INSEPARABLE HEARTS 2

CHAPTER 111

Happy Reading

The group — Keerthi, Dharshi, Caroline, Stefan, and Elena — were sitting under the tree laughing about something Stefan just said.

Then came Ruby, walking slowly with her usual poised confidence. She gave a friendly wave and walked over.

> Ruby (smiling sweetly): “Hey guys… mind if I sit?”

Everyone fell quiet. Caroline tensed. Stefan raised an eyebrow. Keerthi’s expression didn’t change — but her eyes followed Ruby like a hawk.

> Dharshi (after a pause): “Yeah… sure.”

Ruby sat right next to Dharshi, flashing a smile like nothing had ever gone wrong.

> Ruby: “I missed hanging out like this.”

Keerthi bit her tongue. She saw right through the performance — but she didn’t say anything.
Because deep down, she knew Dharshi missed her old gang.
She missed Damon, Otis, the way it used to be — before Ruby ruined it.

So she let it go. For now.

___________

Keerthi sneaked out after her music class. She saw Angad already waiting for her, leaning against the wall, smiling the moment he saw her.

She rushed into his arms.

> Angad (teasing): “Miss me already?”

> Keerthi (grinning): “We literally haven’t kissed since 9:20.”

They laughed softly, and she pulled him into a kiss. For a moment, everything else vanished — the drama, the secrets, the fake friendships.

> Angad (gently brushing her hair back): “I love this version of us. Even if it’s secret.”

> Keerthi: “Maybe it’s better this way. Our bubble. Just you and me.”

They kissed again, quietly — just before the bell rang.

_______________

Dharshi found Abeer sitting alone, working through some notes. He looked up, surprised.

> Abeer (half-smiling): “Didn’t expect anyone up here.”

> Dharshi (softly): “I just… wanted to say something.”

She sat beside him, knees pulled close.

> Dharshi: “I know things haven’t been easy for you. But… I see how hard you’re trying. You’re doing your homework, staying calm, staying away from bad influence. That takes strength.”

> Abeer (quietly): “I don’t know if I’m doing enough.”

> Dharshi: “You are. And I’m… proud of you.”

He looked at her — like truly looked — and something in him softened.

> Abeer (honest): “That means more than you know.”

They sat quietly, the wind brushing past them — not lovers, not enemies, just two people trying to find peace in a messy world.

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Angad’s House

The living room glowed with dim fairy lights. Music played softly in the background. Keerthi sat curled on the couch, wearing Angad’s hoodie, while he made popcorn in the kitchen.