Kyra

A yawn leaves my lips as I stare at the visual board in front of me as the professor blabbers on about the importance of English literature in the modern century.

College days couldn't be more boring. When you're single, young and practically an introvert who would rather pass away than go to a party organised by one of the spoilt brats. Rather, being the shy cat I am, the routine starts with waking up and attending classes before coming home and spending the rest of the day reading books and writing away poems.

But, it's safe to say someone has been disturbing the said schedule. The someone being the elder Khurana brother. If three months ago someone had told me that I was bonding with Shivyansh Khurana, I would have laughed and paid them for their good sense of humour.

A lot had changed. It was already a month since Kanishk Bhaiya got married, and everyone was slowly getting used to having bhabhi around the house. Mumma almost had a heart attack when she saw food on the breakfast table before she even woke up, not to mention, Ipshita Bhabhi cooks like a 5-star chef.

The newly married couple weren't the only love birds in the family though, considering how many times I've seen Ishaan steal a kiss from Anvi whenever we're outside and Shivyansh isn't looking.

Even Rooh was behaving extremely secretive these days, I won't be surprised if she suddenly announces that she's dating someone.

My eyes unconsciously hand on a couple sitting a few benches in front of me, secretly exchanging words and touches whenever the professor turns away to face the board. Well, there's young love. I had that too some weeks ago. Unfortunately my young decided to blame me for cheating while he was cheating on me himself.

Sala madarchod.
(Motherfucker)

I hope you go to hell Tanmay.

I gather up all my books and stuff them into the new tote bag Aayan Bhaiya had gifted me for my birthday. It doesn't take me long to get out of my class and find an auto outside college.

Ye Delhi hai, harr jaga auto milta hai.
(This is Delhi, there's autos everywhere)

The ride home from college is.. peaceful to say the most. Yes, Delhi air is horrible and the traffic is even worse. But it's fun to take an auto and just stare at everything outside.

Time skip

"You're a monkey"

Shiv's voice.

That's the first thing I hear as soon as my feet step inside the house.

Shiv, Kaynaaz, and the Khan siblings sat in the living room gathered around a box sitting on the coffee table.

"The K in Khan stands for Key, and Aayan is Mon, so you're the monkey."

Kaynaaz lets out a loud giggle at Shiv's statement and he passes a smirk in Aayan's direction who rolls his eyes before throwing a cushion at the devil's direction.

"Your name has K too"

"Yeah, it stands for Khurana. Oh oh, I made a full form. Aayan plus Key. AAYANKEY."

This time it's me who throws out a fist of giggles which causes them all to turn and face me.

"Kyra you're home,"

Mariam stands up from her place on the couch before walking over and giving me a tight hug.

"Hi Tulip, yes I'm back, what are you idiots up to."

"Me and Aayan had to go to Inaya's event this evening, so had came here to pick up Kaynaaz. Aur Phir Shiv bhi idhar mil gaye the,"

My eyes meet the said person's and I feel a shiver pass through me.

"Well, that's good. You guys should hurry and get to the event soon then."

She nods softly before pulling out of the hug and taking my tote bag from me.

Mariam was always the sweet one. If someone thought I was nice and kind. She's a thousand times more than that.

She softly keeps down the bag on one of the sofas before turning around to face me again.

"I'll get you something to drink and eat okay? Sit down."

"Main le lungi Mariam-"
(I can get it-)

"Nuh-uh. Chup Raho. Go sit down."

I nod obediently before settling down between Kaynaaz and Shivyansh.

"What were you guys talking about?"

I eye the box placed on the coffee table only to find Riri sleeping inside it peacefully.

"Humne billi ke liye ghar banaya."
(We made a house for the cat)

Shivyansh points at the box I was previously eyeing.

"She has a name."

"Oh sorry, humne Kyra ke liye ghar banaya."
(Oh sorry, we made a house for Kyra)

I shoot a sharp glare in his direction and as if on cue, Aayan bhaiya throws another pillow towards his face causing him to let out a chuckle.

He softly placed his hand on my head, ruffling my black silk hair. This was a habit he had caught onto.

"Did you just indirectly call me a billi?"

I squint my eyes at him, and he does nothing but reflect my actions.

God, he's 26 but acts like a 5-year-old.

"Tu billi hi toh hai, kaali billi, rasta kaate toh bad luck mil jata."
(You're a black cat. Crossing someone path and giving them bad luck)

This time it's me who smacks his face with a cushion, hard enough to make him let out a small yelp of pain.  A satisfying smirk forms on my lips and I relax in my seat watching him rub his nose in pain.

"What was that for?"

"Meko kaali billi bolne ke liye."
(For calling me a black cat)

"Tu kaali billi hi toh hai. Aur Kya hai? Chudail?"
(You're a black cat only, what else? A witch?)

Before I can smack him again, Aayan bhaiya comes to my defensive.

"She's not a kaali billi Shivyansh."
(She's not a black cat)

"Yes bhaiya, tell him. Aese hi faltu me kaali billi bol raha."
(He's calling me a black cat for no reason)

"She's that ginger cat. You know, woh jo Payal so hoti hai, and they lack brain cells."
(She's that ginger cat. You know, those who are crazy, and they lack brain cells.)

"Yes bhaiya tell hi-"

Ek minute. Kya bola-
(One minute, what did he say-)

I shoot a glare towards Aayan and he purses his lips to hold in the laughter which was about to spill out. 

"She does lack brain cells I agree."

"Khurana istg I'll bury you alive one day."

"You can't even pick me up woman, how are you going to bury me alive?"

"I'll cu-"

Before I finish my sentence, I hear Mariam's meek voice call out from the kitchen.

"Can come someone help me?"

I put down the cushion which I had picked up again to smack Shivyansh with before getting up from the couch. But before I take a step in the direction of the kitchen, I feel a strong hand wrap around my wrist before pulling me back down on the couch. My graze travels to where Shiv's hand grips my wrist before landing on his brown eyes.

"Tu beith main leke aata hu, you just came back from college, thak gyi hogi."
(You sit, I'll go get it.)

To be honest, I swear I would've replied to this man before he let my wrist loose and went to the kitchen, but my lips were sealed to even let out a sound.

Shivyansh

Kisko pata tha ki samne rakhi cheez ki bhi yaad aa sakti hai.
(Who knew you can miss a person even if they're right in front of you )

5 ghunte.
5 hours.

That's how long it had been since Mariam Khan was bound to my gaze, moving around like the beautiful swan she is, making my heart race crazier than it had ever before.

Yes, I had been in love before. Yes, I dated people.

But Her.

Mariam.

She has had my heart since the day her chocolatey orbs met mine. Love at first sight is it? If you had told me three months ago that I'd be highly in love with someone I had just met, I'd laugh it off and pay you for your good sense of humour.

But even I wouldn't be surprised with myself if I captured this beauty in my hold and made her mine right here in this kitchen.

But well considering that the kitchen isn't the best place to ask someone out, I push away the thought and stride inside where Mariam was standing preparing tea.

She must've heard my footsteps because her slender body turned around to face me gracefully.

I feel my heart skip a beat.

Several beats.

And there I'm in heaven again.

She must be an angel because there is no way in heck that this woman is an ordinary being, with those long lashes, enticing lips and gorgeous eyes.

I would usually give her a cliche compliment or pass a flirt to make that light pink appear on her cheek but instead, my heart decides to talk with the eyes.

Her orbs scan my body before returning to mine and she raises an eyebrow in my direction. I respond by studying her expression, catching the playful hint in her raised eyebrow.

There's a unique energy in the air as if the whole world is holding its breath to witness this silent exchange between us.

Our eyes continue this dance of curiosity and connection. It's like we've found a secret language that speaks with eyes rather than words. A subtle smile forms on my lips, as I watch shyness overcome her confident aura and her orbs drop down again, losing the staring contest we were having.

"Aapko kuch chahiye?"
(You need something?)

Her voice was meek and soft, which made me wonder about some thoughts which I should be having at this moment.

"You called for help, and I'm at your service, my lady,"

The soft blush that covers her cheeks whenever she gets flustered appears again, urging me to kiss it, just to make the colour darker. But somehow I fight the dirty demon inside me, clenching my hand in a fist to avoid any action which wasn't needed.

"Ji, woh chai-"
(Yea, the chai-)

"Chai?"

"Chai Mein chini thik hai?"
(Does the tea have enough sugar?)

My heart pains at how innocently she looks at me as she raises a cup my tea in my direction. These dialogues seem too useless because my heart's beating in my ears is too loud to figure out what her beautiful voice is saying.

Carefully handing me the cup, she studies my expressions as I take a sip of the hot tea.

Sachi bolu, iss aurat ke hatho me jaadoo hai. Aaj tak itni achi chai nhi pee Mene.
(To be honest, this woman has magic in her hands. I've never had such good tea before.)

"Kesi hai?"
(How is it?)

She looks at me curiously, moving her gaze between me and the cup of tea.

"Hmm chini kaam hai."
(Hmm it has less sugar)

"Ohh Ruko main leke aati hu,"
(Ohh wait let me get some)

Before she turns around, I gently grab her wrist, making her pause in her place. Her mouth falls open as if to say something but no words come out.

"Tum ek sip le lo,"
(Take a sip.)

She looks confused at my statement but takes a sip from the cup anyway.

And before a comment leaves her mouth, I take another sip from the same place she had.

"Ab thik hai, it's sweet enough,"
(Now it's good,)

She was clearly flustered, considering the dark pink blush on her cheeks. Her eyes glisten with some unsaid words and she immediately looks away out of shyness.

"Mariam let's go."

Aayan's voice was heard across the hallway as he called out the woman in front of me.

The woman I intend to make mine soon. The woman I wish to have in my arms every night and morning.

She softly twists her hand in my hold and I immediately let go, not wanting to cause her any pain. 

She carefully pours another cup of tea before taking the cup along with a packet of Oreos outside for Kyra.

That girl's obsession with Oreos is disturbing at this point.

Kabhi Kabhi darr lagta hai Oreos se hi shaadi na karle. Ya Phir oreo ke chakar me kidnap na ho jae
(Sometimes I get scared, what if she marries oreos? Or gets kidnapped due to her obsession with them.)

By the time I walked back into the living room, Kyra was already munching on her Oreos, and the other three were headed to the front door of the house.

Kanishk had been absent now, for more than one hour with Ipshita — hopefully not doing what my dirty mind is thinking — and my dearest younger brother was still in college along with Anvi.

I  stare as the gorgeous swan steps towards the front door of the house. Before she leaves, her orbs clash with mine, sending a sharp spark of energy through my entire body.

Ab aur kitna marogi aapni nighaun se mohtarma
(How much will you kill me with your eyes?)

Kyra

I'm not even going to lie, Chai with Oreos slaps the spot. Like. Bas aur kuch nhi chahiye mujhe zindagi me
(I don't want anything else in my life.)

Acha maybe I want some books and a huge Oreo plushie. Magar uske ilawa aur kuch nhi.
(But besides that nothing.)

I feel the sofa next to me dip and Shivyansh settles down next to me.

I kick off my heels before turning on the sofa so I'm facing him and keeping my legs on his lap.

He gives me a side eye before bringing his to my feet massaging them softly.

"Don't you have work?"

The question comes out of pure curiosity, usually, Kanishk and Shivyansh have late-night shifts on alternate days, so for him to be sitting here as if he's free is kind of unusual.

"Tere bhai ko toh nikale aapne bedroom se,"
(Let your brother come out from his bedroom first.)

I nod my head at his statement and continue to munch on my packet of Oreos

"Kyra?"

"Hmm"

"Agar tere pas panch oreo hai aur koi Terese ek oreo mange toh kitne oreo bache gye?"
(If you've five oreos, and someone asks you for an oreo, how many oreos will be left?)

"Panch oreo aur ek dead body."
(Five and a dead body)

A grin forms on my face as his hand — which was trying to retrieve an Oreo — pauses and goes make to its original position. His face drops into his usual "are you serious look" making me chuckle internally.

"Acha agar mere pas punch oreo hai, aur Tu ek oreo mange toh mere pas kitne oreo bache gye?"
(Okay, if I've five oreos and you ask for one, how many oreos will be left?)

He looks at me with a raised eyebrow, confusion clouding his eyes.

"Panch?"
(Five?)

I shake my head at his statement before pulling out an Oreo from the packet and handing it to him.

"Char kyuki I don't mind sharing my Oreos with Panda."
(Four because  I don't mind sharing my Oreos with Panda)

A soft smile forms on his face before he takes the Oreo and stuffs it in his mouth. A part of me is highly offended that he didn't open and eat it like it's supposed to be eaten but it's okay, he'll learn slowly.

"Acha Kyra?"

"Bolo"
(Say)

"Teko koi pasand hai?"
(Would you like anyone?)

For a second, my breathing comes to a pause. This was the first time someone had asked me this question after my breakup, and it so as well happens to be the person whom I've developed a small crush on.

Ab kya bolu?
(What do I say)

"Hai toh. Teko pasand hai koi?"
(Yes, what about you)

I wasn't too surprised by his words. Kyuki Bhagwan ko merese pyaar thodi na hai, pyaar? Aur merese liye? Nah.
(Because God doesn't love me, does he? Love? And for me? Nah)

"Haan, hai ek mohtarma."
(Yes, there's a lady)

Very good. Great.

Na hum kabhi kuch the, na hi kabhi kuch honge. Meri khanni me kabhi pyaar likha hi nhi tha.
(Neither were we anything, nor will we ever be anything. Love was never written in my story)

Oh shut up brain. Get over it. Itna dramatic hona zarori hota hai harr baat pe?
(Is it necessary to get so dramatic in every situation?)

I hear the snapping of fingers in front of my face and immediately push away the thoughts clouding my mind.

"Kya soch rahi billi?"
(What are you thinking kitty?)

"Kuch nhi, bas soch rahi hu, ab kiske dil nhi lagana. Dard hota hai."
(Nothing, I'm just thinking, I don't wanna fall in love now, it pains)

A sigh escapes my lips and his expression softens. He places a hand on my head patting it softly.

"Wait patiently. Tera abhi toh break up hua. Kyu wapas dil lagane me beithi hai?"
("Wait patiently. You just had a break up. Why are you going back to giving your heart away?")

He's right. It wasn't this crush I had on him that hurt. It's what Tanmay did that's broken me apart. I shouldn't give away my heart again. It has simply lost its capability to love properly again.

"Yep, I understand."

Shivyansh starts to speak again but he gets interrupted by the sound of a notification popping up on my screen.

Unknown number has sent a message.

Well look who it is again. Mr. Mystery Man.

Now, like a sane person, I should've blocked this unknown number and reported them to the police or something of the sort.

Magar main toh pagal hu na, meko bhi jaana hai kon pagal stalker insaan hai ye.
(But I am crazy, I also want to know who this crazy stalker person is.)

Over the past month, I've received about a dozen messages from him. One asking about my favourite thing in the world.

Unknown: I heard you like Oreo.
Me: who are you, bro? You're creepy.
Unknown: oreos? No oreos?
Me: ...oreos

I think this proved that if someone ever wanted to kidnap me, they could easily lure me in with Oreos.

But also at a point, it got weird as fuck.

Unknown: what's your favourite colour?
Me: black
Unknown: Okay

And the next day I got delivered a set of black lingerie.

Which is why I wanted to block him.

But no.

Because I need to meet this person and smack some sense into him. Who the hell decides to get to know someone by stalking and being creepy?

Bro thinks he's Zade Meadows.

My phone dings again, indicating another message, and Shivyansh leans closer peeking into my phone.

A sense of adrenaline rushes through me as I read the text sent.