Part 10 : A Kiss Under the Stars
The stars twinkled brightly in the night sky as Rishab and Shreyas walked hand in hand back toward their village, the air cool and filled with the sounds of crickets serenading the night. Their hearts were light, buoyed by the warmth of family and the playful moments they had shared that evening.
As they approached Shreyas’s home, the soft glow of the cottage lights illuminated their path. They exchanged glances filled with warmth, the memory of Shreyas lifting Rishab in bridal style still fresh in their minds. Laughter bubbled up between them as they recalled the teasing comments from Shreyas’s parents, the joy of acceptance wrapping around them like a comforting blanket.
“Do you think they liked me?” Rishab asked, a hint of playfulness in his voice.
“They loved you! You charmed them with your wit and grace,” Shreyas replied, grinning. “You’re officially part of the family now.”
Rishab smiled, feeling a rush of affection for Shreyas. “I hope they don’t think I’m too strange.”
“Strange? Not at all! They think you’re perfect,” Shreyas said, squeezing Rishab’s hand. “And I think so too.”
As they reached the gate to the cottage, Shreyas paused, turning to face Rishab. The moment felt electric, the world around them fading away as they stood in the soft glow of the moonlight. Shreyas’s heart raced as he leaned in closer, wanting nothing more than to capture this feeling forever.
“Can I kiss you?” Shreyas asked, his voice a mixture of hope and eagerness.
Rishab’s heart fluttered at the question, and he nodded, his breath hitching in anticipation. “Yes.”
With a shared smile, Shreyas leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft, sweet kiss that sent shivers of warmth through Rishab. The kiss deepened, filled with the tenderness of their connection and the promise of a beautiful future together. It was a moment of pure bliss, a gentle expression of the love that had grown between them.
Just as they were lost in each other, the sound of a door creaking open interrupted their moment. Startled, they pulled apart to see Shreyas’s parents standing on the porch, wide-eyed and smiling at the scene before them.
“Well, this is a lovely surprise!” Shreyas’s father said, amusement dancing in his eyes. “We didn’t realize we were interrupting a romantic moment.”
Rishab’s cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson as he quickly glanced at Shreyas, who was trying to suppress a laugh. “Uh… we were just…” Shreyas stammered, searching for the right words.
“Practicing for our charades performance!” Rishab blurted out, earning a look of disbelief from Shreyas and a chuckle from his parents.
“Ah, yes, charades,” Shreyas’s mother said, a playful glint in her eyes. “You two certainly make quite the team.”
Rishab couldn’t help but laugh nervously, feeling both embarrassed and exhilarated. “Yes, well, we were just…” He trailed off, glancing at Shreyas for support.
“Planning our next mural,” Shreyas said, taking a step closer to Rishab, a grin still on his face. “Rishab is an amazing artist, and we want to create something special together.”
His parents exchanged knowing looks, their smiles growing wider. “We’d love to see what you create,” Shreyas’s father said, stepping forward. “You both have a talent for bringing joy and color into the world.”
Feeling the warmth of acceptance wash over them, Rishab relaxed a bit. “Thank you,” he said, meeting Shreyas’s father’s gaze with a grateful smile. “I’m excited to share our vision with you.”
As they stood together, Shreyas’s mother clapped her hands playfully. “Well, since you two are obviously meant for each other, why don’t you come inside and share your plans over some tea? We’d love to hear all about it!”
Rishab looked at Shreyas, his heart swelling with happiness. “I’d love that,” he said, his voice genuine.
With their hands still intertwined, Rishab and Shreyas followed his parents inside the cottage, the warmth of family enveloping them once more. As they settled around the table, laughter and conversation flowed freely, the earlier awkwardness fading into a memory.
The evening continued with stories, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings. Rishab felt a sense of belonging wash over him, knowing he was accepted not just as Shreyas’s partner but as a member of the family.
As they enjoyed the tea and the warmth of each other’s company, Rishab stole glances at Shreyas, who wore a look of contentment. In that moment, surrounded by love and laughter, Rishab knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together—a journey filled with color, joy, and the undeniable bond they had forged.
