Dil wala DuLhA Le jayenge 🤵🤵‍♂️

5

The morning light streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on Kunj's face as he poured his father a cup of chai.

His father, usually stoic, seemed to scrutinize Kunj's downcast expression with an intensity that made him squirm. Every sip of tea seemed to carry a silent conversation between them.

Finally, Kunj couldn't bear the suspense any longer. He looked up at his father, his voice barely a whisper. "Papaji?"

His father met his gaze, his eyes holding an uncharacteristic softness. Years of unspoken affection seemed to well up in that one look. Kunj saw a flicker of something else too – a reflection of his own yearning for a life beyond their small apartment.

Kunj's father took a deep breath, the sound heavy in the quiet morning. "Switzerland," he began, his voice gruff but gentle. "It's a long way, beta."

Kunj's heart skipped a beat. Was this a no? Just as despair threatened to engulf him, his father continued.

"But," he said, a hint of a smile gracing his lips, "sometimes, it's good to see the world beyond our doorstep. You've always been a responsible son, Kunj. And if this trip means so much to you…"

The unspoken words hung in the air. A wave of relief washed over Kunj, so powerful it threatened to sweep him off his feet. "Thank you, Papaji!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms around his father in a rare display of affection.

His father, slightly surprised by the sudden hug, patted Kunj awkwardly on the back. "Just… be careful, beta. Keep us updated. And don't forget your studies, alright?"

Kunj showered his mother and Priya with enthusiastic hugs, the news bouncing around the small apartment like a joyous echo. The tension that had hung heavy for days simply dissolved, replaced by an infectious excitement.

With a lighter heart than he'd had in weeks, Kunj hurried off to college. He burst into the familiar cafe, a wide grin plastered on his face. "Guess what?" he announced to his friends, his voice brimming with exhilaration. "Papaji said yes!"

A collective cheer erupted, sending startled glances their way. Kunj recounted the morning's events, the relief and joy palpable in his voice. Zara squealed with delight, Maya did a celebratory fist pump, and even Dev's usual calm demeanor cracked into a wide grin. Rohan, ever the artist, even started sketching a rough itinerary on a napkin, their shared adventure suddenly a tangible reality.

As the excitement settled, a newfound determination filled Kunj. He would make the most of this opportunity, not just for himself, but for his family who had supported his dream. He knew this trip wouldn't just be a journey across Europe; it could be a journey of self-discovery, a chance to explore a world beyond the one he knew. Little did he know, on the other side of the continent, Abhimanyu's carefully curated adventure was also about to take an unexpected turn, one that would lead them both on a path neither could have predicted. The seeds of their serendipitous meeting, amidst the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland, had finally been sown.

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A jolt of panic surged through Kunj as he sprinted towards the departing train, his backpack bouncing wildly on his shoulders. Just as the doors threatened to slam shut, a hand reached out, a lifeline in a moment of chaos. With a grateful grunt, Kunj grasped it and tumbled ungracefully into the train.

"Whoa, careful there!" A voice chuckled, amusement laced with a hint of something else. Kunj scrambled to his feet, muttering thanks as he scanned the compartment.

To his surprise, the door was locked from the inside. He jiggled the handle, frustration blooming in his chest. "Great, just great," he muttered under his breath. He fumbled for his phone, only to discover it was dead. Fantastic. This trip was off to a terrible start.

Across from him, a young man leaned nonchalantly against the wall, a cigarette dangling from his lips. A plume of smoke curled towards the ceiling, a clear violation of train regulations. The man, handsome in a cocky sort of way, smirked at Kunj's predicament. He held a key in his hand, the key to their freedom, yet made no move to use it.

Kunj narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering across his face. This whole situation felt… off. He decided to ignore the man, burying his nose deep into his well-worn novel, hoping to create a barrier of disinterest.

Silence descended upon the compartment, broken only by the rhythmic clickety-clack of the train on the tracks. Kunj stole a glance at his unwanted companion. The man, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, was staring intently at Kunj's book.

"Interesting choice of reading material," the man finally said, his voice smooth and laced with amusement. "Though, I must say, the upside-down approach is rather unconventional."

Kunj's cheeks flushed crimson. He hadn't even realized he was holding the book the wrong way. Embarrassment battled with annoyance. "Look," he snapped, flipping the book back to the right side, "would you mind your own business?"

The man's smirk widened. Instead of taking offense, he seemed to find Kunj's irritation strangely… endearing. "Alright, alright," he chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Just trying to make conversation. By the way," he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "are you always this charmingly grumpy in the mornings?"

Kunj bristled. He was about to retort when the compartment door slid open, revealing a flurry of relief on his friend Zara's face.

"Oh, thank goodness!" she exclaimed, her eyes flitting between Kunj and the stranger. "I thought you weren't going to make it! And who is this handsome…?"

Before she could finish her question, Kunj cut her off with a groan. He briefly explained the situation, his annoyance evident in his voice.

The stranger, however, seemed to be enjoying the show. He extended a hand towards Zara, a charming smile playing on his lips. "The name's Abhimanyu, at your service."

Zara, ever the social butterfly, readily took his hand. "Zara, and this grumpy one here is Kunj," she replied, gesturing towards her friend.

Kunj shot her a withering look, but a tiny spark of amusement flickered in his eyes despite himself. This arrogant stranger, Abhimanyu, was certainly getting under his skin, but there was something undeniably intriguing about him.

Just as Zara was about to offer Abhimanyu a seat, Kunj intervened. "Let's go," he muttered, grabbing his backpack and heading towards his own compartment.

"Hold on," Abhimanyu called after him, a playful glint in his eyes. "Don't you think a little help is in order for a fellow damsel… er, man… in distress?"

Kunj paused, a smirk gracing his lips for the first time that morning. "Considering your impressive physique, Abhimanyu," he drawled, "I think you can manage  just fine."

Abhimanyu's smile widened. "Touché," he conceded, unlocking the door with a flourish.

"But hey, at least you find me hot." He winked, his voice laced with amusement.

Kunj rolled his eyes.

As he entered his compartment, he stole a glance back. Abhimanyu, leaning against the doorway, was chatting with Zara, his laughter echoing down the hallway.

This trip is starting with problem how will rest will go, Kunj thought
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