32│The Treausre-Hunt

Chapter 32

• THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS WILL SOLELY ABOUT THE PAST EVENTS WHICH WILL SHOWCASE HOW THEIR LOVE GREW AND HOW A SERIES OF EVENTS BUILT A GAP BETWEEN THEM.

• THIS CHAPTER IS THE CONTINUATION OF THE FLASHBACK FROM CHAPTER 28 ( THE TANTALIZING-KISS )

"Lamho ki guzarish hai yeh paas aa jaaye,

Hum... Hum Tum, Tum... Hum Tum..."

______________________

AUTHOR'S POV

BELIEF. The word reflects the act of having faith, conviction, and the courage to place one's trust in someone. But belief does not end at the horizon of faith; it stretches far beyond, running deep into the very currents of love.

It forms the very core of what we feel for another. At times, it even reveals the superstitious side of ourselves— the part willing to hold on to every sign, every promise, every possibility, simply to preserve love, faith, and the hope of togetherness.

Believing in the person you love seems easy, doesn't it? But is the process truly as simple as it sounds? No!! It takes time. It takes effort. It takes risks. Sometimes, it takes everything within you to truly believe in someone.

Believing in someone does not necessarily mean accepting everything they say without question. Sometimes, it means arguing with them. Sometimes, it means showing them the right path. Sometimes, it means questioning their version of things— not because you doubt them, but because you care enough to understand them.

Perhaps belief sounds something like, “I know you. I know your values. I know your principles. I know the person you are beneath everything you show the world— and I choose to trust you.”

Because the beauty of believing in someone is not in avoiding trust, nor in blindly accepting everything they say. It is in building trust around the foundation of love.

To believe in someone is to know that they may falter, they may stumble, they may even lose their way, and yet, somewhere within you, there remains a quiet certainty that says, “I believe in you.”

AHAAN'S POV

I was walking through the corridor, anticipating her to answer my call. It had been the last ten minutes, but she still wasn't picking up. Probably because of the ongoing lecture.

Sighing, I made my way towards the classroom. Yeah, I had just returned from my hometown after spending some time with Mom, and the first person I needed to see was her.

But the universe didn't seem to be in the mood to let me see her face— her beautiful face.

I had informed her that I was returning, but it seemed like she had gotten a little busy. It's not like I'm complaining. The last time I saw her, she had said those three words before I left, and they kept ringing in my ears, and I just couldn't wait anymore to hear them again from her mouth.

That's one of the reasons I wanted to see her.

As I entered the class, I found out that the lectures had been cancelled for some reason. Vihaan, who was busy making notes, glanced at me with a smile before getting back to his work.

Okay. It looked like the universe was playing hide-and-seek with me.

I pulled out my phone and dialled her number again, and this time, it didn't take more than two rings for her to pick up.

“I'm missing you.” The first thing I whispered as soon as she answered the call was those three words.

“I deserve to be missed.” She whispered playfully, making me chuckle. “Indeed.” I muttered.

“Nyrah—” I called out her name in the sweetest tone as I walked towards the side of the corridor. “You promised me you'd say those words once I returned. So—” I left the sentence incomplete, prompting her to complete it.

“Did I?” she questioned innocently, making a frown appear on my forehead. “This is not fair.” I exhaled.

“Everything's fair in war, games, revenge and—” She didn't complete the sentence, and I could clearly hear her chuckle over the phone.

“Say that word.” I insisted.

“What word?” she questioned wittily.

I sighed. I was done— not with this woman, but with my patience, which I had to increase every time I dealt with the woman I loved.

“The word that describes what's between us.” I breathed, hinting at her. Though she knew very well what I meant.

“And what's between us?” She tried to make her voice sound serious but failed miserably as a chuckle erupted between her words.

I moved my phone away from my ear and glanced at the screen for a moment before bringing it back. “I'll tell you exactly once I meet you.”

I was literally dying to see her, to meet her, to hug her.

“And what will you do exactly when we meet?” she questioned, testing my patience yet again.

“Where are you exactly? I wanna see you, hug you, kiss you, hold you.” I expressed exactly what I was thinking at that moment.

“See you soon.” She murmured before hanging up.

Heinn?? She hung up the call??? On my face??? Before answering??? I looked at the screen again, but this time only briefly. I dialled her number again, but she declined the call.

I sighed, shaking my head in disbelief as I looked at the ceiling, almost as if I were asking God what I had done to deserve this. Again not complaining.

I was still wondering where she could be at this time, with the sun already setting, when someone called out my name.

I turned towards the source and found Kriti waving her hand at me. I smiled and walked towards her.

“Hey!!! What's up?” I asked, pulling her into a side hug.

“Nothing much. Just dealing with your best friend.” She shook her head, her sarcasm evident in her voice.

“Can't help it!” I surrendered dramatically.

I shrugged off any other thoughts and crossed my arms. “Where is she? And why is she playing hide-and-seek with me?” I questioned her, as she was the only one who knew my little angel thoroughly.

She smiled, which looked more like a smirk. “Here!” she whispered, pulling a sticky note from her bag and extending it towards me.

I frowned, looking at the note, my eyes blinking slowly as the words written on it registered in my mind.

“THE FIRST TIME.”

What? My subconscious questioned. What does this mean? The first time? Is it some sort of puzzle? Indeed, it is. My conscious mind answered.

I flipped the note, thinking something else might be written on the backside, but it was empty.

I lifted my gaze towards Kriti, who was smiling, but her gaze looked more like she was challenging me.

“What is this?” I asked her, hoping for an explanation, but instead, I got a challenge.

“That's for you to crack. All the best!” With that, she left.

I glanced at the note again.

“The first time.”

I read it again, trying to focus my mind and crack it.

I closed my eyes briefly, trying to process it, and snapped them open the moment something clicked in my mind.

Does this mean the first time I met her?

After a moment of musing, I decided to take the chance and ran towards the basketball court— the place where I had seen the prettiest soul to ever exist for the first time.

The door was closed as it was evening and no one was practising. I pushed it, making it creak open, and scanned the entire area.

Nothing unusual caught my sight. Instead, the place was wrapped in silence.

I walked inside, still scanning the space, the entire seating area, when I found a small yellow-coloured note stuck to the exact seat I had been sitting on that day.

Does she remember the seat? Damn!!!! That's my girl!

It was the day our gazes met for the first time, and my entire world flipped upside down-for the better.

A small smile appeared on my face as I rushed towards the seat and pulled out the note.

“THE BOOK— TREASURE AND FOREVER.” It read.

I wet my lips as I read it. I took a deep breath, trying to figure it out. It took me no more than five seconds to crack it.

“Library and my proposal.” The words escaped my mouth as I remembered the day I confessed my feelings for the first time.

I hastened down the stairs, making my way out of the basketball court. After closing the door, I headed straight towards the library.

It was on the opposite side of the court, which made me run as if my life depended on it.

“Oh God, I'm loving this,” I exhaled sharply, my longing to see her growing with every passing moment.

People around me stared as if I were some sort of alien wandering the earth, but who cared? I was more concerned about finding her.

After almost five minutes, I reached the door of the library. I bent down slightly, resting my hands on my knees to catch my breath while my heart palpitated from the sudden cardio I had subjected myself to.

I stood straight and, taking a deep breath, pushed the door, stepping inside. The cool air gushed over my sweaty body, sending chills of relaxation through me.

I cast a glance across the entire library and strode towards the specific shelf where I had proposed to her. And got rejected. Reluctantly. Okay, this broke my heart all over again.

Shrugging off every thought, I looked at the particular row of books and picked out each one, going through them to find another note, another hint, or something that would lead me to her.

I freaked out when, after five books, I still hadn't found any other clue.

“Fuck!” I uttered, hitting the shelf in frustration.

Did I guess wrong? But what else could book, treasure, and forever mean if not the library?

I wondered, and then my gaze caught someone putting a book back in the last space of the row.

I rushed towards that row and grabbed the book, going through it thoroughly.

I closed my eyes as a wave of relief washed over me after spotting a green-coloured note inside the cover of the book.

“THE BLAST OF MUSIC AND A TINGE OF JEALOUSY.” It read, accompanied by an eye-roll emoji.

I chuckled at the note as I realised the place she mentioned, and closed the book, putting it back in its place.

I folded the note neatly and tucked it into my bag with the others, and then made my way out of the library.

“You were undoubtedly jealous that day,” I whispered to myself, making my way towards the play club.

My fingers trailed along the strap of my bag as I navigated through the ground towards the club. I climbed the stairs in a hurry, pushing past anyone who came in between.

Even though I could hear them cursing me, who cared?

I pushed the door open, and as soon as I did, the loud blast of music hit my ears.

I glanced through the crowd, thinking about the place where she could have stuck the note.

My hand found its way to my waist as I tried to breathe normally, still scanning through the crowd.

My gaze froze on that particular corner. The corner where there was space to sit, beside the basket of ping-pong balls.

Ahh, I don't want to remember that hit on my— Anyway.

I marched towards the space, inhaling the air filled with memories of the moment when I had asked her not to be jealous, while she had only pushed herself deeper into that emotion.

I scratched my forehead, looking out for the note, and at the pillar, where I had pinned her, I spotted another note. A pink one this time. I yanked the sticky note off the wall.

“YOU MUST BE TIRED OF RUNNING, SO HAVE SOME SAMOSAS!” It read.

Oh God, how long will this go on? I was definitely enjoying this little journey of yearning, but it was making me crave her even more.

“Come on, Sweetheart. Now put a stop to this game. You are making me go insane. I couldn't resist seeing you anymore.” I whispered to myself.

I should be lazily walking after all this frustration, right? But guess what? Here I was, running like a maniac because I couldn't hold back the urge to hold her in my arms.

Dashing along the way, I finally reached the canteen and sauntered towards the counter.

Taking a few seconds to catch my breath, I then lifted my face towards the staff member at the counter, and before I could say anything to him, he handed me a blue color note, and a plate of samosa.

I quickly accepted the note but denied eating something. Like come on how could I eat anything at this moment.

“She had told me to make you eat this.” The staff member said, grabbing my attention.

“I don't want it right now.” I answered, focusing back on the note.

“She had asked me. Are you denying her?” The person narrowed his eyes.

My neck immediately turned to her. “Why would I deny her?” I stared at him.

“Then have this.” He said, extending the plate.

I glanced at the plate and then at him who was ready with the phone to dial a number. Probably her number to remark on my words.

“Put that phone down. I'm eating.” I said and grabbed the plate while staring at him the whole time.

He smiled. “Thank you, sir!”

I rolled my eyes, focusing back on the note while biting on a piece of samosa.

“You must be mad at me till now, but I promise this is the last one.” Doe-eyes emoji.

I would be lying if I said my frustration hadn't left me.

Mad at her? Well, who would tell her that I was falling for her even more after this cute and crazy game of hers?

I flipped the note.

“FALLEN LEAVES, OPEN SPACE, SHRUNKEN FLOWERS, WHERE'S THE SPACE?”

My mind went blank. What is this now? A line appeared between my brows, reflecting my confusion.

I leaned towards the counter, balancing myself after all the sudden running, and tried to decode it, while eating the samosa. Well I was hungry too.

The hardest calculation seemed easy to me at this point compared to this riddle.

Think, Ahaan. Think!!!!!!!! I tried to focus on every word.

“Fallen leaves” must mean some sort of garden, something like that. I concluded, at least hypothetically.

“Open space” again indicates a garden. I nodded to myself.

Okay, next is “Shrunken flowers.” Fuck, again a garden?

As far as I remember, we've never gone to any garden. Or did we? I wondered, going deep into my memories.

Where are you, Nyrah? I scratched my forehead, trying to decode it as my eyes read it again and again.

I cracked my knuckles in an attempt to relax and tried to remember any space like this where we had met, where we had gone, or where we had just— Damn it! The night walk. The tree. The space to sit. Fuck, that's it!

Should I take the chance and go there? My subconscious questioned. Yes, idiot, you should! I screamed internally and rushed towards that place.

All the way there, I pictured the moment my eyes would behold her after all these days.

After ten whole minutes of running, I reached the place but spotted nothing.

My heart sank. I took slow, steady steps towards the tree, hoping to see her. But all I could see were the glowing leaves beneath the moonlight and the branches of the tree hanging overhead.

I ran my tongue over my lips, trying to normalise my breathing, while my heart ached.

I let out a pained sigh, my hand making its way to my waist as I tried to process what was happening.

“I made a wrong guess. It seem—” Even before I could complete my sentence, I felt something.

A hand curled around my waist, an arm wrapped around my shoulder, and a head rested against my back.

“I missed you.” I heard her voice.

Her voice sent a wave of relief through me.

Impulsively, I turned around at the sound of her, and finally saw what my eyes had been striving for.

My eyes welled with tears, while a smile fought the urge to appear but ultimately won.

Under the moonlight, surrounded by the chirping of crickets, I could see her smiling at me with the eyes filled with what could only be love.

My breathing grew heavier as I took her in. And without wasting another second, I pulled her into a hug.

We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, in each other's arms, without saying anything.

We could hear each other's breaths, revealing the yearning we had both experienced.

After a moment, it was she who broke the silence.

“Are you mad at me for playing such a silly game?” she whispered, clinging to me tighter in the hug.

“I'm very much mad at you. So much so that it makes me want to hold you even tighter in my arms.” I breathed the words into her ear.

She wasn't that short, and that allowed her to remain at the level of my mouth.

“And if you are, then think twice, or else—” she left her sentence hanging while suppressing her smile.

“I don't want to get murdered by you. So, yeah, I'm not mad at you,” I admitted.

Was I scared of her? Yes I am scared of her.

“That's like a half-good boy,” she said and broke the hug.

I squinted my eyes at her. "Why half?"

She crossed her arms. “Because you said you'd be back within a week, but you took eight fucking days to return.” She huffed at the end.

And it made her look cute more than pissed.

I stepped closer. “It's my fault I couldn't keep my word. I'm sorry.” I held my ears, making a cute face just to melt her.

“Aren't you going to give me any explanation?” She raised her brow.

“Ahh, no! It's my fault, so rather than giving an explanation, I believe in apologising straight away, first.” I murmured.

Her smile grew wider, while a pink hue seemed to appear on her cheeks.

“I forgive you,” she said dramatically, suppressing her laugh.

I took a step forward again and held her by the waist.

“That's so grateful of you.” Then I leaned towards her ear. “I'm waiting to hear those words,” I expressed.

“What words?” She blinked innocently.

“Are you really going to do this to me?” I asked, my patience draining rapidly.

She bit the inside of her cheek, making her lips pout slightly, and I couldn't control the urge to peck her lips at that very moment.

Without thinking about the consequences, I leaned in to steal a quick peck.

There was a possibility of me receiving a slap afterwards, but I chose to face that possibility anyway.

After stealing a quick peck, I pulled myself back, waiting for her reaction.

But I got none. So I continued, “Now say it. I couldn't wait any longer.”

She blinked. And blinked. And blinked. Without saying anything.

And then she burst into laughter, squishing my cheeks between her fingers. “Oh my God, Ahaan, you are so cute,” she exclaimed, making me smile beneath her hold.

I was trying to glare at her. But do I have this effect on her? The answer is NO.

She then leaned in slightly, releasing her hold, and pressed a soft kiss on my cheek before murmuring into my ear, “You did it. You made me fall for you.”

I could hear her soft but rapid breathing before she confessed, “I love you, Mr. Romeo / Mr. Weirdo.”

I froze. Yes, I froze for a moment, trying to process it. I was sure she would say it eventually, but when she actually said it, my heart couldn't handle it.

It was a win for me. A moment of pure happiness— the happiest thing that had ever happened to me.

She pulled back and looked at me, straight into my eyes. Her eyes flickered with love as she gazed at me.

“Aren't you going to say anything?” she whispered, almost asking, hoping for my reaction.

It hit me. Fuck, I was looking like an idiot right now. I hadn't said a word for an entire minute.

The next moment, I pulled her closer and then confessed, “I love you, Ms. Angry Bird...” I booped her nose softly. “...More than anything that exists in this universe.”

A smile formed on her lips as she leaned forward, encircling her arms around my neck.

I closed my eyes, inhaling her scent, feeling her warmth, basking in her love and holding her tightly in my arms.

✿✿✿

NYRAH'S POV

I felt like the happiest person on earth as I leaned over his shoulder while he intertwined our palms and softly played with the ring on my finger.

I tightened my grip around his biceps, leaning further into him.

“We'll stay like this forever, right?” I asked, voicing my inner thoughts.

He rubbed his thumb gently over the back of my palm and whispered slowly, without hesitation, “Yes. There's no backing out now.”

I smiled at his answer and closed my eyes.

I could have never imagined myself like this— staying in someone's arms, feeling something this deep for someone, loving someone as though my life depended on it. I could have never thought of myself doing all this. Never in my dreams had I thought of falling in love. But here I was. It's not like I was regretting it. It was just that this feeling was giving me butterflies. This was the first time I had ever felt something like this.

Wait. First time. It's my first time, but what about him?

My eyes shot open and I stared at him. He looked at me in shock at my sudden movement.

“Hey, what happened?” he asked, trying to hold me.

I peered suspiciously at him. “How many girls have you met before me? You never mentioned this.”

“Where is this coming from?” he countered, which only made me more suspicious about his past relationships.

I crossed my arms, standing my ground. “You've had many?” I questioned.

He stood up, stepping closer to me. My gaze didn't waver. It wouldn't until I knew his answer.

“It's that—” he hesitated.

I tilted my neck slightly as I watched him hesitate, scratching his forehead and avoiding eye contact.

A pang of hurt struck me, and I grabbed him by the collar.

“You!” I exclaimed, pushing him and making him stumble. “I want an exact number!” I demanded, not caring that he was about to fall.

“That's tough,” I finally heard him utter. Was he suppressing his smile? No way he would at this moment. Maybe I'm mistaken.

I snapped my eyes at him. “What do you mean by that?” My eyes burned, my heart ached, and my breath grew shallow. “Are you one of those who just fuck around like—”

I couldn't complete my sentence as he pulled me towards him with gentle force.

“Hey, before you declare me as a fuck-boy let me tell you that I was just teasing you, so relax.” he said, and I felt his hand move towards my cheek. He then gently brushed my cheek with his thumb. “There was no one before you, nor is there any chance of anyone now. I chose to break every other girl's heart.” He sighed dramatically.

“Don't flatter yourself!” I said, pushing him slightly. “And don't try to tease me like this again. I'll smash your head otherwise!” I warned him.

He held his ears. “I'm sorry. I'll never do it again, I promise.” He apologized, and after a pause, added, “Tell me honestly...” He pulled me closer. “Is your spirit animal Gabbar?” He raised his brow.

I glared at him, and it was enough for him to apologise again.

“I was just... you know, asking.” He fumbled.

“I should be your last, samjhe?!” I held his collar, looking straight into his eyes, mirroring my emotions.

He smiled affectionately. “You were my first, and you will be my last.”

With that, he sealed the promise by planting a kiss on my forehead, and somehow, it felt soothing.

All my doubts and thoughts vanished with that subtle, simple gesture.

As I pulled myself back, my gaze fell upon the trunk of the tree, and the memories from the day we'd first been here played before my eyes.

I moseyed towards the tree, leaving him confused by my actions.

I was now standing right in front of the trunk.

The carvings of names, initials, hearts, drawings of couples holding hands— everything came into my sight.

I traced them gently with my fingers, and by then, he had walked beside me, standing just an inch behind me with a smile.

I turned around and asked him again, almost five months after that day of the *GOLDEN HOUR* as he had mentioned back then.

“Do you believe in it?” I asked him again. I didn't know why, but I did.

He held the hand I had placed against the carving, while his other hand slipped around my waist as he leaned forward to my level.

“I might sound superstitious, but as we are standing here together, I believe in this,” he whispered in my ear. “Do you?” he added.

I glanced at the carving and then, after a brief moment, looked back at him.

“I surely do now.” I smiled.

I looked at the carving again. A small space was empty at the corner, where our intertwined palms rested, and my gaze remained fixed on it.

I could feel his gaze fixed on me as I struggled to pull my gaze away from that space.

It might sound ridiculous, but my heart was urging me to go on with the belief and secure our love, just as others had by carving their names into the trunk.

This was insane, bizarre, and absurd, but— I just couldn't shift my heart or my gaze.

“Let's do one thing...” he uttered softly, tightening his hold around me. “...let's secure our love by carving the imprints of our palms like this.” He gestured towards our intertwined palms.

I looked at him. Like, really looked at him. And wondered, Does he know mind reading?

“You want to?” he asked, looking at me.

And I could do nothing but nod. “This might look ridiculous,” I mumbled after a small pause.

He leaned in a little further. “There's no harm in doing ridiculous things, right?”

I shook my head. “You are indeed crazier than me,” I murmured.

“I am crazier for you, angel.” He declared and pulled himself back to glance around for something.

He then picked up a stone lying beside the bush and carefully carved the imprints of our intertwined palms onto the trunk.

This was the craziest thing I had ever done. No. This was the craziest thing we'd ever done in our lives.