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Krithika's POV

I searched every corner of the school, but Mannu was nowhere to be found. Where could she have vanished? "Kaha gayi ye ladki!" (Where did this girl go!) Just as panic began to set in, a girl approached me, introducing herself as Mannu's colleague, Sindhu. She asked me to follow her, and we eventually landed at a gym.

The moment I laid eyes on Mannu, I knew she had caused another disaster. Her entire dress was stained a deep, alarming red, and she was frantically scrubbing the kitchen floor.

"Yeh kya huliya banaya hai apna? Kya hua idhar?" (What have you done to yourself? What happened here?) I demanded, crossing my arms.

Mannu looked up sheepishly. "Kittu, woh na... kuch gadbad ho gayi aur galti se juice spill ho gaya." (Kittu, actually... something went wrong and the juice accidentally spilled.)

I couldn't help but lecture her. "How many times have I told you to think before you act? Apni buddhi ka upyog kar, pata nahi hamesha raita hi kyu phelana hai!" (Use your brain; I don't know why you always have to create a mess!)

Mannu then corrected me saying, "Raita nahi kittu, juiceeee..". I replied,"abhi ye satire dena zaroori hai. Har cheez mein ulte jawab deti ho. You know the context clearly I am refering"

Mannu stayed silent, absorbing my schooling with a rare lack of protest. Meanwhile, her colleague Sindhu brought over a spare dress. Mannu thanked her, changed quickly, and we finally headed home in an auto.

During the ride, Mannu explained her new role in the gym kitchen. She reminded me, quite forcefully, of my "duty" as a reliable sister to secure our parents' permission. I nodded, accepting the challenge. I didn't really have an option-once Mannu sets her mind on something, there's no force that can stop her..

When we reached home, I carefully broached the subject with Mamma and Papa. At first, they were completely against the idea, but after some intense debate and a few logical explanations about her scholarship and independence, they finally relented. Mannu was overjoyed, pulling Mamma, Papa, and me into a giant group hug.

"Bas, bas toofan! Pehle taiyaar ho jao tum dono, humein bahar jaana hai aaj," (Enough, you whirlwind! Both of you get ready first; we have to go out today,) Mamma laughed, patting Mannu's head.

"Where to, Mamma?" I asked.

"There's a function at Sujata Aunty's house; we've been invited," she replied.

The second we heard the news, we rushed to get ready. Usually, I'm not one for social gatherings, but I was eager for this one because I knew I'd see Prerna Di. She is Sujata Aunty's daughter and someone I truly look up to.

Later that evening, we arrived at the venue. After greeting Sujata Aunty, I immediately sought out Prerna Di.

"Hi, Prerna Di!" I greeted her warmly, and we found a quiet table to sit at.

"So, Kittu, tell me-what's going on in your life?" she asked with a kind smile.

"Nothing much, Di... I'm just a little confused."

"Why? What happened?"

I sighed, letting out my inner turmoil. "I'm confused about what to do after the 12th. Some people say I should prepare for government jobs, others suggest Civil Services, while some say I should be a doctor or an engineer."

Prerna Di looked at me intently. "Log toh bolenge, magar tum kya chahti ho, Kittu?" (People will talk, but what do you want, Kittu?)

"I want to stay in the science stream, Di. That's what truly excites me," I admitted.

"And what else do you like?"

"I just... I don't want to take any risks with my career. I want everything to be properly planned."

"There's still time, Kittu. You have two years. Don't stress so much; take your time and then decide your career path." Her words were like a soothing balm, making me feel a little more at peace with my future.

Anant's POV

I hate family functions. They are usually filled with pretentious small talk and people trying to play matchmaker. I was standing near the buffet, looking for an exit strategy, when my gaze shifted toward the entrance.

And then, I saw her.

My breath hitched. It was the "Moral High Ground" girl-Krithika. But the girl standing there wasn't the serious, bespectacled student I had argued with in class. She was wearing a deep purple lehenga that hugged her frame perfectly, making her look like royalty. The rich fabric caught the light with every step she took.

I found myself completely mesmerized. Her long hair was pinned back, revealing a pair of heavy silver jhumkas that swayed gracefully against her neck. But it wasn't just the clothes; it was her ada-the way she carried herself with a quiet, natural elegance that stood out amongst the loud, shimmering crowd.

"Khoobsurat toh hai..." (She is beautiful...) I admitted to myself, unable to look away.

There was a softness in her expression as she talked to someone at a table, a stark contrast to the fire I had seen in her eyes during our debate. She looked ethereal, like a dream that didn't belong in this mundane hall. For a moment, my usual arrogance vanished, replaced by a sudden, sharp attraction that I couldn't quite explain.

I had come here expecting a boring night, but seeing Krithika in that light changed everything. I leaned against a pillar, a slow smirk forming on my lips.

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