Chapter 10 Innocence Unleashed: Maitri And Vikram's Adventure"

• She looked around, inquiring from others until she spotted him. Seeing him search with a puzzled expression, she couldn't contain her bright smile. Step by step, she approached him, quietly going behind. He remained unaware, sighing as he eventually settled on a bench, pondering, "Where is she? I've searched the entire school."
• He hung his head in disappointment, a wave of self-reflection washing over him. Leaning back on the bench, he closed his eyes, grappling with his own thoughts. "Vikram, are you crazy? Why are you so fixated on a girl you met just a day before? Do you really think she considers you a friend? Wait a minute, you met her in the moonlight; is she even real? What if she's a devil?"
• Meanwhile, she stood behind the bench, observing his demeanor. She pondered, "I don't know why his disappointment is affecting me. The way he searched for me was so thrilling."
• he lost in thought, she gently covered his eyes with her palms. Startled, he stood up abruptly, looking at her in shock. "Is that you? I mean, are you real?" he questioned.
• She nodded in confirmation, and he hesitantly asked, "Can I touch you?" Chuckling, she extended her hand, and as he touched it, a bright smile crossed his face. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, he walked towards her and embraced her,. "Oh, God, Angel, I thought I would leave without meeting you," he exclaimed.
• Excitedly, she said, "Come, I have something for you, but not here. Before the teachers catch me, and before the lunch break ends, we should leave."
• Taking his hand, she hurriedly led him out of the school, where he noticed Zuzu, the puppy, securely belted in a basket attached to the cycle handle. Chuckling, he remarked, "Seriously, you made a seat belt for this tiny puppy?"
• She smiled and replied, "You sit in the back, and I'll ride the bicycle."
• He hesitated, exclaiming, "What!"
• Innocently, she asked, "What happened?"
• He simply said, "Nothing, go ahead." She took the lead, him seated at the back, hugging her waist with one hand while placing the other on her shoulder as she started to ride.
• Amid the ride, she shared, "Come with me; I'll show you a secret place that nobody knows."
• ★★★
• Pausing the bicycle in front of the trees by the riverbank, she and Vikram stepped down onto the soft ground. He looked around, curious, and questioned, "Why did you bring me here?"
• With a bright smile, she pointed towards a small, charming wooden house nestled between the dense trees. A quaint nameplate read "Devil's House."
• A nameplate adorned the entrance, proudly declaring it as the "Devil's House" with a touch of playful humor
• Surprised, Vikram exclaimed, "It's beautiful."
• Proudly, she replied, "This is my cute small home."
• Nestled amidst the dense trees, the small treehouse stood as a charming retreat. Elevated above the ground on sturdy wooden stilts, it embraced the natural surroundings with its rustic charm. The exterior, adorned with vines and foliage, seamlessly blended into the lush greenery.
• she pulled a hidden rope cleverly concealed among the hanging roots, a ladder gracefully descended from the entrance of the house straight to their feet.
• He looked at the unfolding ladder in amazement and exclaimed, "Seriously, Angel, you made this home, ladder, everything alone?"
• With a proud nod, she affirmed, "Yes!" Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of determination and creativity, showcasing her independence and resourcefulness in crafting this magical retreat. In this moment, the simple yet ingenious mechanism spoke volumes about Maitri's capability to create her enchanting haven in the heart of nature.
• As the puppy started barking in excitement, its basket belt tied to her, Vikram freed the playful companion. While climbing the ladder, she called out, "Vikram, come."
• He followed her, with the puppy in tow. As she took out the keys to unlock the door, he curiously asked, "Why did you name it Devil's House? And why build it on branches?"
• With a mischievous smile, she explained, "This is my play home. I wanted it to be private, exclusively mine. I love spending my evenings by the riverbank, and I made this treehouse to keep my toys. Most people won't find it, but in case anyone stumbles upon it and sees the nameplate 'Devil House,' they might get scared, thinking it's a ghost or devil's house. Nobody dares to come."
• Both went inside, The treehouse itself, a single-room haven, exuded simplicity and coziness. Its walls, constructed from weathered wood, bore the marks of time, enhancing the organic feel. A quaint door, adorned with a rustic latch, hinted at the privacy within. The windows, though small, allowed dappled sunlight to filter through, casting warm patterns on the wooden floor.
• Inside the treehouse, Maitri's collection of toys was meticulously arranged, showcasing a whimsical array of childhood treasures. Small figurines, colorful dolls, and playful trinkets adorned the wooden shelves, each holding a story of its own.
• Vikram couldn't help but smile at the sight, appreciating the nostalgia and innocence encapsulated in these cherished items. The space felt like a sanctuary for the young at heart, where the simplicity of play and imagination took center stage.
• Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Vikram and Maitri shared a delightful moment in the cozy treehouse. As she opened the bag to reveal the chocolate brownies, a sweet aroma filled the air, setting the stage for a heartwarming exchange.
• I made it for you," she declared with a radiant smile, presenting the box.
• Vikram, pleasantly surprised, indulged in the brownie. His enthusiastic response echoed through the treehouse, "It's heaven! I love it. From this moment onwards, this is going to be my favorite."
• She beamed at his reaction, her joy multiplying when he planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.
• Vikram, looking around the quaint treehouse, asked Maitri, "Do you have any books or paper?"
• She reached into her bag and handed him a small mini notebook along with a pen.
• After jotting down his landline number and email, he said, "After the trip, I'll head home. I'd love to receive messages on my ID and phone. By the way, I forgot to ask, what's your phone number?"