The Royal Boundaries

Chapter 10: Hidden Feelings

The days passed quietly, but every encounter between Aditi and Raghav added a layer to the unspoken bond they shared. Aditi found herself lingering in places where she thought she might see him, her heart racing whenever she caught a glimpse of him across the campus. Raghav, too, was drawn to her presence, savoring the rare moments of companionship that felt authentic and free from expectations.

Their connection was becoming evident to others as well, though both of them remained unaware of how visible their feelings were to those around them.

One evening, Aditi was seated in the library, her textbooks spread before her as she concentrated on a complex assignment. The dim light cast a warm glow over the room, and a quiet hush filled the space. She was surprised when she looked up to see Raghav walking in, his expression lighting up when he noticed her.

Raghav (smiling): "Mind if I join you?"

Aditi felt her heart skip a beat, but she nodded, trying to keep her composure.

Aditi: "Of course. I could use the company."

He took a seat across from her, pulling out his own books, and they settled into a comfortable silence. Occasionally, he glanced at her, catching her in moments of deep concentration. There was something endearing about the way she furrowed her brow when she focused, and he couldn't help but feel drawn to her quiet determination.

At one point, Aditi reached for a book on the table, accidentally brushing her hand against Raghav's. She quickly pulled her hand back, flustered, but their eyes met, and in that brief glance, a thousand unspoken words passed between them. A warm blush rose to her cheeks, and she looked away, unsure of how to interpret the feelings stirring inside her.

Raghav, equally affected, tried to cover his reaction with a casual smile.

Raghav (lightly): "Looks like we're both reaching for the same knowledge."

Aditi chuckled, though her heart was racing. She was beginning to understand that her feelings for Raghav went beyond simple admiration. There was a spark, a quiet connection that she had never felt with anyone else.

Over the next few days, Aditi and Raghav's interactions grew more frequent, each encounter marked by shared glances and small gestures that spoke volumes. They often crossed paths between classes, exchanging knowing smiles and silent acknowledgments.

One afternoon, as Aditi walked across the courtyard, she noticed Raghav standing with a group of friends. He was laughing at something one of them had said, but when he saw her, his expression softened, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer than necessary. She felt a flutter in her heart, realizing that he had begun to look for her, just as she had been looking for him.

One evening, as the campus was winding down, Aditi went to the garden to clear her mind after a long day of classes. The sky was a soft pink and purple, and the air was cool and refreshing. She had brought her phone to take photos of the flowers for her mother, who loved hearing about her experiences in the city.

As she was capturing the sunset, she heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Raghav approaching.

Raghav: "Taking photos?"

Aditi (smiling shyly): "Yes... My mother loves flowers. I was thinking of sending these to her."

Raghav joined her, gazing at the vibrant blooms around them.

Raghav: "It's a beautiful evening. Quiet... peaceful."

Aditi nodded, her heart calming in his presence. They stood side by side, watching the sunset in companionable silence.

After a moment, Raghav spoke, his voice soft.

Raghav: "I'm glad we met, Aditi."

Aditi looked at him, her heart swelling with warmth.

Aditi: "Me too."

For a brief moment, they shared a look that held the weight of their hidden feelings. But neither said anything more, both aware of the unspoken boundaries between them.

Later that night, as Aditi lay in bed, her mind drifted to Raghav. She couldn't deny that she felt something for him—a sense of connection that went beyond friendship. But self-doubt crept in, reminding her of their differences. He was a young man of privilege, someone who had likely been surrounded by wealth and luxury his entire life, while she had come from a small village, her life rooted in modest beginnings.

Aditi (thinking): "Why would someone like him ever be interested in me? We come from such different worlds..."

Yet, every time she saw him, those doubts faded, replaced by the quiet, certain feeling that he saw her for who she truly was.

As Raghav returned to the palace that night, he couldn't shake the memory of their evening in the garden. Aditi's presence had a grounding effect on him, making him feel understood in a way few others could. She didn't know his title, his status—and he liked it that way.

Raghav (thinking): "She sees me, not the prince. And that's what makes this so... real."

But he also knew that his growing feelings came with challenges. His family would never understand his interest in someone who wasn't from the same background, let alone a girl from a small village. Still, he couldn't ignore the pull he felt toward her, the way his heart lifted whenever he saw her.

In their own private worlds, Aditi and Raghav each held onto their hidden feelings, aware of the complexities and challenges that came with them. They knew they couldn't let their emotions show, couldn't allow themselves to hope for something beyond friendship. But in those quiet, shared moments, a bond was forming—one that neither of them could deny.

Both unsure of what the future held, they resolved to take things one day at a time, cherishing the simplicity of each meeting, each glance, and each smile.