Kuchh Ankahi Baatein

Chocolate

As the first semester crept closer, a quiet urgency settled over everyone. Books replaced chatter, and laughter gave way to late-night revisions. Amid it all, our ever-dedicated, studious Naina — the true padaku at heart — found her sanctuary in the library, spending almost every free moment there, lost in her world of notes and textbooks.

For Sameer, though, the library became more than just a place to study. It turned into a space where he could quietly admire her — watching her completely absorbed, her passion for her goals shining through. There was a strange comfort in just being around her, even if from a distance. And perhaps fate was a little kind too, because unlike others, Sameer never had to justify his presence there. Being a good scorer himself, the library felt like the perfect alibi... though his real reason sat just a few tables away.

Preeti: Naina chal na canteen mein chalte he... kitni revision karegi... ab toh books bhi thak gayi hogi ki tu kitni baar usey padegi...

Naina : Nahin yaar, mujhe abhi economics ki revision karni hai..

Swati : Par Naina aise bhukhe pet padai bhi to nahin hoti... mujhe to chakkar aa jayenge

Naina : I know yaar, bhukh to mujhe bhi lagi hai, par library mein ek hi copy hai is book ki aur who bhi Sanjay lekar baitha hai. Usane promise kiya hai ki woh bas free karke mujhe de dega & I don't want to miss the chance... tum log jaao...

Swapree : Chal yaar hum jaate hai aur jaldi se kuchh kha kar aate hai.. Library hai varna tere liye bhi kuchh le aate par Sir allow nahin karenge... but hum try karte hai...

Rakesh shout on girls : kya shor laga rakha hai... agar padna nahin hai toh auron ko disturb mat karo... get out from here..

In a low voice, Naina whispered, "Yaar, tum jaao please... otherwise you know na... meri wajah se tumhein bhi sunna padega."

She knew her father's temperament all too well — if Sameer lingered, he too might end up facing her father's unnecessary wrath. The thought weighed on her, and her concern for him was evident in her words.

Preeti (irritatingly), "daant ki toh ab aadat ho gayi hai... tu chinta mat kar... tere liye itani daant toh mein kha hi sakti hun..."

With weary expressions, both of them headed to the canteen, hoping to avoid any further run-ins with Rakesh sir, since such encounters could eventually create problems for Naina alone.

Meanwhile, Sameer had just come back from his lunch break and quietly positioned himself behind the group of girls, unnoticed. He stood there in silence, attentively listening to everything that was unfolding. As he watched Rakesh harshly reprimand them, seemingly without any valid reason, a deep sense of discomfort stirred within him. The situation didn't sit right with him at all—he could clearly see that the girls were being unfairly targeted. However, at the same time, Sameer couldn't ignore the underlying reality. He knew that Rakesh's anger wasn't truly directed at them; instead, it was a spillover of his pent-up frustration toward her, which he was now venting inappropriately on others. This realization left Sameer feeling conflicted—sympathetic toward the girls, yet aware of the emotions driving Rakesh's behavior.

Just then, an idea struck Sameer. He walked over to Sanjay, who was finishing up with his Economics book and preparing to hand it to Naina, as he had promised.

Sameer: could you show me that book for just a moment.

Sanjay : No yaar, I promised Naina, I'd give it to her once I'm done. She must be waiting to prepare her notes.

Sameer : I understand, but I only need it for a minute. After that, you can hand it over to her

Sanjay : Ok... but please hurry, till then I will check accounts book in that shelf.

Saying this he moved to another book rack giving book to Sameer.

Naina, seated at a distance, watched the scene unfold with growing confusion. She wondered what Sameer could possibly read in just a few minutes. If he truly wanted to cover some topics, why hadn't he approached her directly? The thought left her slightly disappointed.

Her eyes widened as she noticed Sameer quietly slipping a small blue packet into the book before closing it, just moments before Sanjay returned. With a polite "Thanks," Sameer handed the book back to Sanjay, who remained unaware of what had just happened.

Sanjay : Its ok... Then he moves towards Naina and gave her the book and left from library...

Naina kept her gaze fixed on Sameer, puzzled by his unusual behavior. Why hadn't he spoken to her directly if he truly needed help? The thought lingered, leaving her unsettled.

Curious, she opened the book Sanjay had just handed over. To her surprise, nestled between the pages was a Dairy Milk chocolate, accompanied by a small smiley sign. A wave of warmth replaced her confusion, and a faint smile lit up her face.

Naina's eyes lingered on Sameer, who stood leaning casually against the bookshelf, arms crossed over his chest, wearing that familiar, endearing smile — the one that always made her weak. A tiny tear welled up as she realized this was the first time someone outside her family had shown such thoughtful care for her.

Sameer, in turn, felt a quiet joy watching her reaction. He marveled at how a simple gesture — slipping a chocolate into a book — could mean so much. To him, it wasn't a grand act, but to them both, it seemed like the beginning of something new... a bond woven from concern, kindness, and unspoken affection... ek meethi shuruaat

Their quiet eye contact was suddenly broken by Rakesh sir's loud scolding of a few students who hadn't returned their books on time.

Sameer, irritated by the sudden disturbance, walked out of the library, leaving Naina with a quiet smile. She turned back to her studies, carefully preparing her notes while savoring the chocolate he had slipped into the book. The sweetness lingered, not just on her tongue but in her heart, as she continued her work in silence - chhup chhup ke yaar, after all its library. 😜