Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 26

At night, Pali

Meera lay awake in bed, woken by the nightmare but this time it was more like Abhyant and Vanika's happy moments in flashes, her mind racing with thoughts.

Without thinking, she threw off her covers and got out of bed. She made her way to Agastya's room, avoiding the guards who stood watch in the hallway.

She reached his room and found the door unlocked. She pushed it open and slipped inside, calling out softly. "Agastya?" But there was no answer. She looked around the room, but he wasn't there.

That's when she saw him, standing outside on the balcony, his back to her. She felt a surge of curiosity and concern. What was he doing out there? And why did he look so lost in thought?

Meera's eyes adjusted to the dim light on the balcony, and she saw Agastya standing with his hands on the railing, his gaze fixed on the night sky. She approached him quietly, not wanting to startle him.

As she drew closer, she saw the tension in his shoulders, the clenched fists, and the furrowed brow. Something was bothering him deeply. She felt a pang of concern and reached out to touch his arm.

"Agastya?" she whispered softly.

He turned to her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her presence. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the only sound being the distant hum of crickets.

Then Agastya's expression softened, and he nodded slightly. "Meera," he said, his voice low and rough.

Meera's heart skipped a beat as she searched his face. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Agastya hesitated, then turned back to the railing, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Just... thoughts," he said finally. "Things I need to figure out."

Meera nodded, feeling a sense of understanding. She knew what it was like to be lost in thought, to be grappling with demons that wouldn't let go. She stood beside him, her shoulder almost touching his, and waited.

The silence between them stretched out, comfortable and familiar. Meera didn't push him to talk, she just stood there, a silent presence, offering support without words.

Agastya's shoulders relaxed, his grip on the railing easing. He took a deep breath, and Meera could sense the tension seeping out of him.

"Meera?" he said finally, his voice low and rough.

"Yes?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Agastya turned to her, his eyes searching hers. "Aapse kuch puch sakta hu?"
(Can I ask you something?)

Meera nodded, her heart beating a little faster.

"Aap yaha kyu aayi?" Agastya asked, his eyes locked on hers.
(Why did you come here)

Meera hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something in Agastya's gaze put her at ease. "I couldn't sleep," she said finally.

Agastya raised an eyebrow.

Meera shrugged, feeling a little self-conscious.

But Agastya didn't seem to care. He nodded thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm glad you came," he said finally.

Meera's heart skipped a beat at his words. No one had ever said that to her before. No one had ever made her feel like they were glad she existed.

"Me too," she said softly, her voice barely audible.