ShiVi OS by Mahi, Chikki, Sandy, and Avi Open to Comments - Page 2

Originally posted by: ValleyOfPeace

The early morning witnessed Shiva climbing up the window to her room. She was still sleeping. He smiled and walked towards her.

“Kumbhkaran jaisi to neend hai iski. Chalo accha hai. Main apna kaam kar deta hoon.” Shiva declared and placed a small card with a single white rose on the dressing table and then watched her sleep for some more short seconds and climbed out. He was up since a long time. He had already laid the plans for the day, now he just wanted to see if she could reach him. She wasn’t the only one who could test him. He could do it to. Lets see if she deserved his madness.

Raavi groaned as the sunlight filtering through the window Shiva had exited from broke her sleep. The curtain wasn’t in place and she cursed herself for forgetting about it last night. Sighing, because More sleep was now a far fetched dream, Raavi walked towards the bathroom and almost missed the rose. She turned towards it by chance and then a smile broke out on her face.

Rushing towards it, she picked it up and smell it happily before she saw the card. She smiled wider as she picked it up happily and opened it.

“Aye Chipkaliyon ki beauty queen... Uth gayi kya? Kitna soti hai tu? Waise jane de. Aaj bahut important din hai aur aaj tujhe main sair karaunga... Humare bachpan ki sair. Ye treasure hunt hai aur clues wo kadiyan hain jo humen jodti hain. Ye pehli kadi hai, jo tujhe tere agle clue, agli kadi ke paas le jayegi. Tu bas chalte jana... Us raste par jis raste ke aakhir mein tere liye main intezaar karunga aur fir tu decide karna ki main jeeta ya haara...

Kabhi bachpan ke melon mein,

Main aur tu ek saath the jhoole,

Nau ka tha mein saat ki thi tu

Teri hansi mujhe na bhoole.

Teri muskaan ke liye

Lad pada tha main ek ladke se,

Tu janti tak nahin hai

Par tere aansuon ki wajah se

Uske daant tode the, ek jhatke se...

Dhoondh le jake, us qisse ko,

Samet lete hain bachpan ke uss hisse ko...“

Raavi stilled. Her heart trembled and her eyes became tearful. She knew exactly well what he was referring to. She laughed amidst her tears and rushed to the bathroom. She had a treasure hint to complete. Her treasure awaited her.

Kabhi bachpan ke melon mein,

Main aur tu ek saath the jhoole,

Jhoole... Raavi thought in her mind. There was only one thing he could be referring to.

Back then, when he was 9 and she was 7, when his hatred for her truly began after her father's passing, she heard him speaking about a swing on the old mango farm in the outskirts of town. Dev and Krish reflected back on it just as fondly, commenting on how fun it was to swing on the tree while eating, ripe, ripe mangoes.

When they spoke about the fond memories, she wanted to do the same. Swing in the middle of a mango tree farm, suck on pieces of sweet mango while having the juice run down her arm. When she mentioned it to Dev, Shiva interjected into the conversation and told her to get lost. She truly thought it was the end of the conversation; however, a few days later, she saw a small swing attached to the tree she always passed while going to school.

It was a sturdy swing, made with strong wood and solid rope. When she asked the food vendor who had built it, he mentioned seeing a 12ish something boy build the swing, Raavi immediately thought of Dev. But now, after the chocolates and the roses, she was starting to doubt whether there was more to the story.

She rushed to the old tree, and her eyes widened when she noticed the decorated tree. A string of white roses lined the rope, and the seat was littered with white colored rose petals as well as a small box. Raavi surveyed the area, hoping to find Shiva, especially since it seemed as though he was just there.

When she felt her phone buzz, she opened this message.

Sochana band karo Raavi

Swallowing, she went up to the box. After receiving the chocolates, she wasn't so fearful anymore.

Originally posted by: milkcakejamun

Kabhi bachpan ke melon mein,

Main aur tu ek saath the jhoole,

Jhoole... Raavi thought in her mind. There was only one thing he could be referring to.

Back then, when he was 9 and she was 7, when his hatred for her truly began after her father's passing, she heard him speaking about a swing on the old mango farm in the outskirts of town. Dev and Krish reflected back on it just as fondly, commenting on how fun it was to swing on the tree while eating, ripe, ripe mangoes.

When they spoke about the fond memories, she wanted to do the same. Swing in the middle of a mango tree farm, suck on pieces of sweet mango while having the juice run down her arm. When she mentioned it to Dev, Shiva interjected into the conversation and told her to get lost. She truly thought it was the end of the conversation; however, a few days later, she saw a small swing attached to the tree she always passed while going to school.

It was a sturdy swing, made with strong wood and solid rope. When she asked the food vendor who had built it, he mentioned seeing a 12ish something boy build the swing, Raavi immediately thought of Dev. But now, after the chocolates and the roses, she was starting to doubt whether there was more to the story.

She rushed to the old tree, and her eyes widened when she noticed the decorated tree. A string of white roses lined the rope, and the seat was littered with white colored rose petals as well as a small box. Raavi surveyed the area, hoping to find Shiva, especially since it seemed as though he was just there.

When she felt her phone buzz, she opened this message.

Sochana band karo Raavi

Swallowing, she went up to the box. After receiving the chocolates, she wasn't so fearful anymore.

Shiva watched as she laughed and popped a chocolate in her mouth and settled on the swing and began to play. Her happiness was making him feel like he had done something right. He loved the way she was behaving like a child. His heart was attracted to the innocence of her smile and the twinkle of her eye.

He reminisced about the time he had tied the swing for her in their childhood. He had hidden just like this and watched her play. She used to settle on it like a princess and swing high up in the air.

One day while she was playing, Shiva watched a boy approach her and snatch the rope of the swing, halting it in midair. Raavi had slipped and fallen down, hurting herself.

“Chal bhaag yahan se.” the boy had rudely ordered and tears had filled her wide eyes as she ran away from the place. Shiva had grit his teeth and walked up to the boy, punching him squarely on the face. His teeth had broken. The boy’s parents had complained to Gautam, who had punished him. But even after questioning a thousand times, he hadn’t revealed the reason he hit the boy. The incident was soon forgotten, but his protectiveness for her had flared.

Shiva watched as Raavi played happily. She looked like a fairy in her white anarkali and her large dupatta swaying in the wind as she played. Shiva found peace in her.

Raavi had her fill and lovingly touched the swing as she sighed. She remembered how she had never gone back to the swing after the boy had Scared her. The next day she had seen the boy missing a tooth and heard that Shiva had done it. But could never connect it to this incident. Today the link was finally revealed. She tearfully smiled. He had borne a month of punishments for her sake. And she had believed him to be jhalla.

“Kitna ghalat samajhti rahi main tujhe Shiva? Aur tune? Hamesha mera saath diya. Mujhe protect kiya. Mera wala gunda banke mere bullies se ladaiyan ki. Mere team mein rehke mujhe jeetaya. Aur main Dev Dev karti rahi. Shiva... Main jhalli thi. Par main bas teri jhalli thi. Kisi ne mujhe itna bhaav diya hi nahin jitna bachpan se tune diya...” Raavi whispered to herself. She then opened the box once more. There was a card. Clue number two...

Originally posted by: ValleyOfPeace

Shiva watched as she laughed and popped a chocolate in her mouth and settled on the swing and began to play. Her happiness was making him feel like he had done something right. He loved the way she was behaving like a child. His heart was attracted to the innocence of her smile and the twinkle of her eye.

He reminisced about the time he had tied the swing for her in their childhood. He had hidden just like this and watched her play. She used to settle on it like a princess and swing high up in the air.

One day while she was playing, Shiva watched a boy approach her and snatch the rope of the swing, halting it in midair. Raavi had slipped and fallen down, hurting herself.

“Chal bhaag yahan se.” the boy had rudely ordered and tears had filled her wide eyes as she ran away from the place. Shiva had grit his teeth and walked up to the boy, punching him squarely on the face. His teeth had broken. The boy’s parents had complained to Gautam, who had punished him. But even after questioning a thousand times, he hadn’t revealed the reason he hit the boy. The incident was soon forgotten, but his protectiveness for her had flared.

Shiva watched as Raavi played happily. She looked like a fairy in her white anarkali and her large dupatta swaying in the wind as she played. Shiva found peace in her.

Raavi had her fill and lovingly touched the swing as she sighed. She remembered how she had never gone back to the swing after the boy had Scared her. The next day she had seen the boy missing a tooth and heard that Shiva had done it. But could never connect it to this incident. Today the link was finally revealed. She tearfully smiled. He had borne a month of punishments for her sake. And she had believed him to be jhalla.

“Kitna ghalat samajhti rahi main tujhe Shiva? Aur tune? Hamesha mera saath diya. Mujhe protect kiya. Mera wala gunda banke mere bullies se ladaiyan ki. Mere team mein rehke mujhe jeetaya. Aur main Dev Dev karti rahi. Shiva... Main jhalli thi. Par main bas teri jhalli thi. Kisi ne mujhe itna bhaav diya hi nahin jitna bachpan se tune diya...” Raavi whispered to herself. She then opened the box once more. There was a card. Clue number two...

And it was a really wierd clue for anybody else except Raavi since it had only two words- Chole andolan. Raavi knew where she had to go- it was an open space used for feasts and it would be deserted now.

She reminisced the incident as she skipped along. Jamuna kaki had given a feast on her son's birthday. As they all sat down to eat, Shiva hadn't got his share of chole. Raavi knew it was his favorite and she tried to give her own share of chole to him.

"Ay maami ki behen ki beti tere sahare ki zarurat nahi hai mujhe."

But Raavi was just as dheet as him, she went behind the people serving them and kept on asking for chole. The replies were variations of- Go to your place we will come there. Yet they couldn't because of the sheer number of guests. And finally Raavi decided that it was too much work; she straightaway went to where it was prepared and served some chole and brought it to Shiva herself.

However as she brought it, she felt a slight fear. Maybe Shiva would throw it away just because it was she who brought it.

What he did next left her amazed though.

Originally posted by: Scarysea

And it was a really wierd clue for anybody else except Raavi since it had only two words- Chole andolan. Raavi knew where she had to go- it was an open space used for feasts and it would be deserted now.

She reminisced the incident as she skipped along. Jamuna kaki had given a feast on her son's birthday. As they all sat down to eat, Shiva hadn't got his share of chole. Raavi knew it was his favorite and she tried to give her own share of chole to him.

"Ay maami ki behen ki beti tere sahare ki zarurat nahi hai mujhe."

But Raavi was just as dheet as him, she went behind the people serving them and kept on asking for chole. The replies were variations of- Go to your place we will come there. Yet they couldn't because of the sheer number of guests. And finally Raavi decided that it was too much work; she straightaway went to where it was prepared and served some chole and brought it to Shiva herself.

However as she brought it, she felt a slight fear. Maybe Shiva would throw it away just because it was she who brought it.

What he did next left her amazed though.

She glanced down at the chole nervously. The last time she had given him chole, he made a complete scene.

"Shiva!" a happy twelve year old Raavi bounced over to Shiva. Though she was standing right next to Shiva, her eyes were searching for Dev. She bit her lip as she couldn't find him.

"What are you doing here," the words were steely.

Raavi glanced down and noticed Shiva's narrowed eyes. For a fourteen year old boy, he sure was intimidating. He was already starting to surpass her in terms of height, and his baby fat was disappearing, causing him to look a little more mature. Other girls in the class might fear him but not her. She plopped down right next to Shiva with her signature grin as she pushed a plate of chole towards him.

Shiva's eyes lowered to the plate, "What is this?" he mentioned with slight distrust.

"Chole!"

Shiva turned away from her. She rolled her eyes uninterested and instead surveyed the place for Dev. She had dressed so prettily today. And it was all for waste. Junglee Shiva was the only one who saw her. Not her Prince Charming Dev! Turning back to Shiva with a frown, she sighed and pushed the plate of chole to him again.

"I don't want it!" he gritted his teeth.

Used to his anger, she moved closer to him, "Oh? And why don't you?"

He turned to her in absolute rage, "Why don't I want it?" She stuffed a spoon of chole into his mouth, curling her lips when she noticed that he didn't notice through his blind rage. "I thought you had a pea sized brain all this time," she stuffed another spoon of chole. "But," he paused, chewed, and swallowed, "you seem to have no brain whatsoever in that empty skull of yours!"

She nodded her head as she continued to listen to the venom he spewed at her. In just five more spoons, he would be finished with the entire. Her lips curled upwards. He kept telling her she had no brain whatsoever, but she couldn't wait until he realized what had happened.

"So take you stupid chole away, you dinosaur!" he snorted as he crossed his arms and turned away from her.

She shrugged her shoulders and stood up, "I don't think that's possible Shiva," he turned to her with a frown as she bent down. "You finished all the chole, all, by, yourself!" she showed him the empty plate, and just to prove her point, she brushed her thumb along the bottom of his lip, cleaning the chole that was stained over his lips. His eyes widened with horror as she dropped a Cadbury Fuse bar into his hands, "Maybe next time, Shiva!"

After that, he became red with anger and walked away absolutely frustrated. He didn't talk to her for days. She glanced down at the chole with wonder... she was fine with his anger and silence back then... but now she wasn't too sure. She blinked as she watched him close the shop for lunch hour.

He turned to her and smirked, "You're here!"

Raavi gulped, feeling a strange sensation in her belly as she nodded her head. He motioned for her to come into the store and pulled the chair, so she could sit in the front. He picked up the chole amused, "You brought me food, didn't you?" She nodded her head again, feeling slightly nervous.

"How are you liking the riddles and the trip down memory lane?"

Out of all the questions he could've asked, she least expected this one. Swallowing, she began to tell him how the riddles annoyed her in the beginning. She was always a curious soul who loved to read. But she never really liked waiting. Instant gratification was her motto.

"But seeing the jhoole was nice," she smiled up at Shiva. "Y-you decorated it very well, and I had a fun time swinging on it again."

He smiled down at her causing her heart to flutter. Her fingernails dug deep into her palm as he leaned closer to her, "And what about the chocolates?"

She blinked and nodded her head, "T-they were nice!"

"Good," he smirked. He grabbed her hand and placed a chocolate and a watch, "I hope you like Fuse bars. Especially since dessert," his thumb brushed against her lower lip as she took a sharp breath, "is always better than the main course." His eyes dropped to the table with her gaze following... the plate of chole she brought was completely empty...

He used... he used the same technique!

He took a step away, "See you after the next clue!"

As he disappeared into the back storeroom, Raavi glanced down at the small watch and Cadbury Fuse bar in her hand. There was a small note wrapped around the candy, "If you need more time, eat the Cadbury Fuse bar!" she frowned... not knowing what to make of the note. Setting the candy bar aside, she flipped the watch and removed the small piece of paper.

"It’s dark now and I am very tired. I love you, always. Time is nothing."

Originally posted by: milkcakejamun

She glanced down at the chole nervously. The last time she had given him chole, he made a complete scene.

"Shiva!" a happy twelve year old Raavi bounced over to Shiva. Though she was standing right next to Shiva, her eyes were searching for Dev. She bit her lip as she couldn't find him.

"What are you doing here," the words were steely.

Raavi glanced down and noticed Shiva's narrowed eyes. For a fourteen year old boy, he sure was intimidating. He was already starting to surpass her in terms of height, and his baby fat was disappearing, causing him to look a little more mature. Other girls in the class might fear him but not her. She plopped down right next to Shiva with her signature grin as she pushed a plate of chole towards him.

Shiva's eyes lowered to the plate, "What is this?" he mentioned with slight distrust.

"Chole!"

Shiva turned away from her. She rolled her eyes uninterested and instead surveyed the place for Dev. She had dressed so prettily today. And it was all for waste. Junglee Shiva was the only one who saw her. Not her Prince Charming Dev! Turning back to Shiva with a frown, she sighed and pushed the plate of chole to him again.

"I don't want it!" he gritted his teeth.

Used to his anger, she moved closer to him, "Oh? And why don't you?"

He turned to her in absolute rage, "Why don't I want it?" She stuffed a spoon of chole into his mouth, curling her lips when she noticed that he didn't notice through his blind rage. "I thought you had a pea sized brain all this time," she stuffed another spoon of chole. "But," he paused, chewed, and swallowed, "you seem to have no brain whatsoever in that empty skull of yours!"

She nodded her head as she continued to listen to the venom he spewed at her. In just five more spoons, he would be finished with the entire. Her lips curled upwards. He kept telling her she had no brain whatsoever, but she couldn't wait until he realized what had happened.

"So take you stupid chole away, you dinosaur!" he snorted as he crossed his arms and turned away from her.

She shrugged her shoulders and stood up, "I don't think that's possible Shiva," he turned to her with a frown as she bent down. "You finished all the chole, all, by, yourself!" she showed him the empty plate, and just to prove her point, she brushed her thumb along the bottom of his lip, cleaning the chole that was stained over his lips. His eyes widened with horror as she dropped a Cadbury Fuse bar into his hands, "Maybe next time, Shiva!"

After that, he became red with anger and walked away absolutely frustrated. He didn't talk to her for days. She glanced down at the chole with wonder... she was fine with his anger and silence back then... but now she wasn't too sure. She blinked as she watched him close the shop for lunch hour.

He turned to her and smirked, "You're here!"

Raavi gulped, feeling a strange sensation in her belly as she nodded her head. He motioned for her to come into the store and pulled the chair, so she could sit in the front. He picked up the chole amused, "You brought me food, didn't you?" She nodded her head again, feeling slightly nervous.

"How are you liking the riddles and the trip down memory lane?"

Out of all the questions he could've asked, she least expected this one. Swallowing, she began to tell him how the riddles annoyed her in the beginning. She was always a curious soul who loved to read. But she never really liked waiting. Instant gratification was her motto.

"But seeing the jhoole was nice," she smiled up at Shiva. "Y-you decorated it very well, and I had a fun time swinging on it again."

He smiled down at her causing her heart to flutter. Her fingernails dug deep into her palm as he leaned closer to her, "And what about the chocolates?"

She blinked and nodded her head, "T-they were nice!"

"Good," he smirked. He grabbed her hand and placed a chocolate and a watch, "I hope you like Fuse bars. Especially since dessert," his thumb brushed against her lower lip as she took a sharp breath, "is always better than the main course." His eyes dropped to the table with her gaze following... the plate of chole she brought was completely empty...

He used... he used the same technique!

He took a step away, "See you after the next clue!"

As he disappeared into the back storeroom, Raavi glanced down at the small watch and Cadbury Fuse bar in her hand. There was a small note wrapped around the candy, "If you need more time, eat the Cadbury Fuse bar!" she frowned... not knowing what to make of the note. Setting the candy bar aside, she flipped the watch and removed the small piece of paper.

"It’s dark now and I am very tired. I love you, always. Time is nothing."

Raavi glanced one last time at the storeroom before she walked out of the store without any clear direction. She looked at the small paper and watch in her hand. She read the words out loud.

“It’s dark now and I am very tired. I love you, always. Time is nothing.”

And then it hit her! It was from one of her favorite books, “ The time traveler’s wife”, hence the watch to the support the quote. She put the watch on her right wrist. Now she had a clear direction where she needed to go, the library, she smiled.

While she was walking to the library a memory passed by.

Dhara di, Dhara diiiii, where are you shouted a very excited, 16 year old Raavi when she walked in the Pandya House. Today she finished reading the “The time traveler’s wife” and she loved it. A complicated romance between a kind hearted women and a sensitive man. She wanted to talk about it with Dhara dii. She wanted to know what her dii thought about love.

“Ayyyy Maami ki behen ki beti, Don’t you have your own home to hang out. Why do you have to come here every single day”, a frustrated Shiva told her. He was sitting on the sofa in the living room.

“Shiva, do you know where Dhara di is? I need to talk to her about something very important”, she said to him.

“She is not at home, she went to the mandir. So are you going to leave now or do I have to help you to find the door?”, he asked her.

Raavi looked at him, “ why do you always have to be so mean to me Shiva, I’m so sweet and kind”, she pouted and followed him to the dinner table. He sat down and she chose the seat opposite him.

Shiva looked at her “ Are you deaf? Leave”, he said to her with a angry voice.

She looked at him with a bright smile. She wasn’t scared of him, she never was and she never be! “So Shiva what do you think of love”, she asked him.

Shiva had just took a sip of water when she asked him that question. He chocked on it and he started coughing. Raavi got up quickly and patted him on the back, “are you okay”, she asked him. Shiva was still in shock about the question she asked him, but nodded his head to tell her that she is fine.

Raavi sat beside him and she took her chance to tell him the story she just read. And to both of their surprise he didn’t leave and listen to her story.

She finally reached the library, she opened the door and walked inside.

Originally posted by: SandhiaM

Raavi glanced one last time at the storeroom before she walked out of the store without any clear direction. She looked at the small paper and watch in her hand. She read the words out loud.

“It’s dark now and I am very tired. I love you, always. Time is nothing.”

And then it hit her! It was from one of her favorite books, “ The time traveler’s wife”, hence the watch to the support the quote. She put the watch on her right wrist. Now she had a clear direction where she needed to go, the library, she smiled.

While she was walking to the library a memory passed by.

Dhara di, Dhara diiiii, where are you shouted a very excited, 16 year old Raavi when she walked in the Pandya House. Today she finished reading the “The time traveler’s wife” and she loved it. A complicated romance between a kind hearted women and a sensitive man. She wanted to talk about it with Dhara dii. She wanted to know what her dii thought about love.

“Ayyyy Maami ki behen ki beti, Don’t you have your own home to hang out. Why do you have to come here every single day”, a frustrated Shiva told her. He was sitting on the sofa in the living room.

“Shiva, do you know where Dhara di is? I need to talk to her about something very important”, she said to him.

“She is not at home, she went to the mandir. So are you going to leave now or do I have to help you to find the door?”, he asked her.

Raavi looked at him, “ why do you always have to be so mean to me Shiva, I’m so sweet and kind”, she pouted and followed him to the dinner table. He sat down and she chose the seat opposite him.

Shiva looked at her “ Are you deaf? Leave”, he said to her with a angry voice.

She looked at him with a bright smile. She wasn’t scared of him, she never was and she never be! “So Shiva what do you think of love”, she asked him.

Shiva had just took a sip of water when she asked him that question. He chocked on it and he started coughing. Raavi got up quickly and patted him on the back, “are you okay”, she asked him. Shiva was still in shock about the question she asked him, but nodded his head to tell her that she is fine.

Raavi sat beside him and she took her chance to tell him the story she just read. And to both of their surprise he didn’t leave and listen to her story.

She finally reached the library, she opened the door and walked inside.

She went to the shelf where copies of the Time Traveller's wife were kept. She was stumped there were so many copies. Which would she check for the next clue?

As she stood there a bit confused, the memory of her telling Shiva the plot of the book after asking what love is to him resurfaced.

After listening to her story, he said, "Seven. Love to me is the number seven."

Raavi hit her forehead with her palm. After all this emotionally charged words from her side, he said love to him is a number? Typical bhootnath.

Seven- the number of people who mean the world to me. Gaumbi, Dhara Bhabhi, Maa, Dev, Krish and.. that is what love means to me.

Raavi had looked at him in surprise. The bhootnath did have a way with words. But suddenly- Shiva, who is the seventh person?

Someday I will tell you but that someday is not today chipkali. Now today's quota of irritating me is over. Leave.

Shiva, does that somebody mean even more than me?

Go home Raavi.

Even present day Raavi pouted that Shiva cared for somebody for than her. But she went for the seventh copy in the shelf.

There on the seventh page was a note like a bookmark.

If you want to show acceptance, nothing beats dairymilk.

Raavi rolled her eyes at the cryptic words. Is this a clue? She turned the bit of paper.

Something you love- something you always wanted somebody to give you at a certain place since you were sweet sixteen. Would you like it to be reality now?

This was easy. She skipped to the park near the library; to the spot in front of the fountain. She had once told Shiva how she wanted to be given flowers there. It was her dream when she was sixteen but even now she desired the same. She had irritated him telling him what different colors of rose meant and he had finally chased her away irritated at her.

Yet today there was bouquet near the fountain. A bouquet of red, yellow and white roses.

White ones are you; your simplicity and purity.

Yellow ones symbolize friendship and new beginnings. Can we?

Red ones symbolize something much deeper- you will decide if we will ever be that. Or when.

Red and yellow together mean happiness and excitement. I wish that for you regardless of what you decide tonight.

Raavi grew a bit teary eyed at the depth and beauty of the gesture. This is more romantic that she could have even imagined ever.

Out of nowhere Shiva appeared and took her in his arms. "Shhh.. why are you crying?"

Raavi just hugged him back and said - "I loved the reality you made from my wishes. New beginnings?"

"I won't change anything of our history yet I want today to be the start of something. Maybe it will. Depends on if you are able to complete the treasure hunt and then your decision."

Raavi pouted and broke the hug- where is the clue this time?

"I thought of giving this clue in person"

Originally posted by: Scarysea

She went to the shelf where copies of the Time Traveller's wife were kept. She was stumped there were so many copies. Which would she check for the next clue?

As she stood there a bit confused, the memory of her telling Shiva the plot of the book after asking what love is to him resurfaced.

After listening to her story, he said, "Seven. Love to me is the number seven."

Raavi hit her forehead with her palm. After all this emotionally charged words from her side, he said love to him is a number? Typical bhootnath.

Seven- the number of people who mean the world to me. Gaumbi, Dhara Bhabhi, Maa, Dev, Krish and.. that is what love means to me.

Raavi had looked at him in surprise. The bhootnath did have a way with words. But suddenly- Shiva, who is the seventh person?

Someday I will tell you but that someday is not today chipkali. Now today's quota of irritating me is over. Leave.

Shiva, does that somebody mean even more than me?

Go home Raavi.

Even present day Raavi pouted that Shiva cared for somebody for than her. But she went for the seventh copy in the shelf.

There on the seventh page was a note like a bookmark.

If you want to show acceptance, nothing beats dairymilk.

Raavi rolled her eyes at the cryptic words. Is this a clue? She turned the bit of paper.

Something you love- something you always wanted somebody to give you at a certain place since you were sweet sixteen. Would you like it to be reality now?

This was easy. She skipped to the park near the library; to the spot in front of the fountain. She had once told Shiva how she wanted to be given flowers there. It was her dream when she was sixteen but even now she desired the same. She had irritated him telling him what different colors of rose meant and he had finally chased her away irritated at her.

Yet today there was bouquet near the fountain. A bouquet of red, yellow and white roses.

White ones are you; your simplicity and purity.

Yellow ones symbolize friendship and new beginnings. Can we?

Red ones symbolize something much deeper- you will decide if we will ever be that. Or when.

Red and yellow together mean happiness and excitement. I wish that for you regardless of what you decide tonight.

Raavi grew a bit teary eyed at the depth and beauty of the gesture. This is more romantic that she could have even imagined ever.

Out of nowhere Shiva appeared and took her in his arms. "Shhh.. why are you crying?"

Raavi just hugged him back and said - "I loved the reality you made from my wishes. New beginnings?"

"I won't change anything of our history yet I want today to be the start of something. Maybe it will. Depends on if you are able to complete the treasure hunt and then your decision."

Raavi pouted and broke the hug- where is the clue this time?

"I thought of giving this clue in person"

Raavi looked at him like she would sink in his eyes and never emerge. They were fire that engulfed her soul, they were the coolness of her heart, they were a storm that raged within her mind and also the calm that tethered her to the world. And she didn’t know that morning that this one day would make her think back to every Second of their lives from their childhood and open her eyes to what she was blind to, for such a long time. She felt tearful at his slight smile.

He was too simple. All he had ever done was give. He had given love to his family And adored his mother and Dhara. He had sacrificed so many things that it was his normal. He was a simple man because he gave love and expected nothing in return but love. He wore his heart on his sleeve and shielded it with his temper. And she had never been able to see the depth of his thoughts and observations till this very day. She had always thought that Shiva hated her. But had he? She had proposed this game of twenty four hours because she wanted to see what he will do. But she never knew before last night, that this man had been there for her since she couldn’t even remember. Time hadn’t eroded his care for her neither had the circumstances. The way he showed his care was different. She was sure there were many things that he had done for her and she had put them in Dev’s account. But had Dev even paid that much attention to her? Had Dev ever thought so deep for her? And she felt that the wrong cot mistake of yesternight had made her luck out. This man before her was someone she had never been able to read. Her heart might have been pure, but her mind could never reach the contemplation he gave to situations and people around him.

Shiva clicked his fingers and brought her back to the present and then handed her an envelope. She held it with trembling fingers and looked towards him. He smiled slightly and backed away once more like he had done yesternight and saluted her with his index finger before he turned and walked away, leaving her all alone.

Raavi gulped hard as the emotions rushed to her throat and clogged it. She opened the envelope and inverted it over her hand. Out fell a payal. It jingled as she held it. She fell to her knees as she saw it and finally the tears began to flow on her cheeks.

Raavi wiped them softly and chuckled as she kissed the payal and stood up. She began to walk hastily out of the park as the memories engulfed her once more.

She was eighteen and had tuitions a little far away from home. Dev was busy in his own studies so Shiva was given her duty. And she had been really cross with him even when he did his job silently. She raved about the unfairness of it all as she wanted Dev to be the one who dropped her. Shiva hadn’t responded except his regular words of “Aye Chipkali Chup!” And “Aye Maami ki behen ki beti! Idhar hi utaar dunga tujhe!”. For once Shiva was subdued and even that was rubbing on her nerves.

She sighed finally and accepted her fate. She attended the classes and when she came out of the tuition classes, She saw him settled on his bike waiting for her. She sighed again and dragged her feet towards him. He drove her back.

This continued for many days. Her friends took notice.

“Arre wah Raavi! To woh Jaahil tujhe drop karne aata hai aur fir yahi wait karta hai? Kyun? You can’t take care of yourself or what? Waise bhi kaise ghoorta hai woh sab ko! Etiquette to hai hi nahin bande mein!” One of her friend said and they all laughed. So that day when they reached home, she blasted at him.

“Kya zaroorat hai tujhe wahan rukne ki! Main apna khayal rakh sakti hoon. Tujhe zyada hero banne ki zaroorat nahin hai! Zara to manners rakh! Har aane jaane wale ko ghoorta hai! Kya sochenge sab mere baare mein? Ki main tujh jaise bande ke Saath ghoomti hoon? Mera kuch standard hai! Mere friends aise waise log nahin hai! Sab bahut hi acche status se taluq rakhte hain! Tu aaindah wait mat kar! Drop kar aur chale ja!” She growled.

“Woh area safe nahin hai Maami ki behen ki beti! Tujhe wahan chod kar aana sahi nahin hai samjhi! Waise bhi tu panauti ko apni taraf kheenchti hai.” He had huffed. She had growled at him.

“Main sambhal lungi! Tujhe zaroorat nahin chinta karne ki.” She lashed out and went inside without waiting for him to leave. She thought how nice Dev would have been. She could even have introduced him to her friends, unlike Shiva.

Next day she waited till he dropped her and left and then went to the class. After class when she came out Shiva was not present and she sighed in relief as she laughed loudly with her friends and chattered away excitedly. After some time, they all left her alone and she began to walk towards the point she had asked Shiva to arrive at to pick her up.

Soon she realised that someone was following her. Raavi hastened her steps and began to rush. The footsteps quickened.

“Kahan chali Raani? Apna husn to dikha! Hum bhi to thode deedar kar len!” She heard a voice call out and loud laughter. She swallowed harshly and began to run. The jingle of her payal seemed too loud to her in the fading light and silent street. She was crying softly now as she ran. She turned back to spy them at her heels and clashed with someone. She screamed in fear and then as she smell the comforting and familiar smell of Shiva, she opened her eyes and watched him like he was the answer to her prayers. He was glaring at the men behind her, who were now backing away. She grabbed him in a hug and began to cry in his arms. Shiva held her gently but said nothing. She looked up after a while and he was watching her with nothing but understanding. There was anger there but it wasn’t directed towards her.

He had led her to the bike and they had driven away but she had sobbed the whole way back and apologised to him several times. He said nothing. Just dropped her and rode away. She had been left traumatised by the incident. That night she realised that one of her payal was missing.

The next day when she went to the class fearfully, she heard that the men that always seemed to linger near the classes were admitted to the hospital because someone had beat them up last night. She had a faint idea of who it was and felt the secure feeling engulf her heart. He was always her gunda afterall.

But the payal was never found. And it had been important to her. It was her mother’s and she loved it and wore it always since the day it had begun to fit her. The loss had been too hard. So she had taken off the other payal and kept it away. Her bhoothnath was leading her to it today.

The auto had reached her home. She ran towards her room after paying for the auto and opened it impatiently as she rushed in. She opened the cupboard and was about to search for the box of payal when she saw it right before her on the shelf. She hastily picked it up and opened it. There was the single payal there which she paired up with it’s pair and kissed it lovingly before her attention shifted to the folded parchment.

‘Qissa bahut purana sa hai,

Ek Raaja aur Ek raani ka,

Raanjha kaise Aaya wahan,

Tukda dooji kahaani ka...

Kab kaise use ishq ne,

Jakda apne hisaaron mein,

Raani dooje ki thi deewani,

Par raanjha uske khayalon mein...

Raaten kaise Raanjhe ki,

Katne lagi thi khwabon mein,

Woh to pyaar ka maara hua,

Paata sawaal hi jawaabon mein...

Din uske beet gaye,

Raani ko sochte sochte,

Kahin der na ho jaye,

Raani ke lautthe lauthe...

Uski dhadkan ka hai woh jogi,

Iski har saas ki ab woh maalkin,

Jaan bhi haazir uske liye,

Chaahe raat ka peher ho ya ho din,

Jabse hosh sambhala Raanjhe ne,

Uske dil ko lage the ishq ke teer,

Kya ye jaan kar ab woh Raani,

Ban bhi sakegi is Raanjhe ki Heer...

Raavi... Maine saalon intezaar kiya hai tera. Aur karwana hai to aur kar lunga intezaar. Nahin to aa jana mere paas. Wahi jahan main sochne jaata hoon hamesha...

Shiva.’

Aa jana mere paas. Wahi jahan main sochne jaata hoon hamesha...

Though the last clue was perhaps the easiest on paper, it was probably the hardest for her to crack. For most of her life, she paid attention to Dev... thinking he would be the key to her happiness. She pushed Shiva away, blocking him from her memories as best she could. Thinking he was nothing more than an annoying devar she would have to tease.

But, she thought with a smile, he was perhaps the most compassionate. Even if his actions hurt, if his words burned her heart, he would do something after. Something so soothing and calming that she would sometimes forget the pain he caused before.

Ping.

Raavi became startled as she picked up her phone.

Shiva: Mere paas aao 30 minutes... varna main chhod doonga

She rolled her eyes as she stuffed her phone back into her bag. The bhoothnath was always so demanding. Hamesha? She smiled. He would most definitely be at the store, and he probably goes there to think as well!

She knew just how eager he was to go to the store from childhood. Whenever school was dismissed, she would see him racing across the grounds, leaving school in a total of 2 minutes. Meanwhile, she would linger for a few moments, using the chance to speak to her friends one last time.

She skipped to the store, taking her sweet leisurely time as she heard another ping. Rolling her eyes, she took out her phone.

Shiva: 15 minutes...aao... varna...

Raavi: Tum kuchh bhool rahe ho... you need to impress me! Me!

He didn't respond to her immediately as she continued her journey to the store. Just as she thought he would be completely gone, he texted her once again.

Shiva: Very few people meet their soulmates at age 6

Raavi couldn't help but smile. It was another line from 'The Time Traveler's Wife.' She didn't think he would actually read it. He was someone who refused to touch books... even when it was his Dhara bhabi who gave him the book.

Raavi: Bewakoof... hum bahut pahale mile tha

Shiva: Love you...

Raavi frowned as her heart fluttered. She swallowed... feeling somewhat light and happy, especially after everything she through today. Her thumb brushed over the words on the screen. She wished he said it aloud, in person. So she could etch his expression into her memory.

Shiva: Always...

Her smile grew a little wider.

Shiva: World enough...

Suddenly, she stopped, eyes wide. She couldn't believe he was quoting the book. Again. With a glare, she she texted him back.

Shiva: And time...

Raavi: Shiva!!!!! Are you serious?!?!

Shiva: ...aap naaraaj hain? lekin tum mujhse bilkul pyaar nahin karate...

Raavi's shoulders dropped. Love? Swallowing again, she remembered how her heart fluttered whenever those eyes were focused on her. She remembered her excitement when she saw the roses, or even when she received the chocolates. He knew how to rile her up, but he also knew how to calm her... how to love her and make her feel silly and light. She glanced down at the payals on her ankles... he took care of that missing payal for so long...

Her phone pinged again.

Shiva: Chinta mat karo... mujhe dhoodhen... aur main aapko bataoonga

Shiva: Oh... 5 minutes

Raavi smiled... suddenly understanding the reason why he wanted her to find him. She raced to the store, suddenly having the urge to envelope him in a hug. So this was what she was missing out on... Pyaar... from the way Shiva was away from her, yet by her side, all day. From the way he fed her and took her on a joy ride. The entire day... only he ran through her thoughts... and she was more than happy! She didn't have to wonder, "Does he like this?" or "What would he think if I did this?" He accepted her for who she was... long ago.

The smile on her face fell when she saw Dhara. Trying to compose herself as best as possible, she surveyed the area, hoping to see if she could catch him, "Dhara di... kahaan hai Shiva?"

Dhara frowned, "Shiva?" she shook her head, "Vah kuchh samay pahale chala gaya."

He left? Already? Raavi glanced down at the time with worry. Her heart raced... she had to meet him! She just had to!

Ping.

She pulled out her phone, scared to see his message for the first time. Please don't leave. Please don't leave!

Shiva: Do you need more time?

Raavi smiled.

Raavi: Yes!!!

Shiva: If you need more time...

Raavi frowned when the message ended there... K-kya? Are you serious?! Bewakoof. Iska kya matlab? She crossed her arms. I hate you, Shiva! I hate you, I hate you! He was supposed to make it nice and easy for her... yet right now, when she wanted to see him the most and end the game, he was making it the most difficult.

As she bit her thumb, her eyes landed on the watch he presented to her...

If you need more time, eat the Cadbury Fuse bar!

She slowly removed the Fuse bar from her bag. As she went to open it, she realized that the bar was already partially opened... she ripped the wrapper and pulled out the small piece of paper. Again... her heart felt light and tingly... he... he knew...

She opened the piece of paper....

Originally posted by: milkcakejamun

Aa jana mere paas. Wahi jahan main sochne jaata hoon hamesha...

Though the last clue was perhaps the easiest on paper, it was probably the hardest for her to crack. For most of her life, she paid attention to Dev... thinking he would be the key to her happiness. She pushed Shiva away, blocking him from her memories as best she could. Thinking he was nothing more than an annoying devar she would have to tease.

But, she thought with a smile, he was perhaps the most compassionate. Even if his actions hurt, if his words burned her heart, he would do something after. Something so soothing and calming that she would sometimes forget the pain he caused before.

Ping.

Raavi became startled as she picked up her phone.

Shiva: Mere paas aao 30 minutes... varna main chhod doonga

She rolled her eyes as she stuffed her phone back into her bag. The bhoothnath was always so demanding. Hamesha? She smiled. He would most definitely be at the store, and he probably goes there to think as well!

She knew just how eager he was to go to the store from childhood. Whenever school was dismissed, she would see him racing across the grounds, leaving school in a total of 2 minutes. Meanwhile, she would linger for a few moments, using the chance to speak to her friends one last time.

She skipped to the store, taking her sweet leisurely time as she heard another ping. Rolling her eyes, she took out her phone.

Shiva: 15 minutes...aao... varna...

Raavi: Tum kuchh bhool rahe ho... you need to impress me! Me!

He didn't respond to her immediately as she continued her journey to the store. Just as she thought he would be completely gone, he texted her once again.

Shiva: Very few people meet their soulmates at age 6

Raavi couldn't help but smile. It was another line from 'The Time Traveler's Wife.' She didn't think he would actually read it. He was someone who refused to touch books... even when it was his Dhara bhabi who gave him the book.

Raavi: Bewakoof... hum bahut pahale mile tha

Shiva: Love you...

Raavi frowned as her heart fluttered. She swallowed... feeling somewhat light and happy, especially after everything she through today. Her thumb brushed over the words on the screen. She wished he said it aloud, in person. So she could etch his expression into her memory.

Shiva: Always...

Her smile grew a little wider.

Shiva: World enough...

Suddenly, she stopped, eyes wide. She couldn't believe he was quoting the book. Again. With a glare, she she texted him back.

Shiva: And time...

Raavi: Shiva!!!!! Are you serious?!?!

Shiva: ...aap naaraaj hain? lekin tum mujhse bilkul pyaar nahin karate...

Raavi's shoulders dropped. Love? Swallowing again, she remembered how her heart fluttered whenever those eyes were focused on her. She remembered her excitement when she saw the roses, or even when she received the chocolates. He knew how to rile her up, but he also knew how to calm her... how to love her and make her feel silly and light. She glanced down at the payals on her ankles... he took care of that missing payal for so long...

Her phone pinged again.

Shiva: Chinta mat karo... mujhe dhoodhen... aur main aapko bataoonga

Shiva: Oh... 5 minutes

Raavi smiled... suddenly understanding the reason why he wanted her to find him. She raced to the store, suddenly having the urge to envelope him in a hug. So this was what she was missing out on... Pyaar... from the way Shiva was away from her, yet by her side, all day. From the way he fed her and took her on a joy ride. The entire day... only he ran through her thoughts... and she was more than happy! She didn't have to wonder, "Does he like this?" or "What would he think if I did this?" He accepted her for who she was... long ago.

The smile on her face fell when she saw Dhara. Trying to compose herself as best as possible, she surveyed the area, hoping to see if she could catch him, "Dhara di... kahaan hai Shiva?"

Dhara frowned, "Shiva?" she shook her head, "Vah kuchh samay pahale chala gaya."

He left? Already? Raavi glanced down at the time with worry. Her heart raced... she had to meet him! She just had to!

Ping.

She pulled out her phone, scared to see his message for the first time. Please don't leave. Please don't leave!

Shiva: Do you need more time?

Raavi smiled.

Raavi: Yes!!!

Shiva: If you need more time...

Raavi frowned when the message ended there... K-kya? Are you serious?! Bewakoof. Iska kya matlab? She crossed her arms. I hate you, Shiva! I hate you, I hate you! He was supposed to make it nice and easy for her... yet right now, when she wanted to see him the most and end the game, he was making it the most difficult.

As she bit her thumb, her eyes landed on the watch he presented to her...

If you need more time, eat the Cadbury Fuse bar!

She slowly removed the Fuse bar from her bag. As she went to open it, she realized that the bar was already partially opened... she ripped the wrapper and pulled out the small piece of paper. Again... her heart felt light and tingly... he... he knew...

She opened the piece of paper....

‘’love is like a tree, it grows of its own accord, it puts down deep roots into our whole being’’

If she thought the last clue was hard to crack, then she was completely wrong, this one was even harder. She reread the clue a couple more times but she still didn’t understand what it meant. she was so confused right now. Who would have thoughtt hat her Shiva could be so poetic.

Her phone buzzed another message from Shiva.

Shiva:You have earned an extra hour. Come find me.

Raavi: Shivaaa, I don’t know where you are, just tell me and I be there.

Shiva:What would be the fun in that Chipkali.

She growled at her phone! When she find him she is going to strangle him with her bare hands.

Her phone buzzed again.

Shiva:Just read the words and you know where I am.

She looked at the paper in her hands. Just think Raavi, you can do it, you can find him. With the other clues in her mind, she was looking for the connection between his words.

‘’tree,roots, the place where he thinks’’, a big smile appeared on her face. She did it! She knew where she could find him.

She was 14 years old, when she heard her maasi screaming. She ran to the livingroom where she heard her maasi saying ‘’This time Shiva wont escape his punishment’’.She asked her maasi what happened, but she didn’t answer it. She was looking furious,she took hold of her hand and they walked to the Pandya house. When they entered the Pandya house, her maasi screamed, ‘’Suman behen, this time your son Shiva has gone to far’’. Suman and Dhara walked to her maasi and asked her what happened. ‘’ Shiva, tried to steal my bracelet. He was snooping in my room tofind them and when I tried to stop him, he ran away’’. My son would never do that Suman said to her maasi. Shiva entered the house. Suman asked him if he did try to steal the bracelets and he told the truth that he indeed wanted to try to steal the bracelet because her maasi had stole them first from his mother.

Then the chaos happened, everyone was shouting at the same time, they were shouting at her maasi but also at shiva. The family was still shouting at each other and didn’t pay any attention to Shiva or her. She saw Shiva storm out of the house. She didn’t hesitate and she followed him. He was so angry that he didn’t even notice that she was following him. They walked for 15 minutes, they were reaching the entrance of the forest. She saw him walking into the forest. She stopped. She remembered her maasi her words. ‘’She always told Raavi that she can’t go into the forest alone’’. Raavi was thinking about the words of her maasi but she wasn’t alone was she, she was with Shiva, kind of. So she walked inside the forest, she could still see him walking before her. Abruptly he stopped at a three, she quickly hid behind a tree. She saw him climbing the tree. She wanted to shout to him that he should be careful but she didn’t. He was climbing higher and higher till he found a thick branch and he sat down. He was staring straight ahead. She saw the emotions on his face, anger. So much anger but she also saw the look of powerlessness.

She wanted to comfort him but she knew that he wouldn’t accept comfort from her. So she hide behind the tree and just watched him. She would give him comfort from here, he wasn’t alone she was here with him. She didn’t knew how long she was standing there but she saw him finally climbing of the tree. She followed him out of the forest and went straight to her own house.

While her mind went back to the past, her feet brought her to the entrance to the forest.

Originally posted by: SandhiaM

‘’love is like a tree, it grows of its own accord, it puts down deep roots into our whole being’’

If she thought the last clue was hard to crack, then she was completely wrong, this one was even harder. She reread the clue a couple more times but she still didn’t understand what it meant. she was so confused right now. Who would have thoughtt hat her Shiva could be so poetic.

Her phone buzzed another message from Shiva.

Shiva:You have earned an extra hour. Come find me.

Raavi: Shivaaa, I don’t know where you are, just tell me and I be there.

Shiva:What would be the fun in that Chipkali.

She growled at her phone! When she find him she is going to strangle him with her bare hands.

Her phone buzzed again.

Shiva:Just read the words and you know where I am.

She looked at the paper in her hands. Just think Raavi, you can do it, you can find him. With the other clues in her mind, she was looking for the connection between his words.

‘’tree,roots, the place where he thinks’’, a big smile appeared on her face. She did it! She knew where she could find him.

She was 14 years old, when she heard her maasi screaming. She ran to the livingroom where she heard her maasi saying ‘’This time Shiva wont escape his punishment’’.She asked her maasi what happened, but she didn’t answer it. She was looking furious,she took hold of her hand and they walked to the Pandya house. When they entered the Pandya house, her maasi screamed, ‘’Suman behen, this time your son Shiva has gone to far’’. Suman and Dhara walked to her maasi and asked her what happened. ‘’ Shiva, tried to steal my bracelet. He was snooping in my room tofind them and when I tried to stop him, he ran away’’. My son would never do that Suman said to her maasi. Shiva entered the house. Suman asked him if he did try to steal the bracelets and he told the truth that he indeed wanted to try to steal the bracelet because her maasi had stole them first from his mother.

Then the chaos happened, everyone was shouting at the same time, they were shouting at her maasi but also at shiva. The family was still shouting at each other and didn’t pay any attention to Shiva or her. She saw Shiva storm out of the house. She didn’t hesitate and she followed him. He was so angry that he didn’t even notice that she was following him. They walked for 15 minutes, they were reaching the entrance of the forest. She saw him walking into the forest. She stopped. She remembered her maasi her words. ‘’She always told Raavi that she can’t go into the forest alone’’. Raavi was thinking about the words of her maasi but she wasn’t alone was she, she was with Shiva, kind of. So she walked inside the forest, she could still see him walking before her. Abruptly he stopped at a three, she quickly hid behind a tree. She saw him climbing the tree. She wanted to shout to him that he should be careful but she didn’t. He was climbing higher and higher till he found a thick branch and he sat down. He was staring straight ahead. She saw the emotions on his face, anger. So much anger but she also saw the look of powerlessness.

She wantedt o comfort him but she knew that he wouldn’t accept comfort from her. So she hide behind the tree and just watched him. She would give him comfort from here, he wasn’t alone she was here with him. She didn’t knew how long she was standing there but she saw him finally climbing of the tree. She followed him out of the forest and went straight to her own house.

While her mind went back to the past, her feet brought her to the entrance to the forest.

There she stood. And she felt fear cloud her mind. Last time she could see Shiva- this time there was no sign of him. What if this was the wrong place? Night, forest and alone is not a good combination.

Trust me I am near. I will never let you be alone. But your choice matters the most to me Raavi. So if you want me to stay away, you can eat the five star kept in your purse.

Raavi smiled seeing the first 2lines of the text. Her expression changed to confused at the next lines. Away from the bhootnath? She looked into her purse- there were a few five stars, few diarymilks and a few Cadbury fuse. She took out a five star. And then threw it as far as she could.

Shiva's heart had started to sink when she took out a five star and held it. She wanted him to stay away? Though the thought itself could break him since the day was meticulously planned by him to make them reality, more important was he could not be away and leave her in the forest alone. As Shiva's mind conjured horrible images of her alone, he saw her throw away the five star causing his thoughts to skid to a halt.

A slow smile spread across his face. Chipkali. Being away was never an option. Neither for him. Nor for her.

Raavi stepped into the forest moving towards the tree. She had come only once following Shiva and her steps faltered. And there was Shiva holding her hand bringing her to his tree. He helped her climb up and both of them sat on the branch side by side with Shiva's hands around her waist securing her further.

For sometime neither of them spoke. Then Shiva began, "so the treasure hunt..."

It was kind of cute to see him flustered and at a loss of words since he had revealed a lot of his deepest feelings on paper but to tell them in words? That's too difficult for him.

Raavi brought out all the dairy milks and Cadbury fuse and gave it to him.

There is nothing better than dairymilk for acceptance. Yes I accept . I accept defeat of our of enmity from your one day treasure hunt. I accept that the relation which I thought enmity wasn't enmity to begin with. Shiva my days start with you and end with you. I accept what I felt for Dev was not even close to love. I accept that I had never understood what you meant to me either. I accept Shiva Pandya means the world to me. Is this love? You had better words to write. So you tell me.

If I want more time, I should eat Cadbury fuse. Yes I need time not for the decision but for us. We have fought and bickered for long. Now that we know what we mean to each other, can I please fulfil my fantasy of a secret relation too Shiva? Please some time before we reveal to the family. I want a hiding and meeting phase in our story too.

With each word Shiva's smile grew wider and wider.

Hiding and only meeting? He smirked. Raavi blushed red and whined Shivaaaa hiding her face in his chest. Secret relation? Interesting fantasies you have and since this is the first thing you asked me for- anything for you.

So did you figure out who the seventh person was?

Raavi gave him such an angelic smile that it took Shiva's breath away. She looked so beautiful in the moonlight.

Then she handed him a yellow rose tinged red. This is what I would have gifted Dev- friendship turning to love slowly. But I can't give it to you.

But I should get my gift. Shiva frowned

Yes your gift not Dev's. He will get the love a brother in law gets. But you....

And she leaned in pecking his forehead, cheeks and then his lips.

Should I throw away the five stars Chipkali? Shiva smirked.

No. We can't throw all of them away Shiva. Let's give those to the family. Let them eat sweets without knowing what they are celebrating.