It was around 5:30 PM,with a warm breeze swaying the trees along the basketball court. Milli was coming back from her tuition, her mind still full of worry about Yashika. As she passed the basketball court, she paused when she spotted Arnav dribbling the ball.
Arnav, tall and lean, with slightly tousled hair and a constant glint of mischief in his eyes, noticed her and grinned. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and jogged over.
"Hey, Milli!" Arnav said. "What brings you here? You're not usually around the court this time."
Milli folded her arms, looking serious. "Arnav, do you even know what your best friend is doing?"
Arnav blinked, dropping the ball to his side. "Which best friend are we talking about? And what did he do now?"
"Chirag, obviously!" Milli said, a touch of exasperation in her voice.
Arnav's grin faded. "What about Chirag? What happened?" he asked, his tone turning sharp.
"You at least know what happened to Yashika, right?" Milli demanded.
Arnav's brows knit together. "What happened to Yashika?" His voice rose, alarm creeping in.
"Oh, so you don't know anything," Milli said, shaking her head.
"Milli, are you going to stand here and speak in riddles, or are you going to tell me what's going on?" Arnav said, trying to keep his voice gentle, though worry edged his words.
Milli sighed. "Okay…come with me. I'll explain everything."
Arnav glanced over his shoulder at his teammates. "Hey, I'll be back in half an hour, okay?" he called out, then followed Milli as she led him away from the court.
They reached a nearby public park, empty except for a few old people taking walks. They sat on a wooden bench beneath a neem tree, the leaves rustling above them.
Milli took a deep breath. "Arnav…it's Chirag. He's…he's hurting Yashika."
Arnav frowned. "What do you mean hurting? Chirag would never—"
"He did," Milli interrupted. "It's all messed up because of Kanika. After she broke up with him, he started blaming Yashika. He said awful things. And now Yashika…she's…she's so broken, Arnav. She's barely eating. She had a fever of 102 degrees. She's on saline drips. She's not herself."
Arnav's eyes widened in disbelief. "Chirag was always blindly in love with Kanika…but I never thought he'd hurt Yashika. They were…they were everything to each other."
Milli clenched her fists. "That's what I thought too. But he's acting like he doesn't care. I tried yelling at him, I even slapped him twice…but he just doesn't listen. And Yashika…she thinks it's all her fault."
Arnav stared at her. "What? Chirag broke his friendship with Yashika?"
Milli nodded, tears gathering in her eyes. "He told her to get lost…that he never wanted to see her face again."
Arnav let out a harsh exhale. "This is…this is so messed up. Yashika and Chirag—aren't they the bestest friends. How could he do this?"
Milli wiped her eyes. "I don't know. But we have to do something. I can't watch Yashika like this."
Arnav nodded firmly. "We need to talk to Chirag. He needs to get his senses back."
Milli looked down. "I want to talk to him too…but Miss Kavita would be worried if I stay out late. What about tomorrow, same time? You bring him here. I'll meet you both."
"Okay," Arnav said, determination in his eyes. "And…mind if I drop you home?"
"Of course not," Milli said softly.
Arnav smiled gently and led her to his bike. They rode through the streets, Milli holding the sides of his jacket lightly, her mind still spinning.
Outside the orphanage gate, he stopped the bike. Milli hopped down and turned to him. "Arnav…do you want to see Yashika?"
"Of course I do," Arnav said immediately. "Let's go."
Together, they entered the orphanage. Miss Kavita was in the front hall, and when she saw Milli and Arnav, her eyes widened.
"Milli! Arnav beta!" Miss Kavita exclaimed. "Come, come inside. You're just in time—Yashika is awake."
Arnav exchanged a worried look with Milli as Miss Kavita led them toward Yashika's room.
As Arnav and Milli stepped into the dimly lit room, he saw her.
Yashika was sitting on her bed, a light blanket pulled over her lap, her head bent down as she stared blankly at the floor—like she wasn't even really there.
"Yashika…" Arnav said softly, stepping closer. "What has happened to you?"
Yashika blinked and turned toward him slowly, as if waking from a distant thought. For a second, she seemed stunned to see him.
"Oh… bhaiya," she whispered, trying to sit up straighter. "It's nothing… I'm fine. I was just not well, that's all."
Arnav crossed his arms, his brows knitting in worry. "Why are you lying?"
"I'm not lying," she said quickly. "I'm really—"
"Are you telling the truth, Yashika?" Arnav asked, his voice gentle but piercing.
There was a pause.
"…Of course I'm telling the truth," she mumbled, her eyes dropping again.
Miss Kavita, who had led them to her room, had already left to give them space.
Arnav exhaled and walked closer to her bedside. "You don't have to say all that. I know everything."
Yashika's eyes shifted to Milli in shock. Her gaze silently asked: You told him?
Milli looked down at the floor, unable to meet her eyes.
Arnav sat beside the bed and gently took Yashika's hand in his. "You're like my sister, Yashika. I've always felt that. And I… I can't bear to see you like this. If there's anything I can do to help you—anything at all—just tell me."
Yashika smiled weakly, her voice soft. "It's okay, bhaiya. Everything will be fine. He… just needs time. Kanika was everything to him. He loved her. I understand… it's okay."
Arnav's heart twisted, hearing her trying so hard to stay strong. "Okay," he said gently, giving her hand a light squeeze before letting go.
They talked for a little while longer—light things, soft words. And then, as the clock ticked closer to night, Arnav stood up.
"I should get going. Dad will be worried," he said, adjusting his watch.
Arnav, too, had his own storms. He had lost his mother just a year ago. His father, who had once been Raghuveer's classmate, still held a bitter grudge toward him—never approving of Arnav's close friendship with Raghuveer's son, Chirag. But Arnav didn't care. Chirag was his best friend. That bond didn't need anyone's permission.
He turned to Yashika and smiled softly. "Take care, okay?"
Yashika nodded. "You too."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. Yashika smiled—just a little—and waved him goodbye.
"I'll come after dropping him," Milli said.
Outside the orphanage gate, Arnav paused as he swung his leg over the bike. He looked at Milli. "She's really hurt," he said, his voice low. "Chirag… what an idiot. How could he do this to her?"
Milli didn't answer—she just hummed softly in agreement.
Arnav sighed and started the bike. "See you tomorrow, Milli."
"See ya," she said, waving faintly.
As the roar of the bike faded into the distance, Milli turned back and walked up the orphanage stairs. She stepped into Yashika's room and sat beside her for a while.
A few minutes later, Miss Kavita came in and smiled gently. "Girls, come for dinner."
Milli helped Yashika get up. Though her steps were weak, she didn't complain.
They all sat around the small table in the orphanage dining hall—Miss Kavita, Milli, Yashika, and a few more kids. The food was simple, but warm and comforting. Milli helped Yashika eat, reminding her to take small bites.
After dinner, she supported her again back to her room.
"Good night," Milli whispered, tucking her in gently.
"Good night," Yashika replied faintly.
The room fell quiet.
Now alone, Yashika sat in bed. Her mind, her heart, everything felt like it was floating—disconnected, distant. And then, without even realizing it, tears began to roll down her cheeks again.
She didn't sob. She just… cried. Quiet, heavy, endless tears.
Until sleep finally came—slow and quiet—pulling her into its arms.
Arnav marched beside Chirag, practically dragging him by the wrist. Chirag kept pulling back, scowling.
Chirag said, "Arnav, what the hell, dude? Why are you pulling me here? I'm not in the mood for basketball."
Arnav said, "We're not going to play. Come along."
Chirag noticed Milli standing under a tree, arms crossed and expression like thunder. His face dropped further.
Chirag muttered, "Oh great. Just great."
They reached Milli. She didn't waste a second.
Milli snapped, "We need to talk to you."
Chirag scoffed, "About what? I'm busy. Leave me alone."
Arnav said firmly, "No. We will talk."
Chirag shot back, "Arnav, I don't want to talk about anything. Let me go."
Arnav said, "No, Chirag. Do you even realise what you've done? You broke your friendship with Yashika—and I didn't even know about it until yesterday!"
Chirag folded his arms, looking away. "It's none of your business."
Arnav's voice rose. "Of course it's my business. She's like my sister."
Chirag snapped, "Then go be with your sister. Don't come to me. Just leave me alone!"
Arnav clenched his fists, holding back his anger.
Arnav said, "Chirag, stop this attitude and talk like a human being. What the hell were you thinking?"
Chirag growled, "There's no use talking about it. Everything is what it is. Just drop it."
Milli exploded, unable to hold it in.
Milli shouted, "Yeah, it's what it is! And meanwhile, Yashika's there thinking it's her fault for everything, getting sick, crying every single night!"
Arnav raised a calming hand toward Milli, though his own voice trembled with frustration.
Arnav said, "Milli, calm down. We have to handle this carefully."
Chirag rolled his eyes, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Chirag spat, "So now you're going to teach me what's right and wrong? Seriously, Arnav?"
Arnav said, "Yes! Because clearly someone has to."
Chirag said coldly, "Do whatever you want. My decision's not changing."
Milli glared at Chirag like she might slap him again.
Milli said, "Look at him, Arnav. I told you—he's gone mad."
Chirag turned his face away, refusing to speak further. Aheavy silence hung between the three.
Finally, Arnav sighed deeply, pressing his fingers to his temple.
Arnav muttered, "Okay, you both, don't start a catfight. We have to talk about this clearly. It's a mess right now."
Chirag snapped, "What's the problem?"
Milli slammed her foot into the ground, shouting:
Milli yelled, "Your behaviour is the problem!"
Meanwhile;
Inside her small room, Yashika sat on her bed, staring blankly at the floor. Her mind felt hollow, swirling only with images of Chirag and the words he'd screamed at her. She blinked hard, as if trying to hold back tears… but they slid down anyway.
Then, suddenly, determination flickered in her eyes. She stood up, swayed a little on her feet from weakness, and quietly slipped out the door. She tiptoed past the hall where Miss Kavita was sorting books, clutching the wall to steady herself. Outside the orphanage gates, she hailed a passing auto-rickshaw.
A short ride later, she stood shivering in front of an enormous mansion. She tilted her head back, looking up at the towering gates, drawing in a shaky breath.
Yashika walked up to the towering iron gates of Kanika's mansion, her steps weak but determined. The guard at the gate looked startled as she approached.
Yashika said, "Is Kanika home?"
The guard shifted uncomfortably. "No, miss. She is not at home," he replied, eyes darting away.
Yashika narrowed her eyes. "You're lying. I just saw her. She's inside."
The guard swallowed. "Miss Kanika told us that if you come, we should say she's not at home."
Yashika clenched her fists. "Why? I need to talk to her. Call her right now!"
As she raised her voice, the main doors of the mansion swung open, and Kanika herself stepped out. She folded her arms across her chest, glaring.
Kanika said, "Why are you creating a scene outside my house?"
Yashika shouted, "I'm creating a scene? You left Chirag! Do you even know how much you hurt him? Do you have any idea what he's going through because of you?"
Kanika threw back her head and laughed, a cold, cruel sound. "What the…? Are you serious right now?"
Yashika blinked, stunned. "What… what do you mean?"
Kanika rolled her eyes. "I just dated Chirag for fun. You think I was serious about him? Hah!" She laughed again.
Yashika's eyes widened, her voice trembling. "What the… Kanika… you're lying, right?"
Kanika scoffed. "Oh, come on, Yashika. You're such an idiot. Did you really think I dated him because I was in love or something? No way."
Suddenly, a tall, strikingly handsome boy stepped out from behind Kanika and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
Kanika continued, "Meet him—my boyfriend." She leaned into the boy, grinning. "He's the one I'm going to marry in the future. Not Chirag. Never Chirag. I dated Chirag only because he was the most famous guy in the whole school. And anyway, I'm moving out this month, so who cares anymore?"
Yashika's entire body shook with fury. She lunged toward Kanika, but the guard quickly grabbed her arms, holding her back.
Yashika screamed, "KANIKA! What the hell did you do? You witch! Do you even know what you've done to Chirag? That idiot is falling apart because of your bullshit. He's in depression! He's blaming himself and me because of YOU! I won't leave you—I'm going to kill you!"
She struggled violently, trying to break free from the guard's grip.
Kanika stepped closer, her eyes blazing with venom. And without warning, she swung her fist and punched Yashika squarely in the nose.
Kanika snarled, "You little brat. Who the hell do you think you are? You come to my house, scream at me, and act like you can lecture me? Guards—throw her out. And don't ever let her near this house again."
She turned and stormed back into the mansion, dragging her boyfriend with her.
The guard tightened his hold on Yashika, but she screamed, breathless, tears and blood mingling on her face.
Yashika shouted, "LEAVE ME! I can walk out on my own!"
The guards, slightly alarmed, let go of her arms. Yashika stumbled a few steps backward, wiping blood from under her nose. A trickle of red dripped from her lip where Kanika's ring had cut her skin. Her face stung from the slap Kanika had delivered right after the punch.
Breathing heavily, Yashika cast one last, stunned look at the towering mansion. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of pain and disbelief.
Without a word, she turned away and began walking, each step shaky and hollow.
Eventually, her feet carried her to their secret hideout. She dropped onto the wooden bench, rain-soaked and trembling, as if the entire weight of the world had fallen on her shoulders.
Her eyes stared ahead blankly, filling slowly with tears. Everything finally made sense… and it broke her heart.
_____
Arnav let out a long sigh. He rubbed his temples as Milli and Chirag kept snapping at each other.
Milli shouted, "I'm done with you guys. Completely done. Arnav, I told you already—this guy is not gonna listen to us!"
Chirag scowled. "Fine. Go. I don't need your advice."
Arnav held up his hands. "Both of you, stop. This isn't helping."
Milli threw her hands up. "I'm leaving!" She glared at Chirag. "Congrats, Chirag. Stay stubborn. Keep destroying everything. I'm done." She stormed off, the sound of her footsteps fading fast.
Arnav looked at Chirag, shaking his head. "Are you even in your senses?"
"I'm perfectly in my senses," Chirag snapped back. His voice was sharp, louder than before.
Arnav stared at him for a moment. Then his shoulders slumped. "Right… Well, good luck, bro. I hope you figure it out. Please… just think clearly." He gave Chirag's shoulder a light pat and walked away, leaving Chirag standing alone.
Chirag kicked at the gravel, frustrated. He was about to leave when his phone buzzed. It was his father.
"Hello?" Chirag answered.
"Chirag!" Raghuveer Uncle's voice was strained. "Is Yashika with you?"
Chirag stiffened. "No… why? What happened?"
"She's not in her room. Miss Kavita says she's gone. We checked her tuition, school—she's nowhere. We're all looking for her."
Chirag's eyes widened. For a second, he couldn't speak. Then he said, quietly, "If I see her… I'll call you."
He hung up, breath catching in his chest. Without another thought, he jumped on his bike, turned the key, and roared off into the night.
Because deep down… he knew exactly where she'd be.