✍️ Author's NoteThis chapter captures the excitement, playful chaos, and warmth that come with traveling with family and friends. From shared hugs to helping each other with traditional attire, teasing moments, and sparks of subtle romance, it highlights how small gestures and joyful chaos create memories that linger. It's a celebration of connection, cultural pride, and the laughter that binds people together, showing that even fleeting moments can feel timeless.
📖 BlurbArriving in Rishikesh brings excitement, playful chaos, and heartwarming moments. Ryu's traditional Garhwali attire mesmerizes everyone, while she helps friends and siblings adjust their clothes, draping colorful chunaris and distributing cultural gifts. Amid laughter, teasing, and subtle sparks of romance, the group forms deeper bonds. Between fun, jealousy, and shared warmth, this trip promises memories that will last a lifetime.
The bus hummed steadily as the green hills of Rishikesh came into view, the sacred Ganges flowing serenely alongside. Excitement bubbled in the air, louder than the engine's purr.
"Kabir! Rishikesh, here we come!" Kabir shouted, bouncing slightly in his seat.
"Finally! Let's go explore already!" Avyaan added, voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Their energy was contagious, soon everyone laughing, cheering, and exchanging playful nudges.
Ryu's POV:My heart feels so full seeing everyone this excited. Hugging Kabir, Avyaan, Aarav, Anika, Ishani, Aryan, Maya, Siya Di, Rey, Ravi, Arjun, Aakash, and little Kiara, I feel their warmth and joy. Each hug is returned with laughter, playful punches, or teasing comments. Somehow, despite the chaos, I feel a deep connection, like we've known each other for years. The bonds we're forming feel real and lasting—this is happiness in its purest form.
I carefully draped a colorful chunari over Kiara's small shoulders.
Kiara's POV:Wow! Ryu gave this to me? It's so pretty! The colors are like a rainbow. And she's smiling at me while helping me wear it… it feels so nice, like she really cares. I feel so happy!
Ryu's POV:Looking at Kiara's beaming face makes me even happier. This simple gesture feels magical. It's proof of how close we've become, how comfortable and warm our bond is.
Kiara hugged me tightly, squealing softly. "Thank you, Ryu! I love it!"
I laughed softly. "I'm glad you like it, Kiara. You look beautiful."
As the group reached the lodge, excitement was palpable. I changed into a radiant traditional Garhwali ghagra, complete with jewelry and a Kumauni cap. Rey and Ravi couldn't stop staring, mesmerized. Arjun and Aakash exchanged quiet, impressed looks.
Then I noticed Kabir, Avyaan, and Ravi standing awkwardly, their outfits messy.
"Avyaan, your shirt is half untucked. Kabir, your cap is tilted like you just rolled out of bed. Ravi, is that supposed to be your Kumauni attire or a new fashion trend?" I teased.
Kabir:"Come on, Ryu… it's my signature style."
Avyaan:"I swear I was in a rush!"
Ravi:"I don't even know how this happened…"
Ryu's POV:These three… always chaotic, yet impossible not to care about. Smoothing Avyaan's shirt, adjusting Kabir's cap, and fixing Ravi's attire fills me with a strange happiness. Seeing Rey watching, slightly jealous, adds a thrill.
I step back, satisfied. "There. Perfect. Now look at you three—messy to neat in minutes."
Rey's POV:Why is she laughing with them, fussing over them, smiling like that… and not at me? My chest tightens. I can't stand it. I want her attention… I want her near me.
Then I took out colorful chunaris and gave them to Anika, Maya, Siya Di, and Ishani.
"Here, let me help you drape these properly." I carefully adjusted each one.
Kabir (grinning at Maya and Siya Di):"Wow… you both look amazing! These chunaris really suit you."
Maya's POV:He noticed me… I'm blushing!
Ryu's POV:They're adorable when shy. I can't resist teasing a little, straightening their chunaris and flicking their shoulders gently.
Ishani's POV:Watching them flustered is hilarious—I have to keep teasing.
Rey's POV:He stood apart, his dress untidy.
"Your look's a mess too. Want me to fix it?" I asked, smirking.
"Yes, fix it," he replied, half-jealous.
"Do it yourself, Mr. Devil," I teased.
Before I could step back, he grabbed my hand and pulled me close.
"Careful, Miss Sensitive," he whispered low, teasing.
Ryu's POV:My heart raced. His hand, his closeness… my chest hammered. But then footsteps—Aarav and Anika—broke the tension. I stepped back, cheeks flushed, trying to hide my fluster.
I adjusted his dress and placed a Kumauni cap on his head, helped Aarav, and gave Anika a traditional bracelet.
"Take these… so everyone feels part of this tradition," I smiled.
Rey looked around at everyone standing neatly and said softly, "We all look perfect now… thanks to Ryu."
Everyone chuckled, the lodge now feeling like home—laughter, teasing, and subtle sparks of romance woven together with warmth, connection, and joy.