REGRETS: An Unspoken Longings

LOST AND FOUND.

Suhani's Point of view-:

The early morning sun was already climbing as we started our hike, its rays glistening through the leaves of the tall trees around us. The air was crisp, the kind that made your lungs feel alive with every breath. Despite the beauty surrounding us, I couldn't shake the tension between Veer and me. Ever since he showed up on this trip, we'd been doing this exhausting dance, avoiding each other as much as possible, exchanging the briefest of words when absolutely necessary.

Today was no different. We fell into step with the group, our paths naturally diverging as we climbed up the rugged trail. Veer stayed near the front with Arjun, his laughter mingling with the others' as they joked about something trivial. I, on the other hand, stuck to the back, exchanging soft smiles with Nandini and Vivaan, who seemed to be in their own world, as usual. I was thankful for the distraction.

At some point, I found myself next to Saanvi, her usual bubbly energy seemingly dampened by our encounter last night. I knew I owed her an apology.

"Saanvi," I said softly, "I'm really sorry about last night. I didn't mean to snap at you."

She glanced over, her expression surprised but gentle. "Suhani, it's fine. I know you've been going through a lot... with Veer being here and all. I get it."

I sighed, feeling the weight of everything settle in my chest again. "No, I shouldn't have taken it out on you. You were just trying to help."

Saanvi smiled, her bright eyes softening. "Well, apology accepted. But just so you know, I'm always here for you. We all are."

I nodded, grateful for her understanding. It wasn't her fault-none of this was. Yet here we were, all caught up in the web of Veer's and my unresolved history. I glanced ahead, where Arjun was trying to tease Saanvi into singing along with him, as usual.

"Come on, Saanvi! Show everyone those hidden opera skills!" Arjun grinned, dramatically waving his arms like a conductor.

"I am not an opera singer!" Saanvi protested, laughing as she nudged him away.

"You sure? The way you yell at me sometimes, it's pretty close," Arjun quipped, dodging another playful push from her.

"Trust me, if I were an opera singer, you'd be running for the hills by now."

Their banter made me smile. It was always like this between them-effortless, full of light-hearted teasing and, as much as they denied it, an undeniable chemistry. It reminded me of better times, back when things were simpler for all of us.

Nandini and Vivaan, walking just ahead of me, were also in their own bubble. Vivaan had his arm slung around Nandini's shoulders, and she leaned into him as they talked quietly, occasionally breaking into laughter. It was hard not to notice the contrast between them and the cold distance between Veer and me. They were happy, secure, while I felt as though I were still trying to put together the pieces of a life that had shattered long ago.

We kept hiking, the sun climbing higher in the sky, and my thoughts drifted away from the present. Despite the warmth of the day, a chill settled inside me, the familiar ache that came with being near Veer. I knew avoiding him was childish, but the idea of having another conversation, of opening those wounds again, seemed unbearable.

As the afternoon stretched on, the trail grew steeper, and we took several breaks along the way, enjoying the incredible views of Kerala's vast green hills. I took the chance to admire the beauty around us, trying to keep my mind off everything else.

But as the hours passed, something happened-I got distracted. I had wandered away from the group during one of our breaks, drawn to a small stream we had passed earlier. It was peaceful there, the sound of the water soothing my nerves. I stayed longer than I meant to, and when I realized how much time had passed, I hurried to catch up with the others.