Four hearts one story

The next morning

Morning sunlight spilled across the Arabian Sea, turning the water into a shimmering sheet of blue and silver.

The cruise moved steadily through the calm waters, leaving a foamy trail behind it. The air was cool, carrying a salty breeze through the open corridors.

After the previous night's chaos, the ship seemed unusually peaceful.

Unfortunately, peace was a concept that did not apply to Room 812.

"SHREYA!"

Shreya pulled a pillow over her head.

"No."

"SHREYA, OPEN THE DOOR!"

"I'm dead."

"DEAD PEOPLE DON'T ANSWER!"

"Then why are you shouting at a dead person, Dimpi?"

Outside, Dimple stared at the door.

She took a deep breath.

"Fine. I'll tell Kai you said his dancing was embarrassing."

The door flew open.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?"

Dimple burst out laughing.

"GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE!"

Shreya stood in the doorway, her hair messy from sleep and her expression murderous.

"I'm going to throw you overboard."

"Love you too!"

Dimple slipped past her before she could shut the door.

Shreya closed it and returned to her bed.

"What time is it?"

"Eight fifteen."

Shreya slowly turned her head.

"Dimple."

"Yes?"

"We are on vacation."

"I know."

"We have no classes."

"I know."

"We have no exams."

"I know."

"THEN WHY ARE YOU AWAKE?"

Dimple grinned.

"Because I have important news."

Shreya sat up immediately.

"What happened?"

Dimple paused dramatically.

"Nothing."

Shreya grabbed a pillow.

"Get out."

"WAIT! WAIT! I'M KIDDING!"

Dimple collapsed onto the bed, laughing.

Shreya threw the pillow at her.

And just like that, the peaceful morning on Deck 8 was officially over.

Kai was already awake.

Unlike the girls, he had managed to get out of bed without threatening anyone's life.

He stood near the window in a plain black T-shirt and grey joggers, looking out at the sea while checking his phone.

There was no new message from Lara.

He stared at the screen for a moment before locking it.

"Pathetic," he muttered to himself.

A knock sounded at the door.

He opened it.

Somesh stood outside, looking remarkably energetic for someone who had spent half the previous night eating.

"Breakfast?"

Kai stared at him.

"Good morning to you too."

"Good morning. Breakfast?"

"Have you thought about anything else since you woke up?"

Somesh considered the question.

"Shreya's dance with you was pretty good."

Kai raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"And the food was excellent."

"There it is."

Somesh walked into the room without waiting for an invitation.

"Anyway, get ready. We're going to breakfast."

Kai followed him, shaking his head.

Then he glanced at his phone one more time before slipping it into his pocket.

Somesh noticed.

"Lara?"

Kai immediately looked up.

"What?"

"Your face."

"What about it?"

"You looked at your phone like it owed you money."

Kai threw a cushion at him.

Somesh dodged it, laughing.

"IT IS LARA!"

"GET OUT OF MY ROOM!"

Their shouting could probably be heard halfway down the corridor.

By the time Kai and Somesh reached the breakfast lounge, Shreya and Dimple were already there.

Shreya wore a comfortable white top with blue denim shorts, her long hair loosely tied back. Dimple sat opposite her, wearing a pastel-pink top and white trousers.

There were plates of fruit, toast, and other breakfast items on the table.

Somesh looked at the spread.

For a moment, he appeared genuinely emotional.

"Beautiful."

Kai pulled out a chair.

"It's breakfast, not a religious experience."

"You wouldn't understand."

Shreya looked up.

"Finally! Someone who appreciates food."

Kai stared at her.

"You threatened to kill Dimple ten minutes ago."

"That was before breakfast."

"Ah. So food determines your moral values."

"Exactly."

Dimple nodded. "She's very principled."

Somesh sat down and immediately began eating.

For the next few minutes, the conversation consisted of last night's dance battle, Somesh's questionable choreography, and Kai's unexpected dancing skills.

"I still can't believe you danced to ATEEZ," Dimple said, looking at Kai.

Kai shrugged.

"I was forced."

Shreya gasped.

"Forced? You were enjoying yourself!"

"I was being supportive."

"You were doing the choreography!"

"Supportively."

Somesh nearly choked on his juice laughing.

Dimple pointed at Kai.

"That's it. Next time, we're making you dance alone."

Kai leaned back in his chair.

"Next time, I'm staying in my cabin."

Shreya smiled sweetly.

"We'll come and get you."

Kai looked at her.

"You people are a curse."

"A beautiful curse," Dimple corrected.

"Debatable."

Shreya kicked him lightly under the table.

He laughed.

And then—

"Well, well. Look who's having a lovely morning."

The familiar voice made the conversation pause.

Kiara stood beside their table, holding a cup of coffee.

She was dressed in a pale-blue top and white trousers, her hair falling neatly over her shoulders.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked.

Dimple gestured towards the empty chair.

"Go ahead."

Kiara sat down.

Her gaze moved towards Kai first.

"Morning, Kai."

"Morning."

Then she looked at Shreya.

"Morning, superstar."

Shreya smiled.

"Morning, challenger."

Kiara laughed.

"Still proud of last night, are we?"

"Very."