5. When Gem Trembles.

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ᯓ★ Hold me, love me, touch me, honey
Be the first who ever did
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Hold me, love me, touch me, honey
Be the first who ever did ── .✦

A A R T I

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A A R T I

NEXT DAY, 11:00 AM 𓂃 𓈒𓏸

The morning sun streamed through the living room windows, casting everything in a golden glow. Everyone was sprawled across the sofas and floor-Ruhi curled up with a cushion, Kritika flipping through a magazine, Krish bouncing on the edge of his seat, and Vyom and Bhai chatting quietly.

Rehaan sat a little apart, one leg crossed over the other, exuding effortless calm. His laptop rested lightly on his knee, fingers dancing over the keys with quiet focus, his presence somehow both distant and magnetic, like a quiet storm in the corner.

Krish suddenly clapped his hands, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Guys, listen up! I have the perfect plan for today-let's go to the hills! There's this amazing spot in California, just a drive away. We'll get fresh air, epic views, maybe even see a deer if we're lucky!"

Ruhi rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "Didn't you already explore California yesterday? How many times do you need to see the same hills before you get bored?"

Krish gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Ruhi, you wound me! The hills are never boring. There's always something new to discover-like hidden trails, or a secret waterfall, or-"

"Or another squirrel to chase," Ruhi teased, grinning as Krish pretended to look affronted.

I laughed, shaking my head at their banter. There was something comforting about the way they bickered-like a familiar rhythm that never got old.

Kritika, ever the peacemaker, set her magazine aside. "Why don't we just stay home and play some games? We can make it fun, and no one has to worry about getting lost in the woods or chased by squirrels."

"Yes!" Ruhi cheered, throwing a pillow at Krish, who caught it with a grin.

Bhai nodded, looking relieved. "That sounds perfect. I could use a lazy day."

Krish sighed, but his smile gave him away. "Fine, fine. But next time, we're definitely going to the hills!"

I glanced around the room, soaking in the warmth and laughter. For a moment, everything felt simple and safe-just us, together, with the whole day stretching ahead.

A soft movement caught my eye-Rehaan, watching the exchange with a quiet smile. Our eyes met for a second, and my heart did that silly little flip again. I quickly looked away, but I couldn't help smiling. Maybe staying home wouldn't be so bad after all.

Kritika clapped her hands, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Let's play hide and seek! Come on, it'll be fun." Krish was already up, bouncing on his toes. "Yes! This house is perfect for it. So many places to hide."

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