Silent whispers of love

~Chapter Eight~

They say there are many ways to express gratitude. However, none of them could surpass Dr. Arnold’s one; who gave me a paid holiday until Christmas. Though today was 23rd December already, but this two-day holiday meant a lot, and Christmas would come with another week full of holidays. Finally I could unwind.

I had just finished making myself a cup of coffee when my phone rang, flashing ritika’s name.
‘All set for tomorrow?’, her voice blurted out from the phone. 

We were going for a little trip to the Bavarian Alps since it was the best season to go there. It was almost a seven-hour drive from here, but that won’t seem much with ritika, abhi, darin and girija along.

‘Not at all, I am still in a daze. I haven’t even packed my bags yet.’ I wailed over the phone.
I had a lot of work pending to do today; i had to pack my clothes, some food and othe requisites for the trip, and also needed to clean the house as i haven’t done that since a week.

It was good that there won’t be any duty further, I can spend the whole day at home, in peace.

I was washing the empty mug of coffee when my phone rang again, it was Abhi this time.
‘hey, I need your help with something very urgent’, he said

‘do you remember me only the times you need help? Not fair, Abhi.’, I sulked, despite not wanting to.
I shouldn’t be bothered this much, should i?

‘I know. I know. I’m sorry but it’s really urgent and only you can help me. Please.’, he requested.

‘how much time would you take of mine?’, I asked.

‘that depends on how you will respond. But I think, around half an hour…maybe.’
Well, that is much more than i thought .

‘I haven’t even packed my bag, Abhi. I’ve to clean the house today as well. Can’t we talk over it tomorrow?’, I asked hesitantly. For somewhat reason, I couldn’t totally turn him down.

‘I promise I’ll help you with your work later. Please?’, he said in his most convincing tone ever.
And I couldn’t help but give in, ‘okay, where do I come?’

‘ample hills café, our usual spot. I’m waiting there.’ He said and cut the phone.

I looked towards the mountain of unwashed clothes with a sigh, and couldn’t help but think why the hell I agreed.

🪻🪻🪻

Abhi was sitting at a small, round table, with a steaming cup of tea in front of him, his face focused intently on a magazine. He’s dressed casually yet perfectly—perhaps in a crisp, white button-down shirt that complements his well-fitted jacket.

He might occasionally glance around with a friendly, engaging smile, giving off a sense of warmth and openness.  You can’t help but feel captivated by the quiet elegance and charm he effortlessly radiates. Girija is for sure a lucky woman.

I went nearer and sat down in front of him. He looked up from his magazine—which I guess is of a jewellery shop—and flashed his cheeky smile to me.

‘sorry for bothering you…but you know, I can’t talk about this to anyone else’, he said fidgeting with the cup.

what is it that’s making him this edgy?

‘about what?’, I asked impatiently.

‘I was thinking to confess to girija actually.’, he said shying away

‘oh’, I said attentively.
Unwillingly, my heart skipped a beat and a pang of jealousy mixed with sorrow surged in. What is happening?
despite the twinge of distress, I managed to maintain a supportive smile, ‘well finally you did decide to do that. What’s the plan so far?’

Abhi leaned forward with an earnest expression, ‘that is the reason I called you. I don’t have any plan, and I can’t wait for too long. I mean I have thought something but I’m not so sure about it . I want it to be super special, but I also don’t want to mess it up.’

Again, that slight ache rose again, at the thought of him with someone else. But why?  Shrugging it away, I focused on his dilemma, ‘you sound sweet, though. Knowing girija by this far, she likes things done in a way everyone else does—Normal and traditional. So just go with the flow and propose her with a beautiful ring. Just make sure whatever you say, comes straight from your heart. Do not try to prepare anything, just say whatever comes in the moment itself.’

Abhi’s eyes lit up with interest, ‘you sure? I’m not confident enough to do so, what if I say something dumb?’

‘I believe you won’t, Abhi. Trust me, you have a beautiful heart. You are a lovable person, and she will see it right away’, I said in a haze. The words that came out right now, were straight from my heart.

'Am I dreaming or is it really you praising me?', he joked. 'By the way, I was also thinking about writing her a letter to go along with the proposal. Because there are many things I want to tell her which I won’t be able to talk about in person. Do you think that will be too much?

My heart softened at the thought of him pouring his words down into a letter. Despite the ache inside me, I couldn’t help but admire his thoughtfulness, ‘not at all. It will be really touching. Just make sure it is genuine and from the core of your heart.’

‘thank you so much, kanika’, he said with an evident gratitude. ‘you relieved this major weight off my heart. You know, you’re the best.’

‘Anytime, Abhi. I’m excited for you both! I’m sure she’ll love it.’, I smiled. Although it was a little wistful; I hope he didn’t notice.

‘I hope so.’, he said, his eyes reflecting faith and certainty.

I needed to leave before it gets worse. ‘I’ll take my leave then. I have many works pending to do. See you later tomorrow.’

He stood up along with me, ‘let me come along…’

‘why?’, I asked as we exit the café.

‘did you forget I told you I’d help? Come, let us go together’, he said opening the car’s door for me. A gentleman he is.

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