Both the girls started playing. The shuttlecock moved swiftly across the net.

“Bhabhi, you play really well,” Paakhi said, impressed.

Siya smiled as she hit the shuttlecock back effortlessly.

“I was a badminton fresher in my college.”

Paakhi grinned. “Nice!”

Aarav entered the court. The moment his eyes fell on Siya, he paused. She was wearing shorts.

He immediately turned his face away. He had never liked bold clothes… yet, seeing her like this, an unwanted thought crossed his mind—

She looks gorgeous.

Paakhi noticed him and called out cheerfully, “Bhai, want to play?”

He cleared his throat. “No. You both play.”

Siya smirked, clearly enjoying this.

“Paakhi, I guess your brother doesn’t know how to play badminton.”

Aarav looked at Siya and said. “It’s not like that.”

“Oh really?” Siya smiled teasingly. “You’re such a nerd. And nerds aren’t good at anything—especially sports.”

That hit his ego.

Aarav’s lips curved into a slow smirk. “Oh really? Then let me prove that nerds are good at everything.”

He took the racket from Paakhi and stood opposite Siya, eyes fixed on her.

Okay then, let’s start,” Siya said confidently.

Aarav served first, throwing the shuttlecock toward her. She reacted swiftly, returning it with ease. He hit it back just as sharply. Soon, the court echoed with the sound of fast rallies—neither of them willing to go easy.

“Bhai, you’re really good,” Paakhi said, impressed.

Aarav replied casually, without taking his eyes off Siya,

“I was the badminton captain in my college.”

Both players were equally strong. Neither wanted to lose.

Siya realized then—he is actually really good.

At the final moment, Aarav tricked her with a sudden change in angle, gaining an extra point.

He won.

A smug smirk appeared on his face.

“See, Mrs. Goenka? Nerds are good at everything. Not only studies.”

Siya let out a frustrated sigh. “You cheated at the end. You tricked me.”

He laughed lightly. “It’s a game.”

She turned her face away, jaw clenched.

Paakhi bit her lip, trying hard not to smile at their exchange.

Embarrassed, Siya handed the racket back to Paakhi and started walking away.

“Mrs. Goenka!” Aarav called out. “Want to play one more match? Okay—this time I’ll let you win.”

Siya didn’t stop. She kept walking, her steps quick with anger… and embarrassment.

Inside Kavita looked at Siya and asked gently,

“What happened, Siya?”

“Nothing, Mom,” Siya replied casually.

She walked into the kitchen, took a glass of water, and started drinking it slowly.

Aarav entered.

He noticed her immediately and walked straight toward her.

“Siya—”

She sighed softly, thinking, Now he’ll be around the whole day and tease me about my lose ahh..

“If you want,” he said calmly, “I can teach you.”

She turned to him sharply. “I don’t want to learn. Especially not from you.”

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

Without waiting for his response, she walked away.

Siya was sitting in her room, lost in her thoughts.

Aarav entered quietly and sat down in front of her.

She sighed. “Again?”

He smiled. “Mrs. Goenka… what happened? Still thinking?”

She glared at him but said nothing.

He smirked. “Badminton. That’s what it is, right?”

She pushed his shoulder lightly. “Forget that match.”

“Never,” he said proudly. “I won against you.”

She shook her head in regret while he smiled in satisfaction.

“Okay fine,” he said after a moment. “Let’s go somewhere.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Where?”

“Dinner. Maybe… a date?”

She shot him a dramatic glare. “Have you seen your face? I won’t go with you.”

Just then Paakhi entered, overhearing the last line.

“Bhai! I’ll also go with you!”

“I don’t want to go,” Siya said immediately.

“Bhabhi, please,” Paakhi pleaded. “It’ll be fun.”

Aarav crossed his arms. “Me and Siya will go. Only us.”

Siya smirked slowly. “Fine. I’ll go, Aarav.”

He looked at Siya suspiciously.

“But only if Paakhi is coming with us.”

Paakhi instantly sat beside Siya. “My bhabhi is the best!”

Siya smiled sweetly.

Aarav rubbed his forehead. “Paakhi, I’ll take you tomorrow. Today, let us go.”

“Nope,” Siya replied calmly. “If Paakhi doesn’t go, I’m not going either.”

He sighed, already defeated.

“Fine. Be ready. We’re leaving in an hour.”