whispers in DARK

Chapter 1 : THE WHISPERING SHADOWS

The city of Bangalore was alive with its usual hustle and bustle, but as twilight descended, a certain stillness wrapped itself around the quaint neighborhood of Koramangala. Among the myriad of cafes and boutiques, there lay a small, unassuming bookstore named Whispers of the Past. It was a place where secrets were woven into the very fabric of the air, and stories lingered long after the last page was turned.

Keerthi, a bright-eyed graphic designer, often found solace in the dusty corners of this bookstore. The scent of aged paper mixed with the aroma of coffee from the café next door was intoxicating, drawing her back time and again. Today was no different. She stepped inside, letting the wooden door creak softly behind her.

As she wandered through the aisles, her fingers traced the spines of the books, each one holding a universe of stories waiting to be discovered. But today, Keerthi felt restless. Her heart was heavy with thoughts of Krish, the man she had been seeing for the past few months in secret.

They had met at Cafe D'Amour, where their chemistry was undeniable. Their shared laughter and playful banter quickly blossomed into a deep connection. However, their relationship remained shrouded in secrecy. Keerthi's parents had plans for her future-plans that did not include falling for a free-spirited photographer like Krish.

As she lost herself in thought, Keerthi didn't notice Krish walking into the bookstore until she heard his familiar voice.

"Lost in another world, I see?" he teased, his brown eyes twinkling with mischief.

Keerthi looked up, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. He wore a casual white t-shirt and dark jeans, his camera slung over one shoulder. "You scared me!" she exclaimed, playfully swatting at him. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"I could say the same. You usually have your head buried in your sketches," he replied, stepping closer. "What's on your mind?"

Keerthi hesitated, feeling the weight of the secrets they carried. "Just thinking about work," she lied, forcing a smile.

Krish studied her for a moment, concern etched on his face. "You know you can tell me anything, right? I'm here for you."

She nodded, appreciating his unwavering support but feeling the familiar tug of hesitation. "I know. It's just... complicated."

"Complicated how?" he pressed gently, his voice dropping to a whisper as he leaned closer, the intimacy of the moment making her heart race.

Keerthi felt a flutter of anxiety. "My parents are... well, they have certain expectations for me. They want me to settle down soon, and I-"

"Don't want to settle down?" Krish interrupted, his tone a mix of understanding and frustration.

"Not yet," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to explore my passions, travel, and-"

"Be with me?" Krish finished, his gaze unwavering.

"Yes," she breathed, her heart aching at the truth of it.

The silence hung between them, thick with unspoken words. Krish reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "Then let's make it work. We can figure this out together."

Before Keerthi could respond, the sound of a ringing phone broke the moment. Startled, she fished her phone out of her bag, her heart sinking as she saw her mother's name on the screen.

"I have to take this," she said, her voice shaky.

"Of course," Krish replied, stepping back, his expression shifting to one of concern.