When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch 34. From Mess to Bliss

Annika and Ishana Apartment

Annika stirred in her sleep, disoriented by the intense sunlight streaming through the window. She instinctively covered her face with the bedsheet, but the brightness seeped through, making her eyes water. Reluctantly, she tossed aside the sheet and sat up, rubbing her eyes. She lazily reached for her phone on the bedside table, her mind foggy from sleep.

The phone's screen illuminated, displaying the time: 1:00 pm. Annika's heart skipped a beat as she panicked, thinking she was severely late for work.
However, her eyes caught the date on the screen - Saturday. Relief washed over her as she remembered weekends were off. Letting out a deep sigh, Annika dropped her phone onto the bed.

After freshening up, Annika headed to Ishana's room, intending to scold her for not waking her up. But upon entering, she found Ishana's room empty.

Annika's hand hesitated over her phone, poised to call Ishana, when memories of the previous night came rushing back. Ishana had casually mentioned someone would pick her up, but Annika hadn't expected Aarush Singhania, Ishana's elder brother and Annika's long-time crush, to arrive.

As Aarush appeared, Annika's smile broadened, and her heart skipped a beat. The familiar flutter in her chest returned, transporting her back to their college days. She settled onto the back of his bike, feeling the thrill of the ride as they sped through the night.

The wind-whipped journey home stirred nostalgia, reminiscent of their carefree college days. Upon arrival, Ishana joined them, and the trio spent hours laughing, reminiscing, and sharing drinks.

As the night wore on, Aarush decided it was time to leave. Ishana, having not visited her home in years, opted to accompany him.

As Annika sat at the dining table, savoring her breakfast, her thoughts drifted to Aarush. She had always been drawn to individuals who selflessly helped others. A particular incident had etched Aarush in her memory.

On a torrential rainy day, Annika watched from her balcony as an elderly man slipped, scattering his belongings. Despite the downpour, passersby ignored his plight. Moved by compassion, Annika rushed downstairs, umbrella in hand, to aid him.

However, upon reaching the building's compound, she found a young man already assisting the old man. Drenched and oblivious to the rain, he gathered the scattered items and sheltered the old man under his umbrella. After ensuring the man's safety, he politely declined the offered umbrella and hastily departed into the rain-soaked streets.

Annika's heart skipped a beat as she watched him drive away in a luxury car. This chance encounter sparked her crush.

The next day, Ishana introduced Aarush as her brother, and the three became fast friends. Annika and Ishana frequently joined Aarush's social circle. Aarush often chauffeured Annika home after late lectures, their shared moments strengthening her affection.

As her feelings were about to blossomed into love, Aarush abruptly left to explore the world, suspending Annika's emotions in a state of limbo. She didn't know whether Aarush has same feelings for her or not.

Four years passed, and Aarush's return reignited Annika's dormant feelings. Though tempered by time, her crush still lingered.

Annika's mind swirled with questions. Did Aarush view her as a sister or a friend? Did she still harbor feelings for him? Would she get another chance to impress him? Was he in a relationship? Would he stay permanently or embark on another globe-trotting adventure?

As her thoughts spiraled out of control, Annika sighed, frustrated. Determined to redirect her focus, she chastised herself: "Annika, rein in your emotions and prioritize the proposal you are working on."

With the weekend stretching before her, Annika sought a distraction. She decided to channel her energy into household chores, immersing herself in the therapeutic routine of cleaning.

Next morning

Ishana had reluctantly decided to visit her family home, a place she avoided for years due to her strained relationships with her stepmother and stepsisters. Her father's frequent business trips and grandfather's presence offered little comfort.

Ishana's mother passed away when she was just two and Aarush was four, and her father married his first love soon after. Her stepmother showed little interest in bonding with Ishana and Aarush. The siblings found solace in their grandmother's love and their time in boarding school.

After her grandmother's passing when Ishana was 15, she rarely returned home from school. In college, she escaped her tumultuous family life by renting an apartment, where she met Annika, her roommate and confidante.

Ishana knew Annika harbored feelings for Aarush and secretly hoped they would reunite. Aarush's sudden departure had put those plans on hold, but now that he was back, Ishana decided to play matchmaker.

Forcing Aarush to drop her off, Ishana aimed to reunite him with Annika. However, upon entering the apartment, they were met with chaos. The once-tidy space was now in disarray, as if burglarized.

Panicked, Ishana rushed to Annika's room, calling out her name. She found Annika amidst the mess, a book covering her face. Aarush followed, shocked by the scene.

Ishana's voice trembled, "Annika, are you alright? Aarush Bhai, call an ambulance!'"

Aarush reached for his phone, but Annika replied, still lying on the bed and putting the book down from her face "What's happening, Ishana? Why are you shouting and calling for an ambulance?"

Relieved, Aarush lowered his phone, exchanging a puzzled glance with Ishana.

Ishana exhaled, relieved. "Thank goodness you're okay! What happened here? Did a robber break in?"

Annika, still oblivious to Aarush's presence, explained, "I decided to clean the house yesterday, but my clumsiness took over. I started with the living room, but then I needed dusting cloths, which led me to the store room. That's when I saw how dirty it was and took everything out. After dinner, I decided to do the makeover of the kitchen, but realized I needed dusting clothes, for which I came to my room to look for in my old clothes. That's when I found this intriguing novel..."

Aarush couldn't contain his laughter, and Ishana joined in. Annika, still lying down, turned to face him, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Why didn't you tell me Aarush was here?" Annika asked Ishana, playfully scolding.

Ishana chuckled, "Sorry, but you know your track record with cleaning. Why start if you can't finish?"

Annika sat up, smiling at Aarush. "Hi, sorry about the mess. But I've realized cleaning isn't my forte. I'm meant to create chaos, not order."

Ishana teased, "That's true, messy girl! Now, get up. We'll help you clean."

As they began sorting and dusting, Aarush offered helpful suggestions, impressing Annika with his organizational skills.

"Who knew you were a cleaning expert?" Annika teased.

Aarush chuckled. "Traveling the world teaches you to pack light and prioritize."

Their banter filled the room, Ishana watching with a knowing smile.

As the afternoon sun streamed in, the apartment transformed from chaotic to cozy.

Annika stepped back, admiring their handiwork. "Thanks, guys. I owe you one."

Aarush smiled. "Anytime. Maybe next time, start with one room?"

Annika playfully rolled her eyes. "No promises."

Ishana suggested, "Let's celebrate with dinner. My treat."

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