It was December 24th, the day before Christmas — a day Ishika had been looking forward to for weeks. This year was special: it was her first Christmas with Aarav, and she wanted to give him something truly meaningful. After thinking for a long time, she had decided to knit him a woolen scarf herself. Ever since they had returned from the school trip, she had been working on it slowly, carefully, and it was almost finished.
That afternoon, she sat in her room with Khushi, their conversation light and casual.
“How was your exam?” Khushi asked, tilting her head.
“I did my best. Let’s see what happens,” Ishika replied, a small smile on her face.
“Uh-huh… saying that, the one who tops every time?” Khushi teased, nudging her lightly.
“Stop it,” Ishika said, rolling her eyes but laughing.
Their chatter was interrupted by a gentle knock on the door.
“Ishika,” called her mother.
“Yes, mom,” she replied,
Her mother stepped in, smiling warmly. “I brought some snacks for you two.”
“Thank you, aunty,” Khushi said politely, taking the plate with a grin.
“So, what’s your plan for Christmas?” her mother asked, sitting for a moment.
“Nothing big. Just a small get-together at a friend’s café,” Ishika answered, a hint of excitement in her voice.
“Okay, enjoy yourself,” her mother said, ruffling Ishika’s hair lightly before leaving the room.
Once the door clicked shut, Khushi’s attention shifted to a framed photo hanging near the door.
“Hey, Ishika, that’s the photo of us from the Hokkaido trip, right?” she asked, pointing at the smiling faces frozen in time.
“Yes,” Ishika replied, her fingers brushing lightly over the frame.
“Wow… you still have it? I lost all my old photos,” Khushi said, making a small sad face.
“I have all of our photos from back then,” Ishika said proudly.
“Really? Where?” Khushi asked, her eyes lighting up as she got up and started searching through the drawers of Ishika’s study table.
Panic flickered in Ishika’s eyes. Oh no! The scarf… I can’t let Khushi see it yet, she muttered under her breath, quickly moving to block the drawer.
“Hey! Stop!” she said,
But it was too late. Khushi had already opened the drawer. Her eyes widened in surprise as she held up the scarf, running her fingers over the soft, knitted fabric.
“Hey… what is this?” she asked, her voice a mixture of curiosity and astonishment.
Ishika fumbled, trying to find the right words. “It’s… um… it’s actually—”
“Don’t tell me! You made it?” Khushi interrupted, a teasing edge in her voice.
“Ye… yes,” Ishika admitted, cheeks turning slightly pink.
“For Aarav?” Khushi asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Ishika stayed silent, watching as Khushi climbed onto the bed and sat next to her. The look on Khushi’s face was a mix of amazement and delight.
“It’s for Aarav, right?” Khushi asked again, pointing at the scarf.
Ishika nodded, her heart beating a little faster at the thought of giving it to him.
“I knew it!” Khushi exclaimed, bouncing slightly on the bed.
“You don’t have to act so surprised,” Ishika said, trying to sound casual, though a small smile tugged at her lips.
“Seriously? It is very surprising! You knitted a scarf for a boy! You!? Ishika Thakur!? I still can’t believe it,” Khushi said, her voice high-pitched with excitement.
“You’re exaggerating,” Ishika said, trying to laugh it off.
“But…” Khushi pressed, leaning closer, still staring at the scarf in disbelief.
“Stop,” Ishika said firmly, though she couldn’t hide the warmth spreading through her chest.
“Okay,” Khushi said, finally relenting.
“So… it’s a Christmas gift?” she asked, tilting her head curiously.
“Of course,” Ishika said. “And don’t tell anyone until I give it to him.”
“Of course I won’t,” Khushi promised, still looking amused.
“Good,” Ishika said, relieved.
Khushi tilted her head, a playful smirk forming. “What about me?”
“What?” Ishika asked, confused.
“You’re not giving me anything for Christmas?” Khushi asked, mock-hurt, pouting playfully.
“Of course… not,” Ishika said, feigning seriousness.
“You!”
Khushi wasn’t giving up easily. She grabbed a pillow and threw it at Ishika, who instinctively dodged just in time. Before Ishika could react, Khushi dashed toward the drawer and snatched the nearly finished scarf.
“Okay, I’m taking it then,” Khushi said with a triumphant, smug smile.
“Not that, Khushi!” Ishika shouted, lunging to grab it back.
But Khushi was too fast. She bolted out of the room, scarf clutched in her hands, and ran down the stairs toward the kitchen where Ishika’s mother was cooking.
“Aunty! Save me!” Khushi screamed dramatically.
“What… what happened?” Ishika’s mother turned, wide-eyed and startled.
Khushi ducked behind her, peeking out nervously.
“What are you two doing?” her mother demanded, raising an eyebrow.
“I… Khushi!” Ishika hissed, giving her a sharp look that clearly said, don’t let mom see it!
Khushi immediately understood and quickly hid the scarf behind her back.
“What are you hiding?” her mother asked, suspicion creeping into her voice.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Ishika said quickly, forcing a casual smile.
“Huh? Really?” her mother pressed, narrowing her eyes.
Before Ishika could answer, Khushi straightened and said, "I... Ishika, I should leave now. Will you walk me to the door?”
“O… okay,” Ishika stammered, her heart still racing. She couldn’t believe how chaotic things had become over a simple Christmas gift.
By evening, everyone had gathered at Vivan’s café. The place was buzzing with laughter and festive decorations — fairy lights twinkling, the scent of pastries and hot chocolate filling the air. A few classmates were already there, chatting and taking pictures. Ishika and Khushi made their way to the center booth, where a large group had gathered.
“Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the party!” Vivan’s voice boomed across the café. He raised his hands theatrically, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
“Man… he really loves exaggerating everything,” Shreya muttered, rolling her eyes but smiling.
“Come on! It’s Christmas,” Khushi teased back, nudging Shreya lightly.
Ishika’s eyes scanned the café, her heart skipping a beat as she realized Aarav still wasn’t there. She fidgeted, glancing at Vivan, who was busy greeting everyone.
“Hey, where’s Aarav?” Vivan asked, walking over to them.
“I have no idea,” Ishika said, shrugging.
“Let me call him,” Vivan said, pulling out his phone and dialing Aarav’s number.
Just then, a voice called out from the doorway. “Hey!”
Everyone turned, and there he was — Aarav, standing at the entrance, slightly out of breath, cheeks pink from running.
“Where were you, buddy?” Vivan asked, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.
“Sorry, I got late,” Aarav said, stepping forward. His eyes immediately found Khushi, who was sitting next to Ishika.
“Oh? Should I sit somewhere else?” she asked, her tone playful, clearly trying to tease him.
“Oh, no, no! It’s okay,” Aarav said quickly, looking slightly embarrassed and rubbing the back of his neck.
“Okay then,” Khushi said, trying to hide her smirk.
Ishika couldn’t help but watch, her chest warming at the sight of him flustered like this. Aarav made a small sad face as if he’d been caught off guard by the teasing. Aww my baby, she thought fondly. He was about to move toward Vivan to sit, but Khushi reached over and chuckled, “Aww, I was just teasing you.”
Aarav’s face flushed deeper, but a small smile broke through. Ishika felt her heart skip — it was moments like these, full of playful chaos and warmth, that made their first Christmas together feel so magical.
Khushi stood up and moved to sit near Shreya, while Aarav settled beside Ishika, looking visibly embarrassed.
“Hey, let’s drink something. I’ll go get it for you all,” Vivan said cheerfully.
He walked to the counter and soon returned with cold drinks. The group chatted, laughed, and enjoyed themselves, and before long, the clock struck twelve.
“Hey, it’s time!” Shreya exclaimed.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS!” Vivan shouted.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS!” everyone echoed together.
After some time, Aarav offered to walk Ishika home. She hadn’t given him her gift yet, and nervousness began to creep into her mind. Questions swirled inside her—Would he like it? Should she have chosen something else instead?
As they walked, Aarav broke the silence.
“Hey, can we sit at the park for a while?” he asked.
“Huh? Yeah, okay,” Ishika replied softly.
They went to the park and sat together on a bench.
“Do you want to talk about something?” she asked, noticing his hesitation.
“Yeah… actually no, I… I have something for you,” Aarav said, fumbling slightly.
“What is it?” Ishika asked curiously.
He took out a box wrapped neatly in shiny paper from his bag.
“Um… I don’t know if you’ll like it or not. I just wanted to give you something special,” he admitted.
Their thoughts seemed so alike. Aarav handed the box to her, and Ishika accepted it as he gestured for her to open it. She carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a cute journal. Just as she was about to flip it open, Aarav stopped her in a fluster.
“Don’t!” he said quickly.
“Huh? Why?” she asked in surprise.
“B…because… I want you to open it when you reach home,” he replied hesitantly.
Ishika chuckled and nodded, placing the box safely inside her bag.
They sat in silence for a few seconds, Ishika clutching her purse nervously. She wanted to give Aarav the scarf she had made, but the words wouldn’t leave her lips.
“Should we go home?” Aarav finally asked.
“Ye… yeah,” Ishika replied softly.
They walked quietly through the dimly lit street until they reached her house.
“Okay, see you again,” Aarav said gently before turning to leave.
Ishika stood at the gate, watching him walk away. Each step made him seem more distant, and an unfamiliar ache tugged at her heart. Before she could stop herself, she called out—
“Aarav!”
He paused and turned, a look of concern crossing his face as Ishika hurried toward him.
“What happened? Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yeah… I’m okay,” she replied, catching her breath.
“Then?” he asked, confused.
Ishika hesitated for a moment before fumbling through her purse. “Actually, I… I made something for you.”
Aarav’s eyes widened in surprise. “Huh?”
She pulled out the scarf and handed it to him.
“You… you made this?” he asked in disbelief.
“Yes,” she nodded shyly.
Aarav’s face lit up with both surprise and happiness as he carefully wrapped the scarf around his neck. He looked at her and smiled warmly. “Thank you.”
The sight of his smile made Ishika’s heart race. Her cheeks grew warm, and before she realized, she was blushing.
“You look cute while blushing,” Aarav teased softly.
The words caught her completely off guard, and her cheeks turned even hotter.
“Idiot!” she muttered, trying to hide her embarrassment.
“Huh? What did I do?” Aarav asked innocently.
“Nothing. I’m going,” Ishika said quickly before rushing back toward her house.
But before she could reach the door knob, he called,
"Ishika."
She turned.
Aarav shifted his weight from one foot to the other, as if gathering courage. Then, in a low but steady voice, he said, “I want to ask you something.”
Ishika blinked, surprised by his sudden seriousness. “What is it?”
“Is it possible for you to come to my home tomorrow?” he asked.
Her eyes widened instantly. Heat rushed to her cheeks as her mind jumped to conclusions. His home? Tomorrow? Is he… is he inviting me for… for that? The thought made her heart race uncontrollably.
“Wh… why?” she stammered, flustered.
“Actually,” Aarav said calmly, “I want you to meet my grandmother.”
“Oh!” Ishika let out a shaky breath of relief. “So that’s what it’s about.”
Aarav tilted his head, confused. “Huh? What else could it be?”
“N… n… nothing!” she quickly said, waving her hands. Her face was so red she wished the ground would swallow her.
“So?” Aarav leaned a little closer, his tone soft but earnest. “Will you come to my house tomorrow?”
Ishika hesitated, her lips parting. “Aarav, I…”
“Please.” His voice carried a quiet sincerity, his eyes locked onto hers in a way that made it impossible to refuse.
Her chest tightened. She swallowed hard, then finally nodded. “Okay.”
A bright smile spread across his face, genuine and relieved. “Thank you so much!”
Ishika looked away, trying to hide the way her own lips curled into the faintest smile. They exchanged a short farewell, and Aarav turned to walk home, still adjusting the scarf she had given him.
Left alone by the gate, Ishika pressed her hand against her racing heart. What was I even thinking…? she scolded herself, though a secret warmth lingered in her chest.
