29

Her soul belongs to words and books

Everytime she reads,she is home

As Aradhya and Reyansh stopped dancing, their eyes locked, a silent conversation passing between them. Emotions swirled in the air—love, admiration, and unspoken desires.

Reyansh's eyes fell on her lips for a moment before looking up at her eyes.Aradhya who noticed it,gulped visibly.

"May I worship your lips?"he asked,his voice deep and slight tint of pleading.

Aradhya's breath caught in her throat.

'he is damn straightforward'

She was nervous,was evident.But she didn't have any other thought of rejection and unconsciously she nodded slowly,her heart pounding in her chest.

Reyansh's lips curled up into a smile.

Slowly, he leaned in, closing the distance between them.

When Reyansh’s lips finally touched hers, it was as if the world stopped spinning. The kiss was gentle, tender, and filled with a depth of emotion that words could never capture. Aradhya’s senses were overwhelmed—she could feel the softness of his lips, the faint taste of mint, and the warmth that spread through her entire being.

Reyansh felt a whirlwind of emotions as his lips met Aradhya’s. The moment was surreal, almost dreamlike, and he could hardly believe it was happening. His heart raced, pounding so loudly he was sure she could hear it. The softness of her lips, the warmth of her breath, and the gentle way she responded to his kiss made his head spin.

He surely had kissed other women before and he wouldn't say that he didn't have a giddy feeling before but the way his heart raced faster than a bullet train,the way his thoughts were only consumed by her,the softness of her lips melting him,he had never felt this feeling before.

He couldn't believe this moment was real,'is it really happening?'he wondered to himself.

Meanwhile, Aradhya's mind was a flurry of emotions and thoughts.

'is this what people described of a feeling of first kiss?'

As they pulled away, their foreheads resting against each other, Aradhya opened her eyes to see Reyansh smiling softly at her.

As they stood there, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble. Aradhya and Reyansh were still close, their foreheads touching, sharing a moment of silent understanding. The music had stopped, but the rhythm of their hearts beating in unison was all they needed.

Reyansh gently took Aradhya’s hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “That was… perfect,I never felt this way before” he whispered, his voice filled with awe. Aradhya nodded, unable to find the words to express what she was feeling. Instead, she squeezed his hand, letting him know that she felt the same way.

They slowly made their way to a nearby bench, still holding hands, not wanting to break the connection. As they sat down, Reyansh turned to her, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.

Aradhya felt weird as she saw him looking at her so intensely.

"Stop looking at me"she whispered.

"Why?"he questioned,his lips tilting up into a smirk,his voice laced with tease and mischief.

"I am not answerable to you"she replied,a sudden wave of boldness rushed through her as she looked straight into his eyes.

His brows raised and amusement visible on his face and a chuckle escaped his mouth.

"So you can't stop me from looking at love of my life"he said,his voice teasing yet sincerity laced in his voice.

"Whatever"she said rolling her eyes but her cheeks which are slightly red gave away all of what she felt.

"I love you my Jaan"he whispered placing a tender kiss on her hand.

Aradhya's eyes widened in surprise.though he had said it before too,like many times but this time it felt different like it was not only who felt the depth of the words but also her.

She looked down, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. “Reyansh, I… I don’t know what to say,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.“i like you but I can't say I love you yet”

Reyansh gently took her hand in his, his touch reassuring. “It’s okay, jaan,” he said softly. “You don’t have to say anything you’re not ready for.you don't need to explain it,my love.I understand.” He paused, taking a deep breath. “I just wanted you to know how I feel. And I want you to know that I’m willing to wait for you, no matter how long it takes.”

Aradhya looked up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty and gratitude. “But what if I never feel the same way?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Reyansh smiled, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. “Even if that happens, it’s okay. My love for you is enough for both of us. I’ll work hard to show you how much you mean to me, and I’ll be here for you, no matter what. Your happiness is what matters most to me.”

She smiled widely at his words and then something flickered in her eyes"should I be overwhelmed and cry hearing those heartfelt words?"

She questioned in playful tone.

He laughed hearing her say this,it was a rare moment to see him laugh.

It was rare to see him smile too before,but now he would always be smiling at her whether she is just shouting at him.

"You look pretty"she said staring at him as he laughed.

"Pretty? that's not a compliment for a man,jaan"he said chuckling softly, raising an eyebrow playfully.

She shake her head as she responded to his words"Every man is handsome but to be pretty it's  something weird.

It's not just the word but the meaning behind it.pretty means charming,beau and attractive and you are all of these things."

"Thankyou my lady,I guess being called pretty isn't that bad at all.but being called by you even a fool,is still a compliment"he said,his voice playful and sincere.

Aradhya giggled,the sound light and joyful."you are so cheesy"

"All yours"he replied smiling.

They sat under the starry sky, holding each other's hands and let the sense of peace and contentment wash over them.

"Btw you sing so well,at that day along with Karan you sang so beautifully"she said initiating the conversation,ending the silence.

"Oh for such a beautiful lady,i can be anything let alone be a singer"his playful reply made her blush.

"So can you sing once again for this beautiful lady?"she asked in the same tone trying to supress her smile.

"Apka hukum hum kaise mana kar sakte hain"he replied and she smiled.

(How can I not follow your order?)

As they sat under the starry sky, the moon casting a gentle glow over them, Reyansh felt a surge of emotion. He wanted to express his feelings in a way that words alone couldn’t capture. Taking a deep breath, he began to sing softly, his voice carrying the melody of “Tumse Milke Dil Ka” into the night.

Ishq jaise hai ek aandhi

Ishq hai ek tunfaa

Ishq ke aage bebas hai duniya mein har ilzaa

Ishq mein sab deewane hain,

Ishq mein sab hairaan

Ishq mein sab mushkil hai

Ishq mein sab aasan

Dekho pyaare ye nazare

Ye deewane,ye parwaane

Hain Ishq mein kaise gum

Hayee tumse mil ke dil ka hai jo haal kya kahein?

Hogya hai  Kaisa ye kaamal kya kahein?

Hogya hai kaisa ye kaamal kya kahein?

Aradhya listened, her heart swelling with each note. The song was beautiful, but what made it truly special was the way Reyansh sang it, his eyes never leaving hers. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own little universe.

Dil toh hai ek raahi jaana

Dil ki tum manjil ho

Dil toh hai ek kashti jaana

Jiska tum saahil ho

Dil na fir kuch maange jaana

Tum agar hassil ho

Dil toh hai mera tanha jaana

Aao tum mehfil ho

Reyansh’s voice was filled with emotion, each word a testament to his feelings for her. As he sang, his gaze remained fixed on Aradhya, his moon, his jaan. The love and admiration in his eyes were unmistakable, and Aradhya felt her heart melt.

Ishq se hi saari khushiyan

Ishq hi barbaddi

Ishq hai paabandhi,

Lekin Ishq hi aazadi.

Ishq ki duniyan mein yaaron

Khaabon ki aaabadi

Kho gaaya vo,

Jisko manjil Ishq ne dikhladi.

The lyrics spoke of the joy and wonder of meeting someone who changes your life, and Reyansh’s heartfelt rendition made it clear that this was exactly how he felt about Aradhya.

As the final notes of the song lingered in the air, Reyansh reached out and gently took Aradhya’s hand. “You are my moon, Aradhya,” he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. “And I will always sing for you, no matter where life takes us.”

Aradhya’s eyes glistened with tears of happiness. She leaned in and kissed him softly, her heart overflowing with love. “And I will always listen,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

They sat together,under the soft glow of moon,their heart beating as one.

The night was perfect, a moment they would cherish forever, and in each other’s arms, they knew they had found something truly special.

_____________________________________

Reyansh stood in the dimly lit gym, the rhythmic thud of his fists against the boxing bag echoing through the room. Each punch was fueled by a storm of emotions he couldn’t quite articulate. Sweat dripped down his face, mingling with the blood that now smeared his knuckles. He didn’t care about the pain; it was a distraction, a way to channel the turmoil inside him.

His knuckles were raw and bruised, the skin split and bleeding, but he kept going, each strike harder than the last. The physical exertion was a release, a way to drown out the thoughts that plagued his mind. With every punch, he tried to push away the doubts, the fears, and the uncertainties that had been gnawing at him.

Reyansh’s breath came in ragged gasps, his muscles screaming in protest, but he didn’t stop. The boxing bag swung back and forth, absorbing the relentless barrage of his fists. He was lost in the rhythm, the repetitive motion offering a semblance of control in a world that felt increasingly chaotic.

As Reyansh continued to pummel the boxing bag, his knuckles raw and bleeding, Dhruv happened to pass by the gym. He paused at the doorway, his eyes widening in concern as he saw the state Reyansh was in. Without hesitation, Dhruv rushed inside, his footsteps echoing in the otherwise silent gym.

“Reyansh, stop!” Dhruv called out, his voice filled with urgency. He reached out, trying to grab Reyansh’s arm, but Reyansh shrugged him off, his focus unwavering. “You’re hurting yourself again! This isn’t the way to deal with whatever’s going on.i have told you so many times,why don't you understand!”

But Reyansh turned a deaf ear to Dhruv’s words, his mind too consumed by the storm of emotions driving him. Each punch was a desperate attempt to drown out the chaos inside him, and he couldn’t afford to stop now. The pain in his knuckles was a welcome distraction, a physical manifestation of the turmoil he felt.

Dhruv was losing his calm,he yelled"STOP",his voice echoing in the gym.the urgency in his voice was unmistakable.

At that moment, Aradhya and Karan, who had just entered their apartment for some time together, heard Dhruv’s shout. They exchanged worried glances and without a second thought, rushed towards the gym. The sound of Dhruv’s desperate yell had sent a chill down their spines.

Bursting through the gym doors, they were met with the sight of Reyansh relentlessly punching the bag, his knuckles smeared with blood. Dhruv was trying to intervene, but Reyansh seemed oblivious to his friend’s attempts to stop him.

“Reyansh, please stop!” Aradhya cried out, her voice trembling with fear and concern. She ran to his side, her eyes wide with worry. Karan followed closely, his expression a mix of shock and determination.

Reyansh paused for a moment, his breath ragged, and looked at Aradhya. The sight of her, with concern in her eyes, seemed to break through the haze of his anger and pain. He slowly lowered his fists, the reality of his actions sinking in.

"What were you doing Reyansh?what was it for?are you in guilt again or this time you are regretting spending time with me?what got into you within a day huh?you were so happy last night and today you are hurting yourself."her voice showed that her patience was running thin.

Reyansh stayed silent, listening to her every word.

"Why are you silent now? ANSWER ME"hurt flickered in her eyes as he still kept silent.

"Alright,do whatever you want.dont ever show me your face,you asshole.you did this all again,you can't see me happy can you?"

Saying this she left and Reyansh broke down,he fell down on his knees.

💌Thank you for reading 💌

Byee ❤️🎀✨