𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭

Part 3

RAHUL:
Koi mil gaya, taru dil gaya
Kya bataun yaaron, tarun toh hil gaya

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POV AUTHOR

T

ara and her friends strolled back from the canteen, chatting and laughing after their breakfast. As they reached their classroom, they lingered outside, still immersed in their conversation. 

“Guys, you know today is the big basketball match between our school team and their old rivals, Sunrise School? Ugh, I am so excited because F4 is playing!” Tiya gushed, practically bouncing on her feet. 

“Ooo, so you’re excited because F4 is playing, or because you’ll get a chance to drool over Manav bhai?” Ishita teased, wiggling her eyebrows. 

Tiya instantly turned beet red. “W-what? No, it’s not like that!” she stammered. 

“Oh my god, look at her blushing! Someone call an ambulance—our Tiya is in love!” Mahi added dramatically, and the whole group burst into laughter. 

Just then, a deep voice called out from behind them. 

"Taraaa!!"

They all turned around—and instantly froze in shock. 

F4 was standing right there.

“Oh bhai, looks like Tiya really did manifest Manav bhai with her heart,” Shivi whispered, making them chuckle. 

Tara blinked, recovering from her surprise. “Bhai, what are you doing here?” she asked, frowning at Manav. 

“What, I can’t come to see my own sister?” Manav pouted dramatically. 

“Haan, haan, bas bas. Ghar pe toh ladte rehte ho, aur aaj itna pyaar aa raha hai mujh par?” Tara shot back, crossing her arms. 

(You keep fighting at home, and today you are feeling great love for me)

“It’s nothing like that! Anyway, meet my friends.” Manav gestured to the boys beside him. “You already know Rajveer, and this is Rahul, and this is Tarun.” 

“Hii Rajveer bhai, hii Rahul bhai, and hii Tarun bha—” 

Before Tara could complete her sentence, Tarun erupted into a loud coughing fit. 

“Tarun bhai, what happened? Should I get some water?” Tara asked innocently as Rahul patted Tarun’s back, trying to suppress his laughter. 

“No, no, I’m fine,” Tarun croaked. Then, clearing his throat, he added, “By the way, Tara, just call me Tarun, okay? No need to say bhai. It makes me feel… old.” 

“Oh, but I call them bhaiya too. Won’t it feel weird if I only call you by your name?” she pointed out. 

“Aise bhaiya bhaiya karke dil par chaaku toh mat chalao,” Tarun muttered under his breath, making Rahul snort. 

(Don't keep stabbing my heart by calling me 'bhaiya' (brother) again and again)

Meanwhile, Manav had his own agenda. “Tara, tell me honestly—has anyone been bothering you?” 

“No, Monkey, why are you so worried?” 

“Nothing… just stay away from that Sahil in your class, okay?” 

Tara gave him a questioning look but nodded. “Okay.” 

Tiya, who had been elbowing Tara the entire time, finally managed to get her attention. Raising her eyebrows meaningfully, she motioned toward Manav.