RESTART

chapter 30

The car roared softly as Veer drove through the highway, everyone feeling the excitement of the journey ahead. It was a long drive to the village, and their parents were already waiting for them there. Jeevika sat in the passenger seat, gazing out at the scenery, while Abhiman leaned back, letting Veer take control of the wheel.

After several hours of driving, Veer finally pulled over at a roadside dhaba. "Bhaiya, I think we should take a break here. Lunch kar lete hain, phir aapko steering de dunga," Veer suggested, stretching as he stepped out of the car.

"Good idea, bhai," Abhiman replied, stepping out to stretch as well.

They all gathered inside the rustic dhaba, enjoying the simplicity of village food — hot parathas, dal, and lassi. Jeevika laughed as Veer and Riddhi teased Abhiman about how he's too serious sometimes.

"Lagta hai, bhaiya ko yeh gaon ka khana bhi serious lag raha hai!" Riddhi giggled.

Abhiman smirked, "Bas tumhara mazak sun raha hoon. Tumhe gaon mein phir dekh lunga."

After a hearty meal, they returned to the car. This time, Abhiman took over the wheel, and Jeevika settled into the passenger seat beside him. Veer and Riddhi quickly dozed off in the backseat, tired from the long journey.

As the night deepened and the road stretched out before them, the car became quiet, except for the low hum of the engine and the occasional sound of crickets chirping in the countryside.

Abhiman glanced over at Jeevika, who was staring at the moonlit sky. "Tum thak gayi ho?" he asked softly, one hand on the steering wheel and the other gently reaching for her hand.

"Nahi, main bilkul theek hoon," Jeevika smiled, turning towards him. "Tumhe dekh rahi thi. You look calm, relaxed."

"Relaxed toh hoon, par tumhari company mein aur bhi zyada sukoon milta hai," Abhiman said, his eyes softening as they locked with hers.

Jeevika blushed slightly, her heart fluttering at his words. She leaned closer, resting her head on his shoulder as he drove. The moment felt intimate and peaceful, the world outside the car fading away.

"Tumhare saath yeh safar kaafi alag hai, Jeevika. Har waqt tumhare paas rehna chahta hoon," Abhiman whispered, his voice low but full of emotion.

Jeevika smiled, her heart swelling with love. "Mujhe bhi tumhare saath har pal share karna acha lagta hai. Sab kuch perfect lagta hai jab tum mere saath hote ho."

For a few moments, the only sound was the soft murmur of their voices and the rhythmic beat of the road beneath them. Abhiman gently took her hand, squeezing it slightly as they continued down the dark road, sharing this tender moment under the stars.

---

By the time they reached the village, it was almost midnight. The quiet rural landscape greeted them as they pulled into the courtyard of their ancestral home. Abhiman's parents were already there, waiting for them.

"Finally pohonch gaye!" Veer yawned as they got out of the car, stretching his stiff limbs.

"Haan, safar kaafi lamba tha, but we’re here now," Abhiman's father greeted them, smiling warmly.

Jeevika smiled tiredly at them. "Maa-Papa, aap dono ne rest kiya? Safar thoda tiring tha na?"

Abhiman’s mother nodded. "Haan beta, hum ne thoda aaram kar liya. Tum log bhi fresh ho jao, kal subah kuldevi ke darshan ke liye jaana hai."

"Ji, Maa," Abhiman replied, wrapping his arm around Jeevika's shoulders. "Hum apne kamre mein jaa rahe hain."

With their parents already settled, Abhiman and Jeevika made their way to their room, exhausted but content. As they lay down together, Jeevika felt a sense of peace wash over her. This was her family, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew they would face them together.