The Heart's Unexpected Twist

•||BONUS CHAPTER-1||•

The diya flames cast a soft, flickering glow around Shruti's room, filling the air with the warmth of celebration. Tonight, wrapped in a pastel pink saree with a simple white blouse, she felt a hint of magic in her own reflection.

Though separated by miles, Diwali felt like it had brought her closer to Sahil, as if the light from each diya bridged the gap between them.

The phone rang, breaking her reverie, and her heart skipped as she saw Sahil's name flash on the screen.

When she answered, his face appeared, soft and gentle, as if his gaze could somehow cross the distance. They shared a quiet smile, a silent acknowledgment of the moment they'd waited for.

"Shruti..." he murmured, his voice warm and filled with awe. "You look beautiful."

Her cheeks flushed. "Diwali deserves something special, doesn't it?"

He smiled. "And you're the most special part of this Diwali."

They both chuckled, easing into the comfort of each other's company as if they were side by side. Each of their words felt like a connection, each laugh a reminder that love could bloom even across miles.

The evening unfolded with warmth, and soon Shruti's two younger sisters entered the room, giggling and eager to see her. "Didi we're ready for the diyas!" they exclaimed, their excitement palpable.

"Perfect timing!" Shruti replied, waving them closer. She glanced at Sahil, her heart swelling with joy. "You have to see this."

As the three of them gathered around a small table filled with diyas, Sahil's sister chimed in from his end, her voice mixing with the laughter. "Let's light them together!"

Sahil joined in, holding his own diya up to the camera. "Ready, Shruti?"

"Ready!" she responded, her sisters bouncing with excitement. One by one, they lit the diyas, the flickering flames reflecting in their eyes and filling the space with a gentle glow.

The warmth of their shared laughter enveloped them, and for a moment, it felt as if the distance between them had vanished.

After the last diya was lit, Shruti's younger sisters turned to her, eyes gleaming. "Can we play a game now?" one asked, bouncing on her feet.

"Absolutely! What do you have in mind?" Shruti replied, a smile breaking across her face.

"Ludo!" they shouted in unison, their enthusiasm infectious.

"Ludo it is!" Sahil said, nodding as Shruti set up the game board on her side, positioning her phone so he could see. They started playing, and Sahil's laughter echoed through the call as the sisters squealed in delight each time they rolled the dice.

"Watch out for my pieces!" one sister exclaimed, nearly tumbling over with excitement.

"Not if I get you first!" Sahil teased, strategizing with his virtual pieces, his smile evident even through the screen.

Shruti watched them, her heart filled with joy. This was their first Diwali together, and despite the miles that separated them, it felt like they were creating memories right then and there, building a connection that would last long after the night was over.

As the game progressed, the atmosphere around them shifted to one of friendly competition, and laughter spilled from both sides.

Shruti felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this moment-sharing laughter, joy, and the spirit of the festival with Sahil and her sisters.

It reminded her of how even small moments could create lasting memories, binding them closer despite the distance.

"Okay, I have a strategy," Sahil said, leaning closer to his camera. "Watch me take down your piece!"