𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄

Bonus Chapter

Scene 1

The park buzzed with the sounds of children playing, but Dhruvi was focused, trying to weave a crown out of the wildflowers she had gathered. She sighed in frustration as the flowers kept slipping out of place.

Atharva walked over, noticing her struggle. "What’s got you all worked up, Dhruvi?"

She looked up, relief washing over her face. "This crown won’t stay together. Can you help?"

He sat beside her and took the flowers from her hands, quickly weaving them into a perfect crown. "You were close, but you need to twist them like this," he explained, showing her the technique.

Dhruvi watched, her eyes wide. "How do you know how to do everything?"

Atharva chuckled. "I’m older and wiser, remember?"

She grinned as she placed the crown on her head. "Do I look like a princess now?"

He smiled back, leaning closer. "You’ve always been a princess. But to me, you’ll be the queen."

Dhruvi giggled, clearly pleased. "Promise?"

"Promise," Atharva said, ruffling her hair. "You’ll always be first, Dhruvi."

She took his hand, her grip small but firm. "And you’ll always help me, right?"

"Always," Atharva replied, squeezing her hand gently. "You’re stuck with me."

Their hands remained clasped as they sat together, a silent understanding forming between them—one that would stay with them long after they left the park.

Scene 2

Atharva walked into Dhruvi’s room, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "So, you fell out of bed, huh?" he asked, eyeing her casted leg.

Dhruvi shifted uncomfortably, avoiding his gaze. "Yeah… that’s what everyone thinks," she mumbled.

He raised an eyebrow, catching the hesitation in her voice. "Dhruvi, what really happened?"

She bit her lip, glancing at the door to make sure no one was around. Then she looked back at Atharva, her eyes guilty. "Promise you won’t tell anyone?"

"Promise," he said, leaning in closer.

Dhruvi took a deep breath. "I didn’t fall from the bed. Last night, I sneaked out to get some street food. You know how much I love those late-night chaat runs."

Atharva’s eyes widened. "You snuck out? Seriously?"

She nodded, looking embarrassed. "Yeah, and when I was climbing back over the wall to get inside, I slipped and fell. That’s how I fractured my leg."

Atharva stared at her for a moment before he burst out laughing. "Dhruvi, you’re unbelievable!"

"Don’t laugh!" she protested, her cheeks flushing. "It wasn’t funny at the time."

He tried to stifle his laughter, shaking his head. "Only you would break your leg over street food. Why didn’t you just use the front door like a normal person?"

She groaned. "Because then everyone would know I snuck out! I didn’t want to get caught."

Atharva finally stopped laughing, his expression turning serious. "You’re lucky you didn’t get hurt worse. What if something had happened to you out there?"

Dhruvi looked down, feeling guilty. "I know, I’m sorry. I just really wanted that chaat."

He sighed, sitting down beside her. "Next time, just tell me. I’ll go with you or get it for you. No more climbing walls, okay?"