Pranay's pov:

Today, I wrapped up work early just to pick up my Aishu from college. I had been waiting for this moment all day -  the thought of spending time with her over a hot cup of chai at her favorite roadside tea shop gave me a sense of calm I couldn't get from anything else.

I reached her college a few minutes early, parked the car, and stood outside, checking my phone, scrolling through upcoming shoot schedules, replying to some messages, half-distracted.

And then... I looked up.

And there she was — my Aishu — crossing the road with the sun casting a golden glow behind her, her hair bouncing, her eyes locked on me like I was the only one who mattered in this world. She smiled that full, radiant smile that could melt the worst of days — and hopped into the car.

I got in too, barely reaching for my seatbelt, when I felt myself being pulled into the warmest, tightest hug.

"I missed you so much, Pranu!" she said, her voice muffled into my chest.

I chuckled, wrapping my arms around her. "Woah, easy there Aishu... It's just been a few hours."

She looked up at me with sparkling eyes before peppering my face with soft, quick kisses.

God. This girl. She's chaos and calm in the same breath.

"It feels so good," I murmured, still holding her close.

We pulled apart reluctantly, and I started the car. Aishu, of course, immediately launched into her non-stop ranting , her favorite activity while I drive.

"Pranu, you know what happened today? In class, they taught us about the exposure triangle - aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. I finally understood how these three balance each other to control light in a shot! Like, when we change one, the whole vibe of the image changes!"

I smiled, listening to her excited chatter.

She continued without a pause. "And then my friends, Disha and Anika, started throwing water on each other - like literally a whole bucket of water — all because they were fighting over which cricket player is hotter. Can you believe that?! They behave like such kids sometimes."

I laughed. Says the girl who sulks when I don't give her the last French fry.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You behave like a drama queen and call me one."

She kept talking, but then suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

I glanced sideways. Her expression had changed - eyes no longer twinkling, but distant, unsure.

"Aishu? What happened?" I asked softly.

She hesitated for a second and then said, "Pranu, in our college... they're planning a week-long tour. We have to confirm by tomorrow if we're joining."

I smiled. "That's amazing, Aishu!"

She looked at me - her eyes suddenly unsure, lips pressing into a thin line. "Can I go?"

I instantly knew this needed more than just a casual reply. So, I drove a little further until I found a shady tree by the road and pulled over.

I turned to her, took her hand in mine, intertwining our fingers like we always do when something important is being said. She looked down at our joined hands, then back at me.

"Aishu... what makes you think you can't go?"

She swallowed. "I've never really gone anywhere alone before. Except that train journey you forced me to take," she added with a nervous laugh.

I smiled gently. "Who told you you'll be alone? You'll have your friends. These are the best days of your life, Aishu. You won't get this time back. Go, have fun. Live your college life to the fullest."

She looked at me, eyes wide. "So that means... I can go?"

"Of course, you can," I said, and leaned down to kiss her hand softly. "Always."

She squealed like a little girl. "Pranu! I'm so excited!"

I chuckled at her infectious energy, and soon, we were driving off toward her favorite chai shop.

Over warm cups of spiced tea and silly jokes, we laughed and talked like we had all the time in the world. Afterward, as we got into the car, I glanced at her and said, "We need to shop for your trip."

Her eyes lit up like Diwali lights.
___________________________________

At the mall, we picked out a bright new trolley for her - lavendar, obviously  and wandered into the clothing section.

I watched her fingers dance over the fabrics  cotton, linen, soft georgette and her eyes sparkle with possibilities. But she couldn't make up her mind. So, I stepped in.

I started pulling out dresses from racks — one by one , holding them up in front of her, dramatically inspecting each.

"This red one would look deadly on you."

"Try this blue one -it'll match your crazy eyes."

"Wait, this white maxi? That's an angelic look, perfect for your sweet manipulation tactics."

She rolled her eyes and snatched the clothes from me, laughing. "You're enjoying this too much."

I waited outside the trial room while she tried each dress. Every few minutes, the curtain would draw open, and I'd be greeted by a different version of her - elegant, playful, flirty, innocent.

And every time, my breath caught.

She walked out in a soft lavender kurti paired with a flowy skirt. The minute I saw her, I stood still — stunned.

"Pranu? Say something..."

I took a step forward. "You look... ethereal."

She blushed. "Really?"

I nodded, reaching to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Like you walked straight out of a dream."

She looked away shyly, mumbling, "Stop it, you cheeseball."

But I didn't stop. I pulled her close, pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I just keep falling harder every time you smile like that."

We shopped till my arms were full of her bags and her feet hurt from trying on too many shoes. But her heart? I could see it glowing.

And mine?

Well, it was full.

Full of her laughter, her excitement, her trust... her love.

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