ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙᴇᴀᴛꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴀʟʟᴡᴀʏꜱ

.Unexpected Guest༊˚

AUTHOR'S POV :

After two more hours of classes, the bell rang, signaling the beginning of lunch break. Avni, Nidhi, Aaron, and Ishan made their way to the canteen, grabbing their usual spot to eat and discuss the project.

As they settled in with their trays, Avni asked, "So, where should we meet after school to work on the project? The library?"

Nidhi nodded but hesitated. "But what if Neha shows up? She knows we usually study there, and she might cause problems."

Aaron frowned. "Good point."

Ishan, leaning back in his chair, suggested, "Why don't we change the location? How about the café near school? It's quiet, and we can work without distractions."

Nidhi's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! The café sounds perfect."

Aaron smiled. "I'm in. What time?"

Ishan replied, "Let's meet at 4:30 PM," then added, "We can freshen up and come back after school."

Everyone nodded, but Avni seemed lost in thought. Nidhi poked her gently, snapping her out of her thoughts. Avni quickly nodded in agreement.

Noticing the smiles on Aaron and Nidhi's faces, Ishan teased, "Using the project planning as an excuse for a date, huh?"

Aaron shot back with a grin, "Why? Jealous?"

Nidhi playfully rolled her eyes. "Stop teasing us. We know we're going to the café for the project, not a date."

They all laughed and finished their lunch, preparing for the rest of the school day.

The day passed quickly, and after two more hours of classes, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Everyone headed home to freshen up before meeting at the café later. However, Avni chose to stay at the library and study for an hour before heading to the café. She informed her parents that she might be home late due to her studying.

When Avni arrived at the café, she found a cozy corner where the others were already gathered. Everyone was in casual home clothes except Avni, who was still in her school uniform.

Nidhi looked up and asked, "You didn't go home?"

Avni replied, "No, I studied at the library for a while and came here straight from there."

Nidhi asked again, "Aren't you tired?"

Avni responded, "No, I'm fine."

They settled into their discussion for the project and spent the next hour discussing which topic to choose for their model. They reviewed all the options, weighing their pros and cons. After discussing, they concluded that they would focus on Projectile Motion.

By this time, Avni was starving. She hadn't had anything since her lunch, which she also ate very little.

Ishan noticed and said, "Let's take a break now and order something."

Everyone agreed and called the waiter. Nidhi and Aaron ordered two pastries and two chocolate shakes. Avni only ordered a coffee. Ishan ordered a coffee and two cookies.

After their order arrived, Aaron and Nidhi started clicking pictures together. Meanwhile, Ishan slid one of his cookies toward Avni.

When Avni looked at him, confused, he said, "You should eat more."

Avni didn't respond and decided to take a picture of the food. She posted it on her Instagram story with a song, including some other pictures of the café, which was aesthetically beautiful and pleasing.

They began eating their food. Ishan teased, "Someone said they weren't going to use this meeting as a date, but now they're taking pictures together and wearing matching clothes."

Aaron chuckled and said, "It's just a coincidence."

Nidhi added with a grin, "And you're just jealous, aren't you? You should find someone for yourself."

Everyone chuckled, but Ishan's gaze stayed on Avni.

Avni said, "Fine, let's get back to the project."

Just as they were about to start, someone approached and said, "Hi!"

They all looked up and saw Yash.

Avni said, "Yash?"

Yash took a seat next to Avni and replied, "Can I join?"

Ishan whispered, "You already did, without asking."

Avni asked, "What are you doing here?"

Yash replied, "I found out you were here, so I decided to join."

Avni asked again, "How did you know?"

Yash explained, "I saw your Instagram story. I didn't know you weren't alone."

Ishan whispered, "Stalking? And that too my girl, I mean Avni?"

Avni responded, "Yes, we're discussing a group project."

Yash asked, "Group project?"

Avni explained, "Yes, our teacher assigned it to us."

Yash replied, "I see."

Then he glanced at the others, Nidhi and Aaron faked a smile, but Ishan stared at him intently, as if trying to stare his soul.

Yash cleared his throat and said, "So, what's the project about?"

Avni replied, "Projectile motion."

Yash responded, "Projectile motion, huh? That sounds interesting. Need any help?"

Nidhi and Aaron exchanged glances, uncertain. Ishan remained silent, still staring at Yash.

Avni hesitated but then said, "No, thanks. We can handle it."

Yash shrugged, a bit disappointed. "Alright, if you change your mind, let me know."

Ishan whispered, "Just get lost already."

As Yash got up to leave, he gave Avni a smile and said, "Let's meet another time."

After Yash left, Nidhi leaned in and whispered, "He's really into you."

Aaron nodded in agreement. "I agree."

Avni shrugged. "I don't think so. Anyway, let's focus on our project."

Ishan said, "He's going to cause trouble for us later, I'm sure."

Avni tried to respond, but Ishan cut her off. "Let's change our meeting place starting tomorrow. That Neha at school and this Yash outside of school."

Aaron suggested, "What about your place? We haven't been there in a while."

Nidhi agreed, adding, "Yeah, no one else knows where it is except us. Plus, Avni lives nearby."

Ishan looked at Avni, waiting for her response.

When she nodded, Ishan said, "Let's do that then. 4:30 PM tomorrow, my place."

Avni started to reply, "But I don't kn-"

Ishan interrupted, "I'll text you."

Avni nodded and then everyone started finishing their snacks and packing, ready to head home.