ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙᴇᴀᴛꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴀʟʟᴡᴀʏꜱ

.Reserved Victory༊˚

AUTHOR'S POV:

As they rode through the quiet streets, the city lights flickered around them, casting soft glows over the passing buildings. Avni held onto the side of the bike, feeling the steady rhythm of the engine beneath her. The breeze was cool, and for a moment, it felt like everything around them stood still.

After a few minutes, they reached Avni's neighborhood. Ishan pulled up in front of her house, cutting the engine. The sudden quiet felt almost deafening after the ride.

"Thanks for the ride," Avni said, climbing off the bike.

"No problem," Ishan replied, a hint of something unsaid hanging between them.

As Avni turned to go, Ishan spoke again. "You know... about earlier. With the party planning and everything... I wasn't just teasing you. I really do think you're more involved than you let people see."

Avni paused, looking back at him, her expression guarded. "I don't know what you mean."

Ishan smiled slightly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "You don't have to, but I see it. And I think you're a lot more than the 'mysterious girl' everyone thinks you are."

Avni blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his words. She didn't know how to respond, so she didn't. Instead, she just nodded and gave a faint smile. "Good night, Ishan."

"Good night, Avni."

She turned and walked towards her house, feeling Ishan's gaze on her as she did. Once inside, she leaned against the door, letting out a long breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. His words lingered with her, wrapping themselves around her thoughts in ways she hadn't expected.

Meanwhile, Ishan sat on his bike for a moment longer, replaying the conversation in his head. He had said more than he meant to, but maybe that was okay. He started the engine again and rode off into the night, his thoughts still on Avni.

___________________________________________________

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight hit the school grounds, Neha stood at the gate, anxiously shifting her weight from one foot to another. She had been thinking about Yash's words all night. The guilt had finally outweighed her pride, and she knew what she had to do. Spotting Avni arriving with Nidhi and Aaron, Neha straightened up, took a deep breath, and approached them.

"Avni," Neha called out, her voice tentative.

Avni stopped, turning to face her. Nidhi raised an eyebrow, and Aaron crossed his arms, clearly on guard. Neha ignored them and focused on Avni.

"I need to talk to you," Neha said, sounding uncharacteristically nervous.

Avni remained silent, waiting. Nidhi shot her a wary look, but Avni gave a small nod, signaling for Neha to continue.

Neha swallowed her pride, her gaze dropping for a moment before she looked back up.

"I'm sorry for what I did. I was out of line, and I shouldn't have taken my frustrations out on you. I won't bother you—or Ishan—again. Ever."

Nidhi's eyes widened in surprise, while Aaron uncrossed his arms, clearly taken aback by the apology.

Avni studied Neha for a moment before nodding. "I appreciate that, Neha."

For the first time in a while, Neha felt a small weight lift off her shoulders. She gave a stiff nod, not quite knowing what else to say.
"Thanks. And... good luck with everything."

With that, Neha turned on her heel and walked away. As she did, she felt oddly lighter. There was a tiny flicker of relief, but she had no idea what was in store for her next.