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~ 3 ~

Isharth inhaled deeply, trying to keep his emotions in check. He had promised himself he wouldn’t cry, wouldn’t let her indifference break him. Yet, despite his resolve, a lone tear escaped the corner of his eye. Before it could betray him further, he swiftly wiped it away and focused on his reflection, schooling his expression into calm indifference.

A few moments later, Janaki entered the room. Her presence was like a warm shield, instantly bringing a sense of comfort. Isharth turned to her with a genuine smile and bent down to touch her feet.

“Radhe Radhe Dadi” he murmured while wrapping her in a tight hug.

“Radhe Radhe mera baccha” Janaki caressed his head lovingly before feeding him prasad with her own hands “Kanha ji tujhe har buri nazar se bachaye aur teri saari manokaamnaayein poori karein” Her voice was full of warmth, but the glare she sent in Prema’s direction was anything but.

Meanwhile Aryansh, now done with his tie, quickly joined them “Radhe Radhe Dadi” he greeted with a bright smile, touching her feet and folding his hands “Mera prasad?”

Janaki’s sharp expression softened as she smiled at Aryansh and placed prasad in his hands.

Isharth watched the exchange, his heart caught in a familiar push and pull—longing for the same love yet unwilling to beg for it.

As he chewed on the prasad, he held on to Janaki’s words while finding solace in her presence.

The school ground buzzed with energy as students played different games during the sports period. Laughter echoed, cricket balls soared, and the occasional whistle from a teacher maintained order. But amidst all the liveliness, one student sat apart, lost in his own world.

Isharth was perched on a bench, his diary open on his lap, pen tapping against the page as he pondered over something.

"Ye saare names sahi rahenge?" he mumbled to himself, eyes scanning the list he had scribbled down.

A moment later, he shook his head "Nahi dono ke naam 'S' se nahi rakh sakta ajeeb lagega" He let out a frustrated sigh and rested his head on his folded arms "Kya naam rakhu?"

After a few seconds of intense thinking, his eyes lit up "Haan ye sahi rahega" He quickly jotted down the chosen names, a small satisfied smile forming on his lips.

Completely engrossed in his task, Isharth didn’t notice Aryan approaching from behind.

"Bhai ye kya—"

Isharth flinched at Aryan's sudden voice, instinctively clutching his chest "Bhai! Tu chahta kya hai? Yahin heart attack dila de mujhe?" He shot Aryan with an annoyed glare.

Aryan's eyes twinkled mischievously "Ayee humari Foolmati" he teased and used his index finger to tilt Isharth’s chin up "Tohe kuch ho gaya toh bata hum kaise rahunga tohare bina?"

Isharth scrunched his nose in disgust and playfully swatted Aryan’s hand away "Bhai ekdum manhoos lag raha hai Hatt!"

Aryan burst into laughter at Isharth’s nervous red face and, in one swift motion, snatched the diary from his hands.

"Aparajita?" Aryan read aloud, his brows furrowing as he skimmed the page "Bhai ye kya? Ek do teen chaar... poore das naam likhe hain!" He gave Isharth a look of disbelief.

Then his lips curled into a smirk "Arey wah tu toh bada chhupa rustom nikla saale puri cricket team banane ka plan hai kya?"

Alarmed, Isharth immediately lunged and snatched the diary back "Chup kar yaar Koi sun lega!" He quickly glanced around to make sure no one had overheard them.