YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

21-Maa

AUTHOR'S POV-

After leaving the restaurant, Rakshit suggested going to the beach since it had been a long time since they had visited together at night. Sitting by the beach makes them feel happy and serves as a special bonding time for them.

Not to forget, the duo was still on a mission to bring the couple closer. They found an excuse to leave the couple alone, taking Pichu with them since he was awake by then.

Following the duo's advice, Rajiv also left the couple alone to buy ice cream. Rashvik and Sarakshi sat beside each other, far from the waves, silently gazing at the turbulent night sea without exchanging any words.

After a few minutes, both of them were busy on their phones. Rakshit and Reyansh were gazing at them from afar, expecting them to at least talk to each other, but did they talk? No.

They were busy on their phones and didn't even look up until they felt someone's presence in front of them. Rashvik was the first one to look up, only to find his brothers staring at him with an 'I'm so done' face.

"Aise kya dekh rahe ho?" Rashvik asked them, raising his brows.

(Why are you looking like that?)

"Bhai-bhabhi, you both are impossible" Rakshit said, sitting in front of Sarakshi and shaking his head.

"Hn?" Sarakshi looked at him, not understanding what he said.

"Nothing, bhabhi" Reyansh said, sitting beside Rakshit and mimicking his head movement. Pichu jumped from his arms to sit in his dadda's lap.

"Don't listen to them; they are bandars for a reason" Rashvik said, glaring back at his brothers but addressing Sarakshi. She didn't say anything in reply.

Just then, Rajiv came with ice cream and handed one to each of them. He sat next to Rashvik.

They began talking about everything that happened at the function, showering Sarakshi with compliments for how effortlessly she impressed everyone. However, Sarakshi felt insecure, wondering what the family members truly thought about her.

"Don't overthink, bache. Everyone loves you, and you saw how happy they were to meet you" Rajiv assured her.

"And anyway, why does it matter what others think, bhabhi? We're here, and you're our bhabhi. We love you so much" Rakshit said, giving her a playful wink.

"Badmash" Sarakshi said, pulling his cheeks affectionately.

(naughty)

While they continued their conversation, Rashvik was lost in his own world, his gaze fixed on some distant point. He seemed completely absorbed in his thoughts, staring without even blinking. Sarakshi noticed this and observed how deeply he was immersed in whatever he was thinking about. His face was void of any expression, and he appeared oblivious to the chatter around him.

Others noticed Sarakshi looking at him and turned their attention to Rashvik, their concern growing. It was unusual to see him like this now. If they had seen him sitting like this a few years ago, they would not have been surprised at all. Back then, Rashvik often retreated into his thoughts, but now he had changed. He was more present and more engaged with those around him. Seeing him in this state again was both surprising and worrying.

"Aashu" Rajiv softly called him, trying to get his attention

He didn't respond, still trapped in his thoughts. Rajiv tapped his arms gently to snap him out of his thoughts. He blinked rapidly and looked at his dad, slightly disoriented.