Dil tadap k kehta hai

19

[Annika - A, Shivaay - S, Gauri - G]

A few weeks later

Annika and Sahil waited on the footpath under the bus stand while the cab driver checked what was wrong with the cab

Sahil: Didi, how much time will it take? I don't want to miss the workshop

A: He's checking Sahil, be patient

An expensive black sedan stopped in front of them. The window rolled down and a familiar voice greeted Annika

A: SSO

S: Is there a problem?

A: The cab broke down, he's checking

S: Come, I can drop you

A: It's fine SSO, we'll manage

Sahil tugged at the hem of her sleeve, making her look down at him where he sat

Sahil: didi, let's go na, we'll miss the event

S: What are you thinking about? The rain is picking up, get in, I'll drop you

A: Are you sure?

S: Yes Annika

Annika opened the door and made Sahil sit in the back seat and then she took the passenger seat. Shivaay noticed when Sahil got in, that he had a crutch with him but he didn't have any bandages to indicate a fracture, a chill ran down Shivaay's spine.

Such a small kid lost his parents at such a young age and as if that wasn't enough, the universe had to play an even harsher joke with him.

Shivaay quickly covered up his emotions and forced a smile upon his face.

S: Hello Sahil

Sahil: Hello SSO

S: Sahil you need to shift towards your left and put the seatbelt on.

Sahil: okay

Annika noticed how Shivaay ensured Sahil's safety and unknowingly a smile played on her lips.

S: so where are you guys headed?

Sahil: We're going for a science workshop.

Instinctively, even before Shivaay could ask, Annika entered the address in the GPS.

S: oh wow, that sounds interesting. Do you like science?

Sahil: yes. I like other subjects also but science and social studies are my favorites

S: Wow, I bet you come first in your class

Sahil: SSO you're smart like me, that's why you understood so quickly. 'Heere ki pehchaan johri ko hi hoti hai'

Sahil pulled his collar, trying to act cool, making Shivaay smile, while Annika cringed.

She turned around in her seat and gave him a stern look

A: Sahil, tu zyada nahi bol raha hai aaj. Chup chaap baith. Or ye kya SSO SSO laga rakha hai, bhaiyya bol, bade hai na tujhse! {{Sahil aren't you being too talkative today? Sit quietly. And stop calling him SSO he's older than you, call him bhaiyya}}