YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

49- Dinner

[In-line comments would be appreciated]

AUTHOR'S POV-

After an evening filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and shared tears over the letter-reading session, Sarakshi finally returned to their room. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she spotted Pichu fast asleep in the middle of the bed, nestled securely between two pillows to ensure he didn't roll off. She chuckled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead, her heart swelling with warmth at the sight of her little one sleeping so peacefully.

As expected, Rashvik wasn't in the room. He was in his favorite place—the balcony.

The balcony lights were off, just as they always were at this hour. Rashvik preferred the natural glow of the moon, letting its silver light bathe the space in a tranquil ambiance. Sarakshi, too, found a strange comfort in this setting—it felt almost like a sacred retreat, untouched by the chaos of the world.

After softly running her fingers through Pichu's hair one last time, she turned toward the balcony.

Stepping forward, her eyes landed on Rashvik. He stood with his hands clasped loosely around the railing, his gaze fixed straight ahead, lost in the mesmerizing sight of the moon. The night breeze ruffled his hair slightly, adding to the quiet serenity of the moment.

A mischievous glint sparkled in Sarakshi's eyes. A playful smile stretched across her lips as an idea struck her.

Slowly, she tiptoed toward him, closing the distance before suddenly raising her hands in a claw-like gesture.

"Booo!" she exclaimed in an exaggerated tone, trying to sound eerie.

Before Rashvik could even react, she burst into a fit of giggles, throwing her head back in amusement.

Rashvik turned toward her, narrowing his eyes, his expression unimpressed yet undeniably affectionate.

"Haww! Mai toh dar gaya," he said dramatically, placing both hands on his cheeks in mock horror.

(Haww! I was scared)

Sarakshi pouted, folding her arms as she gazed ahead. "Mere mood pe paani pher diya aapne," she mumbled, sulking.

(You ruined my whole mood)

Rashvik bit back a smile. "Acha, come back again. This time, I'll pretend to be genuinely scared, okay?"

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Pakka?"

(sure?)

He hummed in response, nodding while trying his best not to laugh.

Taking his words seriously, Sarakshi retreated to the entrance of the balcony, ready to give it another shot.

With just as much enthusiasm as before, she approached him again, hands poised in the same playful manner.

"Booo!" she repeated, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

This time, Rashvik exaggerated his reaction even more. He clutched his chest dramatically, staggering back as if she had truly frightened him. But in the next second, he burst out laughing, unable to hold the act any longer.

"Haww! Mai toh dar gaya!" he managed to say in between chuckles, his laughter rich and contagious.

(Haww! I was scared)

Sarakshi shook her head with a playful pout, pretending to be annoyed, but the sound of his laughter was too infectious to resist. A small smile crept onto her lips despite herself.