Heal Me

21.A Festive Connection

Author's POV
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The college was buzzing with excitement, a lively energy that permeated every corner. The entire campus was decked out in vibrant decorations for the Teej festival, an occasion where women celebrate and pray for the well-being of their husbands or future partners. The colors of marigold flowers and strings of fairy lights created a mesmerizing backdrop, and traditional Rajasthani music played softly in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere. The stage was set, quite literally, for a day filled with joy, dance, and the promise of unforgettable memories.

Ishaan, standing near the entrance, felt his heart skip a beat as Esha entered the college on her scooty. The world seemed to slow down as he watched her, his eyes tracing every detail of her ethereal appearance. Esha was dressed in a light yellow Punjabi suit with intricate peacock patterns on the front, her look completed by a multicolored Pakistani dupatta. She wore golden sandals that shimmered as she walked, and her jhumkas and maang tikka added a traditional charm to her outfit. Her hair, styled in French braids on both sides, cascaded down her back in straight strands. She looked like a goddess descended from the heavens, and Ishaan couldn’t take his eyes off her.

But Esha's eyes were searching for one person only—him. Despite the turmoil of the previous night, despite her inner doubts and fears, she was here today just for him. Ishaan. The thought of him had kept her awake, his image replaying in her mind over and over again. She couldn't deny that he had become someone she couldn't forget, someone who made her want to feel beautiful, to be seen.

When their eyes met, it was as if the world had fallen away, leaving only the two of them in a space where time stood still. Ishaan started walking towards her, every step deliberate, his gaze locked onto hers. Esha's heart raced as she wondered what he was thinking. Was she really beautiful? Would he notice another girl? Was she enough for him? The questions swirled in her mind, but all her fears vanished when he stopped in front of her, smiling as if she was his whole world.

“Tum aayi ho,” Ishaan said softly, his voice laced with warmth and relief. Before he could say more, Sara suddenly appeared between them, breaking the moment with her usual exuberance.

“Esha, meri jaan! Tu aa gayi, aur mujhe bataya bhi nahi? Haye, main marjaawan! Kitni sundar lag rahi ho!” Sara exclaimed, pulling Esha into a tight hug. But was anyone really paying attention to Sara’s chatter?

No.

Esha’s eyes were still on Ishaan, and Ishaan, well, he was barely holding back his impatience to talk to her, to praise her, to be close to her.

Karan, sensing the growing tension, sauntered over and nudged Sara playfully. “Oye, Sara! Kitna bolti hai tu! Let them breathe, yaar,” he teased, making Sara roll her eyes at him. They started bickering, as usual, but neither Esha nor Ishaan were really paying attention.

Esha shook her head with a small smile at their antics and turned back to Ishaan, who still hadn’t taken his eyes off her. His gaze was intense, filled with emotions he was too proud to put into words. And in that moment, a beautiful smile graced Esha’s face, a smile that made Ishaan’s heart skip a beat. If he was being honest, it was more like a mini heart attack—a good one.

As the function started, the festive spirit only grew stronger. The girls performed Punjabi gidha and bhangra with infectious enthusiasm, while others presented skits and musical performances. But amidst all the hustle and bustle, there was something more surprising—Esha and Ishaan were sitting together on a bench in the hall, watching the performances side by side.

Ishaan kept a close eye on Esha, making sure she was comfortable, that she wasn’t feeling overwhelmed by the attention they were receiving.

He noticed the envious glares from some of the girls who had hoped to sit with him, and his expression turned cold, a silent warning to stay away.

But the moment Esha spoke to him, or even looked at him, his demeanor softened instantly. He was a tough guy, sure—but only for everyone else. For Esha, he was as soft as a summer breeze.

Throughout the performances, they exchanged smiles, small glances, and a few whispered comments. It was as if they were in their own little world, oblivious to everyone else around them. The tension, the anticipation, the unspoken words—it was all there, simmering just below the surface.

As the performances continued, Ishaan couldn’t help but think about how much he wanted this—her by his side, always. And Esha, for all her doubts and fears, couldn’t deny that being with Ishaan made her feel something she hadn’t felt in a long time. Safe. Cherished. Alive.

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To be continued....

So what do you think about this chapter?

Will this festival bring esha and ishaan more closer or they have to again part their ways?

Will esha overcome her past or her inner fears and let ishaan heal her?

Comment your thoughts on this and don't forget to vote
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