Pranbir Short Story Collection

The 'Ranbir' effect

[Author's note - This is my Rakshabandhan gift to my sweet little sister Khushi. Hope u like it. Also hoping all my readers will like it too.]

Since it was a holiday and there was no hurry to get ready for either college or office, Prachi was lying awake on her bed. She was lost deep in thoughts.

A sweet and melodious tone brought her out of her reverie with such an abruptness that it took her usually brilliant brain a few moments to register that it was the tone of her own phone.

Without looking she picked the device up and accepted the call.

"Yes, Ranbir?" Prachi didn't even glance at the caller id.

"It's my new number. I haven't even given it to anyone. How do you know it's me?" Ranbir's jaw dropped in astonishment as he checked if he had made a video call by mistake.

"Because you are the only person in my life who is inconsiderate enough to call me so early on a sunday." Prachi's voice was solemn but there was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Hawww! Prachi!!!" Ranbir huffed childishly.

Prachi could no longer contain her amusement and started giggling.

As always, the melodious sound of her laughter washed away all his irritation and brought a charming smile on his lips.

"Now stop smiling all by yourself. Anyone can think you are crazy." Prachi grinned.

"You are not hiding here somewhere, are you Prachi? How do you know I was smiling?" Ranbir began to look for her in his room.

"Because when you stop talking for some time it usually means you are smiling. And I am still at home." Prachi rolled her eyes.

"Hmm. Prachi do you know when someone comes to know about what someone else is doing without even seeing?" Ranbir smirked

"When?" Prachi frowned in confusion

"When this someone keeps thinking the most about that someone. So, Prachi Arora, admit that you keep thinking about me the most. And while you are at it, also admit that you are completely....... under my spell." Ranbir grinned devilishly, already knowing what her answer would be.

"In your dreams." Prachi showed a pink tongue to her own reflection in the mirror opposite her.

"What a wonderful dream that would be!" Ranbir sighed dreamily.

A rosy hue coloured Prachi's cheeks at the wistfulness in Ranbir's voice. She began to twirl a stray lock of hair around her finger.

"You look even more beautiful when you blush and more endearing when twirl locks of your hair around your finger." Ranbir smiled

Now it was Prachi's turn to be astonished and look around to find any trace of his presence near her.

"How did you know what I was doing?" Prachi was still looking behind the curtains.

"Because I keep thinking the most about you." Ranbir's every word rang with honesty and sincerity making Prachi blush again.

"You are crazy." Prachi smiled shyly

"Crazy for you." Came Ranbir's instant reply.

"Stop flirting and tell me why you called me this early in the morning." Prachi tried to conceal her shyness at his blatant declarations.

"I wasn't flirting. And you know it. And as for calling you, mom wants me to buy some essentials for a religious occasion and you know that I know nothing about all these. So, please come with me to the mall and please don't say no. Please please please." Ranbir pleaded making a puppy face.