INVISIBLE STRINGS // SARAJ

sweater weather

Savi sat curled up on the worn, patterned couch in Isha Ma'am's cozy living room, absently tugging at the frayed hem of her jeans, the cuts revealing patches of skin. The soft jingle of her jhumkas swayed as she moved, a subtle echo in the quiet room. The smell of chai brewing wafted from the kitchen, wrapping around her like a familiar blanket.

Isha's voice came through, "Tum itni chup kyun ho aaj, Savi?"

"Kabhi kabhi dil chahata hai ki Ghar chod ke baag jao" she said, the confession heavy with frustration and resignation.

A soft pause followed, and then Isha appeared, a tray with two steaming cups in hand. Her eyes searched Savi's face as she set the tray on the coffee table. Savi instinctively moved to swing her legs off the couch to make space, but Isha stopped her with a light touch and sat on the edge. 

"What is it this time, Savi?" Isha asked, her voice layered with understanding.

Savi's fingers found the hem of her jeans again. "Badi Ajji aur mujhse phir se jhaagada hua hai. Kuch baada hi iss bar, lekin phir se same mamle pe - padhai aur shaadi ke baare mein," she began, her tone faltering. "Aisa lagta hai that maybe I should just be grateful that she's letting me continue my studies after marriage, but of course if the groom's family allows it."

Isha's brows furrowed in sympathy as she reached out to squeeze Savi's arm. Savi took a sip of the chai, its warmth battling the chill of her thoughts. She glanced sideways, memories of the previous night at the function surfacing. She had been meaning to ask her about her appearance, last night she was too distracted to pay heed but Isha ma'am's excuse and reason of being there seemed vague. 

"It was odd seeing you at that party, Ma'am," Savi said nonchalantly, her eyes trying to read Isha's expression. "Kya kaam tha?"

Isha's gaze flickered for a second before she shifted the topic, a practiced ease in her voice. "You know, Savi, sometimes life takes us places we don't expect. Speaking of unexpected, have you thought about your next exam?"

Savi sighed, recognizing the evasion, but didn't press further. "Of course, humesha yehi jo karti hoon"

 She finished her chai, muttered her thanks, and soon found herself stepping into the dusk. The auto ride was brief, and when she reached the bus stop, the sky had turned a stormy grey, the scent of rain heavy in the air. She hugged herself as the first drops splattered against the road, growing into a steady downpour that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Why did I forget my umbrella today?" she muttered under her breath, rubbing her arms to keep warm. Her green crop top with intricate desi designs and ripped jeans weren't helping her stop the cold. 

A familiar voice cut through the sound of the rain. 

"Savi, tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?" Rajat's voice had that blend of amusement and curiosity as he walked up, his friend Siddharth in tow. 

"Cold, aren't we?" Rajat teased, eyes sparkling with mischief as he shrugged off his sweater and handed it to her. He had a plain white formal shirt underneath. "Tumhare dressing sense ka kya kehna—always forgetting the essentials."

"Very funny," Savi retorted, taking the sweater hesitantly but slipping it on. The warmth enveloped her, and she felt a hint of color return to her cheeks. "Thanks."

Siddharth chuckled. "Rajat, tumhe kab se jackets udhar dene ka shauk ho gaya?" He wiggled his eyebrows, a playful edge to his words that made Rajat give him a sharp look.

"Bas kar, Siddharth," Rajat muttered, but Savi couldn't help the smile that played on her lips.

"So, how's your latest ethics assignment?" Siddharth continued, looking between them with a grin.