A Familiar Love- A Radhakrishn Retelling

10. The Start

"What did I see in your eyes?" was a question Radha never thought she would hear herself say but here she was on this early Tuesday morning uttering the same words to Krishn at their bus stop.

Krishn, who had managed to make a permanent place in her mind over a very short duration of time. Krishn, who made her question her reality every once in a while. Krishn, who seemed to possess all the knowledge of the universe. Krishn, who always left her speechless and made her heart palpitate. Krishn, who comforted her and made her feel warm and safe. Krishn, who she couldn't dislike anymore, stood there still grinning.

"My eyes? How would I know? You tell me what you saw in my eyes, you're the one who saw it." He maintained an innocent face and looked at her with curious eyes, waiting for her to explain.

'"I saw....I-I can't remember"

"Maybe you dreamt it, afterall my eyes are dreamy, love, you could easily get lost in them." He winked at her and boarded the bus. Radha wanted to disagree but she couldn't because well, what he said was absolutely true. She sighed and followed him into the bus.

"Okay seriously, I know you know what I'm talking about, I saw something in your eyes. What was it and why can't I remember it?" she was desperate for some answers, she wanted to know she wasn't going nuts and Krishn understood this predicament of hers.

"If you want to know what you saw, why don't you try and see it again?"

So she did, she leaned towards him to get a closer look in his eyes and he didn't shy away from getting even closer till their breaths mixed together. Radha tried to focus on finding the same vision in his eyes but she was painfully aware of their proximity and couldn't control her racing heart or the blush that crept up to her cheeks. Krishn couldn't help but smile at how enchanting she looked with innocence and curiosity shining in her eyes.

Radha, so focused on trying to see the vision again, didn't notice that one of her seniors had boarded the bus and was now standing in front of them, trying to control her squeals at their proximity.

"WHAT in the world is happening here!?" She yelled out of excitement, making Radha jump and spring back in her seat.

"Okay, Divya didi whatever you are thinking, stop thinking about it" Radha said, noticing how Divya's expression turned mischievous.

Divya wiggled her eyebrows at her and sat down in the seat in front of them.

Radha sighed and nudged Krishn, "Why didn't you say anything? You should've cleared up all misunderstandings."

Krishn's eyebrows furrowed and he looked at her questioningly,"What exactly was I supposed to clear up?"

"Oh don't act so innocent, you know exactly what I'm talking about."
Radha grew frustrated and Krishn fought back a smile.

"No, Radha, I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Oh ho Krishn!" Radha, face palmed in embarrassment and decided there was no point in discussing this with him and embarrass herself further all the while Krishn let out silent chuckles at her disgruntled state.

***

It had become a routine for Krishn to wait after school whenever Radha had dance practises and for them to go home together and today was no different. Radha was walking towards the school gates and she could see Krishn sitting on the sidewalk and waiting for her. His curls fell perfectly on his forehead and down his neck, he had an endearing smile on his face as he looked down at his phone. An involuntary smile made its way onto her face and her heart picked up speed. She felt an unusual sense of satisfaction when she saw him waiting for her and in that moment she always wanted him to wait for her.