Waited For You

Chapter 20

:- The past:-

In Kashi

Author's POV:-

The past month was nothing but a bliss for Sanchi due to Atharv - the feelings he arose in her heart, his companionship during the day and the day dreaming he caused whenever he was not with her, as if this was not enough every time she returned to her house after spending time with him and exploring Kashi he would send her a text enquiring that she reached safely or not and even after knowing he would text her heart did backflip each single time forcing her to think that is she going crazy. When she tried to control her heart and emotions chanting the mantra of stay in your limit, you should not feel this way, don't ruin things etc to which she somewhat succeeded but the next day she met him he welcomed her flashing his ever charming and bright smile and her whole night's efforts vanished in thin air also accelerating her heartbeat and making her realise that her feelings have went too far somewhat scaring her but she shrugged the unease. She hoped to never end this phase of her life, this new thrilling feeling, this anticipation but she knew that no one can control the flow of life and time and with each passing day the unease thoughts started lingering even more within her, the thoughts of his return, their unnamed connection and relationship, her place in his life or maybe his heart. And the time came when he told her that he would be returning back to his place.

They were casually walking beside the ghat taking the evening glow of the sun and the mantras with bells when he declared that he would be returning back, for few seconds Sanchi thought that he was joking but then his serious face stated otherwise and above it he informed that he would go back the very next day causing her to go numb but she controlled herself faking a genuine smile and said ofcourse you should, it's been quite a time that you are away from Avyansh bhaiya and Avu they sure will be enchanted to have you back, also don't forget to give them their respective gifts. Atharv just hummed in response and gazed at her as if expecting something more or maybe it was just Sanchi's delusional mind. She was not able to function properly after listening his news of departure, she hurriedly made an excuse and was going to slip away from that place but Atharv held her wrist and pulled her towards himself embracing her in his warmth giving both shock and peace to her heart.

They remained in the same position for some time, both taking in each other warmth and smell - calming their own inner turmoil until Atharv said, "Thank you so much for everything Sanchi. Thank you for being there, for giving me sukoon(peace), for making Kashi even more beautiful because of your company. Thank you for existing."
Sanchi said, " You deserve it. You deserve to be treated in a special way and be happy so never question your happiness or even sadness because if both will not occur alongside then the other thing will hold no importance in life. It's getting late I have some important work I will be moving back now. Bye" and hurriedly headed to her place. She did not even notice that the bracelet she wears everytime, her favourite bracelet was not anymore on her wrist but was resting solely inside Atharv's palm. That day too he send her a text enquiring her whereabouts but the text like always did not give her the tickling feeling it just sour her mood but she tried to coax her own self that it was meant to happen and he could not stay forever in Kashi and act normal only to fail miserably in that.
She was confused herself that how could she feel this way for someone whom she met just one month ago however had no answer for it. He does not belong to her and she has no right to feel this way, this miserable. She could feel a knot inside her chest which was getting tight which each passing second racing her normal breathing but she knew nothing that how to ease it. She wanted to cry, to cry a lot but it was not in her character - to cry easily or to cry for someone else. Her mind in agony started feeding her enormous questions and answers -Will he ever return? Why would he, he has nothing to return for. I am here though but do I have any place in his life, absolutely no. I am just a mere stranger he met. Will I be able to meet him again? I am not even his proper friend and he has so many people in his life - family and so many friends. Will he forget me after going back to his place, to his life? Will I ever hold some place in his life? She took deep breaths to subside the itchiness in her heart when that too did not help she decided to sleep, even though she kept tossing and turning more than half of the night however somehow sleep engulfed her.

The Next Day

The holy city of Kashi was as lively as ever, yet Sanchi felt an uneasiness, the same feeling settle deep in her chest. The very place that had once felt so comforting now seemed suffocating. Today was Atharv's last day here, and no matter how much she tried to ignore it, the thought gnawed at her heart.

They met at the temple where their paths had first crossed. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the soft ringing of temple bells filled the space. Standing side by side, they joined their hands in prayer. Sanchi closed her eyes, silently wishing-wishing for something she couldn't even put into words.

After finishing their prayers, they stepped outside, only to be greeted by a familiar face.

"Bhaiya! Didi!" Anay, the little flower-seller, came running toward them with his ever-cheerful grin.

Sanchi smiled at him, ruffling his hair. Atharv crouched to meet the boy's eyes.

"Anay, I need to tell you something," he said gently. "I'm leaving today."

The boy's smile faltered. "Leaving? Why?"

Atharv sighed. "I have some important and serious work to do."

Anay puffed out his chest. "Then when I grow up, I'll help you with your work so you can come and stay here for a long time!"

Atharv chuckled, warmth filling his heart at the boy's innocence. "Of course, Anay. I'd be glad to have you."

After bidding farewell to the boy, Atharv and Sanchi walked in silence toward the lake-the same one where they had spent countless evenings. The water glistened under the golden sunlight, the ripples reflecting the emotions Sanchi couldn't voice.

She wanted to say something. Anything.

She wanted to tell him how much he meant to her, how much she would miss him. But no words came. Her lips parted, but the weight in her chest kept her silent.

Time slipped through their fingers, and soon, it was time for Atharv to leave. He stood up, dusting off his clothes.

"I should go now. I need to pick up my luggage and reach the platform on time," he said, his voice calm, but there was something in his eyes-something unspoken.

Sanchi watched him take a few steps away. Her heart pounded.

"Atharv!"

He turned at the sound of his name, and before he could react, Sanchi ran to him. She stopped right in front of him, standing on her toes as she pressed a soft, sincere kiss to his forehead.

She let her lips linger there, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath them. A quiet moment passed before she pulled away, her heart racing.

Atharv stood still, his breath caught in his throat. He hadn't expected it-but he melted into it.

Summoning all her courage, Sanchi finally spoke. "You are special to me, Atharv. Very special to me. Please take care of yourself properly."

Atharv exhaled deeply, feeling something shift inside him. A sense of warmth, of belonging-perhaps even the peace he had been searching for in Kashi. He nodded. "I will."

Sanchi swallowed the lump in her throat. "Bye."

She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Atharv hesitated for a second before embracing her back.

Just as she was about to pull away, Atharv surprised her. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, mirroring the gesture she had given him moments ago.

Then, with one last look, he turned and walked away.

What neither of them knew was that their relationship was about to take a drastic turn. Fate had something unusual in store for them-something that was not at all pleasing for either of them.