Chapter 12

As soon as I walked into the house, I caught the aroma of kheer, probably made by my aunt. I put my backpack on the sofa and ran to the kitchen. Just as I thought, aunt Madhuri was cooking. "Is there anything special today?"

"Nothing. I wanted to cook it for everyone." She said, smiling at me. I hugged her from the back, "Love you, Aunt." She chucked and replied with 'Love you too'. She took the kheer to the dining table and we settled in. She served it in a bowl and fed me. Aarav and Nia saw us and ran toward us. Aunt fed them as well, with the same love and affection.

We were enjoying this small, but precious family moment when Vihaan came. Aarav asked him to join us so he agreed and took a seat beside me. I was a mess inside but didn't let it show on the outside remembering Annie's words.

After enjoying the food, Vihaan reminded Aarav that it was time to check the admission list on the college website. Nia rushed into her room and brought her laptop. We all settled in the living room as we started checking the list. First, Aarav checked his and Vihaan's. Luckily, they both made it to the list. We were so happy since it was one of the best colleges in the city.

Everyone congratulated them, and then it was my turn. As Aarav was checking mine, Aunt and Nia were nervous, but I knew I could definitely get a seat in that college because I worked hard to be on the merit list. Also, I did well in the entrance exam.

He checked for my name and asked me surprisingly, "How did you get the second position on the list?"

I was surprised since I expected to be on top. I took the laptop and looked at it, and he was right. It's second. I checked the first place and widened my eyes as I surprisingly found Sanjay's name. I never imagined he was good at his studies as well.

Aunt replied to Aarav, "She's not like you but very talented." I looked at aunt as she patted my back, "Well done, Siya. We're proud of you, dear." I smiled and thanked her.

I found Aarav looking upset at his mom for nagging at him again. But I could tell he was happy for me as he showed me thumbs-up. Nia hugged me and congratulated me. At last, Vihaan spoke as he shook my hand, "Congratulations. So, you're smart and talented."

"Yes, I am," I said confidently. Everybody laughed.

Meanwhile, I got a call from Annie, who informed me that she got into it as well. We congratulated each other.

I also informed her about Sanjay to which she told that she was surprised as well. "He is multitalented. How could he manage such things easily?"

"Yeah, I too think so. He is good at studies, cooking, and art. He is such an impressive person. We need to learn from him being diligent in our work and try to be multitaskers like him."

"Oh! Don't even expect such things from me. I can't even be good at anything." she said.

"No, Annie. You are good at one thing." I said teasingly.

"What is it?" she sounded curious.

"Talking. you can't stop talking once you get started." I laughed.

"Are you teasing me?" she said.

"Yes, of course. can't I?" I replied. I know she won't take it to her heart.

"Yeah, you can. But, don't worry. I will tease you when I see him." She said slyly.

"Who?" I asked confused.

"Your Vihaan." She said loudly.

I got startled by her yelling and looked around to see if anyone heard her. Thankfully no one was around me. "My Vih... What nonsense?"

"Can I say your boyfriend?" She said ignoring me.

"Stop teasing me. He is not yet." I slipped.

"Ohh...., So you accept that he might be yours in the future, right?" She teased.

"Stop the nonsense. Bye." I hung up the phone and went back to find them discussing something. I joined them as well. We spent the rest of the evening with food, music, and games.