A Week in the City - A Turning Point for Shristi and Wick
The next morning, as the sun cast a warm glow over the city, Sona approached Wick with an excited smile.
"So, are you ready?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Wick smirked slightly. "Always."
Soon, the group-Sona, Shristi, Nishika, Prishka, Wick, and Nick-set off to explore the city. Before they left, Shristi's father called out a word of caution.
"Be careful out there," he warned, his tone gentle yet firm.
Wick responded with a confident nod. "Don't worry, sir. We'll handle it."
---
A Casual Day Turns Tense
After wandering the streets for a few hours, visiting local attractions, and indulging in street food, they decided to stop at a cozy restaurant for lunch. Laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly as they enjoyed their meals, sharing stories and playful banter.
As they were leaving, Wick paused and turned to the group. "Wait for me outside. I need to use the washroom."
Shristi took this moment to intervene. "You all go ahead. I'll wait for him."
Everyone else left, while Shristi stood near the entrance, arms crossed, watching the restaurant's lively atmosphere.
Minutes later, Wick stepped out of the washroom, wiping his hands when a girl suddenly approached him. She whispered something to him, but he barely acknowledged her.
Shristi noticed the girl's flirtatious expression. Then, to her utter disbelief, the girl threw him a flying kiss before walking away.
A sharp pang of irritation shot through Shristi's chest. Her fingers curled into fists as jealousy flared within her.
Her lips pressed into a tight line before she turned sharply. "Wait outside with them. I'll be out in a minute," she said in a clipped tone before storming off towards the washroom.
Wick, oblivious to her fury, simply nodded. "Alright."
Inside, Shristi found the girl fixing her makeup in front of the mirror. Without hesitation, she marched up and, before the girl could react, delivered a sharp punch straight to her face.
The girl stumbled back, her eyes wide with shock. "What the hell?!"
Shristi leaned in, her voice low and threatening. "Stay. Away. From him. He's mine."
The girl gasped, clutching her cheek. "Are you insane?!"
Shristi gave a cold smirk. "Try me."
With that, she turned on her heel and walked out, leaving the girl staring after her in stunned silence.
---
Later that evening, Sona approached Wick eagerly. "You should stay for a week."
Wick hesitated. "It's hard. I have a lot of responsibilities back at college. And I need to make sure the peace is maintained there."
Sona turned to Shristi. "Make him stay," she urged.
Shristi pretended to think for a moment before shrugging. "Well... if you stay for almost a week, we can go back together. And don't forget, we have to lead the college."
Wick sighed, shaking his head with a small smirk. "So, you've finally accepted the role of leading the female team?"
Shristi nodded. "I did."
Wick exhaled. "Fine. I'll stay."
She beamed at him, but quickly hid her excitement.
Shristi then hesitated before asking. "Also... can you teach me how to drive?"
Wick looked at her, amused. "You don't know how to drive?"
Shristi rolled her eyes. "I do! I just want to drive perfectly."
Wick chuckled. "Alright, I'll teach you."
The next few days passed in a blur. Wick found himself suppressing irritation as Anuj, Shristi's brother, constantly mocked him. Despite his sharp tongue, Wick maintained his composure-for Shristi's sake.
Every day, the group went out for meals and explored the city, strengthening their bonds.
---
Four days later, during dinner, Anuj smirked as he spoke. "It's been too long. Shouldn't Wick and Nick focus on their college now? I mean, Shristi's an idiot too. She never focuses on college anyway."
Before Wick or anyone else could respond, Shristi's father glared at Anuj. "Shut up. You barely score more than 70% in exams, and you're questioning your sister's focus?"
Anuj scowled but said nothing.
After dinner, he wandered outside into the garden, lost in thought.
Moments later, Shristi followed him. Without warning, she slapped the back of his head.
Anuj turned, annoyed. "What was that for?!"
She simply stared at him, stepping closer. Instinctively, Anuj took a step back.
"What?" he asked, wary.
Before he could react, she punched him hard in the stomach.
Anuj groaned, clutching his abdomen. "Oh, you want to fight? Fine!"
He took a stance, but Shristi-having learned from Wick who-was faster. With a swift kick, she knocked his legs out from under him, then landed a knee into his stomach.
Gasping for breath, Anuj glared up at her. "What the hell was that for?!"
Shristi's voice was dangerously low. "Is Vikram your friend or someone younger than you? Think carefully before you disrespect or mock him again."
Anuj coughed. "Fine, fine. I get it! But seriously, is he your boyfriend? Because you both act like you barely tolerate each other."
Shristi crossed her arms. "He's not my boyfriend. But he's mine. Got it?"
Anuj scoffed. "Oh, please. Like If he heard this, he'd kill me."
Shristi smirked. "No, he wouldn't. But I definitely will."
Anuj swallowed hard, suddenly unsure if she was joking.
---
The Night Before Departure
That night, Wick stood alone on the balcony, staring at the moonlit sky.
Shristi approached, her voice soft. "Tomorrow, we have to go back."
Wick nodded. "Yeah. But if you want to stay, you can."
Shristi's response was immediate. "No, no! I don't want to stay. I mean... enough rest. Time to focus on our careers."
Wick smiled slightly. "Yeah. Back to work. But it was a nice time here. I really appreciate your family's hospitality."
Shristi shook her head. "After everything you've done for me-saving my life, saving my brother-this is nothing."
Wick sighed. "Let's not bring that up again."
Shristi hesitated. "So... how are we going back? My uncle will probably insist I travel with him."
Wick smirked. "We have our bikes. They've been parked in a nearby paid parking. We didn't want to intrude too much, so we left them there."
Shristi blinked. "Wait... those aren't rentals?"
Wick chuckled. "Nope. They're ours."
Shristi smiled. "So, you both have separate bikes?"
Wick nodded. "Yeah."
Shristi's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression neutral. "Then... I'll go with you."
Wick raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
As Shristi walked back to her room, a soft smile played on her lips. "Mine," she whispered to herself.
To be continued...