𝐘𝐞𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐢 𝐀𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞

𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑒 𝐹𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠?

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 21 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 2 : 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏

As I stopped by, the rain droplets hinted my face with coldness. I inhaled my smoke, closing my eyes for a brief moment before exhaling a slow, deliberate breath. Opening my eyes, I found Arohi still engrossed in whatever she was doing. She's going to catch a fever tomorrow, I thought. "Idiot," I muttered under my breath, turning on my heel.

But I couldn't resist the sight in front of me. Cigarette in my right hand, I leaned against the cold wall. The ashes fell to the ground, quickly dampened by the wet floor. My eyes-why couldn't I tear them away? Something familiar tugged at my heart in this moment, just like that day back in 2019.

My heart raced with an unsynchronized beat, my gaze fixed solely on her as she twirled like a peacock in the first rain. This was the sight I had cherished in my dreams. Was it even a dream or real? I couldn't tell. But this moment taunted me with its beauty and nostalgia.

Arohi's laughter echoed in the rain, a melody that made my heart ache with longing. Each movement, each twirl, was a dance I had seen a hundred times in my mind.

The rain clung to her hair, her clothes, making her look ethereal, almost otherworldly. I felt an overwhelming urge to reach out, to touch her, to make sure she was real and not just a figment of my yearning imagination.

My emotions were a whirlwind-regret for the past, hope for the future, and a burning desire for the present. The coldness of the rain contrasted sharply with the warmth spreading in my chest.

In this moment, everything else faded away, leaving only her and the rain and the memories we shared. This moment was everything, a bittersweet reminder of what was and what could be.

Author's Pov

The rain poured harder, and Ayan's feet touched the grass, instantly soaking him from head to toe. Gradually, he took careful steps toward Arohi, who seemed entranced by the moment. She paused and turned around, sensing a presence, but saw nobody as Ayan quickly hid behind a tree. "What am I even doing?" he questioned himself, glancing down at his drenched clothes.

He looked back at Arohi, who continued to dance alone, humming a soft melody. He couldn't resist-something in him drew him to her. Unbothered by the rain and thunder, he took small, deliberate steps. He reached her, watching as she hugged herself and swayed side to side.

Standing just behind her, he was captivated by the sight-the raindrops cascading around her, Her wet hair Wrapped around her, Under the dim yellow lighting Her Skin glow like A Sun, His Sight Flow with Sliding Rain droplet from her Hair to her jaw.

Arohi's eyes fluttered open, and she turned quickly, colliding with his chest. She stumbled, but before she could fall, Ayan leaned in and caught her by the waist. Her eyes widened as her hands instinctively clutched his chest.

The rain seemed to mock them, its rhythm matching the quickening beats of their hearts. Their eyes locked, betraying the emotions they both denied. There was something electric, something undeniable between them.

Mein Kahin Bhi Jata Hoon,
Tumse Hi Mil Jata Hoon
Tumse Hi Tumse Hi

A-Ayan," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. His hands gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her face before he helped her back to her feet. His eyes were intense, searching hers. Her gaze was questioning, but his was unreadable. "Tum iss waqt yaha kya kar rahe ho?" she asked, his hands still resting on her waist. A frown formed on his brow as he released her, his chest heaving slightly. "What is happening?" he seemed to wonder aloud.