The next morning, festival spirit was still alive, and the university had transformed into a vibrant wonderland. Colourful tents lined the pathways, with students hopping between food stalls, game booths, and activity corners. The air smelled of freshly popped popcorn, sizzling street food, and sugary cotton candy. Laughter echoed from every corner, making it impossible not to get caught up in the excitement.
Shumaila, however, was on a mission—a mission to avoid Hamza at all costs.
Ever since last night's heart-stopping, gut-wrenching performance, her mind had been in complete turmoil. Every time she blinked, she saw his intense gaze, heard his deep voice singing those lyrics meant only for her. And the way he ended it—"I hope you know what you mean to me."
Her heart still hadn't recovered.
So, her solution? Run.
Well, not literally. But she strategically planned her movements, keeping the group between them, slipping away whenever Hamza entered her line of sight.
Hamza, on the other hand, noticed every single one of her escape attempts. And while he should've been frustrated, he found himself smiling like an idiot instead.
Every time she ducked behind someone or turned in the opposite direction, his chest tightened, both amused and endeared. Was she really that flustered because of him?
She's so adorable, he thought, and she doesn't even realise it.
Despite his injured leg, he still managed to keep her in his peripheral vision, watching with an aching fondness.
Shumaila, however, had no idea that her attempts were failing miserably.
After a while, a few booths away, the group huddled together, their eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I have an idea," Siddarth whispered, leaning in conspiratorially.
Shumaila smirked. "Oh, I love when you start like that."
"The 'Get Married' game booth," Siddarth said, his grin widening. "We tip the guys running it and have them grab Sneha and Rudra."
The group erupted into silent, gleeful chaos.
Aarav nudged Akansha. "This is brilliant."
Akansha grinned. "They already bicker like an old married couple. Might as well make it official."
The plan was executed flawlessly. Within minutes, two enthusiastic booth operators approached Sneha and Rudra, who were completely clueless.
"Congratulations! You've been selected for a special couple's wedding game! Come with us!"
Rudra blinked. "Wait, what?"
Sneha, still sipping her drink, stared at them blankly. "I think you have the wrong—HEY!"
Before they could protest, they were whisked away toward the booth, the group following closely behind, trying (and failing) to contain their laughter.
By the time Sneha and Rudra realized they'd been set up, they were already standing at the altar of a makeshift chapel, complete with flower crowns and a crowd of amused onlookers.
Shumaila smirked. "Well, well, our old married couple finally made it official."
Sneha turned, murder in her eyes. "SHUMAILA."
Shumaila was already running for her life, laughing as Sneha chased after her. The group collapsed in laughter, while Rudra, still recovering, groaned. "Are you serious? We either get married or pay 1000 Rs?"
Sneha exhaled sharply. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."
And with that, Sneha and Rudra became an officially unofficially married couple—with video evidence that the group would hold over them forever.
...
While the chaos unfolded, Siddarth quietly slipped away with Komal.
Komal, noticing the shift, raised a brow. "What's this? A secret kidnapping?"
Siddarth smirked but didn't answer, leading her to a quieter area behind the food stalls. Away from the noise, away from prying eyes.
Komal crossed her arms. "Alright, spill. What's with the dramatics?"
Siddarth hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I—uh…" He sighed. "I know we started this whole fake dating thing because of Raghav."
Komal's heart skipped. Oh. Was he about to say he wanted to stop?
"If you're not comfortable with it anymore," she said quickly, keeping her tone light, "we can end it. No hard feelings."
Siddarth frowned, cutting her off. "No, that's not what I meant." He exhaled, then looked her in the eyes. "I don't want to fake it anymore. Because I like you, Komal. I've liked you for a while."
Komal's breath hitched. What?
"I wasn't just doing this to keep Raghav away," Siddarth continued, his voice raw with sincerity. "I was doing it because I wanted to keep you close."
Komal stared at him, heart racing, mind blank.
Siddarth, mistaking her silence for rejection, forced a smile. "It's okay if you don't feel the same way. We can go back to being just frien—"
She grabbed his collar, yanked him forward, and pressed her lips to his.
The kiss was short, just a lingering press, but it was enough to shut him up. Enough to send a shiver down his spine.
When she pulled away, her lips curled into a smirk. "You think too much."
Siddarth, completely dumbfounded, blinked at her. "So… that means…?"
Komal rolled her eyes. "It means I like you too, dumbass."
Siddarth let out a relieved laugh before pulling her into a tight hug.
...
Unknowest to the couple, the rest of the group was hiding behind a stall who secretly followed them when they sneaked away, watching the whole thing unfold.
Aarav whispered, "Oh my god. They're actually confessing."
Sneha, still annoyed from her forced wedding, deadpanned. "About time."
Akansha, mimicking like a bad movie voice-over, whispered dramatically, "And now, my dear Komal, I must tell you the truth…"
Shumaila snickered, covering her mouth. "Worst. Lip sync. Ever."
But then, they all collectively gasped as Komal pulled Siddarth in for a kiss.
Shumaila, whispering in awe, "This is straight out of a movie."
Suddenly, she felt warm breath against her ear.
Hamza, leaning down from behind, murmured, "We could have a moment like that too… if you'd let me."
Shumaila's entire body froze.
The husky tease in his voice, the way his lips nearly brushed her skin—it sent a violent shiver down her spine. Her face turned a deep shade of red.
She was so not ready for this.
The moment was shattered when Akansha, with zero shame, stood up and loudly interrupted the new couple.
"HEY, LOVE BIRDS! HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SPOTTED?"
Komal and Siddarth whipped around, mortified. The group erupted into laughter.
And just like that, the day continued—filled with teasing, laughter, and stolen glances. But for some, things had already changed forever.