Silent whispers of love

~Chapter Twelve~

I wandered away from them, and found a bench to sit on nearby. I gazed towards Girija and Abhi, who were clicking pictures with the bouquet he gave her just now. The ring sparkling on her finger seemed to mock me, a symbol of everything I couldn't have.

I looked away from them and tried to focus on the scenery behind me. The cold air bites at my cheeks, but I barely notice. The snow sparkles, too beautiful for how I feel inside, as if the world is mocking my sadness.

"Kanika?" A voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked forward to find Ritika standing nearby, her eyes reflected concern. "Are you okay?"

I forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach my eyes. "Yeah, just... taking a break."

She sat beside me, the warmth of her presence a small comfort. "You know you can talk to me, right? If you need to."

"I just...I thought things would be different. I didn't realise it would hurt this much, seeing him with her."

Ritika nodded, her gaze understanding, "it's okay to be sad. You care about him, but more importantly you've to care for yourself. I know it's hard but, try to not think about this anymore."

Hard was a very unsuitable word for the thing she suggested. For me, it was impossible. It seems really a piece of cake when you talk about moving on and forgetting things, acting like that never happened, but reality sinks in when you actually have to forget it. When you have to see them everyday and act all normal, while your insides are crushing like autumn leaves crushed beneath foot.

"Let's go back" she said, breaking into my thoughts. "They'll want you there. You're part of this, too."

I nodded and we walked back. As we approached, the laughter swelled.

I had to find a way to accept this. My journey might be painful, but it was still mine to navigate.

I took my place among them, plastering on a smile as they celebrated. Abhishek caught my eye and waved, a genuine smile lighting up his face. For a moment, it felt as though the world paused, just for us. My heart fluttered, and I remembered the bond we shared.

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The car hummed along the highway, as we made our way back to Hamburg. It was 4 in the evening, and we'll be home by night.

Abhishek sat behind the steering wheel, girija was at the front, I and ritika settled at the back, along with Darin; His motion sickness suddenly went away when girija urged to sit at the front seat.

Speakers blurred out pop music as everyone talked about the trip and Darin's very beautiful snowman.

"I wanted to junk your car, trust me. But I had held back so that you don't scare girija with your scary-murderous look." Darin said while Abhishek made an irritating face, focusing on the road. I couldn't help but wonder; irritation on him looked better than contentment on anyone else.

The music changed to a slower song, and I felt a lull in the energy. Girja leaned forward, breaking the silence. "So, what was the highlight of the trip for everyone?"

Darin spoke up first, his voice bright. "The proposal, for sure! It was so beautiful."

I nodded along, trying to keep my emotions in check. Abhi added his thoughts, and we shared laughter about the pretzel compitition. I looked outside the window, as their talks continued.
"Hey, you're awfully quiet back there." Abhisek glanced at me from the rear view mirror. "What was your favourite part?"

I hesitated, caught off guard. "Umm... I really enjoyed the atmosphere in Zugspitze, It was so calm and serene. " I replied, trying to plaster on a smile.

His eyes lingered on me for a moment, as if searching for something beneath my words, but then he turned back to the road. "I'm glad you had a good time."

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