🎵 Song: Sajni – Instrumental Version

"Some memories begin with a smile...

Others begin with a little mischief.

And sometimes...

That mischief almost gives someone a heart attack."

It was almost 10:30 PM.

The entire neighborhood had become quiet.

The streets were nearly empty.

The only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets.

Sharma House

Aarohi had finally finished revising her notes.

After missing several days of school, she had a lot of work to complete.

She stretched her arms.

"I'm exhausted..."

She walked toward the dressing table and picked up her wooden hairbrush.

Standing in front of the mirror...

She slowly began combing her long hair.

The cool breeze drifting in from the slightly open balcony doors made the curtains sway gently.

Everything felt peaceful.

Across the street...

A certain mischievous boy stood on his own balcony.

Reyansh glanced toward the Sharma house.

The lights in Aarohi's room were still on.

A grin appeared on his face.

"So..."

"My Ocean is awake."

He leaned against the railing for a moment.

Then an idea popped into his head.

A very bad idea.

He quietly stepped onto the shared ledge that connected the two spacious first-floor balconies. The houses had been built with adjoining architectural ledges, making it possible—though certainly not advisable—to move across with care.

He carefully crossed over and landed on the Sharma balcony.

He dusted off his hands proudly.

"Too easy."

The balcony door was half open.

Reyansh peeked inside.

Aarohi was still facing the mirror, gently combing her hair.

She hadn't noticed him.

He smiled mischievously.

Very quietly...

He stepped into the room.

One step.

Then another.

Until he stood only a few feet behind her.

Aarohi finished combing her hair and casually looked into the mirror.

Her eyes widened.

She saw...

Reyansh.

Standing behind her.

She gasped.

"Wha—"

Before she could scream...

Reyansh quickly—but gently—placed his hand over her mouth.

"Shhh..."

"It's me."

Her heart pounded wildly.

She blinked at him in complete disbelief.

Reyansh slowly removed his hand once he was sure she wasn't going to shout.

She immediately whispered loudly,

"Are you crazy?"

He smiled innocently.

"A little."

"A little?"

"You climbed onto my balcony!"

"I did."

"What if someone saw you?"

"They didn't."

"Reyansh!"

He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Okay..."

"Maybe this wasn't my smartest idea."

She folded her arms.

"It definitely wasn't!"

He laughed quietly.

"I just wanted to check if my Ocean was feeling better."

She stared at him.

"You could've rung the doorbell tomorrow."

"I could have."

"Then why didn't you?"

He shrugged.

"This seemed... faster."

Aarohi couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"You are impossible."

"I've heard that before."

She sighed dramatically.

"If Papa had seen you—"

"I'd probably never be allowed near this balcony again."

"If my mother had seen you..."

"She would've called your mother first."

"And then both of us would've been scolded."

Reyansh nodded honestly.

"Fair point."

Aarohi shook her head.

"You scared me."

"I'm sorry."

His tone softened.

"I really am."

"I wasn't trying to frighten you."

"I just..."

He smiled sheepishly.

"...wanted to see if you were okay."

The annoyance on Aarohi's face slowly faded.

"You could've just asked tomorrow."

"I know."

She looked at him for a long moment.

Then smiled despite herself.

"You really don't think before doing things."

"Not always."

There was a brief silence.

Then Reyansh looked at her carefully.

"You do look better."

"I feel better too."

"Good."

He smiled with genuine relief.

"I was getting tired of seeing your room with the lights off."

Aarohi's heart softened.

"You were worried?"

He looked away.

"Maybe."

She couldn't stop a small smile.

"So..."

He tilted his head.

"...does this mean my Ocean has forgiven me for giving her a mini heart attack?"

She laughed quietly.

"I'm still deciding."

"Hmm."

"Can I improve my chances?"

"How?"

"By leaving before anyone catches me."

She burst into laughter.

"Yes."

"Please do."

Reyansh walked back toward the balcony door.

Before stepping outside, he turned around.

"And Ocean..."

"Hmm?"

"No more getting sick."

She smiled gently.

"I'll try."

"Good."

With one last grin, he slipped back onto his own balcony the same way he had come.

Aarohi watched him disappear before quickly locking her balcony door.

She rested a hand over her racing heart.

"That boy..."

"...is completely impossible."

But despite the scare...

She found herself smiling.

Across the street, Reyansh reached his own balcony safely.

He looked once toward Aarohi's room.

The curtains closed.

The lights switched off.

He smiled to himself.

"Good night, Ocean."

That night...

Both of them went to sleep with smiles on their faces.

Neither realizing...

That this little adventure would remain one of the most unforgettable memories of their school days.

End of Chapter 39 🌊🌙