Twist of Destiny

Chapter 7

"Starry night and boating, good combination, huh?" 

Gauri remarked, gazing out at the boats drifting on the water. But that's not what they were doing, they were just looking at the people who are boating right now. They were like who gave the permission for boating at this time of the day. Must be someone rich and influential, who has the authority. Well who cares... right now they are just enjoying the night.

"Come on, let's explore the market. I want to see how it looks like at night," she suggested.

Shivam chuckled lightly, shaking his head. 

"Really... you girls have weird fetishes... I mean you would love to capture everything on your phone."

Gauri retorted, 

"Hey, not all girls are like that. It's just I... ummmm..."

"Yess... you... hmmm..." Shivam teased, but stopped abruptly when he realized he was holding her hand. They both stared at each other for a good 2 minutes until their reverie was interrupted by a car honking.

"Hey, do your romance somewhere else... pata nhi kaha kaha se aa jaate hai," a passing driver hissed.

Ignoring the interruption, they continued to stroll through the market. Gauri giggled like a child while Shivam wrestled with conflicting emotions he didn't want to acknowledge. 'No, it's like cheating...' 'But she is your wife...' 'What about your love?' 'That was just infatuation or some attachment... nothing else.' His heart and mind engaged in a fierce internal battle.

"Ji... Shivam ji..." 

Gauri's voice broke through his thoughts.

 "Where are you lost? Are you not hungry?"

Shivam snapped back to reality, reminding himself, 'His wife.'

 "Ah... yes, I am... let's eat something."

They walked along the bustling stalls of the market, the aroma of street food filling the air. As they browsed through the vendors, Gauri's eyes sparkled with excitement, while Shivam couldn't shake off the unease gnawing at him.

"Look at these bangles, aren't they beautiful?" Gauri exclaimed, holding up a pair for inspection.

Shivam forced a smile, his mind drifting elsewhere. 

"Yes, they are lovely."

Gauri sensed his distraction and gently touched his arm. 

"Is everything okay, Shivam ji?"

Shivam hesitated, unsure how to respond. 

"I... um... just thinking about exams. You know how it is."

Gauri nodded sympathetically, but her concern lingered. Despite the bustling surroundings, a palpable tension simmered between them, unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. They both reached the hotel room.

"Shivam ji, I know the exam is tough, but that doesn't define your capabilities," Gauri spoke from the depths of her heart. "I know you will pass the exam, but even if you couldn't, I know you will do something even better than that. And no matter what, just remember, I am with you."

Gauri's words were like a soothing elixir to Shivam. He couldn't discern whether it was the unwavering faith she had in him or the mere thought of being by her side that stirred something profound within him. In a sudden surge of emotion, Shivam's hand found its way to caress her face tenderly. He was experiencing sensations he had never felt before, something ethereal, beyond earthly realms. Leaning in, he was on the verge of kissing her when they were abruptly interrupted by a knock at the door. Startled, they both pulled away, their hearts pounding with a mix of confusion and apprehension.

As Shivam reluctantly opened the door, the owner of the room stood before them. "You will check out tomorrow morning, right?" he inquired.

Shivam could only manage a nod, rendered speechless by the unexpected turn of events. With the owner's departure, both Shivam and Gauri were left grappling with the bewildering whirlwind of emotions that had just swept over them, unsure of what had transpired between them.