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Rohit Sharma had always known that Aditi Hundia was crazy. Ever since he first met her when he was 17, it had been abundantly clear. But knowing it and getting used to it were two very different things.

He could still vividly remember the day he met Aditi. It was a scorching Monday afternoon, the kind where the sun seemed to hang in the sky like a relentless ball of fire.

The auto ride to school felt like an eternity, the heat wrapping around him like an oppressive blanket. Rohit could feel the sweat trickling down his back as he and his parents hurried to Jamnabai Narsee School, the gnawing worry in his stomach growing with each step.

Rohit was tall for his age, with a big build and dark, expressive eyes that betrayed his every emotion. Today, those eyes were clouded with anxiety.

His usually curly hair was a mess, tousled from his nervous habit of constantly running his hands through it. His mind was a whirlwind of questions and worst-case scenarios, each one more dreadful than the last.

"Khargosh ko toh kuch nahi hoga na?" he muttered under his breath, referring to his beloved four-year-old sister, Radhika. [Nothing would've happened to the Khargosh, right?]

Radhika, his little "Khargosh," was the apple of his eye. From the moment she was born, Rohit had felt a fierce, protective love for her.

Her big, innocent eyes, always brimming with curiosity and wonder, seemed to speak volumes without saying a word.

The way she clung to him whenever she was scared made him feel like her guardian, her shield against the cruelties of the world.

"Woh theek hogi, par tujhe tension mein dekhe gi toh woh tension mein aa jayegi." Virat had wrapped his arm around Rohit's shoulder to try and calm his anxiety. [She will be fine, but if she sees you in tension, she will get tensed.]

Rohit often felt more like a parent to Radhika than their Aai and Baba did. He couldn't stand to be separated from her for even a moment without worrying about her well-being. She was his responsibility, his little sister who depended on him more than anyone else.

On Radhika's first day of school, Rohit had stayed outside the gates for as long as he could, peeking through the bars to catch glimpses of her. Only for his friend Virat to come and drag him away to practice.

The anxiety and sadness he had felt while watching his little Khargosh in her uniform, with her coconut tree hairstyle held together by a ribbon, a water bottle around her neck, and a backpack that seemed too big for her tiny frame, had been overwhelming.

Rohit had stood there, his heart in his throat, his mind racing with a thousand worries about her first day at school. He knew he had to let her go, to let her face the world on her own, but it was easier said than done.

No. Rohit liked to believe that he was brave enough to hold back his tears and that he had not cried. However, Virat would like to say otherwise. He had been a witness to the tears that rolled down Rohit's cheeks.

He had been a witness to the way Rohit had tried to hide his face, scrubbing at his eyes with the back of his hand, pretending that something had gotten into them.

But deep down, Rohit knew Virat was right. He had felt a tear or two escape despite his best efforts. Watching his little Khargosh walk into the big, intimidating world of school had been a heart-wrenching experience.

He had stood there, helplessly watching as she disappeared into the building, her tiny hand clutching the strap of her oversized backpack.

His mind had raced with thoughts of what might go wrong, of bullies and teachers who might not understand her, of every little thing that could make her cry.

Virat, who had equally worried about Radhika, and Rohit had both stayed outside the gate two hours after the bell had rung. Then the Virat got a scolding over the phone from Sachin sir and Mahi bhai and he dragged Rohit to practice.

So imagine his anxiety when, that same day, he and Virat came home from practice at 1 PM only to be met with the sight of his parents anxiously getting ready to head back to the school.

His mother was pacing, her face a mask of worry, while his father was talking rapidly on the phone with the principal.

"Kya hua, Aai?" Rohit asked, his voice filled with concern. [What happened, Mom?]

His mother, usually so composed, looked frazzled. "Ridhu ke school se phone aaya hai. Principal ne school aane ko kaha hai," she replied, her voice shaking slightly. [There was a call from Ridhu's school. The principal asked us to come.]

Virat, who had been standing nearby, felt a chill run down his spine. "Achanak kyun bulaya? Radhika theek toh hai na?" he demanded, his protective instincts kicking in. [Why did they call suddenly? Radhika is okay, right?]

His father, who had just finished his call, looked at Rohit with a grave expression. "Principal ne kaha kuch important baat karni hai. Abhi chalke dekhte hain," he explained, trying to remain calm but clearly worried. [The principal said there's something important to discuss. Let's go and see.]

Rohit's heart pounded in his chest as they rushed to the school.

The auto ride there was a blur, with every second feeling like an eternity. His mind was filled with images of Radhika's sweet face, her wide eyes always looking up to him for reassurance. The thought of her in any kind of distress was unbearable.

When they finally arrived at the school, Rohit practically leaped out of the auto, racing ahead to the principal's office with Virat close behind.

The corridors, usually filled with the sounds of children's laughter and chatter, seemed eerily quiet as they hurried through them. Every step felt heavy with dread.

As they approached the principal's office, Rohit's anxiety grew. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves before pushing open the door. Inside, the scene that greeted him was one he would never forget.

Radhika sat on a chair, her small shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Her big, tear-filled eyes met Rohit's the moment he entered the room, and she immediately reached out for him.

Without a second thought, he rushed to her side, gathering her up in his arms and holding her close. Her little body trembled against him, and he could feel the dampness of her tears soaking through his shirt.

"Khargosh, kya hua? Kisne rulaya meri gudiya ko?" he asked softly, his voice filled with both anger and concern. [Khargosh, what happened? Who made my doll cry?]

The principal cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Mr. and Mrs. Sharma, thank you for coming on such short notice. We had an incident today involving Radhika." His voice was measured, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes.

Radhika sniffled, her grip tightening on Rohit. She buried her face in his shoulder, seeking comfort and protection. Rohit held her close, gently rocking back and forth, his hands running soothingly over her back. He could feel her little heart pounding against his chest, each beat echoing his own fear and worry.

"Khargosh?" Rohit whispered softly into her ear, his voice a gentle caress meant to soothe and reassure her. [Khargosh?]

Radhika didn't respond, her tiny fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt tightly as if letting go would mean losing her anchor. Rohit's heart ached at her silence, knowing how much she relied on him to be her voice in a world that didn't always understand her.

The principal's office was filled with an uncomfortable silence, the air heavy with tension. Rohit's parents stood nearby, their faces etched with worry, while Virat hovered protectively, his eyes scanning the room for any threats.

"Arre bola na, bolta hai toh!" [Say what you are trying to say!]

The irritated voice of a young girl drew his attention. There, standing with a fierce expression on her face, was a six-year-old girl with a tough, beaten-up appearance.

Her eyes, however, were full of determination. She had her hands on her hips and was glaring at the clearly teenage boys standing shamefaced in the corner, who looked like they had been thoroughly beaten.

Virat had to suppress a chuckle that threatened to escape his lips as he watched the way the principal turned pink in embarrassment. The stern, usually unflappable principal seemed at a loss for words, clearly flustered by the small but fierce girl standing before him.

The principal cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Ahem, woh Miss Radhika aaj class ke liye jaa rahi thi, and our class 8 boys thought it would be fun to make the newcomers uncomfortable," he began, his voice wavering slightly as he glanced nervously at Aditi. [Ahen, Miss Radhika was going to class today and our class 8 boys thought it would be fun to make the newcomers uncomfortable.]

Radhika clung to Rohit, her small body trembling slightly. Rohit gently patted her back, his eyes never leaving the principal's face. "Unhone Radhika ko kyun target kiya?" he asked, his voice calm but with an edge that hinted at his rising anger. [Why did they target Radhika?]

The principal sighed, rubbing his temples as if trying to ward off a headache. "They were teasing her for being mute. They thought it was funny to make fun of someone who couldn't talk back," he admitted, his expression one of regret and frustration.

Aditi's glare intensified. "Aur ab kuch dino keliye khud nai bol paenge," she said, her tone fierce and unwavering. [And now they won't be able to talk for a few days themselves.]

"Miss Hundia!" The principal's voice was a mix of stern authority and surprise. "You cannot take matters into your own hands like this!"

Aditi Hundia, her chin jutting out defiantly, turned her fierce gaze toward the principal. "Woh ladke meri dost ko tang kar rahe the. Unko sabak sikhana zaroori tha," she said, her voice unwavering. [Those boys were bothering my friend. They needed to be taught a lesson.]

Rohit watched in amazement as the tiny girl stood her ground. Despite her disheveled appearance, she had an aura of strength and fearlessness that belied her young age.

He glanced at the boys in the corner, who now looked thoroughly chastened, and felt a surge of gratitude toward Aditi.

The principal sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Miss Hundia, while we appreciate your intention to help, violence is never the answer. We must find better ways to resolve conflicts."

Aditi rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by the principal's lecture. "Aapke better ways tab kaam karte jab aap unko rok lete. Main toh bas apne tareeke se help kar rahi thi," she retorted, her hands still firmly on her hips. [Your better ways would have worked if you had stopped them. I was just helping in my own way.]

Rohit couldn't help but chuckle at Aditi's sass. He glanced at Virat, who had an amused grin on his face, and felt a sense of kinship with the fiery little girl.

She had done what he wished he could have done—protected Radhika in the face of bullies. His heart swelled with pride and gratitude.

"Aditi, yeh kya keh rahi ho? Tumhare tareeke se violence ko justify kar rahi ho," the principal continued, his voice tinged with frustration. [Aditi, what are you saying? You're justifying violence with your methods.]

Aditi stood her ground, her small frame brimming with defiance. "Agar meri best friend ko tang karenge toh dhoon gi na inko. Aap toh bas baith ke lecture dete hain. Inko pata chalna chahiye ki Radhika ke saath aise nahi kar sakte," she said, her voice unwavering. [If they bother my best friend, I will beat them up. You just sit and give lectures. They need to know they can't do this to Radhika.]

Radhika pulled her face away from Rohit's chest and looked at the girl who had defended her. Best friend? When had that happened? She was always the quiet, shy one, unsure of how to make friends, much less keep them.

Yet, here was this bold girl, who Radhika has only met today during their shared period, proclaiming herself as Radhika's best friend with a fierce determination that left Radhika both confused and intrigued.

"Aditi, tum samajh nahi rahi ho. Violence kabhi bhi solution nahi hota. Yeh school ka environment safe rehna chahiye," the principal tried to reason, his voice wavering slightly. [Aditi, you don't understand. Violence is never the solution. The school environment needs to remain safe.]

Aditi's eyes locked onto the principal's with a fierceness that made even him shift uncomfortably. "Khud toh kuch karte nahi ho, aur mujhe sikha rahe ho," she said, her tone dripping with disdain. [You don't do anything yourself, and you're trying to teach me.]

The principal opened his mouth to respond but seemed to think better of it. He looked at the teenage boys, who were shifting nervously, their eyes darting between Aditi and the principal.

The usually cocky expressions they wore were replaced by a mixture of fear and embarrassment, and they stood there, thoroughly cowed by a six-year-old girl.

Rohit couldn't suppress his smile any longer. The sight of these bullies, who had dared to make fun of his mute sister, now quaking in their shoes in front of Aditi, was nothing short of satisfying.

He glanced at Virat, who gave him a knowing nod, both of them sharing the silent understanding that this little girl was something special.

"Principal sir, aap ko pata hai Radhika kitni sweet hai. Usne mujhe apni pencil di thi jab meri gum ho gayi thi. Hum friends hain," Aditi said, turning her attention back to Radhika. [Principal sir, you know how sweet Radhika is. She gave me her pencil when I lost mine. We are friends.]

Radhika blinked at Aditi, her big eyes still brimming with tears but now mixed with curiosity. When had she given Aditi her pencil? She tried to recall, her small brow furrowing in concentration.

A memory surfaced of a frantic Aditi rummaging through her bag, looking for something, and Radhika had shyly offered her own pencil. Could that small act of kindness have caused Aditi to become her friend?

Aditi caught the confusion in Radhika's eyes and burst out laughing. "Haan, friends!" Aditi confirmed with a wide, toothy grin. "Tune mujhe apni pencil di thi aur tabse hum best friends hain!" [Yes, friends! You gave me your pencil and we've been best friends ever since!]

Radhika felt a warmth spread through her chest. She had always been cautious, afraid that her inability to speak would make it hard to form friendships. Radhika looked at Aditi's smiling face and couldn't help but smile back, a small but genuine smile that reached her eyes.

Rohit noticed the change in Radhika's expression and felt a surge of gratitude towards Aditi. This fiery little girl had not only stood up for his sister but had also managed to bring a smile to her face. He gave Aditi an appreciative nod, silently thanking her for her kindness and bravery.

The principal, looking slightly exasperated, finally turned his attention back to Rohit's parents. "Mr. and Mrs. Sharma, I assure you, we will handle this situation appropriately. We will ensure that Radhika is safe and that such incidents do not happen again."

Rohit's mother, who had been anxiously wringing her hands, stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Radhika's back. She nodded, her eyes filled with both gratitude and concern. "Hum bas chahte hain ki Radhika safe rahe. Yeh sab kuch bohot stressful hai uske liye," she said softly. [We just want Radhika to be safe. This is all very stressful for her.]

Radhika, still holding onto Rohit with one hand, reached out and gently touched her mother's arm. Her silent gesture of reassurance was clear, and her mother gave her a small, comforting smile in return.

Aditi, sensing the tension in the room, decided to lighten the mood. "Principal sir, aapko Ridhu ka khayal rakhna chahiye. Dekho na, kitni sweet si hai meri friend!" she declared, puffing out her chest with pride. [Principal sir, you should take care of Ridhu. Look how sweet my friend is!]

Rohit chuckled at Aditi's boldness, admiring her ability to shift the atmosphere with her sheer presence. It was clear that Aditi was not one to be easily intimidated, and her protective nature was something Rohit deeply appreciated.

And ever since that moment, he knew that Aditi was someone extraordinary. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a bond that formed in the principal's office that day.

Rohit realized that Aditi, with her fierce loyalty and unwavering courage, was not just a fleeting presence in his life. She had become a steadfast ally, a force to be reckoned with, and most importantly, a friend who would stand by his side no matter what.

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Hey choozo, kaise ho?

Waise yeh chapter 10,000 words ka hone wala tha, but maine split kar diya hai. Baki ka next chapter mein.

Socha tum logo ko thoda friendship ka dose de doon, friendship day tha na.

Anyways, agar pasand aaya, toh vote and comment kar dena. Story mein kuch chahiye, toh bata dena.

Aur prem so bolo,

Radhe..Radhe 🙏🏻