Dangerous Life Ahead

64 : || The Incomplete Ritual ||

Arjun came out of the washroom wearing fresh clothes. His hair dripped some water.

"So, how are you feeling now?" Panchali asked, entering the room with two mugs of coffee.

He smiled, "Relaxing and fresh."

"Glad to hear that. Now come, let's have some warm drink in this rainy morning." She offered, but a confusion frown filled his face.

"Umm, what's this?" He asked, following her to the balcony and sitting on the couch beside her.

"This is a drink which may relax you more." She replied, offering him the coffee.

Arjun glanced at the unknown drink once and then at Panchali, then took a sip at it.

The perfect combo of caffeine, milk and sugar burst in his tastebud, as he moaned lightly feeling the warmth of the drink.

"This is amazing." He grinned like a kid, thanking her for the drink.

Arjun scooted closer to her, such that their arms touched against each other. A smile formed on both of their lips, affirming the presence of the other.

And the two enjoyed the time with a comfortable silence between them.

A perfect time- Rainfall, dark clouds in the early morning, chilly breeze, a warm coffee, light thunders.

Arjun and Panchali blended well with each other, acknowledging one another's presence. Their heart was at peace feeling the closeness, not between their body, but their relationship.

"Jyest has informed us about the conversation you had with him few days back." He started, after moments of silence.

Need not to say, but Panchali got what he was implying and kind of knew that Yudhisthir would inform them.

Probably she too wanted to tell the other four, and she was grateful that he did.

Sighing to herself, she replied, "I knew he would inform you all. After all you are his brothers."

"And your husbands also." Arjun didn't know why but the words just flew out of his mouth.

She turned her gaze to him, to find him looking back at her.

"Jyest didn't inform because we are his brothers, rather he did it because all five of us were involved in knowing about your past. And he didn't want to keep us in shadows regarding your matter." He continued, and Panchali looked away from him.

"I don't know what happened to you in your past because Aryan told us that it's not pleasant. And considering your panic attacks, we know that it's the truth." He paused, as he saw her silently gazing at the rain.

"But whatever it is, I assure you that we won't leave you alone to fight your battles. And we're here to help you overcome your problems and move on from your past." He assured her.

His soft gaze still lingered on her serene face, trying to find any emotions but it was as usual blank.

A few moments of silence passed as finally she opened her mouth, "Don't you want to know about my past?"

In return she got a soft smile from him, "I won't lie to you because we do want to know what happened to you all these years. But yes, we won't pressurize you also. If you ever feel like opening your heart and trusting your husbands with your secrets, then I assure you that every letter you spill about yourself will be buried deep in our hearts."

For a few moments she watched him closely, thinking was this man even real?

***