Blueprints of Love

5. Sunshine Meets Storm

Rajat arrived at the construction site earlier than usual, a slight bounce in his step. There was something oddly satisfying about working with Savi, even if she seemed determined to stay annoyed with him. It amused him how tightly wound she was—like a small kitten waiting to punch its paw on someone. And honestly, teasing her had become his favourite new hobby.

As he strolled across the site, his phone buzzed. It was a message from Savi.

Savi: Are you late, or just planning to wing it today?

Rajat grinned and typed back.

Rajat: Miss me already?

The reply came instantly.

Savi: Don't flatter yourself, Rajat. Just show up.

He chuckled and tucked his phone into his pocket.

When he reached the site's central meeting point, Savi was already there, inspecting the layout. She wore a simple saree today, her hair tied into a no-nonsense ponytail, her expression as sharp as ever.

"Good Morning, Kitty," Rajat called, flashing a broad grin as he walked toward her.

Savi shot him a deadpan look. "What did you just call me?"

"Kitty," Rajat repeated cheerfully. "Because you're always ready to hit me with that small paw of yours."

Savi rolled her eyes. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, here we are." Rajat gave her a wink. "Don't pretend you're not secretly enjoying my company."

"You're delusional," she muttered, though her lips twitched—almost like she was fighting off a smile.

The morning was hectic, filled with site inspections, design adjustments, and more arguments about project details than Rajat could count. But the arguments didn't bother him. In fact, he found them... fun. Savi's stubbornness kept him on his toes, and for the first time in a long while, work didn't feel like a chore.

By late morning, the team broke for coffee. Rajat spotted Savi standing alone by the catering table, pouring herself a cup. He approached quietly, observing the way her shoulders seemed to relax when she thought no one was looking. For a brief moment, the storm cloud looked tired.

"Want some company?" Rajat asked, appearing beside her.

Savi glanced at him but didn't shoo him away. "You're already here. Might as well."

They stood in silence for a moment, sipping their coffee.

"Do you ever lighten up?" Rajat asked suddenly, his tone playful.

Savi arched an eyebrow. "Do you ever take anything seriously?"

"Touché," he said with a grin. "But honestly, what's with the grumpy act all the time? Life's too short to frown that much."

Savi gave him a sideways glance. "You wouldn't get it."

"Try me."

For a moment, Rajat saw something flicker in her eyes—a crack in the wall she kept so carefully constructed. It was gone just as quickly, but the vulnerability had been there, however fleeting.

"Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, Rajat," Savi muttered. "Some of us have... responsibilities. Things to prove."

Rajat leaned casually against the table, studying her with a curious expression. "What are you trying to prove?"

Savi stiffened, realising she had said too much. "Nothing. Forget it."

He didn't press, but the flicker of sadness he'd glimpsed in her eyes stayed with him. There was more to Savi Bhosale than met the eye, and he intended to find out what.