𝐎𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫 [Completed]

29. Cozy night and kisses

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The Onam celebrations had wound down, and the Padikkal house was now quiet, save for the soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of crickets. The night was cool, a gentle breeze sweeping through Devdutt’s backyard, carrying with it the lingering fragrance of flowers from the earlier festivities.

Dev and Prarthana found themselves alone, sitting on the swing in the backyard. The sky above was a blanket of stars, and the moon cast a silver glow over them. Prarthana leaned into Dev's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as his arms wrapped securely around her.

"This was a beautiful day," Prarthana murmured, her voice soft and content. "Thank you for letting me be a part of it."

Dev smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'm glad you were here. It wouldn't have been the same without you." Her eyes shut in content with smile grazing her lips.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence. The world felt still, as if it had paused just for them. Dev gently swayed the swing with his foot, the motion lulling them into a peaceful rhythm.

But beneath the calm exterior, Dev's thoughts were swirling. He knew he had to tell her—about Mumbai, about the match, about having to leave so soon after they had shared such a wonderful day. He hesitated, not wanting to break the spell of the moment.

Sensing a shift in his mood, Prarthana looked up at him. "Dev, is something on your mind?" He was amused by her question, she guessed it before he could speak up.

He took a deep breath, his fingers gently tracing circles on her shoulder. "I need to go back to Mumbai tomorrow," he finally said, his voice tinged with reluctance. "I have to continue my practice for the upcoming match."

Prarthana's eyes widened, and a radiant smile spread across her face. "Dev, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you!"

Her enthusiasm was contagious, but Dev couldn't fully share in it. He looked into her eyes, his expression softening. "I got selected for the Asia Cup tournament, Prarthana. It's a big opportunity, something I've worked so hard for. But... I’m upset that I have to leave you right after today."

Prarthana reached up, cupping his face in her soft hands, which felt like little girl's hands to him. "Dev, this is incredible news! You've been dreaming of this for so long. I’m so proud of you."

"But," he began, his voice trailing off as he tried to find the right words. Sensing his feelings she smiled at him

Prarthana shook her head, with hesitation she leaned in silencing him with a tender kiss. When she pulled back, her eyes were shining with determination. It would be lie to say that dev is shocked, "No 'buts,' Dev. You deserve this. And I’ll be here, cheering for you every step of the way. I know it’s hard to be apart, but this is your moment. You need to go and give it everything you have."

Dev's heart swelled with emotion as he looked at her. Her unwavering support and belief in him were exactly what he needed, but it also made leaving her even harder. "I’ll miss you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Prarthana smiled softly, her hand sliding down to rest over his heart. "I’ll miss you too, Dev. But knowing you’re out there, doing what you love and making your dreams come true, that’s enough for me. We’ll have our moments together again, and when we do, they’ll be even more special."

Dev leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss, pouring all the love and gratitude he felt into that single moment. When they finally pulled apart, they rested their foreheads together, both of them savoring the closeness.