Rhythms of the Heart ✅

52

Relief washed over Rohit's face as he saw Malang walk back into the Agarwal mansion. He hurried over, his voice laced with concern.

"Mahi! There you are! Where were you? I waited for you all morning, and your phone was off. What's going on?"

Neel, his jaw clenched tight, watched the exchange with a mixture of annoyance and possessiveness. He couldn't stand the way Rohit touched Malang, the familiarity in their interaction.

Before Malang could respond, Neel stepped in, his voice cool and collected.

"Well, Rohit," he drawled, "it seems you were taking a bit too long getting ready. Sanjana suggested I take Malang to get the supplies myself, which we did quite efficiently. We're both a little tired now, so if you'll excuse us, we'd like to get some rest."

Neel's tone left no room for argument. He shot Rohit a pointed look before turning and walking away, Malang trailing behind him. Mrs. Agarwal, oblivious to the underlying tension, beamed at Malang.

"Did you get everything, beta?" she asked, her voice filled with warmth.

Malang, still processing the encounter with Rohit and the possessiveness Neel had displayed, simply nodded and handed her the supplies.

Sanjana and Somya, who had witnessed the entire exchange, exchanged knowing glances. Sanjana couldn't help but smirk, while Somya giggled silently. The air crackled with unspoken emotions, a secret language understood only by them.

Later that Night

A knock on the door startled Malang awake. He rubbed his eyes sleepily and stumbled towards the sound. Opening the door, he found Veer standing there, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Come on, Malang," Veer whispered, beckoning him to follow. "We're going on an adventure."

Malang, ever the curious soul, followed his brother downstairs. In the entrance hall, he found the rest of the group assembled – Sanjana, Somya, Neel, Rihana, Rohit, and a few others. Two cars stood waiting, engines idling.

"What's going on?" Malang asked, his voice laced with confusion.

Somya, ever the impulsive one, stepped forward. "It's a surprise, silly!" she exclaimed. "I suddenly had a craving for a late-night drive, and who am I to deny the wishes of the bride-to-be, right?"

A wave of laughter washed over the group. No one, it seemed, could resist Somya's infectious enthusiasm. Soon, everyone was piling into the cars, the excitement palpable. Malang found himself seated next to Neel in the driver's seat, their shoulders brushing.

Neel stole a glance at Malang, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the dashboard lights. Malang, sensing his gaze, turned his head slightly. Their eyes met, a silent conversation passing between them. The events of the day, the unexpected turn of events, the simmering tension – it all swirled together in that single look.

As the cars pulled away from the mansion, the world outside blurred into a tapestry of darkness and light. The late-night drive stretched before them, a blank canvas waiting to be filled with laughter, shared secrets, and perhaps even a stolen moment of intimacy between Neel and Malang. The journey, with its promise of adventure and the closeness it fostered, was just beginning. Where it would lead, they didn't know, but they were determined to enjoy the ride, one stolen glance and whispered conversation at a time.