Thrones of Thakurs

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»»-----　✼　-----««

Target- 40 votes and 30 comments

»»-----　Aishwarya　-----««

My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, the breath kicked out of my lungs. Avyaan. He was standing right in front of me. I blinked several times, processing his image in my mind. Was I losing it? The sleepless nights-spent wide awake with thoughts of him-were clearly getting to me.

"Avyaan?" I whispered. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm your neighbor," he replied flatly. His eyes looked tired, drained of sleep.

"Neighbor... what neighbor?" Confusion took over. Why would he be here, in this small house with none of the luxury he was used to?

"I rented the upper floor," he muttered irritably. "Now, if your questions are over, can I get the keys?" He ran a hand through his hair, looking exasperated.

I was even more confused. "Why?" I asked again.

He took a long breath, muttering something under his breath. "You can be the nosy neighbor tomorrow, when you come to borrow some sugar," he sighed, massaging his temple. "Right now, I just need sleep."

"I'm not nosy..." I protested. "Ruhi, go get the keys. Uncle gave them to us yesterday." I turned to Ruhanika, who was staring at Avyaan like he was an alien.

"Are there any restaurants around here?" he asked, leaning against the wall.

I shook my head. It was late; no restaurant would be open at this hour in this quiet town, where wandering around after 9 pm was rare.

"Ten hours of driving, and now I can't even find food," he grumbled, rolling his eyes. He looked straight at me, and I shivered a little at the direct contact.

"You could..." I began, but before I could finish, Ruhi came back with the keys and handed them to Avyaan.

I wanted to ask if he was okay or if he'd like to have dinner here. But would it be right for me to offer? I bit my lip as he glanced at me, waiting for me to say something.

But I looked away. We weren't friends who helped each other. Technically, we weren't even on speaking terms. I swallowed hard.

"Why do you look so familiar, mister?" Ruhi chimed in. This girl and her inability to keep quiet...

"Maybe you've seen me in a magazine or on social media," he replied with a hint of sarcasm. It was possible; with his family's reputation, his face could be anywhere.

"Haha, nice joke," Ruhi laughed a little. "Really? Are you some celebrity or influencer?" Her excitement grew, her eyes widening. "Can I get a selfie with you?"

"Ruhanika, behave!" I warned, narrowing my eyes at her.

"Ruhanika... the one who used to cling to you?" Avyaan asked, glancing at me. Of course, he'd remember her; she was just eight when he visited the orphanage once.

I nodded, and a small smile spread across his lips. "I haven't forgotten about Holi, Missy," he said, trying to look stern, but his tone was amused.

It took Ruhi a moment, but as she remembered, her excitement soared. "Avy, I didn't recognize you!" she squealed.

"And about that incident-you totally deserved it," she grinned, sticking her tongue out at him.

It was during Holi when the kids at the orphanage had pranked the great Avyaan Thakur, tricking him into a tub of colored water.