Twisted Hearts Chapter 3

The semester exams were over and Deepika and Aditya were now waiting for their results before starting their job search. Pallavi, on the other hand, was waiting for college to reopen for her next semester.

Most days, either Deepika and Pallavi would go over to Aditya’s house, or he would come to theirs. The trio spent their time watching movies, eating together and playing video games, making the most of their carefree days.

One night, after staying up late watching a movie, Aditya had fallen asleep on the couch.

Pallavi quietly picked up a glass of water and with a mischievous grin, she poured it over him. She quickly handed the empty glass to Deepika, who stood frozen beside her, before running off toward the kitchen to look for Aditya’s mother, Sheela.

Aditya jolted awake, irritated and was about to shout at Pallavi but his expression softened the moment he saw Deepika standing there with the glass. He wiped his face and smiled.

“What a pleasant way to wake up,” he said, his tone hinting more at waking up to her than the water.

Deepika misunderstood and thought he was teasing her. Without a second thought, she poured the remaining water on him. Just then, Pallavi walked back into the hall casually.

Aditya grabbed her arm and pulled her down beside him and wiped his face with her dupatta.

“Don’t spoil Deepika. She is the only one with some sense and kindness. Spare her,” he said before heading to his room to get ready.

After a shower, he stood in front of his wardrobe, scanning for a T-shirt. He picked a black one intentionally to match Deepika’s black kurti.

Walking out, he whistled casually and raised his brows at the girls. Deepika blushed, noticing they were twinning and Pallavi smiled, recognizing that he was wearing the T-shirt she had gifted him for his birthday.

“What’s the plan for today?” Aditya asked, sitting down for breakfast.

Pallavi turned on the music channel and spoke without looking at him. “There is a girl trying very hard to get your attention. I have been watching her for a week. She passes by our house exactly when you come out to clean uncle’s bike. And again in the evening when we are on the terrace having tea. Poor girl… she doesn’t know you are an idiot.” she said sticking her tongue out.

Aditya scoffed. “You don’t know my value. Ask Deepika, she will praise me. Am I right, Deepi?” he asked, looking at her.

Deepika bit her lip and glanced at Pallavi, who was eagerly waiting for her answer.

“You are not an idiot, Aadhi…” Deepika said calmly and Aditya smirked slightly.

“…You are stupid.” Deepika completed her sentence and Pallavi burst out laughing and planted a quick kiss on Deepika’s cheek. The sisters laughed together while Aditya stared at them in mock shock.

Aditya took a sip of his drink and immediately reached for Pallavi’s glass, taking it from her hand. She looked at him with an angry pout.

“This is grape juice, Pavi. You will fall sick. Come, let’s go outside, there would be stalls with popcorn and snacks,” he said, gently holding her hand.

“Walk slowly. Don’t trip on your saree,” he added, then glanced back to check if Deepika was following.

“Hold Deepika’s hand too. She might fall,” Pallavi said, carefully lifting her pleats as she walked.

“She doesn’t trip over her feet or her saree like you do. She knows how to carry herself elegantly,” Aditya replied teasingly.

“But I’ll hold her hand… since we are friends,” he added, extending his hand toward Deepika.

They reached the food stalls. Pallavi immediately went for pani puri, while Deepika chose popcorn.

Pallavi relished each bite, closing her eyes and letting out a soft, satisfied moan. Aditya lightly smacked her head and glared at her.

“Don’t do that in public,” he muttered and Pallavi grinned sheepishly and fed him a pani puri. The spicy water dripped from his mouth and without thinking, she used the end of her saree to wipe it.

“You tease me, but look at you, can’t even eat a pani puri. Such a baby,” she said and Aditya smiled, touched by her care.

” You spoiled your saree Pavi, aunty might scold at you since this is new saree ” Aditya said but Pallavi clicked her tongue.

” Nothing is important than you ” she said with a smile and suddenly, she scrunched her nose as if she caught a familiar scent and her eyes lit up.

“Aadhi, they have started serving dinner. Let’s go ” she exclaimed.

The three informed their parents and made their way to the dining hall.

Deepika sat between Pallavi and Aditya. He passed a sweet to Deepika and she fed it back to him. Aditya’s face lit up at the small gesture. He leaned back slightly, resting his arm along the back of her chair as they continued eating, occasionally sharing bites.

Noticing the veg roll and paneer tikka being served, Aditya leaned toward Pallavi.

“Pavi, your favorite,” he said, placing both pieces on her plate.

Pallavi smiled and handed him her sweet in return.

“You won’t eat anything else if you fill up on snacks. Finish your pulao first, I’ll get you more later. Do you want more sweets?” he asked and she shook her head.

Aditya kept an eye on her plate and once she finished her pulao, he called a catering assistant  and asked for another serving for her.

After dinner, they returned to the main hall and saw their parents standing in line to greet the couple on stage.

“Let’s go get the return gift bags,” Pallavi whispered. She hurried ahead and collected one with a bright smile. Deepika followed, received hers and turned back, her eyes searching for Aditya.