The Space Between

Cracks in the Wall

The next day arrived with a whirlwind of activity. The neighbourhood festival was the highlight of the year, and Savi, as always, was at the helm. Draped in a simple yet striking red and white saree, her hair loosely tied with a few rebellious strands framing her face, she commanded the chaos with quiet efficiency. Her focus was razor-sharp, oblivious to the stolen glances Rajat kept casting her way.

Rajat had made up his mind. He wouldn't force his way into her world but would instead show her, bit by bit, how much he cared. Actions, not words, would bridge the gap he'd created.

The festivities began, and Savi flitted from task to task, orchestrating decorations, directing workers, and ensuring perfection. Rajat shadowed her from a distance, ready to step in but unwilling to impose. He admired her, her strength, her resilience—but it was the same strength that kept him at arm's length.

At one point, Savi struggled with a heavy crate of festival supplies. Rajat saw her wince as she tried to lift it and rushed forward.

"Yeh mujhe de do," he said firmly, his hand brushing hers as he grabbed the crate. She glared at him, her eyes sharp. "I can handle it."

"You'll hurt yourself," he countered, setting the crate down before she could argue further.

"I don't need your help," she snapped, her voice cold.

"I know," he replied softly, vulnerability threading his voice. "But that doesn't mean I'll stop offering it."

For a brief second, something flickered in her eyes—something unspoken. But before he could decipher it, she turned away, her walls as unyielding as ever.

Later that evening, amidst the hum of the festival, Savi balanced precariously on a wobbly stool near the stage, trying to fix a garland that wouldn't stay put. Her saree pallu slipped from her shoulder, but she paid it no mind, her focus singular. Rajat watched from a distance, his fists clenching as the stool wobbled dangerously.

"Careful, Savi!" he called, rushing forward. But it was too late. The stool tipped, and she let out a sharp cry as she fell.

Before she hit the ground, his arms caught her, wrapping protectively around her waist, pulling her firmly against him. Her heart raced against his chest, her hands clutching his shoulders as if she'd sink without him. her breath warm against his neck. The faint scent of jasmine from her hair mingled with the musty smell of the old garland now lying forgotten at their feet.

"Pagal ho kya?" he snapped, his voice trembling as fear gave way to frustration. "You could've hurt yourself!"

"I'm fine," she said tersely, trying to wriggle out of his hold, but his grip tightened instinctively.
"You're not fine!" His eyes burned into hers, his voice raw, as if her carelessness had torn something inside him. "Stop being so reckless, Savi! Do you have any idea what—" He cut himself off, his throat tightening.

Her eyes flared with anger. "I don't need your concern, Rajat."

His jaw tightened, but he let her go, stepping back reluctantly. "And I don't need your permission to care," he muttered under his breath.

The evening pressed on, but Rajat couldn't ignore the limp in Savi's step or the way she winced when she thought no one was looking. Finally, he'd had enough.

"Bas karo, Savi (Enough, Savi)," he said, storming up to her. "Sit down."
"I told you, I'm fine," she insisted, brushing past him.
"You're limping," he pointed out, blocking her path.
"It's none of your business!"
"It is my business," he said, his voice low but resolute. "Chahe tum mano ya na mano, I care about you. And I can't stand by while you hurt yourself."

Her breath hitched, but she masked it with anger. "I don't need your care, Rajat. I don't need anything from you."

He didn't back down. Instead, he grabbed her wrist gently and led her to a chair despite her protests.
"Stop fighting me," he said, his voice breaking. "Please, Savi."

The rawness in his tone startled her. She stopped struggling, though her expression remained defiant.

Rajat knelt before her, pulling out a small first-aid kit. Removing her sandal, he revealed a swollen ankle and a small scrape she hadn't even noticed.
"It's just a sprain," she muttered, looking anywhere but at him.
"It doesn't matter," he replied, his hands trembling slightly as he cleaned the wound. "You shouldn't have to deal with this alone."

As he wrapped her ankle with practiced care, she noticed the moisture in his eyes. Her chest tightened, but she shoved the feeling aside.
"This doesn't mean I've forgiven you," she said, her voice quieter now.
"I know," he said softly. "But let me take care of you anyway."

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken apologies.

Later that night, Savi sat on a bench, her ankle propped up as the festival buzzed around her. Children danced around a bonfire, their laughter filling the air. Rajat approached her cautiously, a small box in his hands.

"What's this?" she asked warily.
"Dekh lo," he said simply.

Inside was a delicate anklet with tiny bells, shimmering softly in the firelight. She stared at it, memories of her mother flooding back. Anklets had always been her mother's favourite—a symbol of grace, strength, and resilience.

"I know it doesn't change anything," Rajat said, his voice trembling. "But I thought it might remind you of her. And of the fact that I'll do whatever it takes to make things right."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away.
"You can't fix everything with gestures," she said, her voice thick.
"I know," he said, his own eyes glistening. "But I'll keep trying anyway. Tumhare liye."

For the first time in weeks, she didn't lash out. Instead, she sat silently, the anklet cradled in her hands as the bonfire crackled.

It wasn't complete forgiveness—not yet. But it was a crack in the wall she'd built around herself, and Rajat clung to that small sliver of hope.

Author's Note:

Thank you for all the love, apologies for keeping you all waiting, was away on a trip. This one is a short update as have split the last chapter for this track towards reconciliation into 2 parts. Do read, and give the love as you guys have! Thank you for patiently waiting all!