Who are you?

“Bro, why am I always the one stuck in these situations?” Aaron’s thoughts tumbled through his mind like loose change thrown into a fountain, the irony not lost on him as he stood awkwardly guarding the girls.

This was supposed to be an afternoon of carefree fun, not some odd babysitting gig following an impromptu rescue. The city square bustled around them, filled with the sounds of laughter and splashing water, but here he was, stuck at the fountain like a lifeguard with no pool.

After the dramatic rescue—most of which involved him flailing his arms while Ishaan shouted instructions—the boys had brought the girls to this picturesque fountain, complete with ornate sculptures and the soothing sound of water cascading over stone.

As they settled on the rim, the younger girl’s face was flushed from excitement, while her older sister winced at the wound on her arm, the remnants of a less-than-glamorous escape.

Aaron had felt a bit heroic, at least until Ishaan suddenly declared, “I’ll be right back!” and dashed off in search of snacks, leaving Aaron alone with the girls. It felt like a scene from a survival movie, only instead of battling wild animals, he was battling his crippling social anxiety.

“Ten minutes have passed, and I haven’t said a word,” he thought, mentally berating himself. “I’m pretty sure I could win an award for awkward silence. Should I talk about the weather? Wait, how do I even start? ‘Hi! Nice day for a near-death experience?’ Ugh, what am I doing?”

Just as he was about to spiral further mentally, the youngest girl broke the silence. “You know, we’re not going to eat you or anything,” she teased, a mischief dancing in her bright eyes. “You don’t have to stand there like you’re preparing for a battle.”

Aaron blinked, a little startled. “Uh, it’s not that! I’m just... not good with conversations. My younger brother’s the chatty one.”

“I’m Estella,” the young girl announced, her grin widening as if she’d just cracked a secret code.

“And I’m Isabella, her older sister. Thanks for saving us and mending my wounds,” the older girl chimed in, her voice playful yet genuine. She gestured to the scrape on her arm, her expression a mix of gratitude and cheekiness. “But next time, less heroics and maybe a first-aid kit?”

“Well, Estella and Isabella, I’m Aaron Sen. And the snack-hunting raccoon is my brother, Ishaan Sen,” he replied, finally loosening his stiff demeanour. “But really, no thanks needed. We just did what anyone else would do—without any capes or superhero music. Though I wouldn’t mind some dramatic background music right now,” he added with a chuckle.

Estella giggled, her laughter brightening the atmosphere like sunlight breaking through clouds. “Yeah, you missed out on a slow-motion rescue scene. Something like ‘daring hero bravely swoops in to save the day’—but you kind of just stumbled through it!”

With the tension lifting, Aaron found himself laughing along. The colourful fountain splashed behind them, sending little droplets in their direction as they settled into an easy conversation, interspersed with jokes and laughter that echoed off the surrounding buildings, turning a potentially dull scenario into an unexpectedly fun afternoon. As they chatted, he realised that maybe all it took was a little bit of humour to turn an awkward situation into a memorable one.

As they were chatting away, in came Ishaan, bursting with energy like a kid who just found out it’s Saturday. “Feelas, your boy is back!”

“Look who’s here! It's Mr. Energy himself,” Aaron quipped, shaking his head. “You know, unlike little old me, who’s just a potato at this point.”

Ishaan smirked, “Well, well, well! Would you look at that—Aaron, the social butterfly, chatting up two beautiful young maidens! Hope my grand entrance didn’t ruin your romantic moment, bro."

Aaron turned to Ishaan and gave him a hearty pat on the back that sounded like a drum solo gone wrong. Seriously, it was less of a 'good job' and more of a 'welcome to the circus!'

The girls couldn’t help but chuckle, clearly entertained by the chaotic friendship unfolding before them. “What’s next?” one of them teased. “A dance-off?”

“Pardon my rudeness, my lady, but shall this boy ask for your name?” said Ishaan in the most sarcastic way

“I am Estella, and this is my older sister, Isebella, and right, thanks for saving us today”, said Estella while pointing towards her sister.

“You looking at this, bro, I think I am getting popular with the ladies”, said Ishaan most rhetorically.

“Ya, in your dreams maybe”, said Aaron with a slight smirk.