A Love unspoken : An Unseen Affection

chapter:4

"Aparajita..." Aarish murmured softly, his stoic demeanor breaking into a gentle smile as he ran his fingers through her long, silky hair. The way her arms clung tightly to him, as though she had been waiting for this moment for years, made his heart soften even more.

All around them, the corridor of the girls’ hostel fell into an awkward hush. The few girls who hadn’t yet left for their vacations were staring openly at the two, some whispering to each other, while others just gaped in surprise.

Aarish gently pulled back, his hand still resting on her shoulder. "Aparajita, everyone is staring," he whispered with a soft chuckle, trying to make her aware of their audience.

But she just shook her head stubbornly, her arms still wrapped around him. " Dekhte dou I don’t care," she said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It’s been a year since I last saw you. Let them stare. Besides, most of the girls have already left for the vacation."

Her confidence left him momentarily speechless. Aarish’s eyes softened as he looked down at her. In that moment, Aparajita lifted her head, her gaze lingering on his face. Her large, almond-shaped eyes, shimmering with emotion, seemed to trap the light from the corridor. The faint smile on his lips, the warmth in his gaze, made her feel like she was falling in love all over again.

“You’re three days late,” she finally complained, her voice tinged with playful accusation.

Aarish grinned apologetically, his hand still resting on her shoulder. "I know, I’m sorry," he said, his tone soft yet filled with sincerity. "I had a meeting beside that, trains were all full. But I’m here now, aren’t I?"

Aparajita pouted but couldn’t stay mad. She tugged at the edge of her saree, a soft blue drape with intricate silver embroidery that accentuated her petite frame. The way the saree wrapped around her delicate waist, her long hair cascading over one shoulder, made her look effortlessly elegant. Aarish couldn't help but admire how beautiful she has become . Her large expressive eyes, framed by thick lashes, seemed to hide a world of mischief.

"You go and pack your bags till I complete the procedure."

“I packed my bags way before you even arrived, you know,” she teased, nudging him playfully with her elbow.

"Really?" Aarish raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "And here I thought you will keep me waiting even longer."

Aparajita swatted his arm lightly. "Not everyone is as unpunctual as you."

They laughed, the lighthearted banter flowing naturally between them as Aparajita went to bring her bags.

---

Aarish had been enjoying his vacation in his hometown, the fresh air and the familiarity of the surroundings making him feel at ease. On that particular morning, he was in the family’s large open ground, practicing horse riding while his younger siblings cheered from the sidelines.

“Go, Dadabhai! Faster!” his younger brother Pranab and Debashish called out, excitement evident in his voice. Aarish smiled at their enthusiasm, pushing the horse into a full gallop before slowing down to a trot and coming to a stop near them.

After dismounting and ruffling the horse's head lovingly, he handed the horse to the caretaker and he walked over to his siblings, ruffling their hair affectionately. “How was it?” he asked with a grin.

“Awesome!” they chimed in unison.

Just as he was about to sit with them, a servant appeared, bowing respectfully before delivering his message. “choto sorkar, your grandfather has asked for you. He’s waiting inside.”