Prakhar bought groceries and some ready-to-eat food for Shrey—because that hungry soul would wake up even in the middle of the night and drag both Prakhar and Pranay out of sleep.
When Prakhar returned home, he put all the groceries in the kitchen and started inspecting the house. Ajit was coughing while cleaning Prakhar's room; Pranay was either cleaning the mud or just playing in it—it was hard to tell. But Shrey was nowhere to be seen. He tried calling his phone, and it started ringing on the dining table.
"Unbelievable… how careless," Prakhar muttered, just as he heard someone singing. He focused—it was Shrey's voice, humming an old tune, and it seemed to be coming from the rooftop.Prakhar's feet instinctively moved towards the stairs.
"Ek pyaar ka nagma hai,Maujon ki rawani hai,Zindagi aur kuch bhi nahi...Teri meri kahani hai..."
A soft blend of sweat and detergent filled the air. Shrey was washing clothes, completely lost in the melody of the old song. His hair kept falling over his face, and he kept brushing it back in irritation—only for the stubborn strands to fall back again.
Prakhar stood silently below, watching him with a soft smile. From his pocket, he pulled out the hairpin he had bought that morning—not knowing why at the time, but now its purpose was clear.
He climbed the stairs and quietly walked up behind Shrey. Without a word, he gently moved his hair aside and pinned it in place. Shrey flinched slightly—his face tightened, but then relaxed, as if understanding everything... and he resumed humming peacefully.
Prakhar sat beside him and started helping. Both boys were now washing clothes side by side, while Diamond was busy cleaning his face, paws, and nose with the biscuits Prakhar had brought.
A little while later, they came downstairs—only to find Diamond still feasting on biscuits with focused precision.Shrey grumbled, "He'll never stop his doggish ways..."
Without even looking at him, Prakhar replied,"And have you ever stopped your human-ish ways?"
Shrey snapped back, "Of course you'll take his side—you're his master! I'm telling you, he's not getting a single biscuit from my share!"
He moved forward to snatch the biscuit packet, but Diamond wasn't backing down either—he had clenched the other end in his mouth.
"Let go of my biscuit, you mutt!" Shrey growled, but Diamond didn't budge.
Prakhar shook his head, pulled the packet from Diamond's mouth, and said, "Here, take your precious biscuit…"But the moment he did, Diamond started barking at him.
"Fine, I'll get you a new one," Prakhar said, patting his head. Diamond calmed down, but Shrey jumped in—"Why new ones for him? Give him this! I'll take the new ones."He pushed the packet back toward Diamond, who now turned his face away.
The commotion brought Pranay and Ajit outside, and both of them burst out laughing.
Watching them, Prakhar muttered,"Just a moment ago they were fighting to take biscuits, now they're fighting to give... what am I supposed to do with these people?"
He facepalmed and picked Diamond up. Still, deep down, even he was surprised—Shrey, the quietest and most reserved in college, turns into a total child around this dog... why?
Still chuckling, Pranay said,"Bro, I swear, if these two really click, we're getting free entertainment every day!"
Ajit took a deep breath."Yeah… but before that, some things need to be cleared. Anyway, enjoy the show..."
Evening fell. Tired after a full day of cleaning, everyone had collapsed on the living room sofas—physically and mentally drained.
Prakhar alone went into the kitchen and prepared the entire dinner.
When the food was served, Ajit and Pranay took their plates calmly, but the other two—Shrey and Diamond—sat sulking, avoiding each other.
Prakhar mixed milk and bread in a bowl and walked over to Diamond.Diamond sat on the floor, licking his paw, and turned his face away as Prakhar approached.
"What now...? Why the attitude? Technically, I should be the one upset, the way you two were fighting like cat and dog," Prakhar said.
Diamond still sat turned away—ears slightly drooped, face sulking.
"Come on now… eat. I'll bring new biscuits tomorrow."
No reaction.
"Alright, alright… lollipops too. Happy now?"
Diamond gave a slight nod and began eating. Prakhar exhaled in relief."Great, one down… now for the other warrior..."
"Food's getting cold, Shrey..."Prakhar called out from the corner.
"Feed your Hira-Chandi..."Shrey's slightly sulky voice came from inside his room.
Ajit and Pranay were still enjoying the scene like a rom-com without an ad break—no popcorn needed.
Prakhar stared at the door for a moment. Then, he plated some food and entered the room.
As soon as Shrey saw him, he wrapped himself tighter in his blanket and muttered,"I don't want your food. Feed it to your Diamond..."
"Fine. Diamond ate, I'll eat too. And if you wake up hungry at midnight—don't come crying to me. I'll be in deep sleep."Prakhar said it all very clearly.
He sat on the floor in front of the TV and began eating.
From under the blanket, Shrey peeked at him and mumbled,"He asked once and gave up… doesn't even know how to apologize properly..."
Then slowly, he got out of bed.
Prakhar heard the footsteps and smiled slightly—without turning—and quickly hid it again.
Shrey sat beside him and started staring silently.
"Alright, what are your demands?"Prakhar asked with a smile.
"Umm... chocolate, ice cream, pasta, cake, chole-bhature..."
"Tomorrow..."Prakhar looked down.
"No, today..."
"I already cooked today. We'll go tomorrow."
"Promise you won't forget?"
"Never..."Prakhar said, looking into his eyes, and offered him a bite.
Shrey quietly ate it.
Later, Prakhar put away the plate. When he returned, Shrey was still in the room—but now Diamond had crawled into his lap.
Shrey groaned.
Prakhar laughed and gently rested Shrey's head on his shoulder.Shrey smiled a little and turned to watch the TV.
After a while, he whispered,"You're really not upset about what I said... the whole charming guy thing?"
"No."Prakhar's reply was clear.
"But—"
Prakhar took his hand."Just... hush now."
Shrey closed his eyes.
Meanwhile, from outside the room, Ajit and Pranay stood at the door watching.
"I wish I had a boyfriend who pampered me like this…""I miss you, my would-be boyfriend…"Pranay said dramatically, placing a hand on his heart.
Ajit looked at him like he was from another planet.
After Shrey had fallen asleep, Prakhar went to his room. As he lit a cigarette, he suddenly felt someone behind him. He turned quickly.
Ajit stood there, a soft smile in his eyes.
"Hi... been a long time, Izaan..."Ajit said—emphasizing the word Izaan.
Prakhar coldly replied,"I'm not Izaan..."