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Author's POV

The final bell of the semester didn't just signal the end of classes; it signaled the arrival of the legendary Year-End Picnic. While most students were buzzing, Manvi was on another level of excitement. During break, she practically cornered Krithika near the lockers.

"Kittu, listen to me," Manvi said, her eyes wide with mission-mode intensity. "We are going to picnic. By hook or by crook. If Mumma says no, we negotiate. If Papa says no, we resist. I've already drafted three different emotional speeches."

A few feet away, Dhruv and Anant were leaning against the corridor wall, watching the "Sharma Sister Storm" in action.

Anant chuckled, though his eyes were fixed on Krithika. "I hope she actually comes. But knowing Krithika, she probably thinks a picnic is a waste of prime study time."

"Don't worry," Dhruv said easily, a small smile playing on his lips. "Mannu is there. If she decides they're going, she'll make it happen."

Anant froze, turning to his brother with a raised eyebrow. "Wait... Mannu? Since when did Manvi become Mannu to you? And how do you know her 'negotiation' tactics so well?"

Dhruv realized his slip, but remained remarkably calm. "It's just... Krithika calls her that. I've heard it in class. And Manvi is an extrovert, Anant. It's easy to anticipate her moves."

Anant narrowed his eyes, not entirely convinced, but he let it slide. He was too busy hoping the "negotiations" at the Sharma house would be successful.

Anant's POV

The day of the picnic finally arrived. I was standing by the bus, checking my watch, when the Sharma sisters walked toward us.

I've seen Krithika in uniform and I've seen her in hospital bandages, but today... she looked different. She was wearing a simple, pale blue sundress with a jacket. Her hair wasn't in its usual plait; it was loose, falling over her shoulders in soft waves. She looked soft, approachable, and so incredibly beautiful that for a second, I forgot how to breathe.

"Morning, Anant," she said, giving me a shy smile.

"Morning," I managed to rasp out, my heart doing that annoying triple-thump. I couldn't even look her in the eye for more than three seconds without feeling like a complete amateur.

Dhruv's POV

I was looking for Mannu. She came running toward the bus, a bright yellow jumpsuit making her look like a literal burst of sunshine. She had a colorful bandana tied around her head and a backpack full of snacks.

"Dhruv! We made it!" she cheered, jumping slightly.

She looked exactly like who she was-full of life, chaotic, and completely unafraid to be herself. I felt that familiar, protective tug in my chest. "I never doubted for a second that you wouldn't come, Mannu, I know you will join me" I said softly.

Manvi's POV

The bus ride was long, so I did what I do best: I started a game of Dumb Charades. The teams were formed, and it was Dhruv's turn to act.

Someone gave him the movie name: Maine Pyar Kiya.

Dhruv stood in the aisle, looking at me. He didn't do any elaborate acting. He pointed to his heart.and just looked directly into my eyes, pointed at himself, then at me, and gave a slow, deliberate nod.

"Maine Pyar Kiya!" I shouted instantly.

"Right," Dhruv said, his voice dropping to that low, quiet register. He didn't look away. "Yeah... Maine pyar kiya." (Yes... I have loved.)

The whole bus cheered for the point, but the world suddenly felt very small and very quiet. It felt like he wasn't naming a movie; it felt like a confession hidden in plain sight. I felt a massive blush creep over my face, and the butterflies in my stomach went into a frenzy. I looked down, unable to meet his gaze, my heart hammering a million miles an hour.

Author's POV

By the time they reached the picnic spot near the outskirts of the city, the sun was setting. After dinner at the hostel, the students were supposed to be in their rooms, but Manvi had other plans.

"Dhruv, I want to eat ice cream at midnight. On the streets," she whispered as they stood near the garden fence.

Dhruv looked at her like she'd grown a second head. "Mannu, that's insane. It's a restricted area, and it's midnight."

"I don't care," she said, her chin tilted up stubbornly. "It's on my bucket list. If you don't come, fine. I'll jump the wall and go alone."

"You wouldn't," Dhruv warned.

"Watch me," she challenged, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Manvi's POV

Midnight. I crept out of my room, my heart racing. I reached the back wall of the hostel, scrambled up the bricks, and jumped down into the darkness on the other side.

I expected to land in silence. Instead, I saw a tall figure leaning against a tree, arms crossed.

"You said you wouldn't come!" I squeaked, trying to catch my breath.

"And you were adamant," Dhruv said, stepping into the moonlight. "I had to come. Someone has to make sure you don't get lost or kidnapped while chasing a bucket list."

We started walking down the quiet, moonlit street. The air was cool, and the only sound was the crunch of our shoes on the gravel. For a moment, he reached out and took my hand-not firmly, just a light, brush of fingers that made my entire arm tingle.

It was a simple walk, but it felt like the most romantic thing in the world. We found a small stall and ate orange popsicles, laughing quietly so we wouldn't wake the neighborhood.

But as we turned the corner to head back to the hostel wall, the beam of a heavy-duty flashlight hit us square in the face.

"Who's there?" a sharp, familiar voice barked.

It was the picnic incharge . My heart dropped into my stomach. We weren't just in trouble-we were caught.

The midnight dream just hit a wall.

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