Blueprints of Love

18. The First Crack

The morning sun in Konkan was warmer than the city's. It brought with it the scent of saltwater and wildflowers, an odd but strangely comforting combination. The preparations for Meera and Raghav's wedding had entered their final stage, and the entire team, including Savi and Rajat, was hard at work.

Savi, usually the picture of professionalism, was unusually light hearted that day. Maybe it was the idyllic beach setting or the endless blue of the sky, but something in her felt lighter. For the first time in weeks, her thoughts weren't clouded with frustration over Rajat. She didn't know why, but the crackling tension that had defined their relationship seemed to be softening.

She was adjusting a flower garland when Rajat wandered over with a mischievous grin. "I'm not saying that I'm the best flower garland hanger on the team, but..." He gestured to his perfectly looped strand. "If we're having a competition, I'm pretty sure I'd win."

Savi glanced at him, trying to hide a smile. "Oh, really? That's your proudest achievement today? A flower garland?"

He smirked. "Hey, don't underestimate the artistry. These garlands require precision. Balance. A master's touch."

Savi snorted. "Right. You're a regular Michelangelo with flowers now?"

Rajat grinned, pleased to see her engaging with him, even if it was with light sarcasm. "If Michelangelo had a beach view and a much better sense of humour, then yes."

For a moment, she forgot the walls she had so carefully constructed. A genuine laugh bubbled up from her chest, one she couldn't suppress. The sound was unfamiliar in her own ears—free, unguarded. Rajat's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and his heart skipped a beat. It had been so long since he'd seen her laugh like that. The sight was like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

"There it is," he said softly, almost to himself.

"There what is it?" Savi asked, raising an eyebrow as she adjusted another garland.

"That smile," Rajat replied, his voice more serious now. "It's been too long since I've seen you smile like that."

Savi froze for a moment, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. Her instinct was to retreat, to brush off his comment with a sarcastic remark, but something stopped her. Maybe it was the way he looked at her—like she was someone worth seeing, someone worth knowing.

She quickly looked away, focusing on the garlands again. "Don't get used to it," she muttered, though the edge in her voice was softer than usual.

Rajat didn't push. He simply smiled, satisfied with the progress he had made. For the rest of the day, the tension between them seemed to ease, if only slightly. They worked side by side, setting up decorations and managing the wedding logistics. The comfortable silence between them wasn't forced anymore; it felt natural, even peaceful at times.

By evening, the coastal town had transformed into a picture-perfect wedding venue. Lanterns were strung up along the shoreline, casting a soft golden glow over the beach. As the sun began to dip beneath the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, the air grew cooler, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the space.

Savi stood by the shore, carefully placing small lanterns along the path where the bride would walk the next day. The task was repetitive but calming, giving her a moment to clear her mind. She was so focused on her work that she didn't notice Rajat approach until he crouched down beside her.

"Need help?" he asked, his voice low.

Savi glanced at him, startled but not annoyed. "I've got it," she said, though she didn't object when he started placing lanterns beside her.

They worked in silence for a while, the only sound between them the gentle crashing of the waves and the occasional rustle of the lanterns. The warm light flickered in the evening breeze, casting a soft glow around them.

Without thinking, Savi reached for another lantern at the same time Rajat did, their hands brushing against each other. The touch was unexpected, but neither of them pulled away immediately. Instead, they froze, their fingers lightly resting against each other's.

Savi felt her heart skip a beat. The warmth of his hand against hers sent a jolt of electricity through her, and for a moment, she forgot everything—her fears, her doubts, her walls. It was just her and Rajat, and the quiet intimacy of the moment.

Rajat looked at her, his eyes searching hers for something unspoken. There was a vulnerability in his gaze that she hadn't seen before, and it made her chest tighten. The air between them felt charged, as if the world around them had disappeared, leaving only the two of them standing in the golden light of the lanterns.

For a fleeting second, Savi considered leaning into the moment, letting herself feel whatever it was that had been building between them for so long. But then, just as quickly, fear crept in. What if she let her guard down and got hurt again? What if this was all temporary, and he would eventually leave, just like he had before?

She pulled her hand away, breaking the connection between them. "We should finish up," she muttered, turning her attention back to the lanterns.

Rajat watched her retreat, the brief touch still lingering on his skin. His heart ached with the realisation that, despite the progress they had made, she was still afraid to let him in.

"Savi..." he began, his voice soft, almost pleading. "Why do you keep doing this?"

"Doing what?" she asked, her tone defensive as she straightened another lantern.

"Pulling away," Rajat said, standing up and stepping closer to her. "Every time we get close, you push me back. Why?"

Savi's hands stilled, but she didn't look at him. "Because it's safer," she replied quietly. "It's easier."

"Easier than what?" Rajat pressed, his frustration finally bubbling to the surface. "Easier than feeling something real? Easier than letting yourself be vulnerable?"

She finally turned to face him, her eyes flashing with emotion. "Easier than getting hurt again," she snapped. "You left once, Rajat. You left, and I had to pick up the pieces. I can't go through that again."

Rajat's expression softened, the anger fading from his features. "I didn't know," he said quietly. "I didn't know how much I hurt you."

Savi looked away, her throat tightening with emotion. "I can't let myself feel anything for you, Rajat. Not again. It's too risky."

He stepped closer, his voice gentle but firm. "I get that you're scared. I am too. But I'm not going anywhere this time. I want to be here for you, for us—if you'll let me."

Savi's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Part of her wanted to believe him, to trust that things could be different this time. But the fear of being hurt again, of opening herself up only to be left behind, was too strong.

"I just... I don't know if I can," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

Rajat's gaze softened, and he reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "You don't have to decide right now," he said quietly. "But just know that I'm here. And I'm not giving up on us."

Savi looked down at their joined hands, her heart aching with the weight of her emotions. She didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to imagine the possibility of something more.

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