted her back.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door, I turned, to see ma standing with a concerned expression, Ira must have not heard the knock she was still crying, glued to me.
"What happened?" Ma mouthed, slowing taking steps inside my room. I shook my head, "nothing". With a gentle smile.
She nodded, "Vanya's outside." Her lips formed words.
And then left us.
Ira sniffled, "She left?" She asked wipping her eyes, "You heard her?" I replied her question with another question, shocked.
She didn't answer. Just looked elsewhere to avoid eye contact. What a cutie.
I pinched her cheeks. Swaying her face side to side. "Ith hurls." (It hurts) She covered my hands with hers, slowly the intensity.
I sticked my tongue out. She narrowed her eyes. Glaring at me. As I said earlier, what a cutie!!!
We took our lunch boxes and stepped out of the house to find Vanya leaning against the railings of my quarter's boundary.
"Vanya!!!!" I exclaimed with excitement, she looked up at us, her face brightening up instantly, and opened her arms for a warm hug. "Nishu!!" She giggled, covering me with her arms. "I missed you soo much!"
"Me too!"
She broke the hug, and glanced at Ira, standing awkwardly like a child beside her, looking down. "You must the cousin! I am Vanya Bhardwaaj, daughter of Major Samar Bhardwaaj, 12 Mechanised Dogra." She extended her hand towards Ira for an introduction.
Ira wiped her hands on her skirt before she took Vanya's hand, "Ira Diwaan, Diwaan Industries and Royal family of Jaisalmer."
She shook hands with Her smiling nervously.
"You are a royal?!" Vanya asked shocked, grabbing Ira's hand with both of hers, pulling her close, "If you are royal, then..." Her eyes turned to me.
I shook my head in denial, "Her father is royalty, My aunt is from Bengal. We are "commoners"" I emphasised on the word commoner.
Vanya gave a ohh sound.
"So miss princess-" Vanya began.
"You can't address me as princess, my father didn't grant me the title yet." Ira cut her off coldly.
Vanya being a big fan of fictional books, nudged me, "what is she saying?" She whispered, but I guess it was loud enough for Ira to hear.
"Titles are usually granted to a child when born, my father just didn't chose to." Ira answered again, but this time with a human voice.
Vanya again "ohh"ed.
Then she sighed, "So miss Ira, I hope we make good friends!!!" And then hugged her the same way she did to me.
I almost choked on air, Ira freaking hates physical contacts.
Ira went into full shock mode, eyes wide, arms opened not sure what to do. I slapped Vanya's back, "matt kar, behen, she hates it!!" It came out as pleading, as I pulled her back.
"Mere se problem ho Rahi hain?? Shivika ko kaise rokegi??" Vanya smirked to me, after seeing Ira's reaction.
I sighed. Shit I had forgot about her. Vanya can be controlled around Ira with words, but Shivika? Her damn language is skinship.
"Let's go, yaar, I can't stress just by this." I exhaustedly pushed them towards the bus stand.
Along with us, many more kids stood, most of them being our junior. They all smiled as soon as they saw me, and circled around me, "Tanishi didi, will you become the head girl this year?" A girl asked.
"Noo!!!" I shook my head in denial, "I don't have the sufficient academic records to stand in the election." I informed, with a sad tone.
But no one would be more happy than me, I knew these kids would vote for me, if I were to stand in the election, but why would I take that position in the first place?
The school makes you suffer the winds of misery, if you become the heads of the council.
And I love my leisure life too much too give it up for a mere position.
They looked disappointed, but they also knew what it took to become a head.
Then they looked at Vanya, hoping to get their desired answer, "Hell no! Don't even look at me. My marks are also not that great." She stepped back in defense.
Yeh juniors' faces dropped again.
I guess we will have to wait, to see who becomes the head girl this year. Only time will tell.
Ira's pov
I stood there, quietly, not bothering to join the conversation. How can I strike a conversation when I don't even know them?
Plus I have a goal that mother gave me, I can't just roam around being a headgirl. My marks might get affected. Which is something I can't afford in a million lives.
After waiting for a few more minutes, a bus arrived, and everyone formed a line.
I like it. No rush, so push. Maybe coming to a cantonment was a good thing.
As we took seats inside the bus, I suddenly remembered the day, Mama Ji's family came to our mansion for their pre-planned vacation.
Mother was so ready to recieve them, she even stopped her punishments, to make sure I didn't have any scar.
But then there's that saying that goes around, No matter what a tiger could never hide it's strips.
On the very second day, her true nature was already showing. Grabbing my wrist a little too tightly, leaving bruises, glaring whenever I smiled a little too much when Nishchit bhaiya joked. Ordering me around even though we have tons of servant.
Uncle already noticed. And I was desperate to leave that place even for once.
When he confronted, I wasn't able to hide what was happening behind the curtains.
And?
The action was immediate. He didn't even bother to let me pack my belongings, and announced that, "I will be taking Ira with for this academic year, you don't have to worry about her, and focus on your industry, Miraya."
Uncle being older in the sibling, had the upper hand, and even father was out for his business trip, to interfere. So mother couldn't stop me.
I laugh at our dynamics, mother and uncle are siblings and yet they are the total total opposite of each other.
Nischit bhaiya and Tanishi didi grew up with so much love and care, that their smiles are almost natural. While mine? Forced.
I... Want... Smile... Too...
I looked outside the window of the bus. The greenery, hurting my eyes. Why is the world so bright, while mine was pitch black?
Why is my life like that? What sins have u ever committed to be treated like that?
"Ira! Are you crying?" Tanishi di suddenly broke into my mind.
I was so absorbed in my thoughts that, I didn't even notice the tears flowing.
"Ah no no, something got into my eyes." I quickly wiped off my cheeks, giving a broken smile. I am sure it isn't bright like theirs. But I will atleast try.
Well all I can now is just try.
Try harder to live a life, outside of cage for the first time, and try to destroy the cage so that mother could never chain me inside it again.
The school arrived and we got out of the bus.
Fresh morning air, Men in army uniforms everywhere guiding the students, keeping the traffic under control and some with big guns.
Do they really work?
A curiosity crept inside my head. Ofcourse they would work, it's military. I bite back my curiosity.
"Ira! This way!!" Tanishi di waved her hand towards the school gate.
I am glad, I have same section as Di. I can't even imagine what would I have done without her. And suddenly-
"Nishu!!! Vanu!!!!" And someone jumped on us from frome behind. My heartbeat stopped for good this time.
"I missed you guyssss!!!" That certain someone's especially hugged me tighter for reasons I don't know.
We all turned around, and met with a face... Brighter than Tanishi di?! I mean di is beautiful, but this girl carries another type of energy.
"You are Nishu's cousin, right? Vanya told me!!" And then she hugged me again.
I... Want to go back home. I can't settle in between so many hugs.
She finally broke the suffocating gesture, and stepped back, "I am Shivika Pandey, I have been studying here from 8th standard. And you are?" She didn't bother to breathe, too excited.
"I- I am Ira Diwaan." I managed to greet.
"Ohhhhh Then you are Iru, so it's Vanu," she pinched Vanya's cheeks, "Nishu," and then Di's, "and- Iru!" She was about to pinch mine when I covered my cheeks and took a few step back, shaking my head.
I have had enough of these.
So narrowed her eyes, and still managed to pinch mine. "It's okay, if you are introverted, Vanya was once like you too, see My masterpiece? And exact copy of me now!" She wrapped her one arm over Vanya's shoulder.
"Step back, from my sister, miss I-dont-care-about-personal-choices." a familiar voice warned from behind.
We turned around again, and it was, Nischit bhaiya, with two other boys.
One was looking normal, while... Other... Looked a little too ragged to be at school.
People come to school looking like that too?
"Oh isn't it the dog, who punctured the tire of my car, on the last exam day?" Shivika's voice suddenly changed to something I would call, resentment.
"And do you have proof, that I did it?" Bhaiya's tone changed too, his expression bitter but mocking.
"How can I have proof when you know all the blind spots of the cctv around the school?" She came forward pushing me to the side, and looked up at bhaiya.
Bhaiya stepped more closer, "then shut the fuck up when you don't have proof and stop bothering my sister, she doesn't like being touched."
Is this what girls called enemies to lovers?
When those giggled over fictional books in my ex school library instead of studying?
Yug's pov
Here they go again.
I am tired off these two fighting like dog and cat.
"Stop meddling into girl's business, oh wait are you are too? Maybe! It explains a lot of things then." Shivika glared at Nishchit like he had committed treason.
"Yeh dono ka toh Roz ka hain." Arnav commented from my side. "Sahi kaha." I added.
I yawned not really entertained by their fights anymore. Because earlier they were more violent like hair pulling and whatnot.
But now? They both just give couples who cannot agree on one thing vibe.
I am so done with this.
I looked past them... And-
When I first saw your dad, there was this tingling sensation in my heart. I never thought it would burn the way it did in that moment. He looked like everything I had always resented. Calm, beautiful and peace.
Something that didn't suit me.
And yet I couldn't take my eyes off him. That's when I realised maybe this is what people called love at firs-
Wake the fuck up Yug Mallick!
Why are you suddenly remembering mom's story about her and dad's oh-so-great-love?
I snapped off my eyes off her. That girl. Standing beside Tanishi. Looking amused watching Shivika and Nishchit's quarrel.
Me? In love? Ha! Jokes on universe.
I have watched the greatest love story ending in nothing but misery. One that left my mother broken. One that left a scar on our small little family.
And me already being interested military should be a warning enough. I don't deserve to break a family, like my father unintentionally did.
"I am going to washroom to set my hair." I muttered to Arnav leaving and getting away as far as possible.
That- that's Nishchit's cousin right?
I should just dro
wn myself somewhere, Before he does.
Shit- what am I saying?
I don't feel anything. I don't.
I. FUCKING. DON'T. WANT. TO.
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