Teasing
The first rays of the sun were spilling over the narrow lanes of Varanasi. In one of those bustling streets stood a peaceful house — the Mishra House. Inside, the mild fragrance of the sacred fire filled the air, mingling with the soft sound of temple bells.
Mrs. Neelam Mishra was just finishing the morning prayer. As she placed the aarti plate in the temple, her youngest daughter, Siya, came running to her.
Siya (angrily) —
"Mummy! Look, Ankush pulled my braid again!"
Just then, Ankush came in from behind.
Ankush (defending himself) —
"Oh Mummy, I didn’t do anything! She’s just lying!"
The two started arguing. That’s when Aditya Mishra, the father of the family and a commanding chief in the Indian Army, entered from the hall. He was home on leave for a few days.
Aditya Mishra (smiling but firm) —
"Hey Ankush! You’re troubling your sister? Come here, I’ll show you!"
Aditya lightly tapped Ankush on the head in a playful scolding. Ankush gave a mischievous grin, while Siya looked triumphant at her small victory.
Ankush (making a face) —
"Papa, you always take Siya’s side!"
Everyone burst out laughing.
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The scene shifts — everyone is now sitting together at the breakfast table.
Neelam Mishra is serving hot parathas, mango pickle, and warm milk.
Nitya and Tiya, the elder daughters of the Mishra family, come out of their room, all ready for the day.
Nitya (in surprise) —
"Oh wow, breakfast is ready so early today?"
Tiya (laughing) —
"Looks like it’s because Papa’s home that everything’s on time!"
Aditya (smiling) —
"Why wouldn’t it be? In an army man’s house, time is always valued!"
Siya (a bit shyly) —
"Papa, Mummy... can I call my friends Aliya and Shivani after tuition today? We have to prepare for tomorrow’s test."
Neelam (gently) —
"Of course, beta! If it’s for studying, why would we say no?"
Ankush (jumping in quickly) —
"And can I call Shashank and Rohan too? We have a test tomorrow as well!"
Aditya (laughing) —
"Of course, son! The house should be full of children studying!"
Everyone eats breakfast together. Then Nitya and Tiya get up to leave for college.
Nitya and Tiya (together) —
"Alright Ankush, Siya... bye! Be good at school!"
Siya and Ankush (laughing) —
"Bye didi!"
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Scene shift
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the gates of St. Joseph’s High School, making the old red-brick building look almost magical. Siya took a deep breath, clutching the strap of her bag as she stepped through the gate beside her brother Ankush. The familiar chatter of students, the rustling of leaves, and the faint scent of chalk dust filled the air.
Before Siya could take another step, two figures came dashing toward her, their faces lit with excitement.
“Siyaaa!” squealed Aliya Rawat, her long braid flying behind her.
“Finally!” added Shivani Roy, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Both girls threw their arms around Siya, almost knocking the air out of her as they hugged her tightly. Laughter bubbled from all three as they swayed slightly, the world outside their little circle fading for a moment.
“I missed you so much!” Aliya grinned, pulling back just enough to look at Siya.
“We’ve been waiting forever!” Shivani added, squeezing Siya’s hand.
Siya opened her mouth to reply, but then her breath hitched. From behind Shivani, two boys approached — Shashank Roy, Shivani’s elder brother, tall and effortlessly confident, and his best friend, Rohan Rajput, with his usual easygoing grin. They strolled towards Ankush, clapping him on the back as they exchanged greetings.
Siya’s heart skipped a beat. As Shashank passed close behind her, the faint scent of his cologne filled the air — fresh, like rain on dry soil. Her stomach fluttered, and before she could stop herself, she froze, rooted to the spot, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.
Aliya and Shivani didn’t miss a thing. They exchanged a knowing glance, wicked smiles spreading across their faces.
“Oho, look at her,” Aliya whispered, nudging Shivani.
“Statue ho gayi!” Shivani teased softly, barely able to contain her giggles. “Shashank effect!”
Siya’s eyes widened, and she shot them a warning look. “Shut up, both of you!” she hissed, trying to sound annoyed, though her blush betrayed her.
But the more she tried to deny it, the harder her friends laughed, linking arms with her as they made their way towards the school building, their teasing only just beginning.
Siya tried to shake off the warm, fluttery feeling as the three of them started walking toward their classroom, but Aliya and Shivani weren’t about to let her off that easy.
“Arrey, look at her face — red like a tomato!” Aliya said, trying to stifle her laughter as she glanced sideways at Siya.
“Siya, kya baat hai?” Shivani joined in, leaning closer with a mock-serious expression. “Tum toh keh rahi thi tumhe koi farak nahi padta mere Shashank bhaiya se. Fir yeh kya ho raha hai?”
Siya groaned, pulling her bag higher on her shoulder as if that might somehow hide her from their teasing. “Bas karo na! Tum dono pagal ho. Mujhe koi farak nahi padta. He’s just... just Ankush’s friend. Aur tera bhaiya!”
“Mere bhaiya hi toh hai,” Shivani smirked, exchanging a grin with Aliya. “Tabhi toh main jaanti hoon kitna accha hai. Tall, smart, responsible... hai na Aliya?”
Aliya clasped her hands together dramatically. “Bilkul! And tumhari toh lottery lag gayi, Siya. Tumhare ghar ke aas paas bhi toh rehte ho na woh?”
Siya covered her face with both hands, half laughing, half mortified. “Tum log pagal ho gaye ho! Kuch bhi bolte ho.”
But the more she protested, the more unstoppable their teasing became.
“Waise, jab bhaiya ne pass kiya na, Siya ki saansein hi ruk gayi thi. Dekha tune, Aliya?” Shivani said, clutching her side from laughing so much.
“Bilkul! Jaise koi filmon mein hota hai na — slow motion,” Aliya said, pretending to push back imaginary hair from her face and bat her eyelashes, making Siya burst into embarrassed giggles.
They climbed the stairs together, and as they neared their classroom, Shivani nudged Siya gently. “Ab toh maan lo Siya, tumhe mere bhaiya pasand hain. Itna blush toh heroine bhi nahi karti!”
Siya shook her head, smiling despite herself. “Tum dono na... ek din pitoge!”
But even as she said it, she couldn’t help glancing down the corridor, just for a second, hoping — and at the same time hoping not — to catch another glimpse of Shashank.
And Aliya and Shivani noticed that too.
“Dekho dekho, phir dekh rahi hai!” they said in unison, bursting into fresh laughter as they finally reached their classroom door.
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