Blueprints of Love

17. Unspoken Longing

The sun had long set over the horizon, leaving behind a cascade of stars that twinkled like tiny diamonds scattered across the velvet sky. The warm, salty breeze wrapped around Savi and Rajat as they strolled along the beach, the soft sound of waves crashing against the shore creating a soothing symphony in the background. After a long day of wedding preparations, the two found themselves drawn to the quiet of the night, where the world felt distant and time seemed to pause.

"Do you ever think about how small we are in the grand scheme of things?" Rajat asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them. He kicked a small shell along the sand, watching it tumble away.

Savi looked at him, surprised by the depth of his question. "Sometimes. Especially when I'm out here, surrounded by the ocean. It makes me feel... insignificant, yet part of something so vast."

"Exactly," Rajat replied, his gaze fixed on the waves. "It's humbling, isn't it? Makes you realise what really matters."

Savi turned to him, her heart fluttering at the way the moonlight danced across his features. "And what does matter to you?" she probed, her curiosity piqued.

Rajat paused for a moment, contemplating his answer. "Connection. Understanding. People who truly get you," he said softly, glancing at her. "And sometimes, taking risks."

Savi felt a shiver run down her spine. The weight of his words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. She forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Sounds like you've thought about this a lot."

"I have," he admitted, turning to face her fully. "I think it's why I've always been drawn to you. You have this way of seeing the world that's different. It challenges me."

Her heart raced, but she quickly pushed her feelings aside. "Rajat, we're here for the wedding. Let's focus on that."

He sighed, his disappointment palpable. "I know. But I can't help but wonder if there's more to us than just this." He stepped closer, the distance between them diminishing. "You feel it too, don't you?"

Savi's breath caught in her throat as she felt his warmth radiate toward her. The way he looked at her, with those deep, searching eyes, sent her mind spinning. "I... I don't know what you mean," she stammered, trying to maintain her composure.

"Come on, Savi," Rajat urged gently. "You know exactly what I mean. The way we connect, the way you look at me when you think I'm not watching. There's something here."

She swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat. "But what if it's just our past talking? What if this connection is just nostalgia?"

"Maybe," he conceded, his voice steady but soft. "But nostalgia can lead to something real. We're not kids anymore, Savi. We've both grown."

"Yes, but it doesn't mean we're meant to be together," she replied, her heart aching at the thought. "I've built my life around my career, my startup. I can't afford to get sidetracked."

"I'm not asking you to abandon everything you've worked for," Rajat said, his eyes earnest. "I just want a chance to show you that we can have something meaningful. Something worth exploring."

Savi shook her head, fighting back the emotions threatening to spill over. "Rajat, you don't understand. I can't risk my heart again. Not after everything."

He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. The simple gesture sent electricity through her, and she felt her heart race. For a moment, time stood still, and the world around them faded away. But then, she quickly pulled away, stepping back to create distance.

"Why do you keep doing this?" Rajat asked, frustration creeping into his voice. "Why do you keep putting up these walls?"

"Because it's safer!" she shot back, her voice rising. "It's easier to keep my heart protected than to let someone in, only to have them walk away."