The night faded gently, giving way to a soft golden morning. Birds sang their usual melodies outside, weaving sunlight into song.
Inside the room, Bhairava lay curled under the bedsheet, still lost in sleep. Shivani stood beside the bed, arms folded, watching him with quiet amusement.
She leaned down and nudged his shoulder. Bhairava groaned, eyes half-open. "Shivani… What now? Let me sleep a little more."
Without a word, Shivani tugged at the bedsheet. Bhairava groaned and clung to it like a lifeline. She gave it a firmer pull, and this time, the sheet slipped away. Bhairava, undeterred, hugged his pillow tightly and buried his face into it.
Shivani stood with one hand on her hip, shaking her head with a sigh that carried more fondness than frustration.
Then she walked to the balcony and pulled open the curtain. Sunlight streamed into the room, landing directly on Bhairava's face. He squinted, blinked, and slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes. The clock read 9:00 AM.
"I slept this long?" he murmured, rubbing his eyes.
Then it came back to him the dream. The beach, the butterflies, the white raven, the stars, and Shivani's laughter. A smile crept across his face.
"That was a nice dream. Finally… I did it."
Still drowsy he noticed Shivani standing near the balcony, quietly observing something outside. He shuffled over, rubbing his eyes, and asked in a sleepy voice, "What are you looking at?"
He stood beside her and followed her gaze. On the balcony, nestled in a leafy plant, was a caterpillar—its cocoon nearly ready to open.
"Is that a caterpillar?" he asked, leaning closer. Shivani nodded.
They both watched it in silence for a moment, the morning light painting soft shadows around them.
Then Shivani nudged him playfully toward the bathroom, signing with a grin: Go get ready.
Bhairava chuckled, still half-asleep. "You're so energetic today…"
He freshened up and made his way downstairs. The aroma of breakfast greeted him, and in the kitchen, he saw Shivani standing by the stove, focused and calm.
For a moment, he just watched her.
Her presence stirred the memory of her joy in the dream, the way she had run through the flowers, chased butterflies, smiled under the night sky. Unlike the dreams of frustration and longing, this one had ended in peace.
And now, seeing her here, in the quiet of morning, Bhairava felt something rare and grounding.
It's Happiness.
After having breakfast together, Shivani played with Bell, their golden retriever, her laughter echoing softly through the house.
Bhairava was just clearing the plates when his phone buzzed. It was Mano.
"Bhairava, are you ready?" came Mano's voice, full of energy.
Bhairava sighed, keeping his tone calm. "I told you yesterday. Count me out."
But Mano wasn't backing down. "Too late, my friend. Ticket's booked. You're coming. No escape."
Bhairava frowned. "I can't leave Shivani alone at home."
Just then, Shivani, having overheard, walked over. She looked at him with calm insistence and signed, Go.
Bhairava hesitated, glancing between her and the phone. Mano's voice came again, "Come on, man. Just the movie. Then you're free."
Bhairava exhaled, defeated but smiling. "Fine. I'll come. But I'm leaving right after the movie."
"Yeah, fine," Mano replied, satisfied.
Shivani gave him a thumbs-up.
Then, with her usual grace, she settled on the sofa, music book in hand, and lifted her violin. The familiar notes began to fill the room as she practiced, each stroke of the bow steady and full of feeling.
Upstairs, Bhairava was getting ready—it was movie day, something they'd planned together. He smiled to himself, still carrying the warmth of last night's dream.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Shivani opened it and found Aarya standing outside. Today, she looked different—casual, radiant. Her brown hair danced in the breeze, and her round glasses framed her face with a quiet charm. She smiled, and the moment felt lighter.
Aarya stepped inside and asked, "Where is he?"
Shivani signed with a playful smirk, "When does he ever come on time?" Then gestured for Aarya to sit beside her.
Aarya settled next to Shivani, her eyes drifting to the violin. "Are you practicing?" she asked.
Shivani nodded with a smile.
"Play something," Aarya said gently.
Shivani lifted her bow and began.
The music flowed soft, rich, and full of emotion. Each note seemed to melt into the air, wrapping the room in warmth. Aarya closed her eyes for a moment, letting the sound wash over her. It felt like the world had paused, just to listen.
And Bell—curled up near the sofa, lifted his head.
His ears perked, tail gently wagging. With each stroke of the bow, he tilted his head, as if listening closely.
Shivani drew her bow across the final note, letting it linger in the air like a soft echo. Aarya's eyes sparkled her heart light, her smile wide. She clapped with delight.
"That was beautiful," she whispered.
Just then, footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Bhairava appeared, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt with casual flair, "Aarya, when did you come?" he asked, eyebrows raised.
Aarya turned to him with a playful glare. "Just now. How long do I have to wait for you?"
Bhairava shrugged, smirking. "I was getting ready."
Aarya grinned, her excitement still bubbling. "No worries. Shivani played the violin for me."
Bhairava blinked, feigning concern. "Sorry, I never thought this could've happened. You must've struggled a lot hearing it."
Shivani turned sharply, her eyes narrowing into a glare that could slice through sarcasm. Aarya laughed. "Struggled? It was melting. She played beautifully."
Shivani, catching the praise, tilted her head and gave Bhairava a slow, deliberate smirk—like he was some curious insect she'd decided not to squash. She didn't need words; her expression said it all: "See? I have fans too."
Bhairava raised an eyebrow, then turned to Aarya, stepping closer. He gently placed his hand on her forehead, mock-serious. "Beautiful? Are you alright?"
Aarya blinked, startled by his closeness. A soft blush crept up her cheeks. "Why? What are you doing?" she asked, flustered.
Bhairava grinned. "You just said that noise was beautiful. I'm worried your ears are malfunctioning."
Before he could finish his smirk, Shivani launched herself at him with a mock battle cry, smacking him with a cushion.
Bhairava yelped, trying to dodge, but Shivani was relentless. He grabbed her hair in defense, and she retaliated by pinching his chin, both of them tangled in a chaotic, affectionate scuffle.
Aarya watched them, laughter bubbling up from her chest. The sight of their sibling chaos—so full of warmth and mischief made her heart feel light.
They suddenly froze mid-wrestle, Bhairava still holding Shivani's hair, Shivani gripping his chin. Both turned to Aarya with blank, confused expressions.
"What happened?" Bhairava asked, blinking.
Aarya smiled, her voice soft. "Nothing. I'm just… glad."
They stared at her for a beat.
Bhairava tilted his head. "Weird."
Shivani nodded in agreement.
The moment passed, and the house settled into a quiet calm. Aarya and Bhairava began getting ready to leave.
Before stepping out, Bhairava turned to Shivani. "I'll be back soon. Lock the door and stay inside. Be careful."
Shivani gave a confident thumbs-up and signed with a smile, "Don't worry. Enjoy your day." She waved goodbye, her energy light and reassuring.
Outside, Mano was already waiting at the corner of the road, bouncing on his heels. "How long, people? We're gonna miss the trailers!" he called out, grinning.
The three of them rushed toward the mall, walking fast, weaving through the crowd. The clock was ticking, and Mano's dramatic urgency kept them moving.
As they entered the mall, a girl came rushing from the opposite direction and collided with Bhairava. "Sorry!" she said quickly, barely slowing down before disappearing into the crowd.
She was rushing fast, frantic. Like she was escaping something.
Bhairava turned, watching her retreating figure. He hadn't seen her face clearly, but something about her felt familiar. Deeply familiar.
Mano noticed him staring. "What are you looking at?"
Bhairava's voice was quiet, uncertain. "I think I saw Ananya."
Aarya, ever composed, glanced in the same direction. "Ananya? You told she went to her hometown. You probably saw someone else."
But Bhairava shook his head slowly. "Yes… But it just was looked like her."
Mano clapped his hands dramatically. "Hey, mystery girl later. Movie now. We're already late!"
Reluctantly, Bhairava turned away. He and Aarya followed Mano into the theatre, the lights dimming as the screen began to glow. Time passed. The movie played, laughter and gasps echoing through the hall. Then the credits rolled and the lights came back on, the three of them stepped out into the bright mall corridor. The movie was over.
The market street buzzed with life—voices overlapping, vendors shouting offers, auto rickshaws honking as they squeezed through the crowd.
Mano stretched dramatically, arms wide, voice loud. "Wow! That was a nice movie. Totally worth the rush!"
They had stopped at a small tea shop tucked between fruit stalls and fabric vendors. Bhairava handed out three cups of steaming tea—one to Aarya, one to Mano, and kept one for himself.
Mano grabbed his glass and immediately yelped, "Ahhhhh so hot!"
He juggled the glass between his hands, unable to hold it properly. Aarya burst into laughter, teasing him with a grin.
Bhairava chuckled softly. "Leave it. You know he doesn't like anything hot."
Mano, ever the charmer, winked and said, "You're the only one who knows me, Bhairava."
They stood together, sipping tea, chatting casually as the crowd flowed around them. The warmth of the moment wrapped around them like a shared blanket. But Bhairava's gaze drifted upward.
The sky was pale blue, the sun blazing, yet he stared as if searching for something hidden. Aarya noticed, her brows knitting. "What happened? You're not normal for some time now. What are you looking at?"
Bhairava hesitated, then murmured, "Nothing. It's just… I feel like I've been watched for quite a while. Like someone is watching me right now too."
Mano followed his gaze, smirking. "Watching you? Maybe some goddess looking down from the sky?"
Bhairava lips twitched. "Shut up…"
Aarya shook her head gently. "It could just be your illusion. Don't think too much."
They finished their tea, the heat of the afternoon pressing against their backs. Just as they were about to leave, Mano's eyes caught something ahead. "Hey Bhairava, look! Isn't that Shreya?"
Bhavira looked up and saw her walking a few steps ahead, maybe shopping. His face lit up with quiet happiness.
Aarya noticed the change in Bhairava's expression. Her smile faded for a moment. She looked down, hiding the sadness in her eyes. But then she smiled again, even though it hurt.
The three of them began walking behind Shreya. Mano leaned toward Bhairava and whispered, "Go and speak to her."
Bhairava looked nervous and shy. "Speak? What will I speak?"
Aarya stayed silent, her eyes focused ahead.
Mano laughed and said, "Come on, she's our classmate! If you don't talk, how will she even notice you?"
Bhairava scratched his head, clearly uncomfortable. "Yes, but…. What will I even ask?"
Mano grinned and gave him a playful nudge. "Just ask her if she wants to go for a coffee. Simple!"
Bhairava shook his head quickly. "No, I can't."
Mano rolled his eyes and smirked. "Yes, you can."
Bhairava thought about it for a moment, then suddenly backed away. "No… There'll be another opportunity."
Mano frowned, his patience thinning. "Not this again. Today you're going to speak with her. Wait—I'll call her."
Mano was just about to call out Shreya's name when a loud voice echoed through the crowded street.
"Thief! Somebody help! Thief!"
Everyone turned. A man was running toward them, pushing through the crowd. Behind him, a young woman was chasing him, shouting and pointing. The man clutched a handbag tightly—it was clear he had stolen it.
Bhairava, Mano, and Aarya froze, unsure what to do. People around them stepped back, watching but not helping.
The thief was heading straight toward Bhairava. The woman behind him cried out, "Catch him! He stole my purse!"
Mano's eyes lit up with excitement. "Great chance! If you catch the thief, you'll be the talk of the town. You won't even need to speak to Shreya—she'll come talk to you!"
Bhairava's eyes widened. "What? I can't do that!"
But Mano didn't wait. He gave Bhairava a firm push forward—right into the thief's path.
Bhairava stumbled, shocked. He looked up and saw Shreya watching from the side. His heart pounded. He couldn't back away now. He didn't know if he could catch the thief, but he didn't want to look weak either.
He took a deep breath and stood in a fighting pose, trying to look brave.
Aarya rushed forward, worried. "What are you doing? He might have a weapon!"
Mano waved her off. "She's watching! Think about it! We just saw this in the movie—hero catches thief, heroine falls in love!"
Bhairava looked between them, confused and nervous. His mind was spinning.
Mano leaned in, voice full of drama. "This is your moment. Time to become the hero. After you catch the thief, she'll run to you and hug you!"
Aarya cried out, "Don't listen to him!"
"Hug?" Bhairava thought, blushing. He imagined Shreya running to him, arms open.
That thought sealed it.
He stood tall, heart racing, eyes locked on the thief. His pose was stiff, but determined.
Aarya looked stunned. Mano grinned. "Come on, the time is yours!"
The thief was charging forward, fast and wild, shoving people aside. His face was tense, eyes darting. When he saw Bhairava standing in his path, he didn't slow down, he just ran harder.