Whispers of the Heart

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 13

Rohit, Samaira, and Ritika were out shopping for winter essentials, wandering through the bustling mall. Meanwhile, Ahaan was nearby, catching up with an old friend, Rakesh.

As they passed by, Samaira spotted Ahaan and immediately perked up. Turning to her father, she asked, "Papa, can I go hang out with Ahaan for a while? You and Mumma can finish shopping and head home."

Rohit smiled knowingly, happy for the opportunity to have some uninterrupted time with Ritika. "Of course, beta. Just be careful and let us know when you're heading back."

Samaira beamed. "Thanks, Papa!"

She walked over to Ahaan, who was in the middle of an animated conversation with Rakesh. "Hey, Ahaan!" she called out, her voice cutting through the noise of the mall.

Ahaan turned, his face lighting up as he saw her. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a warm hug. "Hey, Sammy! What are you doing here?"

Rohit, Samaira, and Ritika were out shopping for winter essentials, wandering through the bustling mall. Meanwhile, Ahaan was nearby, catching up with an old friend, Rakesh.

As they passed by, Samaira spotted Ahaan and immediately perked up. Turning to her father, she asked, "Papa, can I go hang out with Ahaan for a while? You and Mumma can finish shopping and head home."

Rohit smiled knowingly, happy for the opportunity to have some uninterrupted time with Ritika. "Of course, beta. Just be careful and let us know when you're heading back."

Samaira beamed. "Thanks, Papa!"

She walked over to Ahaan, who was in the middle of an animated conversation with Rakesh. "Hey, Ahaan!" she called out, her voice cutting through the noise of the mall.

Ahaan turned, his face lighting up as he saw her. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a warm hug. "Hey, Sammy! What are you doing here?"

Ahaan pulled back from the hug and gestured toward his friend. "Sammy, this is Rakesh, my old school buddy. Rakesh, meet Samaira."

Rakesh extended his hand, offering Samaira a grin that lingered a bit too long. "Nice to meet you, Samaira. Ahaan's mentioned some... interesting things about you."

Samaira shook his hand politely but felt uneasy under his gaze, which seemed more probing than friendly. She forced a smile, glancing briefly at Ahaan, hoping he'd notice the discomfort on her face. But Ahaan, oblivious, laughed and patted Rakesh on the back.

"She's great, right? One of my closest friends," Ahaan said proudly, completely unaware of Rakesh's unsettling demeanor.

Samaira tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said, "Nice to meet you too, Rakesh. Um, I should probably go now—don't want to interrupt your reunion."

Ahaan frowned slightly. "What? You just got here. Stay for a bit. We were about to grab some coffee. Join us!"

Before Samaira could protest, Rakesh chimed in, "Yeah, come along. The more, the merrier."

Samaira hesitated, torn between staying for Ahaan and avoiding the uncomfortable situation with Rakesh. She finally nodded, deciding to stay, but kept her focus strictly on Ahaan, hoping the awkwardness would pass.

As they settled into a table at the coffee shop, Ahaan got up and said, "I'll grab the coffee. Sammy, your usual, right?"

Samaira nodded with a small smile. "Thanks, Ahaan."

As Ahaan walked toward the counter, Rakesh leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixated on Samaira. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, trying to ignore the awkward tension.