Rain fell in delicate whispers over Kolkata, turning the city into a poem no one had finished writing.
Rickshaws glided like ghosts through the puddled streets. Fairy lights flickered outside cafés where half-drunk cups of cha cooled slowly on chipp...
I can't face him right now. I'll just go back into my room and wear my fur coat until the time they go away.
~
So here I am... In teddy bear printed PJs with pastel pink frilly lace and sleepy curls that could rival any Disney princess caught in a monsoon. Honestly? I look like the illegitimate lovechild of Pinterest and a fever dream.
And to top it off? I've got my white faux fur coat wrapped around me like I'm some billionaire heiress from a Netflix teen drama. Serving "I just woke up but could still snatch your man" realness.
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Cue Leo-aka Lilio-whistling dramatically as soon as he saw me enter the room. This man had one eye half open, hair that looked like it fought with his pillow and lost, and still had the audacity to act like a flirt at 8 a.m.
I gave him a sassy little smirk and plopped down beside him with a side hug. Classic Bollywood scene. Background music optional, but the tension? Thick. You could practically hear the "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" violin cue.
Then entered the fire-breathing dragon herself-Nina.
Her eyes locked onto us, and for a second, I thought we'd spontaneously combust under the heat of her "touch-my-boyfriend-one-more-time-I-dare-you" glare. She crossed her arms and muttered under her breath, "Yeah, yeah, steal my boyfriend. Why don't you just take my whole identity too while you're at it?"
Leo choked on his tea. I nearly fell off the couch laughing. Annie just sipped her chai and whispered, "I live for this drama." Chad? He was filming it. Of course he was. #ContentKing
Then, with a dramatic sigh like he was born to be in Karan Johar films, Leo wrapped his arms around both me and Nina, pulling us in like a peace treaty was being signed. "Can we all just agree I'm too pretty to be fought over before breakfast?"
Nina smacked his chest. I bonked his head. Everything was right in the chaotic universe of our friend group.
Enter: Aryan and Ishani.
Aryan, looking way too put together for someone who, just last night, told me to maintain "boundaries." Okay, sir. Try looking less hot if you want space. That jawline should be illegal in morning light.
Ishani flopped onto the beanbag, yawning like a cat in winter. "So... Yesterday's Aiburo Bhaat was lit," she said, stretching. "But today, we've got no rituals. How about we take the squad and actually see Kolkata?"
Chad nodded like a prince granting a decree. "My first time here. I wanna feel the vibe, the chaos, the puchkas, the tram rides, the Howrah bridge."
My London gang? Instant chaos. "YES!" "Let's GO!" "Street food or I riot!" "I wanna see a real tram, not just the Harry Potter one." "Will there be cows in traffic?" "Are we gonna do a group photo in front of Victoria Memorial in coordinated outfits or not!?"
