Roshni Ke Peechay Ka Andhera
Roshni ke beech woh chamak rahi thi, jaise andhere ka wajood hi na ho… par sirf woh jaanti thi, uski roshni sirf ek naqab thi.
(Amidst the lights, she shined as if darkness never existed… but only she knew that her glow was just a mask.)
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Misti – "Where is Shivani? Aarvi, call her! We need to finish packing!"
Aarvi (rolling her eyes) – "Where else would she be? Of course, in the garden. I seriously don't understand sometimes—she dances to whatever song plays."
Misti – "It's in her Indian language! Just go and get her, na?"
Aarvi let out an exaggerated sigh, but she headed toward the garden anyway. As she walked down the dimly lit hallway, she could already hear the faint melody of a song blending with the rustling leaves.
The moment she stepped into the garden, her steps slowed.
A lone figure, dressed in a flowing black kurti, moved effortlessly under the golden glow of the fairy lights. Her bare feet skimmed the cool grass, her arms swayed like poetry in motion. And then, her voice—soft, melancholic, haunting—filled the night air.
Chhup chhup ke aankhon se baatein kare,
Dil ke shor ko kaun sunega yahan?
Chalti hawa bhi raaz rakhti hai,
Meri kahani ko kaun likhega yahan?
Aarvi stood still, mesmerized. The way Shivani danced—it wasn't just movement; it was a language of its own. Every flick of her wrist, every arch of her foot told a story.
Ishq mera saza bhi, inaam bhi,
Dard ki raahatein, mere naam bhi...
Jo roshni mein hai, woh andhera hai,
Jo andhera hai, wahi mera jahaan bhi...
Aarvi whispered to herself, eyes wide – "Whoa… she looks amazing."
Shivani twirled one last time, her black dupatta swirling around her like shadows embracing the light. And then—she spotted Aarvi.
Shivani – "Aarvi! Idhar aa! Come, come!"
Aarvi hesitated. "No, I ca—" But before she could finish, Shivani pulled her in, spinning her around.
Kismat ke sikke dono chale,
Ek mein junoon, ek mein ghaav mile...
Fir bhi main hansti hoon, fir bhi main chalti hoon,
Mujhko kisi se ab shikwa nahi...
Aarvi stumbled, completely out of sync, making Shivani laugh.
Shivani – "Uff, ab thak gayi main!" (Now I'm tired!)
Aarvi – "Then why did you dance so much if you were tired?"
Shivani – "I just love dancing, yaar! It's my passion! But seriously, Aarvi, if you understand Hindi, why don't you speak it? You are Indian, after all!"
Aarvi – "Well… I was only 2 when my family moved from India. We rarely visit, so I can understand some words, but not much. And honestly, my accent sounds so weird when I try! So, yeah, I just stick to English. I'm a New York girl now."
Shivani (mocking) – "New York girl, huh? Haan haan, I get it." She smirked. "Now, tell me, why did you come here?"
Aarvi – "Oh, right! I almost forgot! Misti is looking for you!"
Shivani – "Wh—"
Aarvi (cutting her off) – "Before you ask, let me tell you—she wants you to start packing because we got our vacations! Brooo, I'm so happy! Finally, I get to visit my family! I'm planning a picnic this time with them and—"
As she rambled excitedly, Shivani's smile faded.
Shivani – "Oh… I see. You go ahead, I'll come in a few minutes."
Aarvi – "Nope! You're coming with me right now!"
Shivani – "Fine, fine… at least leave my hand!"
---
They walked back to the hostel, their footsteps echoing down the quiet hall. As they entered their room, they found Misti furiously stuffing clothes into her bag, whispering something under her breath.
Aarvi – "Uh… are you doing some black magic, Misti?" (Dramatic gasp)
Shivani burst into laughter.
Misti (glaring) – "You both shut up and do your work! (Bacche kahin ke! Mujhpe hass rahi hai? Time aane do, phir bataungi!)"
Aarvi and Shivani exchanged glances and yelled together – "Aye aye, Captain!"
The room filled with their laughter, the walls soaking in their joy.
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👁️👄👁️ (Next Scene)
THUD.
A piercing scream.
"SHIVANI!!!"
🚨 Weeeeooo Weeeeooo Weeeeooo 🚨
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Flashback
"Baacha… where are you? See, your bro is here! Why aren't you talking to me? Is my princess upset with me? Hmmm?" 🥺
"Please don't, bro… tumhe udaas nahi dekh sakta. Tum hi toh meri muskurahat ki wajah ho!"
"Le jao isse! Door jao tum yahan se! Mujhe nahi dekhni tumhari shakal!"
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Flashback Over
👁️👄👁️
Yes… call him.