[E P I G R A P H]

“I'll look for you in every lifetime and love you there.”

[D E D I C A T I O N]

“To all those who feel they don’t deserve love — you do. And to those who are willing to wait patiently, yet fight with all their heart for the love they believe in.”

[P R O L O G U E]

Aranya ran towards her brother screaming,"22 on 22". She threw her arms at him only to be engulfed by Sameer who's been waiting for them for the past fifteen minutes in front of their hostel.

"Happy Birthday Bhaiii!!" She mumbled feeling excited yet emotional as she's seeing him after almost a year.

"How are you, dummy ??" He asked ruffling her hair and she whined.

"Turning cute with each passing day !!" She answered by flipping her hair to which he mumbled, lowering his sunglasses a bit to his nose,"Stop living in delusion."

"Whatever !!" She spat while their interaction was being adored by a beautiful pair of eyes. She had missed seeing them like this and most importantly she had missed watching him !!

His eyes darted to her and a gentle smile appeared on his lips while she averted her gaze. Aranya pulled her as Sameer asked,"How are you, Maya ??"

Her heart skipped a beat hearing her name from his mouth after so long and she stuttered,"Hap...happy birthday!!"

"Strange !!" Sameer said with a chuckle only to further add,"I asked, how are you ??"

"I'm good." She replied giving him a confused look and he just gave her a swoon worthy smile.

"Get in girls...Mom and dad had prepared so many things for you." He said joyfully and Aranya ran towards the passenger seat while Amaya stood there not knowing what to do until he opened the car door for her.

"Get in !! Maya." He mumbled and she jumped hearing that new name. No one calls her that, but he's not no one. All this didn't go unnoticed by Aranya who captured their little moment in her phone while grinning.

Who knows she might need it to blackmail her brother??

"Still clumsy !!" He muttered only to adjust her scarf that was tied in her sling bag which was dangling out of the car as Amaya silently sat inside the car but her eyes were staring at him, the pretty swoon worthy smile, his chivalrous gestures everything was making her heart flutter.

And it's not a new feeling, she's been feeling it for years but doesn't know what actually is it ? What to call it ??

He carefully shut the door because if any scratch comes to the car, his father would scold him. It's his birthday that's why he allowed him to drive that precious beauty.

Sameer sat on the driving seat while feeling a piercing gaze on him and he knows from where it was coming. He was about to start the car when Aranya jumped off the car only to open the back seat's door and adjusted herself beside Amaya.

He looked at her baffled as he asked,"Do I look like a driver to you guys ??" Hearing this both the ladies smiled and Sameer noticed something what he's yearning to.

Her dimples !!

He stared at her from the rear view mirror for a while until Aranya said,"Drive Bhai !!"

"Yeah !!" He mumbled while biting his cheeks inwardly feeling the racing heartbeats of him. He tapped on his chest trying to calm himself, being unaware of the fact that someone else is feeling the same !!

They reached Malhotra Mansion and he followed the girls inside. Swati welcomed her daughter pulling her into a warm embrace while Amaya hesitated even to greet her but she gave her a hug too. Amaya's eyes glistened and Sameer noticed that only to feel deja vu !!

He chuckled remembering the chaos Aranya had created in her fifth standard and after that everything had changed in both of their lives. After that day, he used to see Amaya almost everyday and he started developing a liking towards her.

She's actually the first girl that seemed cute and lovable to him. He doesn't know when this liking actually converted to loving her but he never advanced or confessed anything to her thinking she's just a kid and he obviously didn't want to be a paedo.

He went to London after completing his twelfth standard to study Architecture and literally thought he would forget her but that didn't happen and he realised, he actually loves her and he can do anything for her. He kept on coming back once in a six month because he used to get homesick but one of the reason was just to see her !!

He knows what love feels like as he was raised in an environment surrounded with people who love one another endlessly and he wants to have such a connection with her but for that she needs to graduate, so that they can actually talk like adults !!

"Su..... frosting is prepared !!" Ansh screamed from behind that disturbed Sameer's chain of thoughts. Ansh is a grown up man now and is dating someone but obviously can't neglect his biggy girlfriend.

"Yeah...coming !!" Swati said only to cup Amaya's face mumbling,"Make yourself at home !!" She nodded with a genuine smile and went to meet Aditya who's busy enquiring his baby girl about her whereabouts.

Parv and Ansh were busy decorating the dining table while Hridaan and Pranjal had decorated the whole house. Suhaas couldn't make it to his birthday but he did send gifts for him. Sameer looked around at his excited family members and it's their usual way of celebrating birthdays, doesn't matter whose birthday it is !!

Sameer glanced at the huge photo of his dadu dadi thinking it would have been merrier if they were here but nonetheless they must be happy where they are and were actually showering their incessant blessings on them because they are actually happy and learned to live without them.

"Missing them ??" It was Hridaan's mother and Sameer hugged her from behind mumbling,"A little!!"

"But aren't you here to give me all their blessings, Naani !!" He said giving her a kiss on her cheek and she smiled only to nod.

"It's like they had decided long back to leave the world together." Sameer mumbled remembering his grandparents' sudden demise five years ago.

Aditya and Pranjal were devastated but their respective spouses stood beside, holding them together. It was a tough phase for all of them but no one can stop what was meant to happen.

Aditya's chachi chachu distanced themselves after Rishabh got released from jail early, because of his good behaviour during the tenure of his punishment. Because obviously Swati couldn't just accept him for what he did and it wasn't justified at all. They are in contact with them but don't meddle much in their decision.

"Sammy....it's time !!" Ansh screamed and dragged him towards the dining hall. He made him wear a bunny birthday cap, making him chuckle. His love for bunnies is still there and he got two of them in their garden.

"Make a wish, everyone. It's 11:11 !!" Aranya said, closing her eyes while holding Amaya's palm. Everyone shut their eyes praying for him while he wished for her, staring at her serene face.

They sang a birthday song for him and he cut the cake with his parents beside him. Aditya fed him a piece of it but soon put a little frosting on the tip of his nose,"Can you not become that little peanut of mine again. You're even taller than me !!"

He hugged him with moist eyes and placed a kiss on his forehead. Swati hugged him mumbling,"Why are you growing so fast ??"

"So that I can make all of you proud." He replied, hugging his mother. He took blessings from everyone as they all fed him cake but Aranya, she took a huge piece only to eat it all by herself.

"Pehle pet pooja, phir kaam dooja !!" She said, making everyone laugh. She got this attitude obviously from her grandfather. She even looks a lot like him and they all cherish her because she's the youngest of all.

Sameer glanced at Amaya who's talking with Swati. Parv switched on the music player and dragged Aranya only to jump like a mad person. Ansh too joined them as they danced while Sameer went towards the two ladies holding a piece of cake on a paper plate.

"I'll just come, Amy !!" Swati excused herself and her son took the chance to talk to Amaya.

He forwarded the paper plate to her saying,"Have it !! You love chocolate cake !!"

She looked at him and shook her head to which he furrowed his brows but then smirked asking,"Are you on a diet??"

"Who told you that ??" She retorted getting shocked.

"So, you actually are on a diet !!" Sameer grinned and she averted her gaze.

"Have it Maya...remember one doesn't hurt the birthday boy !!" He mumbled and she looked at him in frustration.

"Moreover, you're just nineteen. One should eat more in their growing age." He muttered standing against the dining table.

"How's your studies going??" He asked and she babbled something as her mouth was filled with cake making her face look like a balloon. He chuckled looking at her and she frowned only to look away.

She finished the piece cake and he handed her a tissue paper while smiling but soon they both were dragged by Aranya to dance. They all clicked pictures together and watched some videos of his childhood and obviously feasted on the scrumptious brunch arranged by Aditya and Swati.

The whole day passed in a blur enjoying with his family and now he's at a restaurant with his school friends to celebrate as they had arranged a surprise party for him. It was Aarav who all planned it by gathering their classmates.

"So, dating someone in London or what ??" Aarav asked though already knowing the answer but who knows one's decision can change.

"Nope. Got so many proposals but denied them because I'm not interested in anyone." Sameer answered and Aarav smirked only to say,"But her !!"

Sameer chuckled remembering her face only to complain,"She's a kid, yaar !!"

"It feels odd but I don't want anyone else. For that I'll have to wait until she graduates." Aarav smiled hearing this and he felt like Sameer's speaking up his mind.

"What about you ??" Sameer asked and he shook his head saying,"After mom's death, our relatives never cared about us. Aditya uncle helped me by giving me a job in Hridaan uncle's office as I was inclined towards technology and gaming, due to which I could manage getting my brother into a hostel and he's studying well."

"So, yeah pretty much managing to make a living." Aarav said and Sameer realised having your parents by your side does make things easy for you. He's raised in full comfort and with all the love but never did he take things for granted. He's glad that he got a scholarship in London and is working part time there to make some money.

He knows he has to take up their family business but his passion is architecture and he can't part with it. He'll have to manage both and make his parents proud because that feeling is way out of this world !!

"Is that Amaya??" Aarav asked, looking towards his left side and Sameer glanced to find her wearing a dress of waitress taking orders from two elderly men.

He instantly stood up clenching his fists as they were passing dirty comments on her and what the fuck was she doing there ?? She should be in her hostel !!

He stroded towards her but before he could reach her she stormed out of that area only to walk towards the manager's room.

Sameer followed her only to hear,"I don't want to do this job." His heart felt at ease hearing this.

She's just nineteen and taking such impulsive decisions. Is she mad or what ??

"Fine, I had informed you early." He heard the manager's voice but then the door clicked and she came out with tear filled eyes. She saw him and stood rooted at her place for a while but then walked away holding her bag towards the washroom.

Sameer waited for her to come out and after a good fifteen minutes she came out wearing a full sleeved kurti and jeans. She looked up at him only to ask sternly,"What are you doing here ??"

"Shouldn't I be the one asking you that ??" He asked softly though he was angry but can he lash out at her ?

Never !!

She didn't answer him, but rather exited the restaurant. It's eight at night and this stupid girl is roaming around all alone. He silently followed her without uttering a single word for almost ten minutes when she turned and said,"Stop following me !!"

"Is this your road ??" He asked and she gawked at him.

"Moreover, who knows our destination might be the same and this road might lead us there. So, I'll just walk beside you." He further added with a chuckle and she looked at him in confusion not really understanding what he said to her.

"What forced you to take this impulsive step of working that too at a restaurant cum bar ??" Sameer asked her and the inflection in his voice made her flinch.

"You....you already know everything about me and I need money to manage my expenses and hostel bills." She answered truthfully as tears rolled down from her cheeks. He hated to see her like that. He forwarded his hand to wipe her tears but then realised what he's about to do. He cursed himself inwardly then pulled out his handkerchief and handed it to her only to hear a growling sound.

She widened her eyes as she wiped her tears with his handkerchief only to hold her tummy tightly and Sameer cursed, thinking how stupid she can get sometimes.

"When did you eat your last meal ??" He asked her sternly, controlling his anger.

"Lunch, at your house." She mumbled nervously and he chuckled at her stupidity only to slap his forehead trying to calm his anger.

"Come, let's calm your growling stomach." He said and she shook her head.

"Listen, if I tell my mother she'll scold you more. Do you want that ??" He asked with a smirk.

She shook her head saying,"No...don't tell Aunty !!"

"Fine then. Take it as a treat from me as it's my birthday today." He mumbled and she looked at him as she blinked her eyes.

"Would you mind if I hold your hand ??" He asked and she shook her head. He forwarded his hand to hold hers but then thought something and asked for her hand. She stared at him for few seconds and hesitantly placed her left palm over his right one.

He smiled and gently clasped her palm in his making sure to never leave her hand as he smiled inwardly. She just looked at their joined hands which made her feel warm.

They both walked towards the parking lot and he opened the passenger door for her. She didn't resist and silently sat on the passenger seat because she knew he wouldn't listen to her.

Sameer ran towards the driving seat and settled inside saying,"Fasten the seatbelt." She looked to her left and tried to pull it, more like struggling with it for some seconds but finally succeeded in fastening the seat belt in front of her.

Sameer texted Aarav that he'll get late and will meet him tomorrow and Aarav understood his best friend. Sameer drove off to one of the restaurants owned by his father and ordered dinner for her.

It's been like this only. They always meet while eating something even if they aren't, he does make her eat one or the other thing.

He averted his gaze because obviously he didn't want to make her uncomfortable and let her eat silently. After what felt like twenty minutes she mumbled,"I...I'm done."

"I can't....eat more !!" She mumbled cutely looking at him and he chuckled saying,"I'll finish them."

"Why will you eat my leftovers ??" She asked, raising her voice a bit and he smirked, saying,"Because I paid for the food. I can't let it go to waste !!"

"You don't have to...we can get it packed." She suggested and he chuckled but then said,"I'm hungry, so let me eat."

She kept staring at him as he finished her leftovers and she felt guilty to make him eat that. He looked at her face and mumbled,"Stop worrying much !! Friends can eat each other's leftovers."

"Don't you share your food with Anya ??" He asked, chugging down a bottle of water and she nodded meekly.

"But that is different!! She's my best friend!!" She answered and he mumbled,"You can make me your best friend."

"I surely won't mind !!" He said cheekily flashing his bunny teeths at her and she smiled making her dimples visible.

She gets two dimples, one just above the corner of her lips and the other on the same side of her cheek bone. His eyes shined looking at that cute feature of her and he wished to make her smile like this for the rest of his life.

They both left the restaurant and he was driving back to her hostel when he asked,"Does Anya know that you tried to work part time ??"

"No...don't tell her. I told her that I'm going to the library and she must be asleep by now. She had called me once but I ignored it." She blabbered and he glanced at her. Anger was visible in his eyes and she looked away.

"Do you realise, your stupid stunt could've gotten you in trouble ?" He asked and she nodded feeling ashamed.

"I guess you don't think of us as your family." He mumbled and she shook her head,"I got to know what family feels like after meeting you two and Uncle Aunty !!"

"Then don't...don't hide anything from Anya. We care for you and in these years you've become a part of us." Sameer said looking into her eyes and she felt like crying.

"Why are you guys so good??" She asked as her eyes moistened.

"Because we love you !!" He said with a smile and she actually felt special.

"Is he saying all his secrets by generalising it with we ??" His brain thought.

"I was thinking the same !!" His heart answered and he brushed off the bickering between two organs of his body.

"You want to work ??" He asked as they reached her hostel and he unlocked the doors.

"Haan !!" She answered as she got out of the car only after he held the door for her.

"Do you trust me ??" He asked and she looked at him not knowing what to say.

"Sorry, do you think of me as your friend or not ??" He corrected his words and she answered,"I do !!"

"Fine then, see you tomorrow in the morning. I'll pick you up !!" Sameer said with a smile and she looked at him in confusion.

"You've a flight tomorrow." She said remembering Aranya's words.

"It's in the evening and I'll be back in a few months after completing my internship." He informed her and she nodded looking at him but somewhere she felt happy hearing that new information !!

"Tomorrow, in the morning. See you, Maya." He mumbled and waved at her only to gesture to her to go inside.

She smiled, flashing her dimples because she liked that name. She liked his presence while he chuckled to himself thinking he can wait a lifetime for her and he'll wait patiently.

[C H A R A C T E R P R O F I L E]

[A E S T H E T I C S]

• S A M E E R M A L H O T R A •

"I hope it'll be okay, if I will love you forever."

• A M A Y A •

"My 11 : 11 wish is always you."

<A M A Y A X S A M E E R>

"Forever?" She asked.

"Yes, forever." He breathed.

[ N O T E ]

❥This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination and are used fictiously. Any resemblance to any actual person, living or dead, organisation, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

❥Images, quotes or media used in this book is not owned by me, until and unless it's mentioned. Though most of the gifs are edited by me only !!

❥There will be mild swearing, lots of fluff, teasings, bickering, of course mild sexual profanity and some little mature content. Maybe ╮⁠(⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)⁠╭

❥I don't promote forced relationships or any kind of toxicity between any of my characters. It'll be a soft-slow burn romance.

[ C O P Y R I G H T ]

Copyright © 2025 Arcturus All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or broadcasting.

Any unauthorised recording, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work is considered as an infringement of copyright.

Any infringement of copyright is punishable by law.

[ D I S C L A I M E R ]

☞This is my third attempt to write a story and I'm not a professional writer. Do enjoy the book and don't stress over grammatical errors and spelling mistakes if there's any.

☞I won't tolerate any indecency, hate or I'll comments towards anyone, if you don't like the storyline, please leave this book right here. They will be deleted when I come across them. Thoughtful suggestions and healthy criticism are always accepted.

[ T I M E L I N E S ]

Started on ; 14 Feb 2025

[ G R A T I T U D E ]

Thank you for all the love you've showered on my stories. I appreciate every reader of mine and I wish you'll shower the same or may be more love to this story because it's Aditya's peanut's story (;

• See ya guys super soon. Till then, keep reading and romanticising your life (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

• Love Love 🐰, Byeeeissh 🙋🏻‍♀️