The competition consumed more than half of the day, making it the perfect time to head to the riverside for a picnic. Muskan drove to the picturesque spot, with Vishi and Kareena having a blast in the backseat, laughing and singing along to the music throughout the ride.

While Muskan and Kareena were unpacking, Vishi cleverly volunteered to fetch refreshments from the nearby convenience store.

Upon arriving, Vishi headed to a nearby convenience store. She browsed the refreshments section, selecting chocolate milk for herself and fruitades for her sisters. As she waited in line to pay, she sensed a familiar presence behind her. Turning around, she was taken aback by the sight of the person standing there.

“It’s Jay Bhai!” Her eyes widened and she stood frozen in the line. Before she could say anything, Jay spoke. 

“Oh It’s you! The creative thinker!” he exclaimed.

“Huh?” Vishi asked, confused.

“Oh, sorry! I saw you at the art competition today. I was really impressed with how you handled the situation and took your spot. I've been watching this competition for quite some time, and you're the only one who used the strategy I had in mind. By the way, what happened? I had to leave before the results were announced. Who won?” Jay started speaking rapidly, excitement evident in his voice. He was thrilled to meet the person who had amused him by going against his mother’s 'do or die' ideology.

“Whoa! That’s quite a lot of questions!” Vishi replied, surprised.

Jay laughed. He hadn’t realized he had spoken so much at once due to his excitement.

“My bad! Look at me. Let me introduce myself first. I'm Jay R–. Jay. I saw you today at the competition and then we met here by chance so I got excited.” his lapse in manners, he extended his hand for a handshake.

Vishi almost said her name but then hesitated.If they met today, Muskan and Jay might also encounter each other, and this might not be the right time for introductions. Still, she shook his hand and said, “I won.”

“Woah! Really? Congratulations! I loved your painting and you deserved it. All the very best.” Jay congratulated her enthusiastically. 

As they talked, they reached the cash counter, and Vishi got her items billed. Just as she was about to pay, Jay stopped her.

“Please let me pay for yours as well.  Consider it a congratulatory gift from me.”

“But..” Vishi hesitated.

“You’re like my little sister. And you bought chocolate milk. There’s someone I know, very dear to me, who also loves chocolate milk. Please, I insist.”

On Jay’s sweet insistence, Vishi could not refuse and allowed him to pay. She thanked him and placed one chocolate milk in his bag as a token of gratitude. They smiled at each other and Vishi left the store. 

“She’s just like her. Sweet and small. But I forgot to ask her name. Number 8.” Jay murmured to himself, smiling as he admired the young girl.