𝟎𝟑. ᴄᴏʟᴅ ᴡᴀʀs

Author's POV

The sun dipped lazily over Regeal Town, painting soft orange strokes over neat bungalows and blooming bougainvillea. The end-of-day hum buzzed in the air - children shouting from the park, mothers calling their kids for snacks, and bicycles screeching to a halt near the colony gate.

At St. Andrew's campus, the final bell had just rung, releasing waves of laughter and chatter through the school ground. Students were scattered - some complaining about homework, some boasting about vacations, and some already making weekend plans.

Among them walked Ahanshi and Manya, their bags slung carelessly, shoes half open, talking about everything under the sun.

(Ahanshi's POV)

"Yaar, Prachi di ke haath ka khana toh kamaal ka hota hai," I said while adjusting my bag. "Aaj usne aloo tikki banayi thi. Mera favorite."

("Prachi di cooks amazing food. Today she made potato patties - my favorite.")

Manya laughed, flipping her hair dramatically. "Tujhe toh har cheez favorite lagti hai bas kaddu chhod ke."

("You find everything your favorite except pumpkin.")

I rolled my eyes. "Kaddu khane wale logon se main door rehti hoon. Mujhe toxic lagta hai."

("I stay away from people who eat pumpkin. They feel toxic to me.")

We both burst into laughter, our voices echoing as we neared the main gate.

But before I could continue my monologue about Prachi's cooking, Manya's eyes caught something shiny parked near the boundary wall.

"Arre dekh, dekh - bullet!" she gasped, excitement dancing in her eyes.

I turned, instantly recognizing that bike - his bike. The black Bullet, perfectly polished, stood there like it owned the ground.

I looked away, uninterested. "Haan toh? Market mein nayi thodi aayi hai ? It's just a bike."

("So what? Is it newly launched in the market? It's just a bike.")

Manya smirked. "Just a bike? Tu toh dekh bhi nahi paayi kaun ki hai. Lagta hai bullet ke saath uske owner ko bhi ignore kar rahi hai."

("Just a bike? You didn't even notice whose it is. Seems like you're ignoring both the Bullet and its owner.")

I folded my arms. "Bilkul. Mujhe farq hi nahi padta."

("Exactly. I don't care.")

But before I could finish, a familiar laugh caught my ear. Deep, careless, confident. I froze for a second.

(Author's POV)

Just a few feet away, Ishaan and Raghav were standing near the parking area. Ishaan was twirling his Bullet keys around one finger, his usual unreadable expression sitting on his face. Raghav was saying something animatedly - probably another one of his lame jokes.

Ishaan didn't laugh, just replied with a faint "hmm."

He wasn't the kind of person who laughed easily - his silence often said more than a dozen words could.

But fate had a wicked sense of humor today.

Unaware of their proximity, Ahanshi and Manya were walking right behind them - loud enough for both boys to hear every word.

(Ahanshi's POV)

I was still ranting. "Aur waise bhi, mujhe lagta hai woh ladka - kya naam tha uska - haan, Ishaan! - bada rude aur arrogant hai. Thoda basic manners bhi nahi hai usme."

("Anyway, I think that guy - what was his name - yeah, Ishaan! - he's rude and arrogant. Doesn't even have basic manners.")

Manya nearly doubled over laughing. "Tu toh jaise uske life ka roast karne aayi hai."

("You sound like you came here just to roast his entire life.")

I continued, feeling extra dramatic. "Aur uska attitude toh jaise Prime Minister banna ho. Upar se woh blank face, mujhe lagta hai uske andar koi robot chip lagi hai."

("And that attitude! Like he's trying to be the Prime Minister. With that blank face, I swear he's got a robot chip inside.")

Manya was wheezing, holding her stomach, when suddenly her laughter cut short - her eyes went wide, horror replacing amusement.

(Manya's POV)

Oh no. I turned around slowly - and there they were. Ishaan and Raghav.

Ishaan's jaw was tight, his eyes sharp like cold glass. Raghav, on the other hand, looked like he was seconds away from bursting into laughter.

"Uh... Aha-Ahanshi..." I stammered, tugging her sleeve. "Ab bas kar na, chal ghar chalte hai."

("Enough now, let's go home.")

But of course, this girl never knew when to stop.

"Arre tu kyun bhaag rahi hai? Main toh abhi shuru hi hui thi."

("Why are you running? I just started.")

I silently prayed for the ground to swallow me whole.

"Woh... meri mummy bula rahi hai main chali!" I blurted suddenly and started walking off.

("Uh... my mom's calling me, I'm going!")

Ahanshi frowned. "Itni jaldi? School ke andar mummy aayi hai?"

("So soon? Did your mom come inside the school or what?")

I said turn around then run off from there.

Then she turned - and froze.

(Author's POV)

Right behind her stood Ishaan, expression unreadable but eyes definitely not amused. Beside him, Raghav gave a tiny wave and a teasing smile.

The air turned awkwardly thick.

Ahanshi's confidence crumbled for a second, but she quickly masked it with fake bravado.

"Uh... meri bhi mummy bula rahi hai! Ruk Manya, main bhi aati hoon!"

("Uh... my mom's also calling me! Wait Manya, I'm coming too!")

And just like that, she dashed away, leaving Ishaan standing with a clenched jaw and Raghav laughing helplessly.

"Bhai," Raghav said, wiping a tear from his eye, "ladki reality check de gayi."

("Bro, that girl just gave you a reality check.")

Ishaan shot him a glare sharp enough to silence him instantly. Without another word, he revved his Bullet, the engine roaring like his temper, and drove off at full speed.

Raghav followed him and sat on back seat, still chuckling.

(Raghav's POV)

Bhai jab gussa hota hai na, toh hawa bhi apni direction badal leti hai.

(When my brother gets angry, even the air changes its direction.)

He was riding fast, his jaw locked, his eyes dark. I didn't say a word. Sometimes silence was the only thing that kept Ishaan from exploding.

"Yaar, woh ladki bhi kamaal ki hai," I muttered to myself, remembering Ahanshi's fearless tone. "Gusse mein bhi cute lagti hai."

("That girl's something else. Even when she's angry, she looks cute.")

(Author's POV)

That evening, Regeal Town shimmered under yellow lights. Inside the Batra household, the smell of Maggi filled the kitchen.

Ahanshi stood in front of the stove, stirring noodles while swaying to music. Her face glowed under the warm light, the day's awkwardness almost forgotten.

(Ahanshi's POV)

"Bas, thoda aur masala..." I muttered, tasting the Maggi. "Perfect!"

Just then, Prachi di's voice echoed. "Oho, madam rasoi mein Maggi bana rahi hai! Wah!"

("Oh wow, madam is cooking Maggi today! Great!")

I grinned. "Yes, but ek bite bhi nahi milegi aapko."

("Yes, but you won't get a single bite.")

She laughed. "Ha-ha, mat dena. Dekh lena kal ka breakfast main hi banaugi."

("Fine, don't give me. Let's see who makes breakfast tomorrow.")

Before I could reply, Prachi's phone buzzed. Her expression changed - she smiled instantly at the name flashing on the screen: Surbhi.

She answered, walking to her room.

I frowned. "Surbhi? Yeh kaun hai?" (Who's that?)

Curiosity burned stronger than hunger. After a few minutes, I knocked and entered Prachi's room, holding two plates of Maggi.

Prachi was ending her call, smiling. "Okay bye, kal milte hai!" (Okay bye, see you tomorrow!)

I raised an eyebrow. "Didi, yeh Surbhi kaun hai?"

("Didi, who's this Surbhi?")

Prachi smiled mischievously. "Meri classmate. Bahut sweet hai. Waise, woh Ishaan ki elder sister hai."

("My classmate. She's really sweet. By the way, she's Ishaan's elder sister.")

My spoon froze mid-air.

Of course. Universe ka sense of humor kabhi fail nahi hota. (The universe's sense of humor never fails.)

I stormed out of the room, muttering, "Yeh naam toh sun ke hi mood kharab ho gaya."

("Just hearing his name ruined my mood.")

Behind me, Prachi shook her head. "Ajeeb ladki hai yeh." ("Such a strange girl.")

(Author's POV)

The next morning, the school buzzed with energy. The corridors echoed with chatter - everyone knew a special announcement was coming. Teachers guided students toward the assembly hall to go line by line.

Aman was munching his sandwich while Ahanshi and Manya followed him, still half asleep.

Inside, the vice principal stood on stage, holding a paper. "Students," she began, "we have an important update about the upcoming Inter Senior Fest. From tomorrow, every student will be assigned a partner. Together, you'll prepare a project representing St. Andrew's. You can collect your partner slips from the staff room."

Whispers erupted instantly.

Manya elbowed Ahanshi. "Partners? Sounds fun!"

Aman grinned. "Bas koi boring partner na mil jaye." ("Hope I don't get a boring one.")

Ahanshi and manya nodded while agreeing with aman.

(Manya's POV)

We rushed to the staff room like excited kids at a candy store. I was the first to pick up my slip then ahanshi I can't stop myself to know the name of my partner.

I unfolded the slip quickly - and my eyes widened. "Raghav Malhotra."

I gasped. "Oh no, mujhe toh Ishaan ke chhote version mil gaye!" ("Oh no, I got Ishaan's smaller version!")

Meanwhile, Ahanshi opened hers - and her face drained of color.

(Ahanshi's POV)

I read the slip twice, hoping the name would magically change. But nope. It said it clear as day: Ishaan Malhotra.

"Manya..." I whispered. "Main mar gayi." ("I'm dead.")

On the other side of the hall, Ishaan was staring at his own slip with equal disbelief. Raghav peeked at it and burst out laughing.

"Bhai, ye toh kamaal ho gaya!" ("Bro, this is amazing!")

Ishaan muttered, "Not funny."

Meanwhile, Manya was already teasing me.

"Ab tujhe un dono ka face roz dekhna padega, wah kya kismat mili hai."

("Now you'll have to see their faces every day, what a destiny you've got.")

I groaned dramatically, covering my face. "Destiny meri dushman hai, Manya."

("Destiny is my enemy, Manya.")

And she just laughed, her voice echoing down the corridor as I silently promised myself - Cold wars just got real.

Author POV

The bell rang, signaling the end of the announcement. Students began buzzing all over the hall like a beehive-some were excited about their partners, while others were groaning in despair.

And in one corner stood Ahanshi, Manya, and Aman, trying to digest the new reality.

Manya was grinning from ear to ear, her eyes full of mischief.

"Arre wah Ahanshi, ab toh tujhe ussi ke saath project banana padega jiska naam sunte hi tu bhadak jaati hai! Wah, destiny ne kya jhatka diya hai!"

(Wow Ahanshi, now you'll have to work with the guy whose name itself annoys you! What a twist of destiny!)

Ahanshi glared. "Shut up, Manya. Mujhe uske saath nahi karna koi project, mai principal se baat kar lungi."

(Shut up, Manya. I'm not working with him; I'll talk to the principal.)

Aman joined in teasing, "Haan haan, jaake bolo-'Sir, please mujhe us arrogant gadhe se bacha lijiye.'"

(Yeah, go tell them-'Sir, please save me from that arrogant donkey.')

Manya burst into laughter while Ahanshi shot him a death glare. "Aman, tujhe na koi din main pakad ke maarungi main."

(Aman, one of these days, I'm going to catch and beat you up.)

She stomped off toward her classroom, muttering under her breath.

Author POV

Meanwhile, across the courtyard, Ishaan leaned against his Bullet, expression unreadable. Raghav was having the time of his life teasing him.

Raghav POV

"Bhai, bata na kaisa lag raha hai? Pehli baar kisi ladki ne tujhe itna sunaya bhi aur ab partner bhi wahi mil gayi!"

(Bro, tell me how it feels? The first girl to roast you and now she's your partner!)

Ishaan rolled his eyes. "Bas kar, Raghav. Mujhe kaam karna hai, stand-up comedy nahi sunni."

(Stop it, Raghav. I'm here to work, not to hear stand-up comedy.)

Raghav chuckled. "Mujhe toh lagta hai yeh project ek project se zyada, ek battlefield banne wala hai."

(I think this project's going to be more like a battlefield than an assignment.)

Ishaan didn't respond-he just revved his bike slightly, lost in thought. But somewhere inside, he couldn't deny it-there was something interesting about that fiery girl who didn't care who he was.

Author POV

Later that day, at the canteen, the trio-Ahanshi, Manya, and Aman-were sitting around their favorite corner table.

"Tu seriously jaane wali hai principal ke paas?" Manya asked between bites of samosa.

(Are you seriously going to the principal about this?)

"Haan, kyun nahi?" Ahanshi snapped. "Main uss attitude wale insaan ke saath kaam nahi kar sakti. Uski aankhein dekhi thi? Jaise mujhe zinda kha jayega."

(Why not? I can't work with that arrogant guy. Did you see his eyes? Like he'd eat me alive.)

Manya smirked. "Aur tujhe kya lagta hai, usse khushi ho rahi hai tere saath project milke? He probably thinks the same."

(And what do you think? He's not thrilled either, you know.)

Aman coughed dramatically. "Mujhe toh dono ke beech kuch kuch ho raha hai lagta hai..."

(I feel like something something is happening between you two...)

"AMAN!" both girls yelled in unison, and everyone in the canteen turned their heads. Aman grinned sheepishly. "Kya? Mujhe toh bas vibe mili." (What? I just got the vibe.)

Ahanshi threw a tissue at him. "Vibe mil gayi na? Ab ja samosa le aa aur mujhe de." (Got the vibe? Now go get another samosa and give it to me.)

Author POV

At the same time in the college canteen, Raghav was giving Ishaan a full-on lecture.

Raghav POV

"Dekh bhai, tu itna serious mat ho. Ladki thodi si zyada express kar deti hai, par dil se bura nahi lagta. Aur tujhe toh challenge pasand hai na?"

(Look bro, don't be so serious. She just expresses too much, doesn't mean bad. And you love challenges, right?)

Ishaan smirked slightly. "Challenge toh pasand hai, par unnecessary drama nahi."

(I like challenges, not unnecessary drama.)

Raghav leaned forward. "Toh maan le, yeh dono ka combo hi interesting hai-tumhara calmness aur uska chaos."

(Then admit it, your calmness and her chaos make an interesting combo.)

Ishaan's lips curved into a small smile. "Let's see who loses their patience first."

Author POV

Back home that evening, Ahanshi sat on her study table, staring at her phone. Manya's text popped up:

"Girl, ready for your new partner tomorrow? 😂🔥"

Ahanshi typed back:

"Main ready nahi, war ready hai."

(I'm not ready, the war is.)

Her sister Prachi peeked into her room. "Kya war chal raha hai madam?"

(What war is going on, madam?)

"College wale," she muttered, "sirf naam diya hai 'inter-fest project', asal mein toh battlefield hai."

(They've just named it a project; in reality, it's a battlefield.)

Prachi laughed. "Good luck, soldier."

Author POV

The night settled over Regal Town. Lights flickered on in every house. From his balcony, Ishaan looked out at the quiet street, the same street where he'd seen that loud, stubborn girl shout at him twice already.