Chapter 60

The car ride had started off lively. Yangeeta was talking about how the Dubai gang had been planning this staycation for a while, and Abhijeet was responding in between while keeping his focus on the road. Mayank and Niharika sat together in the back, their shoulders barely touching due to the lack of space.

Initially, Yangeeta had offered, "Mayank, beta, why don't you sit in the front? There's more space."

But he had casually declined, flashing a polite smile. "No, it's alright. I'll sit at the back."

And now, here they were.

Mayank scrolled through his phone, one hand resting on his thigh, while Niharika sat beside him, her gaze fixed outside the window. The morning sun was bright but not harsh, casting golden rays over the road as they drove through the city. Her fingers lightly tapped against her lap, a subconscious habit she had when she was lost in thought.

The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, but it wasn't exactly relaxed either. It was that space between familiarity and uncertainty—where neither of them knew what the next moment would bring.

"So, where's Rahil?" Mayank asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Yangeeta, who had just been talking about something else entirely, turned slightly in her seat to answer. "Oh, he couldn't come. His university is going on, and he has an assignment due on Monday. He didn't want to risk it. But maybe he'll join us tonight if possible."

Mayank nodded, processing that information. "Makes sense."

Then, as if feeling his gaze on her, Niharika turned her head slightly, her brows raising in silent question—What?

Mayank smirked. "Nothing. Don't worry."

She narrowed her eyes at him for a second before looking away, but the corner of her lips twitched as if suppressing a smile.

A while later, Abhijeet's phone rang, and he muttered, "One second," before answering. The call was work-related, so he lowered the volume on the car speakers and engaged in a serious discussion.

Yangeeta, tired from all the early morning packing and running around, leaned back in her seat, sighing. Within minutes, her breathing evened out, and it was clear she had fallen asleep.

Now, it was just Mayank and Niharika, awake, sitting at the back together.

The car moved smoothly along the highway, the occasional hum of vehicles passing by filling the silence. Mayank let his phone rest on his thigh and turned slightly toward Niharika. She was still looking out of the window, her face calm but distant.

Feeling a sudden impulse, he unlocked his phone and pulled up a picture. It was from his parents' anniversary party a couple of months ago—the one where she was wearing a green saree and he was in a dark blue suit. He nudged her arm lightly and tilted his phone towards her.

She looked at the screen, and her eyes slightly widened in recognition. A small smile crept onto her lips as she whispered, "Damn... I look good."

Mayank let out a soft chuckle. "Yes, you do."

Something about the way he said it made her turn to look at him fully. And suddenly, the car wasn't just a car anymore—it was a space where the air felt thicker, where silence carried weight.

His gaze flickered downward for a second, barely noticeable—but she caught it.

Her heart skipped a beat.

His eyes had moved to her lips.

She swallowed. The space between them wasn't much. It wouldn't take much effort to lean in, just a little closer. His breath was steady, his expression unreadable, but there was something different in his gaze—something intense, something raw.

And she wasn't moving away.

Her fingers clutched the fabric of her dress unconsciously as he inched closer, almost testing the moment, as if waiting to see if she'd back off.

And then—

Thud.

The car hit a speed bump, jerking both of them back to reality.

Niharika gasped softly, straightening immediately, her fingers tightening around her lap. "I—uh—I think I'll take a nap too," she mumbled, looking anywhere but at him.

Mayank leaned back against the seat, rubbing his jaw. A quiet chuckle escaped his lips, as if laughing at himself. "Yeah... good idea."

She closed her eyes, but it was clear her mind was nowhere near sleep.

And Mayank? His thoughts weren't settling either. His heart was still racing.

What the hell just happened?

The car slowed to a stop, the gentle rumbling of the engine ceasing as Abhijeet shifted gears into park. The warmth of the late morning sun filtered through the windows, casting soft golden hues inside.

But neither Niharika nor Mayank stirred.

Somewhere during the ride, amid the quiet lull of the moving car, Niharika had fallen asleep—her head resting lightly against Mayank's chest. Her breath was soft and steady, her body relaxed as if she had unconsciously found comfort there.

Mayank, too, had dozed off, though not before ensuring she didn't shift uncomfortably. His arm had instinctively moved around her, his hand resting near her shoulder, holding her in place so she wouldn't fall. Even in his sleep, his grip remained secure, as if his body had naturally adjusted to keeping her close.

It was only when Yangeeta turned around from the front seat and called out, "Bas, pohch gaye! Wake up, you two," that Niharika stirred.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she slowly sat up, blinking drowsily before realizing where she had been resting. Her face instantly warmed, and she straightened, stealing a quick glance at Mayank—who was also waking up, his hand leaving her shoulder as he stretched slightly.

Mayank ran a hand through his hair, looking around before stepping out of the car. But the moment he did, his eyes widened slightly. "Are you sure this is RAK?"

The water body stretched out before them, the deep blue reflecting the bright sky, the surrounding landscape beautifully maintained with lush greenery and palm trees. It was nothing like the RAK he had imagined—a quiet desert-side retreat.

One of the aunties laughed, stepping up beside him. "It's gotten way better, hasn't it?"

Another uncle nodded. "You'll be surprised at how much they've built here over the years."

Mayank exhaled, genuinely impressed. "Looks like it."

The group made their way toward the hotel, rolling suitcases behind them. The resort was grand yet serene, with a spacious lobby featuring high ceilings, earthy-toned decor, and a warm, welcoming ambiance.

As they approached the check-in counter, Niharika instinctively stepped ahead, ready to handle the process. But before she could speak, Mayank placed a hand lightly on her shoulder and said, "I got it."

She glanced up at him in mild surprise, but he was already speaking to the receptionist. Within minutes, he had both their room keys and handed her one.

"Here," he said smoothly.

She accepted it, still processing the effortless way he took charge.

Just then, Yangeeta turned to everyone. "Alright, freshen up and meet back here in an hour. We'll head to the beach, so wear something comfortable."

Everyone nodded, their excitement clear as they dispersed toward their respective rooms.

Niharika and Mayank made their way down the hallway, their room located at the end. As she pushed open the door, she gasped slightly.

The room was stunning.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the endless expanse of blue waters, the balcony offering a breathtaking view. The neutral, elegant tones of the interior complemented the relaxing atmosphere of the place.

"Wow," she breathed. "It's so gorgeous."

Mayank stepped in behind her, looking around before his gaze settled on the view. He nodded in agreement. "Not bad at all."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The air was tinged with a new kind of awkwardness—the kind that had settled between them ever since that moment in the car. Neither of them wanted to bring it up, but neither of them could quite forget it, either.

Niharika cleared her throat lightly. "Uh—do you want something? Chai, coffee, whatever?"

Mayank shook his head. "No." Then, after a beat, he added, "But I do wanna go explore the hotel. You wanna join?"

She blinked, surprised by the sudden plan, but then smiled. "Oh, sure."

They stepped out, walking leisurely through the corridors, taking in the luxurious property. Eventually, they came across a well-equipped gym, and Mayank's face immediately brightened.

He stepped inside, assessing the machines and weights with a satisfied nod. "Won't miss my routine, then. That's good."

Niharika chuckled. "Gym addict."

He turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "Aye, once you start, it's difficult to lose the habit."

She smirked, teasingly nodding. "Hmm, hmmm."

His eyes narrowed in mock suspicion. "You have no idea what half of these machines are for, do you?"

She grinned. "Nope."

He laughed, shaking his head. "Figured."

They wandered outside next, eventually stopping by the pool. The clear water shimmered under the sun, and Niharika's eyes softened in nostalgia.

"I haven't swum in months," she murmured.

Mayank turned to her, intrigued. "You swim?"

She nodded. "Yeah."

He crossed his arms, smirking slightly. "Okay then, Niharika. Tomorrow morning—I go to the gym, you go swimming. Deal?"

He extended his hand toward her.

She glanced at it, then back at him, before grinning and shaking his hand. "Deal."

They chuckled, their previous awkwardness melting away into something easier—something that felt like them.

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