The sky outside had dimmed into a soft twilight as Darshil returned from work. The atmosphere in the house was quiet, except for the occasional clink of utensils from the kitchen. Aarvi was in the bedroom, standing by the window, watching the sun sink behind the horizon. She was lost in thought, the morning's events replaying in her mindâthe closeness, the heat of his touch, and, of course, the kiss that still lingered on her lips.
Darshil entered the room and his eyes fixed on her. He loosened his tie, his smirk returning as he spotted Aarvi in the bedroom, her back turned as she arranged some books on the shelf.
His eyes sparkled with mischief. He had been thinking about her all day -the way she blushed, the way she looked at him with those wide eyes right before their kiss. He wasn't about to let her forget that moment so easily.
Missed me, Hazel? Or were you just thinking about... this morning? Darshil asked playfully leaning against the doorframe.
Aarvi froze for a moment, her hands stilling on the book she was holding. Her heart skipped a beat at his voice, and she could already feel her face turning red. She could feel her heartbeat quickening as Darshil slowly walked toward her, his presence filling the room as she turned to look at him.
N-no⦠I was just⦠um⦠I wasnâtâ Aarvi said being flustered
Before she could finish her sentence, Darshil reached her, his hand lightly brushing against her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. His smirk widened as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her cheek.
You werenât thinking about the kiss, hmm? Then why is your face turning the same color as your saree? Darshil asked
Aarvi felt her pulse quicken as she took a small step back, trying to regain her composure. But Darshil wasn't letting her off the hook so easily. His teasing gaze followed her every move.
Stop it, Darshil. I wasnât thinking about the kiss⦠I was just thinking about..... your voice, vocals. You sing well. Aarvi said
She tried to sound casual, but her voice wavered slightly. Darshil raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her attempt to deflect.
Oh, that's why were you so mesmerized this morning? Darshil asked
Aarviâs face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she quickly turned away from him, fiddling with the edge of her saree in a desperate attempt to change the topic.
Why did you stop singing, Darshil? I heard from everyone that you hate it. But you sang so well today⦠so why did you leave it behind? Aarvi asked
Darshilâs playful expression faltered for a moment. Her question seemed to have struck a nerve. Aarvi noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor, and for the first time since heâd entered the room, he looked⦠vulnerable.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
Okay..... Come, let me show you something. Darshil said and then, he grabbed her hand and led her out of the bedroom.
The air was still as Darshil gently took Aarvi's hand and led her down the long, dimly lit hallway. Aarvi followed in silence, curious about where they were going. She had never seen this part of the house before. The walls were adorned with old photos, and the deeper they went, the quieter the surroundings became, as if they were stepping into a part of Darshilâs past that had long been forgotten.
At the end of the hallway, they stopped in front of a large, wooden door. Darshil hesitated for a moment, his hand resting on the door handle, before turning to Aarvi.
Thereâs something I want to show you. Something I havenât shared with anyone in a long time. Darshil said
He pushed the door open, and they stepped inside a dimly lit room. As Aarviâs eyes adjusted to the light, she saw itâa room filled with musical instruments. A grand piano stood proudly in the corner, its keys covered in a thin layer of dust. A collection of guitars, violins, and other instruments were carefully placed around the room. Sheet music was scattered across the floor, some yellowed with age, as if frozen in time.
Aarviâs eyes widened in surprise as she looked around the room, feeling the heavy presence of the past in the air.
What⦠what is this place? Aarvi asked
Darshil walked over to the grand piano and lightly touched the keys, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. The room was filled with memories, memories he had buried deep within himself. He let out a sigh, his fingers lingering on the keys.
This⦠was once my sanctuary. My passion. Music was everything to me. Darshil said
Aarvi could hear the weight of those words, the unspoken pain behind them. She stepped closer, her eyes searching his face, sensing the vulnerability he was about to reveal.
You⦠you loved music? Aarvi asked in surprise
Darshil nodded, his eyes fixed on the piano keys as if they held a part of his soul. He slowly sat down on the piano bench, and his fingers lightly danced across the keys, playing a few soft notes, though he didnât seem to realize it.
I did. I wanted to be a singer. It was my dream since childhood. I used to spend hours in this room, writing songs, practicing, dreaming of a life where music would be my everything. I completed my MBA from Harvard because my father insisted I should learn the business. But in my heart, music was always my first love. Darshil said
He paused, his eyes distant, as if recalling those dreams he had once held so dear.
Then why did you stopped singing? And this hate? Aarvi asked
Five years ago, on my birthday, I was about to perform at my first concert. I had been working on my first song for months. It was going to be the start of something beautiful, something I had always wanted. But that nightâ¦.. Darshil said and paused as he got some past glimpses.
His voice broke slightly, and Aarvi could see the pain in his eyes. He swallowed hard, trying to steady himself before continuing.
That night, my parents, my brother, and my sister-in-law were on their way to the concert. They⦠they never made it. Their car crashed, and they were all killed. Darshil said
The silence in the room was deafening as Darshilâs words hung heavy in the air. Aarvi felt her heart drop, the gravity of his loss hitting her like a wave. She had seen this side of Darshil beforeâthis raw, broken side of him that carried so much pain, but only when she was hurt.
Darshilâ¦. Aarvi whispers as she kept her hand on his shoulder
Darshilâs eyes were filled with unshed tears as he looked up at her. He gave a weak smile, but it didnât reach his eyes.
After that night, everything changed. My life, my dreams, everything. I had to step up, take over the family business, and care for the rest of my family. There was no time for music anymore. I walked away from it all. My passion, my dream, everything⦠for them.
Darshil sat back down on the piano bench, his hand still lightly resting on the keys as if he were debating whether to touch them or leave them behind forever. His gaze was distant, his eyes filled with memories that felt heavy in the air. Aarvi remained seated next to him, watching him carefully, sensing that there was more he wanted to say. The roomâs quiet was punctuated only by the distant ticking of a clock, as if even time was holding its breath for what was about to unfold.
I havenât touched these instruments in five years. I havenât sung, played, or even listened to music since that night. Music was my lifeâit was everything to me. But after my family died, I didnât just lose them. I lost the courage to face the one thing I had always worshipedâthese instruments. Darshil said
He looked down at the piano keys, his fingers barely grazing them, and Aarvi could see the torment in his eyes. It wasnât just grief that had consumed him; it was guilt, the unbearable weight of a love abandoned because it reminded him of all he had lost.
Aarviâs heart ached for him, but she didnât interrupt. She knew that he needed to let these words out, to let the pain flow like a river breaking through a dam.
And you started hating music? Aarvi asked
I hated music. I hated it because every note, every chord, reminded me of the life I had before. The life where I was surrounded by my family, where everything made sense. I couldnât bring myself to sing, to play, because it felt like I was betraying their memory. It was my dream to sing in front of the world, but after all that happened, I couldn't face these instruments or music again, because I couldn't fulfill my dream of singing.....in front of every one. Darshil said
Aarviâs eyes widened slightly in surprise. She recalled the moments when Darshil had serenaded her, his voice deep and soothing, the passion in his singing unmistakable. She hadnât realized how much that simple act had cost him emotionally. He had broken his silence for her.
Why did you sing for me when you hated singing? Aarvi asked, her eyes filled with surprise and pain, her eyes filled with unshed tears.
Darshil looked up, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. He held her hand softly and wiped her eyes.
Tum meri duniya ho, tumhare liye gana, matlab puri duniya ke samne gana...... To ho gaya na mera sapna pura. Darshil said
A drop tear rolled down her cheeks and Darshil wiped it again, and he held her gaze for a long time.
From the moment I saw you, I felt something I hadnât felt in a long time. It was like all the darkness, all the emptiness that had filled me since my family diedâsuddenly, it wasnât there anymore. You made me feel alive again. I became obsessed with you, not because I was infatuated, but because you brought back that same love I had for music. You made my life feel complete in a way nothing else could. Darshil said
Aarvi felt her breath catch in her throat. She had never heard Darshil speak like this, never felt the full weight of his emotions laid bare before her. He had confessed his love to her many times, but this..... this was something different. The weight of emotions and love in his words was too much. His words felt like they were wrapping around her heart, squeezing it tightly.
Darshil..... I.... Aarvi whisperes
He continued, his voice steady but filled with a kind of vulnerability that broke through his usually stoic demeanor.
I loved you, Hazel, from the first day. And maybe I know I didnât show it the right way, in the way you wanted. I know I hurt you. I know I made mistakes, but it was because you reminded me of everything I once loved. I thought if I could have you in my life, it would make everything right again. And I can't lose you..... Maybe I won't be able to survive anymore if you will not be by my side. Darshil said, his voice and words filled with love and pain together.
Aarviâs eyes welled with tears, not from sadness this time, but from the depth of his confession. She had never realized how deeply she had touched him. She wiped her tears and looked at the instruments again.
As her gaze wandered around the room, her eyes stopped at a guitar placed in the far corner. It was different from the othersâolder, more worn, but clearly cherished. There was something special about it, and Aarvi could feel that just by looking at it. Her curiosity got the better of her.
That guitar⦠it looks different, is it a special type? Aarvi asked
Darshil followed her gaze and smiled, but this smile was differentâsoft, nostalgic, tinged with sadness.
That guitar⦠it was a gift from someone very dear to me. Darshil said
He stood up and walked over to the guitar, picking it up gently, his fingers caressing the strings as if they were sacred. Aarvi could see the tenderness in his movements, the way he held the instrument as if it held a piece of his heart.
Who was it? Your ex girlfriend? Aarvi asked
Darshil chukles and shook his head.
No..... My second mother. The one, who woke up the singer inside me. She was herself a brilliant singer, I don't why dhe didn't joined Bollywood. My most favorite music teacher...... Vasudha Chauhan. Darshil said
Vasudha Chauhan..... Aarvi questioned, her eyes and expression unreadable and surprised.
When I was sixteen, my music teacher, Vasudha Chauhan, gave this to me. She was more than just a teacherâshe was a mentor, someone who believed in me when I didnât believe in myself. I was her favorite student, or at least she always told me that. I was the only one who used to get lessons at her home. Darshil said
Aarvi was still speechless at his words, her expression didn't change. She wanted to litsen more, this story was hitting her hard.
She was an incredible woman. She taught me everything I know about music. She lived with her husband and daughter Cheeku. Cheeku was just nine years old back then, but she had a voice like an angel. Vasudha mam would always bring her to my lessons. She told me that she wants to make Cheeku learn music from me. And she even trained Cheeku to sing for me on my birthday. It was one of the most beautiful things Iâd ever heard. Darshil said
Darshil paused, his eyes clouding with sorrow as he placed the guitar down gently, as if the weight of the memory was too much to bear.
C... Cheeku..... And then..... what happened? Aarvi asked
Just a year later, Vasudha mam and her entire family⦠they died in a car accident. It was devastating. I lost not only a teacher but someone who had become like family to me. But I promised her that I will never stop singing and will always worship it like always did. But I failed in that promise too. I completely lost myself. Darshil said, his words and eyes unable to bear the pain of memories more.
Control yourself Darshil...... I know it's hard....but you didn't lose yourself, Darshil. Youâre still here. Youâve carried so much on your shoulders, and youâve done it for your family. But that doesnât mean you have to let go of who you are. Aarvi said
Darshil turned his hand to hold hers, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. His voice was low, vulnerable.
Every time I think about it, I remember that night. The guilt, the pain⦠itâs too much. But you.... you make me want to find that part of me again Hazel. I need you. Darshil said
Aarvi's heart swelled at his words. She could feel the depth of his emotion, the way he had buried his passion and pain for so long. She reached out, taking his hand in hers, squeezing it gently.
Darshil, you never really lost that part of yourself. Itâs still there, waiting for you. And Iâm here now. You donât have to do it alone. Aarvi said
Can I.... Can I hug you? Darshil asked in hesitation
Aarvi's eyes widened a bit in surprise at his unexpected question. She wasn't expecting him to ask for a hug, but it made her heart skip a beat.
Yes..... Aarvi said.
Darshil took a step forward and Aarvi closed the remaining distance between them and wrapped her arms around him. Darshil pulled her tightly against his chest. He held her close, his body pressed against hers.
Darshil let out a content sigh, savoring the feeling of having her in his arms.
This feels nice, Hazel. Holding you like this. As if all the burdens.... sadness, got down of my shoulders. I really need you. Darshil said
Aarvi meanwhile, held her tears, she wanted to comfort him and she cant act weak now. After some moments, they both pulled back.
Don't be so dramatic now..... It doesn't suit you. Aarvi said
As your wish, my queen. Darshil said
Dramebaz.... Aarvi said with a smile.
Darshil smiled at her, a smile that was full of hope and a newfound sense of purpose. In that moment, he realized that maybe, just maybe, he could heal. Not just from the loss of his family or the abandonment of his dreams, but from the walls he had built around his heart.
And standing in that room, filled with the echoes of his past, Darshil knew that with Aarvi by his side, he could finally find peace.
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So guys, that's all for today.
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As English is not my first language so there can be some grammatical mistakes, I just request to please ignore it.
Thankyouð¥