YOU AND ME

Amina

I find it completely by accident. I’m in Ayush’s room, looking for his notebook, when my eyes catch a glimpse of something peeking out from under the bed. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I tug at the paper. It’s an old photo of Ayush—no, not just any photo—a ridiculously goofy one. His hair’s a mess, there’s some weird outfit involved, and the expression on his face... oh my god, it’s gold.

I burst out laughing, holding the picture up to the light. "Oh, Ayush, you are never living this down!"

He looks up from across the room, his eyes widening in horror as he realizes what I’ve found. "Amina, no! Please, no!"

I’m already running before he can even finish the sentence. "Rohan is going to love this!" I yell as I dash out of the room, laughing like a madwoman.

“Amina!” he shouts, racing after me.

---

The Chase

I fly down the stairs, holding the picture high in the air. Ayush is close on my heels, but I’m faster. I can hear his frantic footsteps behind me, his desperate pleas echoing through the house. "Amina, don’t you dare show them!"

Too late. I’m already in the living room, where Rohan and Raj are lounging around. I skid to a stop, hiding behind them as I hold the picture up. "Guys! You have to see this!"

Raj looks up, confused. "What’s going on?"

Before I can answer, Ayush bursts into the room, panting. “Don’t look at it!”

I flash the picture in their direction, and as soon as they see it, the whole room explodes with laughter. Rohan clutches his stomach, practically falling off the couch. "Oh my god, Ayush, what is that?!"

I’m laughing so hard I can barely breathe, but I manage to duck behind Grandma, who’s seated at the dining table, oblivious to the chaos.

"Amina, you’re evil!" Ayush groans, but he’s smiling now too, the embarrassment fading in the face of the laughter that fills the room.

---

The Collapse

I bolt for the back door, racing into the garden as Ayush chases after me. The sound of laughter still rings in my ears as I dart around a tree, trying to evade him. But he’s fast—faster than I thought—and before I know it, his arms wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me to the ground with him.

We collapse onto the grass, panting and giggling like children. He rolls onto his back beside me, staring up at the sky, his chest rising and falling as he catches his breath. I glance over at him, my heart swelling with happiness. Moments like this… they make everything worth it.

---

The Dance Preparation

Later, back inside, it’s time to get ready for the dance. I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting the flowy, fantasy-style dress I’ve chosen. It’s perfect—a soft, flowing gown with floral patterns, a corset-like bodice, and off-shoulder straps that make me feel like a princess straight out of a fairytale. I smooth the fabric, twirling slightly to watch it swish around me.

Raj and Rohan appear at the door, their eyes lighting up when they see me. "You look stunning," Raj says, offering his hand. "Shall we?"

They both escort me down the grand staircase, and at the bottom, Ayush is waiting. He smiles, his eyes gleaming with affection as he takes my hand.

"My lady," he says playfully, bowing slightly. "It’s time to go."

---

The Dance