The Heart's Unexpected Twist

•||CHAPTER 29||•

It was early morning when Shruti found herself at the mall, her heart fluttering with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Sahil's birthday had arrived, and she had spent the previous night creating something special for him-a Marvel-themed painting on his birthday card, an acrostic poem that spelled his name, a short but heartfelt poem tucked in a section of the card, and a handwritten letter, where she poured out everything she had been meaning to say for months. She even picked out some of his favourite chocolates, hoping it would make the gift all the more personal.

But as she walked through the mall, her excitement took a slight stumble-literally. The sole of her shoe gave out, leaving her standing awkwardly in the middle of the walkway. "Great," she muttered under her breath, trying to keep her balance. She knew she needed to buy a new pair, but that wasn't the worst part of it.

As she leaned down to inspect her shoe, a sudden tap on her shoulder made her jump. Without thinking, she whirled around, her arm raised in defence. "Who the hell-" she started, only to stop when she saw the familiar mischievous grin on Sahil's face.

"Sahil!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. She lowered her hand, unable to suppress a smile. She no longer needed to be tough; with him around, she could let that guard down. He laughed softly, his eyes twinkling as if he found her reaction endearing.

"Happy birthday," she whispered, her voice softening as she handed him the gift bag. He took it, his fingers brushing hers, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to blur.

After some playful teasing about her broken shoe, they went inside a nearby store where Shruti picked out a new pair of shoes. All the while, Sahil stayed close, making light-hearted comments, his presence filling the space with warmth.

Later, they made their way to the park near Shruti's house. The morning air felt fresh, carrying the scent of rain that hadn't yet fallen. They walked side by side, hands occasionally brushing against each other until Sahil took her hand, interlocking their fingers. They talked for a while, the conversation flowing between moments of laughter and quiet reflection.

After some time, Sahil stopped and gently kissed her cheek-a small, tender gesture that made Shruti's heart skip. She smiled, feeling the warmth of the moment settle into her bones. They continued walking, eventually finding a secluded spot under the shade of an old tree in the park,where the world felt a little more distant, a little more theirs.

"Can I...?" Sahil asked softly, his hand resting on her waist, his eyes searching hers. Shruti nodded, her pulse quickening. Slowly, she sat on his lap, feeling both nervous and secure at the same time. His arms wrapped around her waist, holding her gently, and for a moment, they simply sat there, the quiet between them filled with something unspoken.

Their faces drew closer, the anticipation of their first kiss hanging in the air. Shruti's heart raced as her gaze flicked to Sahil's lips, and just as their faces were inches apart, a sudden noise-a group of joggers passing by-broke the moment. They both pulled back, laughing at the interruption, but the tension remained, lingering like a thread between them.

But then, as the laughter faded, something shifted in Shruti. Memories from her past-the incident she never liked to talk about-flooded her mind without warning. Panic surged in her chest, her breath quickening, and her body tensed as the flashbacks hit her like waves, one after another.

Sahil's eyes softened as he noticed her change, his grip on her waist loosening. He didn't need her to say anything; somehow, he understood. Gently, he slid her off his lap and held her hand, guiding her to a quieter part of the park. His calm presence was like a balm, his silence reassuring as they walked deeper into the greenery.

The path led them to a more secluded area, almost forest-like, where the trees thickened and the sounds of the world seemed to fade away. The sky had darkened, and the air was thick with the promise of rain. And when it finally came, it wasn't a heavy downpour but a soft, steady drizzle, the kind that made the earth smell rich and alive.

In the midst of the rain, Sahil turned to Shruti. Her panic had lessened, but the weight of her past still hung between them. Without saying a word, Sahil pulled her close, holding her tightly. His arms wrapped around her, and for a moment, they simply stood there, the rain falling softly around them, their bodies pressed together in a quiet, shared solace.

Shruti looked up at him, her face wet from the rain, her heart swelling with gratitude. She knew this was more than just a kiss-it was a moment of understanding, of knowing she could be vulnerable with him, that he would hold her even when she felt like she was falling apart.

And then, under the soft drizzle, they kissed. It wasn't rushed or hurried. It was slow, gentle, filled with all the unsaid things between them. Her lips met his in a way that felt like a promise, like the rain washing away all the uncertainties, leaving only this-this quiet, beautiful connection.

When they finally pulled away, breathless but smiling, Sahil touched her cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of her face. "You're safe with me, always," he whispered, his voice a low murmur that melted into the sound of the rain.

Shruti leaned into him, resting her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. For the first time in a long while, she felt completely at ease. They stood there, hand in hand, under the rain, knowing that this was just the beginning of something beautiful, something that would grow between them like the trees that surrounded them, rooted in trust and love.