I Found You

12.

On the balcony, Vikram leaned against the railing, his eyes fixed upon the celestial canvas adorned with a myriad of stars. Engulfed in the soft glow of moonlight, he cherished a precious moment with his dear ones.

He felt a warm sense of longing as he gazed at the particular two stars. Observing their faces illuminated by the silvery hues, he found solace in the notion.

Even though others might see his parents as memories from the past, to him, they were like lively echoes. In that quiet moment, it felt as if their spirits were right there with him, a lasting presence that went beyond time and the limits of life.

"Aap naraz hain?"

{Are you upset}

He turned his head to meet her as she graced the balcony, and stood against the balcony door, her tresses dancing freely in the breeze.

Adhira couldn't help but ask unable to resist the question that had lingered in her mind since morning.

"Why do you ask so?" He questioned back, resting his back against the railing.

"Because during the 'muh dikhayi rasam', I denied you." She admitted, avoiding eye contact with him.

"No, I am not upset. However I want to know why you declined." He replied, his demeanour calm.

"The Aunty, you know?  She was glaring at you, and I didn't like it, I felt so uneasy and nervous. Not knowing how to handle it, I just- you know-I -

He chuckled, cutting off her in the middle.
"It's okay. Relax. Hmm". His words carried a sense of understanding.

"By the way, did you like the anklets?" He asked crossing his arms over his chest.

"Yes, absolutely." She exclaimed, a bright smile lighting up her face.

"They are so comfy and light, unlike the previous ones." She glanced down at her anklets muttering a thankyou.

While he couldn't tear his eyes away from the mole nestled beneath her lower lip. It held a mesmerizing quality, especially when she spoke and her lips gracefully moved. In his eyes, it was the epitome of allure, the most captivating sight he had ever beheld.

She noticed his gaze fixated on her lips, causing a sudden wave of awkwardness to wash over her. "You can come in now, and get changed."

Vikram's eyes met hers as her words snapped him out of his trance. He couldn't help but notice a hint of redness on her ears, possibly due to the chilly weather,
he thought.

She turned and made her way back into the room, with him following closely behind. Vikram excused himself to change and headed towards the washroom, ensuring to close the balcony door behind him.

Adhira settled herself on the bed, inhaling deeply to steady her racing heart. His gaze, at times, possessed such intensity that it could send shivers cascading down her spine.

Although he had been really kind to her, but she couldn't ignore the fact that he exuded an intimidating and stern aura, earning him the label of being somewhat 'khadoos' in her eyes.

But you know what they say, Don't judge a book by its cover. So, brushing aside those thoughts, she plopped down on the bed, huddling up in the corner.

"Goodnight," She heard him say as he settled onto the bed, her back turned towards him.

"Goodnight," she replied, while the room grew darker as the lights were switched off, except for a few dim ones.