The sight of Haneesha and Vineel approaching their house sent a flicker of hope through Vidhur. Maybe, just maybe, this was his chance to clear the air.But as Haneesha drew closer, her head buried deep in a book, her expression a mask of indifference, that hope dwindled. She brushed past him, a silent dismissal etched on her features. Vidhur winced, a wave of frustration washing over him."There she goes again with that attitude," he muttered, chewing on his thumbnail nervously. "Can't she spare a second for a simple hello?"Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through his thoughts. "Vineel, stop biting your nails! It's a bad habit!" Haneesha scolded, momentarily glancing up from her book.Vineel, ever the innocent one, blinked in confusion. "When did I do that?" he mumbled, looking around with wide eyes.Vidhur, startled, stopped mid-chew, his bitten nail a testament to his agitation. He cleared his throat awkwardly, "Ahem…"Vineel's face lit up as he spotted Vidhur. "Hey, hero!" he exclaime
Vidhur's voice, barely a whisper through the cup-and-thread contraption, held a hint of defiance. "True friends," he said, "are the ones who lift you up when no one else notices you've fallen. It's a waste of time trying to explain it to those who wouldn't understand. Tiny-headed people," he muttered, likely referring to himself.Haneesha narrowed her eyes, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Come again?" she pressed, her voice a low hiss. "What was that about tiny heads?"Suddenly, a voice cut through the night – her mother's, calling from inside the house. "Haneesha, it's late! Turn off the light and get to bed!"Haneesha, startled, mumbled a quick response to her mother, "Ha! Okay, Mom, going now!"With a sigh, she pulled the makeshift intercom up, carefully placing the cup back on the table. She stole a glance at Vidhur below, her gaze lingering for a moment. Then, with a determined glint in her eyes, she grabbed a textbook and dropped it down.Vidhur, ever the athlete, caught it ef
Haneesha, clad in a trendy slit maxi top paired with black pencil jeans that hugged her legs like leggings, stood determinedly behind her younger brother Vineel. He, on the other hand, wore a look of utter reluctance, his small frame dwarfed by her confident one."Di, please yaar," Vineel whined, pushing back against her gentle but firm pressure. "Don't push me into this."Haneesha knew this wouldn't be easy. Convincing their dad, a man as serious as a heart attack, was an uphill battle. But she also knew Vineel, his bravado often masking a deep-seated fear of their father's disapproval."Come on, Vineel," she coaxed, her voice laced with playful authority. "I know you're strong. Just ask him."Vineel, however, remained unconvinced. "Even if I am strong, Dad's a fortress," he countered, using a metaphor that made Haneesha chuckle. "No, I can't. You go ask yourself."Haneesha wasn't about to give up so easily. She deployed her ultimate weapon – the puppy dog eyes. "Please, Vineel?" she
Prakash's face contorted in confusion as Vidhur approached their table, a practiced smile plastered on his face. Haneesha, seizing the moment, launched into her act."Hi there!" she chirped, her voice dripping with forced cheer. "Yes, I'd like a strong coffee, please. And can you also spare some change? Like, fifty rupees perhaps?"Vidhur, initially taken aback by her sudden request, quickly caught on to her silent plea. A playful grin tugged at his lips as he played along."Of course," he replied smoothly, his voice directed towards a seemingly oblivious Prakash. "One strong coffee coming right up. And for the change, would you like it in fives or tens?"Haneesha, suppressing a smile, reached across the table and theatrically patted Prakash's hand. "Oh, don't worry about me, kind sir," she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "This gentleman right here will handle the change. Won't you, Prakash?"Prakash, finally catching on to the charade, spluttered in indignation. "Hanees
Haneesha, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips, grabbed her brother's hand and marched out of the bakery. Vineel, ever the loyal sibling, trailed behind, his gaze flickering between his sister and the slightly bewildered Vidhur behind the counter."Hey!" Vidhur called out, his voice laced with amusement. "Since I'm apparently your knight in shining armor now, shouldn't you at least offer me a reward?"Haneesha stopped abruptly, turning towards him with a playful glint in her eyes. "Hmm," she pondered, feigning seriousness. "What kind of reward did you have in mind, Sir Vidhur?"Vidhur, catching on to her game, grinned. "Well, how about some moral support at my upcoming match? In two months, I'm playing in the Under-19s. Think you can spare some time to cheer me on?"Haneesha's smile faltered slightly. Exams, that unwelcome visitor, loomed large in her mind. "Actually," she began hesitantly, "we have our exams starting next week. It's going to be a battleground.""Exams, huh?" Vidhur
Haneesha locked eyes with Vidhur for a moment, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. His playful insistence on treating her was endearing, and she couldn't resist his offer."Alright, alright," she conceded with a smile. "Lead the way, Mr. Bakery and Cafe Extraordinaire. Just remember, not a single rupee from my pocket."Vidhur chuckled, a familiar glint of mischief in his eyes. "Wouldn't dream of it," he replied, gesturing towards the bakery entrance.The early morning calm enveloped them as they entered the bakery. There were no bustling crowds or hurried orders, just the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee. Haneesha settled into her usual spot by the window, a place bathed in the warm glow of the morning sun. Vidhur, ever the attentive gentleman, retrieved a newspaper from the rack and placed it beside her plate before disappearing behind the counter.Haneesha unfolded the newspaper, her eyes scanning the headlines. But as she delved deeper, a frown cre
"Okay, forget Kanchan for a second," Vidhur conceded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Let's talk about the IAS officer you read about in the news, the one who got arrested."Haneesha nodded, her frown returning. "Yeah, it just doesn't make sense," she said. "She was the topper, the brightest of the bunch, aced the exam in one shot. They called her 'Lady Hero' - a symbol of honesty and service. No one stumbles into that kind of career by accident. Imagine the years of dedication it took, the sheer force of intelligence. She became an IAS officer at a young age, her father a DGP himself!"Vidhur listened intently, his respect for Haneesha's passion growing. "And then," she continued, her voice filled with frustration, "she falls in love with this lower-caste guy, an SP. Marries him against her family's wishes, a true act of courage. Even after twenty years, her father, still bitter, plots revenge. Politics get dirty, and suddenly, the Lady Hero becomes the victim. Locked away, dep
Hi Vidhur,I hope you're doing well – of course, you are, you always do well. Today, I don't know quite what to write... hmm, anyway, all the very best for both of you.Do you know, Vidhur, what your parents might be thinking about you? About your success, your determination to achieve your goals? They wish you the strength to face challenges with confidence, along with the wisdom to choose your battles carefully. They wish you adventure on your journey, and that you may always stop to help someone along the way. Listen to your heart and take things carefully.Vidhur, remember, you are loved. They are truly proud of you. When your parents closed their eyes for just a moment, suddenly a man stood where their boy used to be. They may not be able to carry you in their arms now, but they will carry you in their hearts. The day you stand in front of them as a great cricketer – that will be the proudest moment for them, the proudest moment for them to tell others that you are their son.