The magic of our summer love ( Unspoken Pages Series)

Returning After the Break (2)

Arjun woke up with excitement as the day was just about to begin. He quickly tidied up his room and grabbed his violin before rushing towards the lake. As he reached the clearing, he witnessed the sun beginning to rise. The rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky, radiating a golden glow over the surroundings.

Arjun was tempted to take a dip in the waterfall, but the sight before him was too captivating to not enjoy the sight serenity of it. He carefully set down his violin case in the nearest tree and sat down, leaning against the trunk. Taking out his violin, he closed his eyes and began to play in perfect harmony with the gentle sway of the breeze, the sweet fragrance of the wildflowers, the refreshing chirping of birds searching for their morning meals, the buzz of bees, the splashing of water, and the croaking of frogs.

Arjun lost himself in the beauty of the scenery, his violin becoming one with the sounds and magic of the nature around him. Arjun lost track of time while playing his violin, but he suddenly felt an unusual stillness in the air that caused him to miss a note. He opened his eyes to investigate what was the matter and was stunned by what he saw.

In the waterfall was a boy. No calling him a boy would be an insult to his features. He was a man, not much older than Arjun. His physique was slender, but toned, with water droplets cascading down his body. He was good-looking, with a fair complexion, a pointed nose, and slightly parted pink lips. But his eyes were the most captivating aspect. At that moment, Arjun felt like he would remember those eyes forever. Arjun was entranced by the different colors in his eyes that reflect nature, which appeared to stare directly at him with a hint of awe.

"Who... who are you?" Arjun asked in a breathless voice. He was sure there was something wrong with his voice as it was not because he found the man exotic. Definitely not.

"Wow, you play the violin very well!" The man replied in a wondrous voice without actually replying to the question.

"Um... thanks," Arjun cleared his throat and asked again, "Who are you?"

"Oh! My name is Tanmay and I'm pleased to meet you. I'm a swimming coach here. I'm so sorry, I didn't recognize you from the staff names. You're the coach of?" Tanmay asked.

Arjun felt a blush creeping up his face as he heard the question. Tanmay thought he was a teacher! How embarrassing! He wished he could just bury himself right then and there.

"I'm... I'm not a coach," Arjun stammered, feeling hot in the face as he saw Tanmay's eyes widen with shock.

"I'm a student, but I'm not... I'm not a child!" Arjun spoke hurriedly. "Mr. Sharma took me in as a favor for my father."

"I'm sorry for assuming..." Tanmay looked at Arjun inquiring about his name.

"Arjun, Arjun Kumar," Arjun said, playing with the violin strings nervously.

Tanmay slowly got out of the water and walked towards Arjun, giving Arjun a mini heart attack. Because, as Tanmay rose from the water, water droplets dripped from his body, and his whole body glistened like a statue. Arjun backed a little as Tanmay extended his hand for shaking. Arjun after much hesitation, slowly shook his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Arjun Kumar. I thought this summer would be boring again, being with either 10-year-old brats or middle-aged homophobic idiots. This year will sure be interesting" Tanmay said and winked cheekily.

Arjun was awestruck by the way he spoke freely about his preferences and wished he had the guts to talk like that.

"you're ... you're..." Arjun stammered the question again to confirm his theory

"Are you not?" Tanmay clapped back with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm. I mean. Ye..." Just then Tanmay laughed clapping Arjun's shoulders.