On the Brink of falling in Love (On Hold)

"I can't. Not anymore."

~ Nenjukkul peidhidum maa mazhai, Neerukul moozhgidum thaamarai

Sattendru maarudhu vaanilai, Penne un mel pizhai...

...You are responsible ... Anniki oru kanavu, inniki varikum nyabagam irukku... ~

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Srishti sighed in content as she rested her head on Akash's shoulder. They were seated on a bench in the garden area of the resort, behind her room. Akash silently observed her gestures, not speaking a word. He was worried ever since Srishti had abruptly walked out of the party that evening. He had tried to call her a couple of times, only to be left unanswered. Not being able to tolerate all that anxiety, he had walked up to the garden behind her room and called her one final time. And when she had finally responded, he had asked her to walk out to the garden area with a woollen shawl to protect them from the cold. And now, they were seated on the bench, wrapped together in the woollen shawl.

Akash knew that something had bothered her in the evening and he wanted to give her space. But he also equally wanted to know the reason of her troubled self. After battling his own thoughts for a good ten minutes, he decided to talk about it. And just before he could begin, he heard her soft whisper.

"I know you want to ask me a lot of things. Please do. You don't have to think so much."

Akash instantly relaxed as a small smile grew on his face realising that she was comfortable in sharing her troubles with him. He slowly began,

"Did something happen in the party? You would never leave that abruptly. What had bothered you that much? I have this feeling that it's concerned about me and if it is, I would want to help you solve it."

Srishti pondered for a moment thinking if she had to tell him the truth. What if he became hurt thinking she doesn't trust him enough? She fidgeted with the ring on her finger for a moment before speaking up. As much as she was afraid of his reaction, she didn't want to hide anything from him. Not even her insecurities.

"I was a little disturbed with the way you were dancing with your friends", she stated shutting her eyes quickly, fearing his response.

In the next moment, she heard his loud laughter roar through the silent night. She looked up at him, her eyes clearly depicting shock. Seeing her confused state made Akash laugh out louder, his chest rumbling hard against her rested head. Once he felt his laughs die down, he wrapped his left arm around her leaning figure and with his right hand, lifted her chin to look into her eyes as he spoke,

"You were not disturbed. You were jealous. And never have I been more glad in life than to know this" he completed huskily.

Srishti instantly lowered her lashes, the usual red tinge growing up her cheeks. She smiled blushingly for a few seconds before she looked up at him again, her face now mirroring a grim look as she confessed,

"I wanted to break this marriage" she whispered into thin air.

Akash's face sobered instantly and his smile faltered and dropped as he heard her confession. He slightly shook his head and questioned her, his voice calm as ever,

"So, are we calling off the wedding?" he asked her in a plain voice as his right hand traced away from her face.

"No, no! I was a fool to let my insecurities get to my head. Ma and papa spoke to me and I realised how stupid I was behaving. You have all the rights to enjoy with your friends. I respect your friendship. I really do" she immediately explained as she pulled his right hand towards herself again, making it rest on her chin, just like it was a few moments ago.