khaas rishta

Ch-11 Sparks Fly Again

Chapter: Sparks Fly Again

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It had been a few days since Aarya's last meeting with Dada ji. She still remembered their conversation, his unexpected warmth, and the encouragement he'd offered. Though she'd promised to visit the orphanage again soon, today her sights were set on exploring an art exhibit and visiting a nearby bookstore.

As she entered the bookstore to pick up a few novels, her gaze landed on none other than Mr. Grumpy himself-Rudransh, standing at the counter.

It had been weeks since they'd last met, but Aarya could hardly pass up the chance for a little mischief.

She sighed, though the sparkle in her eyes gave away her excitement. Just as she was about to turn, Rudransh noticed her and frowned.

"Tum phir yahan?" he asked, folding his arms with clear disapproval. (You're here again?)

Aarya rolled her eyes, stepping closer. "Aapko kya lagta hai, sirf aap hi intellectual cheezein pasand kar sakte hain?" she shot back with a smirk. (What, you think only you can enjoy intellectual things?)

Rudransh, who had come to pick up his books-a task he preferred to do personally-felt his irritation rise as he saw her again. He replied with a sarcastic edge.

Rudransh raised an eyebrow. "Mujhe laga tha tum jaise log sirf time waste karte hain. Books ke chakkar mein nahi padte," he replied coldly, clearly irritated. (I thought people like you only waste time. Not interested in books.)

Aarya's mouth fell open. "Oh, toh ab aap mujhse zyada mujhe jaante hain?" she said, hands on her hips. "Woh bhi bas ek ya do mulaqat ke baad?" (Oh, so now you know me better than I know myself? After just one or two meetings?)

Rudransh let out a dry laugh. "Main bas itna jaan gaya hoon ke tumhara kaam hi mazaak udaana aur logon ko pareshan karna hai," he replied, his voice dripping with annoyance. (I've learned enough to know your job is just to make fun of things and annoy people.)

Aarya tilted her head, looking unbothered. "Aapko problem kya hai, haan?" she shot back, crossing her arms defiantly. "Aap ki life mein khushi itni bhi toxic hai kya ke thoda sa hasi bhi hazam nahi hoti?" (What's your problem, huh? Is happiness so toxic in your life that you can't even digest a little laughter?)

Rudransh's jaw tightened, visibly trying to keep his cool. "Mujhe bas tumhara ye childish behavior samajh nahi aata," he said, almost through gritted teeth. (I just don't understand your childish behavior.)

Aarya scoffed. "Aur mujhe aapka ye 'main sab kuch jaanta hoon' wala attitude samajh nahi aata, Mr. 'Perfect'," she countered sarcastically. (And I don't understand your 'I know everything' attitude, Mr. Perfect.)

The remark seemed to strike a nerve. Rudransh stepped closer, his gaze sharp. "Tum jaise logon ko thodi si serious baat batao toh ulta jawab dena shuru kar dete hain," he said, voice low but intense. (People like you, when told something serious, immediately start talking back.)

Aarya stepped even closer, refusing to back down. "Aur aap jaise log bas dusron ko neecha dikhane mein lage rehte hain," she snapped. "Aapko lagta hai sab aapke aas-paas ghoomna chahiye, hai na?" (And people like you are just busy putting others down. You think everyone should revolve around you, don't you?)

Rudransh's eyes flashed with anger, and he took a deep breath to calm himself, clearly on the edge. "Tumhe lagta hai tum jaise logon se mujhe koi farak padta hai?" (Do you really think people like you matter to me?)

Aarya smirked, seeing through his attempt to stay indifferent. "Nahi," she replied smugly. "Lekin farak toh padta hai, warna itna gussa kyun aa raha hai?" (No. But it does matter, or else why are you getting so angry?)

Rudransh clenched his fists, his self-control slipping. He opened his mouth to respond, but Aarya raised a finger, cutting him off. "Acha suno, Mr. Grumpy," she said, her tone teasing. "Aap mujhse kitna bhi gussa ho jaayein, lekin main aapki life mein excitement laati hoon. Accept it." (Listen, Mr. Grumpy. No matter how much you get mad at me, I bring excitement to your life. Accept it.)

Rudransh let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. "Main tumhe bilkul bhi important nahi samajhta," he shot back, trying to sound unaffected. (I don't find you important at all.)

Aarya simply grinned wider. "Accha? Toh fir yahan mujhse argument kyun kar rahe hain?" she asked with a wink, leaving him speechless. (Really? Then why are you here, arguing with me?)

Before he could find a reply, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, fuming and speechless, yet oddly affected by her words.

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Rudransh felt both irritated and, strangely, a bit amused. No one ever talked to him like that-especially not a petite 5-foot-3 girl who had the nerve to challenge him, not once but twice. He told himself he'd ignore her again, that she wasn't worth his time. And yet, he couldn't deny she was doing something to him that no one else had managed. She was making him slip, making him lose control of the calm facade he so carefully maintained.

He wasn't one to argue with anyone, especially over petty things, yet here he was, sparring with her a second time. There was something about her-something that seemed to pull him into her orbit, making him forget everything else when she was around.

Frustrated by feelings he couldn't quite name, he decided the best escape was to return to work and shut her out of his thoughts-if only it were that simple.

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Aarya had always been mischievous by nature; she loved to poke fun, especially when someone like Rudransh seemed to get so easily irritated. Seeing him lose his cool only fueled her playful spirit, and for her, teasing him was pure entertainment. That's just how she was-carefree, full of life, and unbothered by his reactions. The more he reacted, the more fun it was for her. And she is looking forward to meet him again obviously to irritate him again for fun 😁.

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