Fire In Hearts

Chapter 21

As the city of London prepared to welcome the new year, Sara was filled with excitement and a touch of nervousness. Sara, Kartik, Ibrahim,Vaisoha, Palak reached and Kritika also joined them.

31st of December

The day was cold but lively as the group strolled down the bustling streets of London. The winter air was crisp, and holiday decorations still adorned shop windows.

"Yaar kitna sukoon hain na yaha?" Sara said wrapping her arms around Kartik's biceps tightly.

"Kiuki sab saath hain", Kartik replied with a smile. They looked at their chaotic mates enjoying themselves.

A strong wind blew and Kartik wrapped his arms around her tightly squeezing her, "Stay warm, Princess" he teased, his eyes softening as he smiled. Sara's heart fluttered at the familiar nickname.

"Tum ho na mujhe warm and cosy rakhne ke liye my teddy bear" she replied teasingly pulling his cheeks.

"Ap khud hi teddy lag rahi hain maan kar raha hain ki", he said kissing her cheeks. She blushed harder.

"Ki?"

"To Cuddle you" he giggled.

They strolled down the bustling sidewalks, flanked by the shops and cafes that added a cozy warmth to the winter chill. The group had split up, giving the two some rare moments alone together.

They paused by a street musician playing a soft, romantic tune on the violin. Without warning, Kartik gently turned to face her, a playful grin lighting up his eyes. "Wanna dance?" he asked, tilting his head toward the music.

"What? Yaha?"

"Hmm hmm why not?"

Before she could overthink, he pulled her close, their breaths forming little clouds in the chilly air as they moved in a slow, simple dance. The world seemed to blur around them, leaving just the two of them swaying gently to the music.

An elderly couple sitting on a nearby bench enjoying their hot chocolate watched them with tender smiles. The old woman leaned over and whispered to her husband, loud enough for Sara and Kartik to hear, "Aren't they just the sweetest? Reminds me of us when we were young"

Sara giggled but something awestruck her that she said, "Kartik look at them"

Kartik saw the elderly man slowly getting up from the bench with his stick and helped his wife to get up. Then they started dancing slowly.

Sara leaned to Kartik resting her head on his shoulder and whispered,

"You have asked me what I want for new year"

"Umm hmm"

"I want this future from you" she said with a smile looking at him.

He kissed her temple gently as if promising her.

They both clapped for the elderly couple and their heart was overwhelmed.

The elderly woman looked up, her eyes crinkling as she smiled. "You two make such a lovely couple", she said, her voice carrying warmth despite its fragility.

Sara glanced at Kartik, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks

"Thank you", she said with a soft smile and bent down and hugged the elderly woman, who giggled like a girl decades younger. Kartik followed suit, embracing the old man who patted his back in approval.

"How long you guys have been together?" the old man asked.

"About a year now", Kartik replied and looked at Sara who nodded with a smile.