You were a no-nonsense student. Straight As, perfect attendance, submissions always done before time.

He was smart, athletic, the one who got away with everything just because he won trophies and made the college proud.

And somehow, by fate, you both were chosen as the class representatives.

You thought he was useless, he thought you were up-tight. You bickered constantly, and somewhere within the playful fights, you two became friends.

A few months in, he asked you out on a date. You agreed just to spite your stepmom.

But he won you over with his charm. His witty sarcastic humour. His words. He was still the same idiot, but now, he was 'your' idiot.

And now, it was three days before Ganpati vacation began. You were busy packing your bag, when you felt his hand on your shoulder.

"We host Bappa every year at our house, and all my friends come visit. Maybe you could come this year?"

He was soft-launching you to his family. Oh my God.

You agreed, but you had a trick up your sleeve. Your neighbour was a Maharashtrian lady, and you asked her for help to dress up in a traditional outfit. Gone were the oversized hoodies and jeans, replaced by a soft Paithani, Gajra fitting just right in your hair and Kolhapuri chappal on your feet. A 'chandrakor' adorned your forehead. And his reaction when he saw you come out of the cab was worth every minute of it.

He just dumbly stared at you, eyes wide. His younger brother, never once missing the beat, spoke up loud enough for everyone to hear:

"Advait Dada chi Gaurai aali vatta!" [Elder brother's Gauri has come, it seems]