The Heart's Unexpected Twist

•||CHAPTER 30||•

"Do you remember the first time we spoke?"
Sahil’s voice was soft, laden with the weight of nostalgia. Though they were separated by miles and the thin barrier of a computer screen, the comforting silence of a quiet evening wrapped around them, making their virtual connection feel almost tangible.

Shruti's eyes sparkled as she reminisced.
"I do... It was an ordinary day, almost indistinguishable from any other. Yet, something about that conversation felt like the beginning of an extraordinary journey."
She remembered their tentative words, like the first brush strokes on a blank canvas, strangers navigating the vast expanse of the digital world.

"And yet," Sahil interjected, a gentle smile playing on his lips, "it felt as though we had known each other for years, as if our souls had been whispering across the void long before we finally met."

In that vast space between them, Shruti, with her sunshine heart, was hidden behind bright smiles that masked her scars. Sahil, a soul shrouded in grumpiness and introspection, was initially reluctant to trust but irresistibly drawn to her warmth. Their first real conversation was a dance—tentative and cautious, yet electric in its synchronisation, like two hesitant dancers finding their rhythm.

"You were different,"Shruti murmured, as though revealing a cherished secret. "You didn’t shy away from my probing questions. I could sense the sadness beneath your grumpy replies."She paused, her gaze thoughtful. "Maybe that’s why I kept reaching out to you."

Sahil chuckled softly, the sound of a rare melody that made Shruti’s heart skip. "I was trying not to scare you away. I feared that my darkness would be too much, that it might drown you in its depths."His eyes softened as he glanced at her, filled with the tenderness of that shared memory. "But you stayed, and that meant more to me than I can say."

"I stayed," she echoed gently. "Because your darkness was not all I saw. I saw your kindness, your care for those you love. I saw you—beyond the pain."She leaned closer to the screen, her voice a whisper. "I wanted to be the light that guided you through your darkest moments."

Their bond deepened with each late-night conversation, every shared secret, every silent moment when words fell short but the silence spoke volumes. Each exchange wove them closer together, crafting a connection that transcended mere words.

"Do you remember the first time we met in person, at my home?" Shruti’s voice was soft, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the memory.

Sahil nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "I remember it vividly. I was so nervous, my heart racing with anticipation. But when we finally stood together, it felt like all the pieces had fallen into place. The distance between us seemed to vanish."

"You were so sweet,"Shruti continued, her tone tender. "I remember asking you for a forehead kiss. I was shy, hesitant, but it felt like such a simple yet profound gesture."

Sahil's expression grew tender, his voice softening. "I was more than happy to oblige. That kiss felt like a silent promise, a way to tell you that I was there for you, come what may."He paused, his eyes reflecting the depth of the memory. "It was a moment of genuine connection, a fleeting but meaningful exchange that stayed with me."

"And then,"Shruti's voice took on a playful note, "after a few more meetings, I asked if I could give you a cheek kiss. I remember how you blushed and smiled. It felt like a natural progression, yet it was so special, so intimate."

Sahil chuckled softly, the sound a warm reminder of their shared moments. "I was caught off guard, but in the best way possible. That kiss felt like you were inviting me deeper into your world, making me a part of it in a more profound way."

"And on your birthday,"Shruti’s voice grew softer, "when we shared that First kiss... it was as if all our shared laughter, our tears, and our moments of silence culminated in that kiss. It was intense, beautiful, and a testament to how far we’d come."

Sahil's gaze was filled with emotion, his voice barely above a whisper. "That kiss was more than just an expression of affection. It was a declaration, a way of saying that everything we had been through, every moment we shared, had led us to that place of deep connection and love."He reached out virtually, his fingers brushing the screen with the gentleness of his touch. "In that moment, I knew, without a doubt, that I loved you."

"I felt the same,"Shruti whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It was the culmination of every step we had taken together, every fear we had faced, every challenge we had overcome. That kiss was both a promise and a new beginning for us."

"From strangers to friends, from friends to lovers,"Sahil murmured, his voice filled with a tender reverence. "We’ve come so far, haven’t we?"

Shruti’s smile was radiant, her heart brimming with affection. "We have. And no matter what the future holds, I am so grateful that we found each other."

Their journey, a tapestry woven with shadows and light, was one of love, trust, and healing. As they sat together in the quiet of their virtual space, their hearts beat in unison, a harmonious rhythm that spoke of a shared future. They knew that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together, hand in hand, heart to heart.

Hello everybody, here comes this book to an end. There will be future updates of the epilogue and bonus chapter for sure, but for now, here we bid it farewell with the hope you liked and loved the story .

Please do share your views on the book and check out the playlist and some poetry from sahil and shruti's perspective, each expressing  their love towards each other that will be updated tomorrow.