The Heart's Unexpected Twist

•||CHAPTER 12||•

Sahil's voice, warm and familiar, drifted through the virtual space between them, weaving tales of his sister Swati and his deep bond with Aziza. Each memory he shared painted a picture that Shruti found herself growing more attached to with every word. She marvelled at the way Sahil spoke of family-his love for them, the small gestures that held great meaning, like Aziza tripping over a stool just to open the door for him. It was simple, but it resonated with her, wrapping her in a sense of comfort.

Smiling, Shruti decided to share a glimpse of her own world. "You know, Sahil," she started, her tone light, "my siblings and I aren't much different. There was this one time-on 31st December-when we decided to throw our own mini concert. It was ridiculous, but so much fun. We had everything from *Taki Taki* to *Radha Teri Chunari*, and somehow, we even managed to add a classical twist with *Ekdantaya Vakratundaya*. It was chaos, but the good kind."

Sahil laughed, the sound making Shruti's heart flutter in a way she wasn't ready to admit yet. "A concert, huh? Sounds like you had quite the lineup. I bet it was better than most New Year's parties!" he teased.

Shruti giggled softly, feeling the warmth of their shared laughter. It was in these small moments, the ones that seemed to stretch on forever, that she realised how deep her connection with Sahil had grown. But as they shifted to lighter topics, her heart stirred in a way that left her feeling vulnerable.

"What's your favourite animal?" Sahil asked suddenly, breaking the flow of thought in her mind.

"Penguins," she said almost instantly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "They're adorable, and there's something about the way they stick together that I love. Plus, they're cute!"

Sahil grinned. "I see that. For me, it's always been the bear. They're social in their own way, but they also like being alone. They're strong but rarely hurt anyone unless provoked. I guess that's how I've always seen myself-a bear who just wants to be left in peace."

Shruti felt her heart tighten at his words, realising how much she related to that. How she, too, often preferred solitude, retreating from the world, only opening up to a few who made her feel safe.

As their conversation drifted toward food, Sahil asked, "What's your favourite dish, Shruti?"

She thought for a moment before replying, "Pulao and raita. It's simple but so comforting. What about you?"

"Chilli paneer," he answered without hesitation, "but only when Swati makes it. There's just something about how she gets the balance of flavours right. Every bite reminds me of home."

The way Sahil spoke of home, of his family, tugged at something deep within Shruti. His words created a space in her heart where warmth and affection bloomed, filling the cracks left behind by past hurts. She found herself drawn to his simplicity, his kindness, the way he found beauty in everyday things like food, family, and even thunderstorms.

Her voice grew quieter as they talked about their favourite weather. "I love spring," she said softly, "because that's when the flowers bloom. Everything feels new, like the world is beginning again."

Sahil's response mirrored his nature. "For me, it's the rainy season-especially thunderstorms. They have this way of making everything feel raw and real. It's like the world is being washed clean, and in that chaos, I find peace."

Shruti could feel herself sinking deeper into the moment, her feelings for Sahil now undeniable. She had fallen for him, though she had tried so hard to keep her distance. But the more they shared, the more she realised how much she had already given her heart to him. And yet, something held her back-a shadow of her past, lurking in the corners of her mind.

Her thoughts drifted to the scars she carried, the wounds left by someone who had claimed to love her but had used her instead. Her ex-boyfriend had abandoned her when she needed him most, ghosting her after she had confided in him about the assault she had nearly faced. In that moment of vulnerability, when she had been at her lowest, he had disappeared-only to later say, cruelly, "I used you for your body."

That memory clung to her like a dark cloud, threatening to suffocate her newfound joy. She had tried to bury it, to move past it, but now, as she sat across from Sahil-virtually, yet closer than ever-she realised that the fear of being hurt again was the only thing standing between her and the love she knew she felt for him.

Sahil's voice cut through her thoughts. "Shruti, are you okay?"

She blinked, realising she had been quiet for too long. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. But she wasn't fine. Not really. Her heart was torn between the love she felt and the fear that history would repeat itself.

"I just..." she hesitated, the words on the tip of her tongue, but unable to escape. How could she tell him? How could she risk being hurt again? "It's nothing," she said finally, forcing a smile.

But Sahil, perceptive as always, didn't push. Instead, he offered her a gentle smile, one that seemed to say, It's okay. I'm here.

And in that moment, Shruti realised that maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to carry the weight of her past alone. Maybe, with Sahil, there was a chance for something real-something safe. But still, the fear lingered, like a whisper in the back of her mind, warning her to be careful, to protect her heart.

As their conversation faded into the night, Shruti knew one thing for certain: she had fallen for Sahil, deeply and completely. But whether she had the courage to tell him... that was a mystery even she couldn't yet solve.

The night grew darker, their connection unwavering, yet the unspoken words between them hung in the air-a quiet tension, filled with both hope and fear. And in the silence that followed, Shruti felt the weight of her past and the pull of her future, standing on the edge of a love she wasn't sure she was ready to embrace.