Whispers of Destiny.

CHAPTER 6

Harsh's POV

The next morning started just like the day before, full of laughter and preparations. But something felt off. Or maybe it was just me.

After Vikram showed up yesterday, things had shifted, even if Nina didn't notice. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but watching him glide through the house, making everyone laugh, being so comfortable around Nina—it gnawed at me. I knew it was stupid. She told me he was just like a brother, but the way he joked with her, the casual touches, the way she lit up when he was around—it got under my skin.

I stood in the courtyard again, helping set up the remaining decorations. Vikram was nearby, showing off some intricate pattern with the flowers that Akshay was overly impressed by. Nina was there too, laughing at something Vikram had said, her eyes sparkling in the morning light. I tried to focus on stringing up the marigolds, but I couldn't help but glance over at them every few seconds.

"Looking good, Harsh!" Vikram's voice cut through my thoughts.

I looked up, and he was smiling at me, but it didn't feel genuine. Or maybe I was imagining things. "Thanks," I muttered, trying to sound casual. But my smile didn't quite reach my eyes.Nina caught my expression and raised an eyebrow, but before she could ask me anything, 

Vikram nudged her. "Nina, come help me with this centerpiece, yeah? You've always had a better eye for this stuff."

She laughed and nodded, walking over to him. I clenched my jaw and turned back to the flowers in front of me. It was stupid—why was I letting this bother me so much? Vikram was just her friend. Her *brother*, even, as she'd said. And I... I wasn't even anything serious to her. We were friends, maybe something more, but nothing had been said aloud.

But still, every time Vikram touched her arm or leaned in to whisper something to her, that stupid knot in my chest tightened.

As the day went on, Vikram kept sticking close to Nina, and I found myself drifting to the background. Even when we were all together, decorating, eating, laughing, I couldn't shake the feeling of being sidelined. The worst part was, I couldn't even blame Vikram. He wasn't doing anything wrong. It was *me*—this ridiculous jealousy creeping in out of nowhere.

By mid-afternoon, Vikram had somehow convinced Nina to join him on a trip to the market to get more decorations. Akshay tagged along too, but it still felt like Vikram was finding excuses to spend more time with her. And I? I stayed back, making an excuse about needing to help with something else around the house. In reality, I just didn't want to be the third wheel.

I tried to stay busy while they were gone, but my mind kept wandering to them—laughing together, sharing little moments, and Vikram probably trying his luck at flirting. Not that I had any right to be mad about it. Nina wasn't mine. But the thought of him making her smile the way I'd come to love seeing her smile? It just irritated me more than I could handle.

When they finally came back, arms full of flowers and more decorations, Vikram was, as usual, the center of attention. He was cracking jokes, showing off the things they'd bought, and Nina was right there beside him, laughing like it was the best day ever.

"You missed out, Harsh," Vikram said, his grin wide. "Nina and I found the best modak stall. You've got to try them next time."

"Yeah, maybe," I replied, forcing a smile. But my mood had soured even more. I couldn't tell if Nina noticed, or if she was too caught up in the fun to see it.

Later, as everyone scattered to different parts of the house to finish up the last of the decorations, I found myself sitting in the courtyard alone. The place was almost ready for the festival—the lights strung up, the marigolds draped over the gates, and the faint scent of incense already filling the air. It was peaceful. But I couldn't shake this frustration boiling inside me.

I sat there, staring at the string of flowers in my hand, lost in my thoughts, when I heard someone approaching. I looked up to see Nina walking over, her smile fading a little when she saw my expression.

"You okay?" she asked, her voice soft, as she sat down beside me.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, but even I could hear the lie in my voice.

Nina frowned. "Harsh, come on. What's going on? You've been... weird today."

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. I didn't even know how to explain it. I wasn't the jealous type, at least I hadn't thought I was. But with Vikram here, it was like this irrational part of me had taken over. "It's nothing. Just... been a lot going on."

"Harsh," she said again, this time with that tone—the one that told me she wasn't going to let this go. "You can tell me."

I glanced at her, hesitating for a second, then let out a breath. "It's just... I don't know. Vikram, I guess."

Nina looked surprised. "Vikram? What about him?"

I shrugged, feeling ridiculous. "I don't know. He's been... close to you, and it's weird. I know it's stupid, and you guys are just friends, but—"

"But you're jealous," she finished for me, her eyes softening.

I cringed, but nodded. "Yeah. I guess I am. And I shouldn't be, because there's nothing going on between us. I mean, not really. And he's your friend, so I have no right to feel like this, but..."

Nina smiled a little, reaching over to touch my arm. "Harsh, you're allowed to feel things. And it's not like I didn't notice, by the way. But you don't have to be jealous of Vikram. He's—well, he's Vikram. We've known each other forever, but that's all there is."

"I know," I said, feeling stupid for making it such a big deal. "It's just... I don't know what's going on with us. But I know that I... I care about you. More than just as friends."

There. I'd said it. The truth hung in the air between us, and for a second, I thought I'd messed everything up. But Nina didn't pull away. She didn't look uncomfortable. Instead, she smiled, a little softer this time.

"I care about you too, Harsh," she said, her voice quiet but sure. "A lot."It wasn't a grand declaration, but it was enough for now. The tension I'd been carrying all day loosened just a little. Maybe we weren't there yet, but we were somewhere. And that was enough for me.

For now.

uhmmm...ya