Destined Cousins

13| A Box of Love Letters

Paper has more patience than people.

Amidst the neatly arranged table, Shyam's hand wavered in search of a pen. Although he didn't want to enter a girl's room without her permission, he had no choice as he was bound to do as his uncle suggested. 

He sighed in frustration. Argh! Where does this girl hide a pen? 

Unknowingly, his leg hit the cupboard and a box fell down; folded coloured papers scattered on the floor as Shyam finally found a pen. As he kneed to arrange the clutter, his eyes scrutinized the papers. Inquisition took over him as he unfolded on of the orange paper and began to read it.

How much do I wish to interlock our hands and walk through the exquisite paddy fields? As the beaming sun casts a glow on our path, we find ourselves entangled in a beautiful world of love and only love. My beloved, my Love. 

Shyam's lips curved into a smile as he picked another paper.

As my eyes twinkle with love and desire, I wish yours to reflect the same. Those beautiful eyes which expresses every emotion flawlessly attracts me like anything. Your smile is contagious. The way your lips curves like a bow, showcasing the million dollar smile and smirk makes my heart flutter. But I wish to see you blush. For me. 

"Romantic much!" He chuckled, softly.

I wish one day, our hearts overlap into a beautiful eclipse of love. But I fear if it remains as just a wish, forever. Will my manifestation turn into reality? 

Like a drop of fresh dew caresses a leaf, I want to embrace you. The prison of my heart wants to lock you in it. Will you allow me to do so, my Handsome Thief? 

Involuntarily, a pinkish hue covers his cheeks and a subtle smile bloomed on his lips. That was the first time he blushed reading a mere set of phrases. A moment later, his brain flooded with the realisation — he was intruding someone's intimate matters. Cautious to not to get caught, he quickly folded the papers and put the box in its place. Sweat coated his forehead and neck as he took the pen and left the room.

"Shyam! What the fuck have you done? It's her personal and you dared to read those. What if you were caught?" he scolded himself.

But soon he looked at Sita's opened room. Who's the guy she's so much in love with? I never thought Sita will be this romantic.

"Shyam!" He heard his uncle and hurriedly walked downstairs.

Only if he had read the entire box of letters which actually showed how much Sita loved 'the anonymous him'...

...

"She loves him a lot, Ram! I really want them to unite," Shyam said.

There was a brief silence and he heard no reply from the other side. Followed by a throat clearing sound, he heard Ram speak.

"Macha! It's her life. You've no say in it."

"She's my cousin da!" he exclaimed.

"So? I don't get it. Just because you're her cousin, you can't take decisions for her. She will be okay. Leave her alone... Don't make it tougher for her."

The latter part sounded firm. More of a warning. But Shyam wasn't able to differentiate the tone in Ram's voice and just hummed in response. He didn't want to argue further and drag the problem. He and Shyam had contrast perspectives when it came to 'love'; talking further would only diminish their mood.