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◇Chapter~5◇

After two days of full College finally Saturday comes with relief ,

Nitya: So we are out of eggs , cabbages, carrots , milk , capsicums and in fruits bring some bananas and mangoes!

Devesh: Any more vegetables left?

Hritesh: Bring 2 kg potatoes too .

Devesh: Anything else?

Reyansh: Nope , bring yourself back too ~

Devesh: Yeah yeah ..

Taking the grocery bag with him , Devesh starts his mission : pick up groceries !
It is a typical Saturday morning, Devesh is walking along the bustling streets of market looking to the colourfuly displayed fresh vegetables and fruits .

After taking the fruits and vegetables as written on the shopping list he reaches for a carton of eggs when he hears a soft, familiar voice nearby. The voice is accompanied by a gentle laugh-one that seems to weave through the ambient noise of the market place.

Devesh turns , half expecting to see one of his College mates but his gaze lands on someone he doesn't expected at all.

Rasika, his college mate standing at the flower shop her hands gently caressing the petals of a bouquet. She is selecting flowers with a focused yet serene expression . Devesh's heart skips a beat. It isn't just that he hadn't seen her in a while; it is that they never had interacted one-on-one. Devesh is always surrounded by a group of friends, most of whom are girls. Rasika, being more reserved, often remained on the periphery of his social circle.

Devesh takes the last two things of his shopping list and
summoning a burst of courage, Devesh approaches her, trying to mask his nervousness with casuality saying ," Hey Rasika".

Rasika looks up, her eyes widening in mild surprise before softening into a warm smile: Oh, hi, Devesh. I didn't expect to see you here.

Devesh: Yeah, just doing some grocery shopping for my family..

And you? Flowers for a special occasion?

Rasika's cheeks flushed slightly , saying : Yeah actually , I'm getting them for my sister. Her birthday's coming up, and I thought she'd like a nice bouquet.

Devesh: That's really thoughtful of you. You should buy some for yourself too ~

Rasika: That's not a bad idea though.

Devesh: What are your favorite type in flowers?

Rasika's eyes lit up as she says, "Roses"

Devesh nodded, admiring her enthusiasm ," Roses are beautiful, by their fragrance and beauty "

Rasika: I know right !

Devesh says the florist, " Please make a bouquet of all colours of roses for Rasika ji.

Rasika: It's okay I ~

Devesh: Take it as a gift from this buddy !

Florist : Okay Sure bhaiya.

There is a brief, comfortable silence as they both take in the simplicity of the moment. Devesh found himself unusually at ease.

"Actually," Rasika said, breaking the silence, "I've never seen you without your usual crowd of friends. Are you always the center of attention?"

Devesh chuckled, a bit self-consciously :Not always. It's just that my friends tend to be very... enthusiastic. It's hard to have a quiet moment.

Rasika laughs softly : I can imagine. I guess that's why we've never had a chance to really talk.

"Yeah, I guess so," Devesh agrees. "It's nice to finally have a moment to ourselves. I never realized how easy it would be to talk to you."

A small, awkward pause follows, during which Devesh catches a glimpse of Rasika's shyness. Despite his initial nervousness, he feels a growing spark of something more than mere friendship-a fluttering sensation in his chest that he hadn't felt in a long time. It is both exciting and unsettling.

Rasika: So, how's college been for you?

It's been busy but good," Devesh replies. "A lot of assignments and projects, but I'm managing. What about you?"

Rasika: Same here .It's been a whirlwind, but I'm enjoying the challenge.

As they continues to chat, Devesh found himself drawn into the conversation. Her thoughtful responses, the way she genuinely listens-it is refreshing. Yet, despite the growing comfort and the sparks of connection he feels, a nagging thought tugging at the back of his mind. He had been hurt in the past, trust broken by people he had considered close. The fear of getting involved, of risking his heart again, looms over him like a shadow.

The conversation eventually wound down as the florist finishes making two bouquets , Devesh pays for Rasika's bouquet while Rasika pays for her sister's.

She looks at Devesh with a small, hopeful smile. "It was nice talking to you, Devesh. Maybe we can catch up more sometime?"

Devesh returns the smile, though his heart was conflicted : I'd like that , definitely.

As Rasika walks away with her bouquets, Devesh can't shake the feeling of something beginning to bloom within him-something both thrilling and terrifying. He knows he needs to navigate his emotions carefully, especially after his past experiences. But for now, the spark that has ignited during their brief encounter left him with a glimmer of hope that perhaps, this time, things could be different.

As Devesh turns around to walk back to home he finds his brothers Reyansh is standing behind him with smirk in his face.

Reyansh: Can you buy me a bouquet of flowers ? Deveshhh??

Devesh: Stop that ! It's nothing like that what are you thinking ~

Reyansh: How do you know what I am thinking, brother?

Devesh: Accha? What are you doing here spying on me?

Reyansh: Its been three and a half hours where Nitu in home is worrying like " Dev bro has gone to any farm or what ? to bring vegetables, fruits "

Devesh laughs: She and her weird thoughts.

Reyansh: Yeah that's why keeping Hritu in her duty I came to check on you and when I came I couldn't help but notice my brother giving bouquet of "roses" to a rose of his life.

Devesh: Brother I told you , there's nothing like that.

Reyansh:Yup yup now let's go home or else Nitu will send Hritesh too~

Devesh: True..

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