YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

31-Expectations?

*unedited*
*not translated*

AUTHOR'S POV-

"WHAT!?" they exclaimed in unison, their voices echoing in the quiet compartment.

Rashvik's initial worry began turning into frustration. "A few hours? We're stuck here for hours?" he said, making her sigh.

"Is there no way to get out of here?" Sarakshi asked, looking down. Rashvik rolled his eyes at her comment, his frustration growing.

"Let's jump from here? That's the only option? Do you even think before you speak? Do you see any other options here?" he said in a stern voice. Sarakshi instantly pouted, looking down at her feet, fidgeting nervously.

She was scared. Her anxiety about being locked in was starting to rise. Though she wasn't alone this time, the fear from her past made it harder to stop her mind from racing through all the terrible possibilities.

She peeked outside the compartment and looked down. They were far above the ground—just looking down was terrifying. She started tapping her feet nervously, biting her lower lip as she stared downward.

"They're repairing it. Don't be scared; I'm here with you" Rashvik said, feeling guilty for his earlier harshness.

"It's scary, Mr. Singh" she whispered, still looking down.

"We'll be out of here soon" he whispered back, trying to reassure her.

The weather was getting colder by the minute, and soon they found themselves shivering in the icy air. Their cheeks had turned red from the biting cold. Pichu clung to Rashvik, and both of them were deeply worried about him. The little boy was trembling, desperately trying to warm himself.

Rashvik's eyes were filled with concern, while Sarakshi found it difficult to even think clearly. Without hesitation, Rashvik removed his jacket and wrapped it around Pichu, hoping to keep him warm. He hugged the boy securely, gently rubbing his back to generate some warmth.

Sarakshi's gaze fell on Rashvik, noticing how he held Pichu close. He was only wearing a T-shirt, which offered no protection against the cold.

"Mr. Singh, you'll get sick. Wear this jacket" she said, removing her own jacket to hand it to him.

"If I wear it, you'll get sick. So keep it on, I'm fine" Rashvik replied without hesitation.

"Let's share the jacket. You were the one who said it's way too big earlier" she suggested, trying to convince him.

Rashvik took the jacket from her hand, and Sarakshi, understanding that he had agreed, moved closer to him. She sat on his right side, their arms brushing against each other. Rashvik wrapped the jacket around them both, though it didn't fully cover them. Sensing the discomfort, he moved his right arm behind her, wrapping it around her and gently pulling her closer to make more space. Sarakshi, in turn, placed her hand on Pichu's back, who was still clinging to Rashvik, making it appear as though she was hugging him too.

They were now sitting so close that Sarakshi could feel the steady rhythm of Rashvik's heartbeat through the thin fabric of his shirt. He bent slightly, adjusting the jacket to cover her better, his arm resting firmly around her shoulders, pulling her even closer. Her face was partially pressed against his chest, and the warmth of his body, though faint, was enough to make her breath hitch.

Rashvik's touch seemed to ignite something within her, a warmth that spread not just from his embrace but through her entire body. Instinctively, she found herself leaning into him more, seeking comfort in his presence. What surprised her even more was how he mirrored her movements—holding her even more securely, as if he, too, needed that connection. His hands moved gently up and down her arms, the friction of his touch sending an unexpected spark through her, making her heart race. She was glad he couldn't see her face; she was certain it had turned a deep shade of red.