Arohi's High School Chronicles: Heartbeats and Friendships

Chatting Time??

Phone buzzes.

I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face as I glanced at the screen. Ishaan had texted. It was one of those moments where your heart skips a beat, even though it was just a message. But somehow, his texts always felt more significant, more... alive. I clicked open the chat, ready to dive in.

Ishaan: So, you still awake, or did I keep you up with all my charm?

I let out a soft laugh. Of course, he would think that. Ishaan always had this incredible confidence, almost as if he could take on the world with a single wink. But no, this was different. This was me staying up because I wanted to talk to him—not just because he was charming, but because... well, maybe I was starting to realize there was something more here. Something that wasn't just friendly banter.

I quickly typed back:

Arohi: You're seriously impossible. But yeah, I'm still awake. Can't blame it all on you, though.

I could already imagine the smirk on his face when he'd read it. Ishaan had this unique way of making everything sound like he was teasing, but it was always playful, never too serious. Except for the times it almost felt serious, and I'd have to remind myself that we were just friends—really good friends, but nothing more. Yet.

A few seconds passed, and then the text came in:

Ishaan: Oh, I'm sure you're just trying to resist my incredible charm.

I rolled my eyes, even though I was smiling. It was classic Ishaan. He was always full of himself, and it used to drive me crazy... but tonight? Tonight, I kind of liked it.

Arohi: Trying? I think you're giving yourself a little too much credit here.

Another pause, and then his reply:

Ishaan: Oh, trust me, I'm just getting started. You haven't seen anything yet.

I shook my head, amused. Ishaan had a way of making me laugh, even when I didn't want to. And here I was, smiling at my phone like a fool.

Arohi: You think you've got what it takes to impress me?

I don't know why I typed it, but something about the way he'd spoken made me feel... bold. Maybe it was his confidence rubbing off on me, or maybe I was starting to enjoy this whole thing more than I wanted to admit.

His reply came almost instantly:

Ishaan: I know I've got what it takes. But if you're skeptical, I'm happy to prove it.

I could almost feel the electricity in his words. I leaned back against my pillow, wondering what he was trying to imply with that statement. And my heart... my heart was definitely betraying me, beating faster, anticipating something more.

Arohi: I'm not sure you can handle what you're asking for.

There, I'd said it. The challenge was on. But as soon as the words left my fingers, I felt a knot in my stomach. What was I doing? We were friends. Just friends. We'd always been just friends. But... maybe that was the thing. Maybe I wasn't entirely sure anymore.

Ishaan: Oh, trust me, Arohi. I can handle anything. Especially when it's you I'm up against.

His words settled over me like a warm, familiar blanket. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered harder, but I couldn't admit it. Not yet. I quickly typed:

Arohi: You're getting bold. What's next? You gonna challenge me to something?

I tried to sound casual, but my fingers betrayed me, typing faster than I could control. I had a feeling Ishaan wouldn't let this go so easily.