Voyage {Drabble}

"Stage II - Steps" Chapter 7

Chapter 7

He walked her through the narrow alley, leading her towards a place of his choice. She carefully tiptoed onto the stoney path, dodging the big chunks of stones that she could, while hopping from one big rock to the other.

One of her hand securely held in his, while the other one latched onto his fingers that were wrapped around her arm. She was cautious but he was more.

"Manik," she huffed in annoyance. Being unaware was one such thing that didn't go well with her. His eyes turned to mesh with hers, attentively.

"Where are we going?" Her head dropped as she blew out a rough tiresome breath.

"Somewhere," she was answered with the same response for the umpteenth time as he chose to strictly keep it to himself.

He found her rolling her eyes at him to which he reminded, pointedly, "You've promised to do as I say." In the past couple of days, he had used her words ample of times and to his favour. 

Sometimes casually, sometimes firmly and at times in fluke. It just seemed an easy way out for him, when she seemed annoyed or stubborn.

His tone faltered to a casual one as he added, "So follow the lead; and stop questioning, for once."

She sighed in defeat. There was no point in arguing with him. She simply followed the lead.

His steps came to a halt as his eyes came across the sight of endless ocean splashing waves onto the rocks nearby. The scenery unfolded with sun was submerging into the waters of the ocean and the darkness in the sky overtaking.

He could sense her eyes questioningly boring at him which he chose to neglect for the time being. Making her sit at the rock, he slid himself besides her.

Strokes of calm breeze smoothed across their skin and they both stood there breathing the freshness, listening to the rhythm of splashing waves and enveloping silence.

"This is my hideout," his words trailed in a hush while his eyes stared at the setting sun with a smile gazing his lips. The place held a power to sooth his aching pain; to provide comfort and peace; and to straighten out his thoughts.

Her eyes turned wide as she looked at him. He held nothing but a gentle smile indicating the effect of the place on him.

For some, it might not be a big deal but for him it was. This was the place where he would be, when he didn't want anyone around. The fact that very few people knew about it made it more of secluded place and perfect for him.

Though, giving out this piece of information; bringing her his hideout was an intimate thing for him.

"I just wanted you to know," he turned to meet her eyes and took her hand in his as he saw her eyes filled with surprise. Smiling genuinely at her, he tried to convey assurance - of something.

She bobbed her head and leaned onto his shoulder as her eyes trailed along the path of the ocean that stood calm at the surface but held havoc underneath. Embracing the feel, they both sat their in silence with the top of their heads linked.

She might not be aware but he had already given a piece of his heart to her.