YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

36-I'm here

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AUTHOR'S POV-

Why this place, God? Why here? I'm scared, she repeated to herself, desperately trying to calm down.

Terror dread swept down her spine, and she once again glanced up to see the familiar building, only to look down again and clutch her dress harder. Her hands were sweaty because of nervousness, and her eyes started getting teary, but she maintained her composure.

Rashvik slowed down the car as he was on a call with someone. That's when she quickly blinked her eyes, not wanting Rashvik to notice her vulnerable self. She took a deep breath to convince herself that everything would be fine.

'It's ok Sarakshi, nothing will go wrong, you are not alone this time, your husband is with you, your Mr. Rude is with you, and everything will be fine. I know he'll not leave you alone' she thought to herself, tapping her feet continuously and clutching her dress harder. 

Rashvik hung up and was moving towards the parking when Sarakshi in her usual low voice though filled with worry this time asked "Mr.Singh, this is the venue for the party?"  she knew, she had asked a very dumb question but she was not able to think straight. 

"Nahi yaha toh bas gadi park karne aye hai hum, yaha see paidal chalenge." he said sarcastically unbuckling his seatbelt "Kya kuch bhi puch rahi ho, chalo yahi jana hai" he said turning his head towards her only to find her nodding and looking down timidly and sitting uncomfortably. 

"What happened Sarakshi? You don't look fine" he asked, his voice soft and calm filled with worry. 

Sarakshi shook her head and whispered "No-nothing, I'm fine" 

"Are you sure?" he asked, his gaze not shifting away from her even once and she felt that.

"Yes, just... a bit nervous," she admitted quietly, nibbling on her lower lip.

"Because of the crowd?" he asked, still unconvinced. She hummed in response and unbuckled her seatbelt, her movements slow and deliberate. Rashvik could sense she didn't want to talk about it, so he let the matter drop for now.

They both got out of the car, and Sarakshi moved cautiously toward him, careful not to trip over her dress. Rashvik handed her the purse she'd left behind, and she quickly thanked him, barely meeting his eyes.

She looked up at the building again and inhaled sharply, struggling to keep calm. She could feel his eyes on her, observing her every movement.

"Mr. Singh, can you please hold my hand?" she whispered, still looking at the building, her voice so low it was almost lost in the night air.

"I already am," Rashvik said, lifting their intertwined hands to her eye level. Surprised, Sarakshi glanced down, realizing she hadn't even noticed when he had taken her hand. Maybe she was too lost in her own thoughts to feel it.

She dared to look up at him, but his gaze was already focused straight ahead as they began to walk. Her chance to meet his eyes slipped away once more, and she knew she wouldn't have the courage to try again soon.

"Don't worry. I'll be by your side" he said softly, tightening his grip on her hand. She nodded, though he couldn't see her.

They started walking, and after a few steps, Sarakshi caught up to him. Feeling an overwhelming need for reassurance, she slipped her other hand onto his forearm, resting it gently there.

Rashvik looked down at her hand, momentarily surprised by the gesture. He hadn't expected it, but he couldn't help the small smile that formed on his lips. It felt good—better than he had anticipated. A strange comfort washed over him, one he hadn't felt in a long time.