Faded Ties, Rekindled Hearts

Chapter 4

Tanya stood at the school gate, her bag slung over one shoulder, eyes scanning the road for her driver. The sun was setting, casting long shadows on the ground, and most of the other kids had already gone home. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, feeling a little uneasy as the schoolyard became emptier.

Suddenly, from behind, she heard a loud, "Bhoooo!"

Tanya jumped, her heart racing, and without thinking, she quickly turned and hugged the person who had scared her. But then, she heard familiar laughter—Yuvi.

"Yuvi! You scared me!" Tanya pouted, pulling away from the hug and hitting him lightly on the arm.

Yuvi was laughing uncontrollably, clutching his stomach. "You should've seen your face! You looked so scared, like you saw a ghost!" he teased, wiping a tear from his eye.

Tanya crossed her arms and glared at him. "Not funny! I really got scared! What if it was a real ghost?" She huffed, her cheeks puffing up in a cute little pout.

"Aww, my brave Tanya is scared of ghosts now?" Yuvi teased, poking her arm playfully. "Don't worry, I'm here to protect you from all the ghosts in the world."

Tanya rolled her eyes and smacked his arm again, this time playfully. "You're so annoying, Yuvi! Stop trying to be my savior all the time."

Yuvi grinned, ruffling her hair. "I can't help it. It's too much fun seeing you get all mad and cute at the same time."

Tanya smiled despite herself and said, "Well, next time, I'll be the one scaring you! Just wait and see."

Yuvi raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? I'd love to see you try!"

He looked around and asked, "Ramu Kaka still hasn't come?"

Tanya sighed, a little sad. "No, he hasn't. I need to get home, I'm starving!"

Yuvi nodded, understanding her frustration. "By the way, what are you doing here alone? My driver uncle is standing right there, but... wait, this is a new uncle, right?"

Tanya glanced over and nodded. "Yeah, they changed your driver? Anyway, why don't you ask him to drop me? I just want to go home."

Yuvi shook his head, grinning. "I would've asked him, but we don't know where you live, Miss Forgetful! You never told me your home address."

Tanya huffed, "Fine, you could've asked!"

Yuvi smirked. "Tell you what—why don't you come to my house? We'll ask my mum to call your Ishima and let her know you're with me."

Tanya thought for a second and shrugged. "Hmm, sounds good. I just want to eat!"

Before she could say anything else, Yuvi snatched her bag. "Race you to the car!" he shouted, running off.

"Yuvi! Give me my bag back!" Tanya yelled, chasing after him. They both laughed as they ran toward the car. Yuvi reached the car first and jumped inside, still holding her bag.

Tanya pouted as she climbed into the car, her face red with mock anger. "You're the worst!"

Yuvi just grinned. "Yeah, but you still love me, don't you?"

Just as they settled into the car, Tanya spotted a kulfi vendor on the side of the road. Her eyes lit up, and she tugged at Yuvi's sleeve. "Yuvi, stop the car! I want kulfi!"

Yuvi looked at her, surprised. "Kulfi? You're hungry for real food, and now you want kulfi?"

Tanya crossed her arms, pretending to be mad. "I want kulfi now! Stop the car, or I'm not talking to you!"