Only Mine

Unspoken Bonds

The car's engine hummed quietly as Aahan drove along the empty road. The night felt calm, stretching out before him. Ishaani was asleep in the passenger seat, her face relaxed and peaceful. The soft moonlight filtered through the windows, gently lighting her features.

Aahan glanced at her, his mind still on the conversation they'd had earlier. He couldn't stop thinking about how much she hid behind her laughter, how much pain she seemed to carry inside, even though she tried so hard to cover it.

As he drove, the weight of sleep slowly crept over him. He tried to stay alert, but his eyelids felt heavy. Reaching for his earbuds, he soon realized they were missing. He sighed and decided to just use the car's music system instead. He turned the volume low, not wanting to disturb Ishaani's sleep.

A familiar song began to play: "Tum Aankhon Se Batana"

The soft, soulful tune filled the car, and Aahan couldn't help but smile. He listened as the lyrics started:

"Tum aankhon se batana, hum samajh jayenge..."
(You can tell me through your eyes, I will understand...)

The words seemed to touch something deep inside Aahan. He wondered if it was really possible to understand someone just by looking into their eyes. Could he really understand Ishaani, who kept so much hidden from everyone? Could she let him see the things she didn't say out loud?

He looked at her again, her face peaceful in sleep. He thought about how much she tried to hide behind her jokes and playful attitude. But tonight, he had seen a crack in her armor. He had seen her sadness, her fear.

The song continued, the lyrics tugging at his heart:
"Hum raah taake baithe hain, koi ijazat do..."
(We are waiting, just give us permission...)

Aahan's grip on the steering wheel tightened for a moment. He thought about their conversation earlier, how Ishaani had kept things to herself. How much she seemed to need someone but was afraid to let anyone close. He wasn't sure what she was going through, but one thing was clear-he was here. He was waiting. He just hoped she would let him in someday.

And then, as if the song had pulled the moment from his own heart, he heard it: Ishaani's voice, barely a whisper.

"Aahan..."

It was soft, almost as if she were dreaming of him, saying his name without even realizing it. Aahan's heart skipped a beat. For a moment, it felt like everything stopped. He couldn't tell if she had said it in her sleep or if she was dreaming, but hearing her say his name made his chest tighten with something he couldn't explain.

"Tum halke si sharmana, hum tere ho jayenge..."
(If you blush a little, I will be yours...)

Aahan smiled softly to himself. It made him think of how, even though she pretended to be carefree, there were moments when she let her guard down. She could be vulnerable without even realizing it. She acted so tough, but Aahan could see through it. He could see that she was scared-scared to get hurt, scared to let anyone close.

He glanced at her again. She was still sleeping, but this time, he didn't feel as uncertain. There was something in him that knew-no matter how much she tried to push him away, he would stay. He would wait.

The song continued, the words playing like a soft reassurance.

"Tum aankhon mein dekho, humare sab samajh jaoge..."
(Look into my eyes, and you'll understand everything...)

Aahan didn't need her to say anything. The connection between them didn't need words. Maybe she wasn't ready to talk, but he was willing to wait for her to trust him enough to open up.

The song faded as they continued their drive through the night. Aahan's mind was calm, but there was a new feeling in his heart-a quiet determination. Whatever Ishaani was going through, he would be there. He would stay, and when she was ready, he hoped she would show him everything. He would understand.

As Aahan pulled into the driveway, he noticed Ishaan standing in the garden, waiting for them. Aahan quickly glanced at Ishaani, who was still asleep, her face soft but marked with the faint traces of tears.

Not wanting to stress Ishaan at this moment, Aahan decided to deal with it later. He hurriedly grabbed his handkerchief, spilled some water on it, and gently wiped the streaks from Ishaani's face. He didn't want Ishaan to notice, especially not now.

Just as he finished, Aahan looked up and saw Ishaan approaching the car, his steps calm but deliberate. Aahan quickly stepped out of the car, hoping to handle the situation without drawing attention.

"How was the party, Aahan?" Ishaan asked, his tone casual but curious.

"It was nice, bhai," Aahan replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"What's Ishaani doing inside? Is she asleep? Ishaani... Ishaani!" Ishaan called out, concerned.

"Bhai, actually-" Aahan started to explain, but Ishaan was already walking toward the car.

"Ishaani, wake up!" Ishaan said firmly.

Ishaani stirred, slowly opening her eyes and blinking as if trying to focus.

"Bhai? Bhai... it's you, right?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleepiness and alcohol. She threw her arms around Ishaan, hugging him tightly.

"But... why are you two-two?" she slurred, squinting at him. "Are you drunk? Or... or am I drunk? Oh no! What's happening!"

Ishaan let out a sigh, crouching down in front of Ishaani. "Come on, climb on my back," he said gently, though there was a hint of irritation in his voice.

Ishaani clumsily climbed onto his back, resting her head on his shoulder as he stood up.

"When you know you can't handle alcohol, why do you even drink it?" he scolded her softly, shaking his head.

Turning to Aahan, he added, "And you, Aahan? Why are you standing there like a statue? Don't tell me you're drunk too!"

Aahan quickly shook his head, his expression a mix of guilt and awkwardness. "No, bhai, I'm fine," he replied, his voice calm but low.

Ishaan adjusted Ishaani's weight on his back and began walking toward the house. Aahan followed silently behind them, his mind replaying the events of the night and debating when he should bring up what had happened.