Author's Note:
"Dear readers,
This chapter is close to my heart as it captures the innocence of friendship, the warmth of family bonds, and the first sparks of love between Ryu and Rey. I hope you feel the joy, excitement, and fluttering emotions as much as I enjoyed writing them. Let your heart sway along with Ryu and Rey in their magical village adventure."
Blurb :
"Ryu's first visit to her village becomes an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, playful mischief, and heartfelt bonds. But as memories resurface and emotions stir, she finds herself drawn to Rey in unexpected ways. Between protective siblings, teasing friends, and magical moments, will Ryu's heart find its place amidst laughter, love, and destiny?"
Ryu POV :
My village was serene and peaceful—women busy with their chores, men working in the fields, and children running and laughing as they played games. My heart raced as I took it all in. This was my first time here, and I knew I wanted to explore every corner. I wasn't going to hold back—I wanted to see, feel, and live everything this place had to offer.
Just then, Maya grabbed my hand, a playful smile on her face. "So... you're showing me around, right?" she teased.
Before I could answer, Kabir and Avyaan (Avi) appeared out of nowhere, grinning mischievously. They lunged at me, tugging at my hands and laughing loudly.
"Hey! Let go!" I squealed, trying to wriggle free, but their playful grip was strong. I couldn't stop laughing—this was so different from the quiet, lonely city streets I was used to.
Maya chuckled beside me, shaking her head. "Looks like you've already made friends here, Ryu."
I felt a warm flutter in my chest. Friends... laughter... it all felt so alive here.
Just then, my uncle spoke. "Kids, let's first go home, settle down, and relax. After that, we'll explore the village."
Excited murmurs filled the air as everyone grabbed their bags. Kabir, teasing Avi, said, "Hey, be careful, else you'll fall from the cliff and your body won't be found."
Kiara, Ishani, and Aryan chuckled, and Avi shot back, grinning, "Oh, you also be careful!"
When we reached my house, their jaws dropped. It was huge, magnificent, and unlike anything in the village. Aarav and Anika grabbed my hands. "Didi, your house is so big!"
I felt a swell of pride and delight. My uncle smiled, motioning for us to sit. Just then, a woman brought us chilled mountain water. The icy liquid sent shivers down my spine, washing away all my tiredness.
Maya POV :
All my tiredness vanished when I drank the chilled water. I couldn't believe it—it wasn't even refrigerated! Mountain water truly was magical.
The village looked calm, serene, almost like heaven itself. I felt a thrill at the thought of exploring it.
Just then, Ryu's grandmother spoke in her gentle, soothing tone, "Beta, this water has medicinal value. Drink it all at once."
Everyone paused, taking her words in, but before long, Kabir splashed water on Avi. A sudden burst of laughter and shouts erupted as they ran after each other.
I giggled, watching them. Their energy was contagious, making the village feel even more alive.
Kabir POV :
"Sorry, little monkey!" I said, trying to control my laugh as I watched Avi get drenched. The sight was too funny—I couldn't stop grinning. His shocked, angry face was priceless.
Everyone gasped, some squealed, as the two of us chased each other across the courtyard. It felt good to be this free, this mischievous, with no worries weighing me down.
Avyaan (Avi) POV :
The cold water hit me, and I froze for a moment, teeth chattering. Then anger bubbled up—Kabir had done this on purpose, I was sure of it!
I glared at him, seeing him try and fail to hold back his laughter. That was it—I snapped and started chasing him around, my shouts echoing through the yard.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew I shouldn't be this angry... but it was impossible to resist the challenge. This playful chaos made me feel alive, like I belonged here..
Laughter spilled from the courtyard — Ryu, Rey, Ravi, Maya and the others trying hard to keep it from turning into a full-blown gigglefest. Their mirth bubbled into soft snorts and suppressed chuckles as they walked inside to change and rest after the long, exhausting journey.
By evening, everyone gathered again outside Ryu's house: Maya, Kabir, Avyaan (Avi), Rey, Ravi, Siya di, Aakash, Kiara, Aryan, Ishani, Anika, Aarav, and Arjun. The air hummed with excitement — phones ready to click photos, voices full of plans to explore, to make memories that would outlast the trip.
Maya leaned close to Ryu and whispered, "Why is your cousin coming with us?"
Ryu rolled her eyes. "Uncle said he should accompany us since he's been to the village before. Now the trip will be all his rules and 'do this' and 'don't do that.'" She made a face.
Maya snorted. "So awkward." Both girls dissolved into giggles again.
Rey watched Ryu and Ravi from across the yard. Something about the way Ryu laughed — free and bright — tugged at him. Ravi was nearby, too, a shadow of annoyance and fierce protectiveness on his face. Rey felt the heat of it settle in his chest.
REY POV
Anger prickled at the base of my throat when Ravi proposed to her. A thin, sharp jealousy followed, impossible to ignore. Still, when Ryu laughed, soft and unguarded, something in me loosened. Her laugh made me smile before I could stop it; my heart began to race like it always did when she was near — both a thrill and a warning.
Seeing her happy — that small, honest happiness — felt like a memory I wanted to keep forever. I told myself to be careful, to stay steady, but every time she looked my way, the rest of the world thinned until only her face remained.
RAVI POV
Every time Ryu was near, my chest tightened. My heartbeat slammed against my ribs and words I had no business saying crowded my head. And then there was Rey — calm, effortless Rey — who smiled at Ryu in a way that made me burn.
If loving her meant standing down while Rey got closer, I wouldn't. I would fight for her. I'd argue, I'd beg, I'd do whatever it took. Let Rey try to take what's mine; I wouldn't let him have her without a fight.
We all went to explore the village all laughing sharing laughter and clicking photo. Arjun walked like a guard who is trying to protect the king dom . He glared at the person who tried to do something mischeiously but we were not paying attetion to him.
RYU POV
I was thoroughly enjoying myself, walking and sharing the funniest jokes with Maya. All I wanted was some peace, and I finally got it. But then I noticed Arjun walking like a guard, glaring at us. He moved with the precision of a military commander, but I didn't pay much attention to him. His stern look didn't spoil our fun—we were laughing and enjoying ourselves too much.
I even saw Kabir and Avyaan running at full speed along the narrow mountain paths, and Arjun's gaze followed them like a hawk. We saw villagers in farm , women in home and we all were capturing this and the scene of mountains . We all decided to visit the river bank.
Then I saw something that made my heart stop—Rey, carefully watching over his siblings, making sure they walked safely. Avi was also under his protective eyes. They were so cute together, such caring brothers, but something about the scene made my chest tighten, and a wave of emotion hit me. Memories started flooding in, blurry at first, like fragments I couldn't quite place.
I was enjoying everything, yet seeing that sibling bond made my mind pour out scenes that were too blurred. I saw a little girl and a little boy—one of them was me, and the other... I tried to remember, but the memory was hazy, coming back like a sudden flood.
I was with a boy, a little older, and the scenes grew stronger. My heart swelled with emotion, but my mind couldn't place where I had seen him before. As I tried to remember, my foot suddenly slipped. I was about to scream, but someone caught my hand in time and pulled me toward him.
I closed my eyes, feeling an unexpected safety in that grasp. Slowly, I opened them and saw—it was Rey. Shock froze me in place.
REY POV:
I immediately grabbed her hand as she was about to fall and pulled her towards myself . All were shocked by the scene unfolded and Arjun came running towards me and I saw a tension in his eyes .
Ryu looked towards me and I knew she was shocked to see me . When her icy blue eyes meet mine I feel my cheeks go red .
Arjun was shocked. He immediately grabbed me and, panic in his voice, asked, "Ryu, are you okay? Why weren't you paying attention to the path? What were you doing?"
I was startled to see panic in his eyes—it was the first time I had ever seen him like this. Hesitantly, I replied, "I... I saw flashes of a boy in my memory, and I couldn't remember who it was... and I fell. Sorry."
Arjun looked worried and advised me to hold someone's hand to avoid falling again.
Kabir, Avi, Maya, and the others tried to comfort me as I struggled to calm my rising panic. Rey, too, looked shocked by the scene and moved closer to me, wanting to reassure me, but suddenly Ravi stepped forward. He gently comforted me, handed me a water bottle, and helped me drink, grounding me in the moment.
Just then, Arjun suggested we return after reaching the riverbank, and everyone agreed. We all reached the riverbank and relaxed a little.
I walked up to Rey and, in a calm voice, said, "Thank you for saving me, Rey."
He replied softly, "I didn't want you to get hurt."
Then, in a playful gesture, Rey placed a flower crown on my head, decorating me with delicate flowers. "Now you look like a little sensitive fairy," he teased.
I giggled, feeling a warmth spread through me. He was so... him, and I liked him just the way he was. Meanwhile, I noticed Rey's expression—jealousy flashing like a hawk's watchful eyes.
We all reached my house and decided to play music and dance.
First, Aarav, Anika, Aryan, and Ishani danced, and it was such fun to watch them. Then Aakash, Kiara, and Siya di took turns, and their moves made everyone laugh. Soon, we all decided to dance together.
Suddenly, Rey grabbed my hand as the music played.
I danced with him, moving in rhythm alongside the others. In that moment, it felt like the world had stopped. My heart raced, and my cheeks flushed every time I caught his gaze.
Ryu
Why does my heart beat so fast whenever he looks at me? I've known him for so long, but right now... right now, it's different. I can feel his hand holding mine, steady and warm, and it makes me feel safe, even in front of everyone. Why does it feel like only he exists here, only he matters?
Rey
Her laughter, her warmth, the way her eyes sparkle when she smiles—it's distracting, infuriating, and... beautiful. I'm supposed to be calm, supposed to just dance, but I can't stop noticing her. She's right here, holding my hand, and my chest tightens. I want to protect her, hold her, but I also want to... just stay like this forever.
It was truly wonderful as we danced and enjoyed in the valley of mountain.
Morning :
We all wake up and have got ready and i tried a dress given by my grandmother .
Ryu :
As I got ready and stepped out of my room, I saw my best friend Maya standing there in that dress.
"You look wonderful," I said, smiling at her.
"Really? I do?" she replied, tilting her head shyly.
"Yes," I nodded. "You look like a true Garhwali too."
Maya giggled, the sound light and contagious.
Just then, Kabir appeared and saw her. I noticed his heartbeat falter for a moment, and Maya's cheeks flushed slightly. I couldn't resist teasing her.
Maya POV:
I felt my cheeks heat up the moment Kabir's eyes landed on me. Why did he have to look at me like that? My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly looked down, pretending to adjust my dress.
Then Ryu's words made me laugh softly. "A true Garhwali, huh? I guess I'll take that as a compliment."
I could still feel Kabir's gaze on me, and it made me nervous but... in a good way.
Kabir POV:
I stopped in my tracks the moment I saw Maya. She looked... breathtaking. My chest tightened, and I felt my heartbeat spike. How did she manage to look so perfect and innocent at the same time?
I noticed her cheeks flushing, and something inside me stirred—a mix of admiration and the sudden, irrational urge to tease her. I had to keep it cool, but it was impossible not to notice her like this.
Just then we listened someone calling us .
Everyone finally gathered and went down together. The air was filled with laughter and chatter as we walked toward the dining area. Kabir and Avi ran ahead playfully, while Maya and I strolled slowly, taking in the sights and smells of the village home.
When we entered the dining hall, the aroma of traditional Pahadi food hit us. The wooden table was laden with freshly prepared dishes—steaming rice, spicy curries, local vegetables, and warm flatbreads.
Rey's eyes immediately went to me. My cheeks warmed slightly as I noticed him watching me interact with Ravi, who was sitting close by, chatting casually. Rey's usual calm expression had a flicker of something—jealousy, maybe concern. He shifted slightly in his seat, trying to appear casual, but I could sense the subtle tension in his gaze.
Meanwhile, Maya's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Wow! This looks amazing!" she exclaimed, picking up a piece of flatbread and dipping it into a curry. Her first bite made her eyes widen in delight. "Oh my God, Ryu! This is incredible. I've never had anything like this before. The flavors... it's so fresh and authentic!"
I laughed at her enthusiasm. "I told you! Pahadi food is something special. You'll get addicted quickly."
Kabir, Avi, and the others chuckled, enjoying the playful energy in the room. Even Rey, despite his protective and slightly jealous expression, allowed a small smile as he watched Maya relish every bite.
The meal continued with laughter, teasing, and stories, the warmth of friendship and family filling the room. Maya's excitement over the food, my laughter with friends, and Rey's quiet watchfulness made the moment feel perfect—simple, yet unforgettable.
After the meal, we all decided to go outside for a walk. The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and fresh earth from the mountains. Laughter and chatter followed us as we strolled along the village paths.
Maya's eyes suddenly lit up. "Ryu, look! Whose temple is that?" she asked, pointing to a small but beautifully carved temple nestled near the edge of the village.
I smiled softly. "That's our Kuldevi temple... the goddess our family worships," I replied. My eyes instinctively flicked to Rey and Ravi. Both were standing nearby, silently observing, and Aakash was also there, taking in the serene surroundings.
Feeling a little playful, I pulled out my chunni and draped it over my head. The soft fabric fluttered slightly in the breeze, and I adjusted it carefully.
Ravi stepped forward, reaching out. "Here, let me help you with that," he said, his tone gentle but his eyes revealing something more—possessiveness, perhaps jealousy.
Before he could touch it, Rey moved silently beside me and helped adjust the chunni with precise care. "Let me," he said softly, his fingers brushing mine as he arranged the fabric perfectly.
I felt a warmth spread through me at the simple gesture, and Ravi's face tightened ever so slightly.
Ravi POV:
I watched them, and a sharp pang of jealousy hit me. Why did he always have this effect on her? Every little touch, every small gesture... it felt like he was claiming something that belonged to me. I wanted to step forward, to do it myself, but I couldn't. My hands clenched at my sides as I forced myself to stay calm.
Rey POV:
Her trust, even in small things like adjusting a chunni, made my chest tighten. I wasn't going to let anyone treat her carelessly, not even Ravi. My jealousy flared briefly, but it was tempered by the pure joy of helping her. She smiled at me softly, and for a moment, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of us.
Maya clapped her hands lightly, breaking the quiet tension. "Wow, you two make it look so perfect! Ryu, you look amazing."
I giggled, feeling shy under their watchful eyes. Rey's subtle protectiveness, Ravi's jealousy, and Maya's excitement combined to make the moment feel intense yet magical.
We all stayed near the temple for a while, enjoying the serenity, taking photos, and sharing light-hearted teasing. But I couldn't help noticing the silent battle of glances between Rey and Ravi, each expressing feelings they hadn't spoken aloud yet.
As we continued walking, Maya suddenly stopped, her eyes sparkling. "Ryu, look! What are they doing?"
I followed her gaze and saw a small gathering of villagers performing a dance, their movements rhythmic and colorful. "That's a traditional dance of our village," I explained softly.
Rey, standing beside me, added, "It's performed during festivals and special occasions. The patterns and steps tell stories of our culture."
Maya's excitement was contagious. She quickly took out her phone and started recording the dance, capturing every swirl of the vibrant skirts and graceful steps. Then, she subtly turned the camera toward us and recorded Rey watching me, his eyes focused and protective.
Kabir and Avi, never missing a chance for fun, came running and joined us. They clicked photos of the dance, then sneaked a few of Rey and me, teasing both of us as they laughed.
Soon, Aarav and Anika arrived, chatting animatedly. They spoke with their brother Rey and me, sharing jokes and laughter, and truly they were not like their brother so cute and playful and before capturing a few photos together.
Finally, we decided to take a group photo. Everyone huddled close, smiles bright, and the camera clicked, freezing the memory of that perfect evening.
As we walked back toward my house, the soft glow of the sunset bathed the village in gold. Laughter, chatter, and the lingering magic of the dance surrounded us. I felt a deep sense of happiness—the kind that comes from family, friends, and moments that feel like they belong only to you.
And with that, the day came to an end, leaving memories that none of us would ever forget.
—End of Chapter—