The late afternoon sun bathed the quiet neighborhood in a warm, golden light. The soft breeze rustled the leaves of a low, wide-branching cherry tree that stood near the sidewalk, its pink blossoms fluttering down like confetti. Perched on one of its sturdy branches, no more than a few feet off the ground, sat Abhira swinging her legs playfully, her face alight with a mischievous grin as she looked down at Armaan.
Armaan stood below, his hands on his hips, a mix of amusement and exasperation written across his face. "Are you really going to jump from there?" he asked, tilting his head as he shaded his eyes with one hand.
"Absolutely!" Abhira shot back, her grin widening. "Just wait, it's going to be epic!"
Armaan chuckled, knowing well enough that there was no stopping her once she got an idea into her head. Abhira stuck her tongue out at him, her eyes sparkling with playful defiance.
Before Armaan could protest or offer one of his usual logical rebuttals, Abhira braced herself, her grip tightening on the branch for a split second. Then, with a gleeful shout, she leaped from the branch, her hair streaming behind her in the breeze.
It was a short jump-barely a few feet-but Abhira made it feel like she was soaring through the air, her arms spread wide as if she were a superhero mid-flight. The world seemed to slow down as she descended, her laughter filling the air.
She landed on the soft grass with a gentle thud, knees slightly bent to absorb the impact, and immediately straightened up with a triumphant smile, her hands raised like a gymnast who had just stuck the perfect landing.
Armaan blinked, momentarily stunned by proud and happy she looked about her shenanigans. He shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "You're absolutely crazy, you know that?"
"Maybe just a little," Abhira replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "But isn't that what adds all the colour to your rather boring life Khadoosman?"
Armaan sighed dramatically, though the fondness in his eyes was undeniable. "I suppose you mean chaos...you bring chaos to my rather peaceful life."
Abhira beamed and took a few playful steps toward him, her hands clasped behind her back. "And admit it, you're just a teensy bit impressed by my jumping skills."
"Oh, totally," Armaan deadpanned, trying to keep a straight face. "I've never seen anyone jump two whole feet before. You should definitely sign up for the Olympics."
Abhira playfully swatted his arm. "Hey! You're just jealous because I'm brave enough to jump and you're too scared."
"Scared?" Armaan repeated with a mock gasp, raising an eyebrow. "Of that little hop? Please, I could've jumped from there with my eyes closed."
Abhira gave him a skeptical look. "Oh really? Prove it."
Armaan glanced up at the branch, then back at Abhira. "I would, but you know, I wouldn't want to show off."
"Sure, sure," Abhira teased, her smile widening. "Keep telling yourself that."
Armaan chuckled, unable to resist her infectious energy. "Alright, you got me," he admitted, stepping closer and gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You're the bravest one here."
"And don't you forget it," Abhira replied with a wink.
Abhira didn't wait for him to say more; she grabbed his hand and started running down the street, her laughter ringing out like music in the warm afternoon air. Armaan stumbled after her, caught off guard but quickly falling into step as they dashed along the pavement.
