I Love You Monster

THE HIDDEN CURRENTS

"छुपी हुई धाराएँ वही होती हैं जो सागर की गहराईयों में छिपे तूफ़ान को जन्म देती हैं।"

The early morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden streaks across Abhimanyu's room. His alarm buzzed faintly, but he was already awake. He had always been an early riser, disciplined and structured, owing to his upbringing. He pushed the blanket aside, got out of bed, and went straight to his small home temple. The fragrance of sandalwood and incense filled the room as he lit a lamp and folded his hands, closing his eyes in prayer.

"Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha..." he chanted softly, performing his daily ritual. After offering flowers and taking the divine blessings, he bent down and touched his mother's feet. His mother, Laxmi, smiled warmly, placing her hand on his head, "Jeete raho, beta. Stay blessed."

"Thank you, Maa," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he grabbed his school bag. As he made his way to the door, he shouted a quick goodbye. But just as he was about to step outside, his father, Rakesh, called out from behind.

"Abhi, wait! I have some work at the office, so I'm leaving early today. I can drop you and Preeti to school," his father offered.

Abhimanyu stopped in his tracks. "Preeti?, his eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

"Yeah! Your cousin sister. She arrived yesterday at your aunt's house and decided she'd join your school. She's in class 10, section C," Rakesh replied with a smirk, clearly enjoying his son's bewilderment.

"What about Rahul?" Abhimanyu asked, referring to his elder cousin brother.

"He will come during Christmas. He has some work with the family business, so he isn't coming now," his father explained.

Laxmi's voice rang from the kitchen, stern and slightly irritated, "What are you guys doing? You all are late for school!"

Abhimanyu sighed and headed to the car, still not entirely thrilled about the surprise of Preeti joining his school. When he opened the car door, he saw Preeti already sitting inside in her neat school uniform. She turned and greeted him cheerfully, "Pranam, Bhaiya!"

He glanced at her, still groggy from the early morning rituals, and mumbled, "Why are you here, and why are you talking so much?" His voice was laced with a touch of annoyance.

Preeti, a bit taken aback, tried to keep the conversation going, "Why are you wearing your PT dress? Is there some event today?"

"It's my matter. Just mind your business," Abhimanyu replied sharply. Preeti's face fell, and she turned to look out of the window, her enthusiasm now replaced with silence. Abhimanyu rolled his eyes and thought to himself, "What a headache because of this girl."

The drive to school was about thirty minutes. As they drove through the streets, Abhimanyu suddenly spotted Akriti, standing on the roadside, looking panicked. He knew immediately something was wrong. "Dad, can you stop the car for a moment?" he asked.

Rakesh obliged, pulling over, and Abhimanyu got out to meet Akriti. Meanwhile, inside the car, Rakesh and Preeti exchanged a knowing look. "Is she his girlfriend or something?" Rakesh asked, his tone curious.

Preeti laughed, "No way! It seems more like she's his rental girlfriend. I mean, Abhi Bhaiya and girls? He's far away from that... a boy who practically hates them."