The Heart's Unexpected Twist

•||CHAPTER 27||•

The day started with an undeniable excitement for both Sahil and Shruti. They had been talking about this trip to Sikharchandi for days, planning every little detail. For Shruti, this was more than just an outing-it was a test of her courage, a challenge to face her anxiety and step into the unknown. Sahil, on the other hand, felt a sense of responsibility. He knew how much Shruti struggled with navigating alone, and he wanted to be there for her, to make sure everything went smoothly. The excitement between them was palpable, a quiet hum that lingered in the air as they prepared for the day ahead.

Shruti set off from her house, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She had memorised the bus routes Sahil had explained to her, but as she stood at the bus stop, something felt off. She double-checked her phone and looked around, feeling a sinking sensation in her stomach. This wasn't the right stop. With just five minutes left before the bus arrived, she realised after talking to one of the women waiting there that she needed to be on the other side of the road.

Panic set in, but there wasn't time to dwell on it. With her heart racing, Shruti practically sprinted to the correct bus stop, her breaths coming out in quick, shallow bursts. She made it just in time, breathless and slightly shaken, but the relief of sitting down on the bus was overwhelming. As the bus rolled through the streets, her mind kept replaying the close call. She could feel her anxiety creeping up, tightening in her chest like a vice. Her palms were clammy, and she struggled to catch her breath.

The familiar sense of losing control began to rise, but just when she thought she wouldn't be able to handle it, her phone buzzed. It was Sahil. She smiled faintly, forcing herself to focus on his name flashing on the screen. The bus pulled into Acharya Vihar, and as soon as Shruti stepped off, she saw Sahil standing there, waiting for her with a calm, reassuring smile. That smile was enough to ground her. She could feel her anxiety slowly fading away in his presence.

"Hey, you made it," Sahil greeted her, noticing the tension in her eyes but not saying anything to add to it. "Yeah," Shruti breathed out, still catching her breath. "Barely. Sahil gave her a light pat on the shoulder. "You did great. Let's go; we've got another bus to catch."

Together, they boarded the next bus that would take them closer to Sikharchandi. The ride was a bit quieter, but there was a shared excitement between them. As the bus climbed through the winding roads, the city seemed to fall away, replaced by the quiet calm of the hill.

When they finally reached the base, Shruti looked up at the towering slope, feeling both intimidated and exhilarated. This was the first time she'd ever climbed a hill, and it felt surreal-travelling alone, getting through her anxiety, and now standing at the foot of something bigger than herself.

Sahil led the way, and Shruti followed, her heart beating with a mixture of excitement and wonder. The path was steep but manageable, and with every step, Shruti could feel her worries shedding away. The climb was not just physical; it felt symbolic of the emotional journey she'd been on. Each step felt like a small victory, leading her closer to something unknown, yet fulfilling.

When they finally reached the top and stood before the temple, Shruti's breath caught in her throat. The view was incredible, the city spread out far below them like a patchwork of life. The temple itself was simple but powerful, the kind of place that held an old-world serenity. For a moment, everything felt surreal. She had made it. They both had.

They entered the temple and offered their prayers, the soft sound of the bells ringing in their ears. The stillness of the place seeped into Shruti, calming her even more. As they sat together on the verandah of the temple, gazing out over the landscape, there was a peaceful silence between them. It was a moment of shared tranquillity, one they both needed.

After a while, they descended from the hill and spotted a small pani puri stall near the base. Shruti's eyes lit up, and before Sahil could say anything, she had dragged him over to the stall. They ordered a plate each, and soon, a playful competition ensued. Shruti, with her quick reflexes and eagerness, beat Sahil easily, laughing at his slow attempts to keep up. The pani puri was spicy and refreshing, a perfect reward after the climb.

As they walked away from the stall, their stomachs full and spirits high, Sahil suggested a quick detour to the rose garden nearby. Shruti agreed, and when they reached the garden, the vibrant blooms surrounded them in a sea of colours. It was here that Shruti shyly handed Sahil a small, handmade envelope. Inside were a few cute DIY cards she had made for his upcoming birthday.

Sahil was overwhelmed. He hadn't expected this kind of gesture, and seeing the effort she had put into each card touched him deeply. Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight hug. Shruti laughed softly against his shoulder, feeling his gratitude without needing words.

After spending some time at the rose garden, they finally made their way back to the bus stop. Shruti, still in a playful mood, insisted on getting ice cream. Sahil, knowing he couldn't say no to her, bought them both a cone, and they shared a lighthearted moment as they waited for the bus.

When they arrived at Acharya Vihar, it was time to part ways. Shruti waved goodbye, feeling a little sad to see the day end but also proud of herself. She had made it through so much-the anxiety, the travel, the climb-and now she felt lighter, stronger. However, as she got off at what she thought was her stop, she quickly realised she had made a mistake. She was three kilometres away from her home.

Exhausted but determined not to let this ruin her mood, she hailed an auto-rickshaw and made her way back, smiling to herself at the absurdity of the situation. Back in her room, she collapsed onto her bed, the day's events swirling in her mind. It had been a long, emotional journey, but one she would remember forever.

As for Sahil, he returned home with his mind still lingering on the day's memories. There was something about the simplicity of it all-the climb, the prayers, the pani puri, the rose garden-that left him feeling content. Yet, deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something larger, something yet to unfold.