Darshil sat at his desk in his office, staring at the documents before him, though his mind was elsewhere. It was his birthday tomorrow, a day he had avoided for years. His thoughts were heavy with memories of his parents-the accident, the guilt, and the endless sadness that followed. He had learned to bury it deep within, but today, the weight seemed unbearable.
His phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. It was Aarvi.
Yes Hazel? Darshil said, trying to sound casual
Aarvi, on the other end, could sense something was off in his voice. Though he tried to mask it, the slight tremble and lack of energy couldn't escape her notice. Still, she decided not to mention it, knowing how he'd deflect any concerns.
Just wanted to know when you'll be coming back? Aarvi asked softly
Darshil glanced at his watch, realizing it was getting late.
I'll wrap up in an hour or so. I should be back by 11 PM. Darshil said
Okay... I'll see you then. Aarvi said
She hung up before he could respond, leaving Darshil staring at his phone, feeling slightly uneasy. He hadn't expected her to cut the call so abruptly.
Aarvi, on the other hand, immediately dialed another number-Shiv's. Her heart raced as she formulated her plan.
Aarvi? Everything alright? Shiv asked
Shiv, I need your help. It's about Darshil. Aarvi said
What happened? Is everything okay? Shiv asked
Aarvi sighed, trying to gather her thoughts.
Not as much he needs to. I have a plan, will you help me? Aarvi asked
Of course. Shiv said
Thank you, Shiv. I think I know what to do. Aarvi said
Hours later, at 11 PM, Darshil arrived home. The house was quiet, save for the occasional clinking of dishes from the kitchen. He was expecting Aarvi to greet him, but there was no sign of her, he checked the bedroom but she wasn't there too. He frowned, walking further into the living room where Nandini ji and Poorva were sitting.
Where's Aarvi? Darshil asked
Nandini ji and Poorva exchanged a glance, their expressions confused.
She didn't tell us anything. We assumed she'd be with you. Nandini ji said
Darshil's heart sank. Aarvi never left without telling someone where she was going. Panic flickered in his chest as he pulled out his phone and dialed her number. It rang, but no answer. He tried again-still nothing.
She's not answering. Did she say anything to anyone about where she was going? Darshil asked
No, bhai. She didn't mention a thing. Poorva said
Darshil's thoughts began racing. Where could she have gone at this hour? His mind filled with worst-case scenarios as he dialed her number again, only to hear it ring endlessly. His worry escalated.
Why isn't she answering? She's not someone who would just leave without telling anyone. Darshil said
Darshil immediately called Shiv and asked him to trace Aarvi's location as soon as possible.
Nandini ji stood up, her face lined with worry.Darshil
Beta, don't worry. I'm sure she's safe. Maybe she went out to get something. Nandini ji said
But Darshil's gut told him something was off. He wasn't one to easily panic, but Aarvi's absence felt wrong. He had learned to live with many things, but losing someone again-no, that wasn't an option.
I'm going to look for her. Darshil said
Just as he reached for his jacket, his phone buzzed - It was Shiv.
Shiv, did you find her? Darshil asked
Yeah, I got her location. I'm standing in front of your house now. Come out, and I'll take you to her. Shiv said
Without wasting another second, Darshil bolted out of the door. The moment he spotted Shiv leaning against his car, he didn't bother with questions. He climbed into the passenger seat, his mind racing with worry and curiosity.
Where is she? Darshil asked
Shiv looked at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
You'll see. Just trust me. Shiv said
Darshil's brow furrowed, but he remained silent. Shiv sped down the streets, heading toward the location he had mentioned. Darshil's heart thudded louder with every passing minute. He couldn't shake the feeling that something big was waiting for him-something he hadn't expected.
Forty minutes later, they pulled up to a secluded area near the beach. Darshil leaped out of the car before it had fully stopped, his feet hitting the sand as he raced forward.
Are you coming? Darshil asked shouting back to Shiv
Shiv, still leaning against the car, shook his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
Nah, you go ahead. This is your moment. Shiv said
Confused but driven by the need to find Aarvi, Darshil ran toward the area Shiv had directed him to. His steps slowed as he neared the shore, his eyes widening in disbelief.
The sight before him was breathtaking.
A beautiful beach spread out before him, illuminated by strings of fairy lights that hung in the air, casting a warm, golden glow across the scene. Candles flickered softly along the sand, leading to an elegant date setup. A small table stood under a canopy draped with sheer white curtains, gently swaying in the evening breeze. Flower petals were scattered across the ground, creating a path leading toward the setup.
Darshil's heart skipped a beat. He stood frozen, taking in the magical sight, but his mind was still racing, searching for her-Aarvi.
What is this...? Darshil whisperes to himself
His eyes scanned the area, still searching desperately for the one person he needed to see the most. He walked further into the decorated space, his footsteps slow, cautious, like he was stepping into a dream.
His feet moved with urgency, but then-he froze. A soft, melodic sound drifted through the air, a tune he felt he had heard before. He turned, eyes widening in surprise.
There she was.
Aarvi sat on a raised platform, her silhouette framed by the glow of fairy lights. She was cradling a guitar, her fingers gently tuning its strings. Darshil's breath caught in his throat, his gaze softening as he looked at her. She seemed to glow, her beauty illuminated by the lights around her, and for a moment, all of Darshil's worries disappeared. His heart skipped a beat.
Hazel.... Darshil murmered
Aarvi smiled as she noticed his presence, her eyes locking with his. She strummed a few more strings before her soft voice broke the silence.
This one's for you. Aarvi said playfully
And then she began to sing.
Kehte hain khuda ne iss jahaan mein
Sabhi ke liye kisi na kisi ko hai banaaya
Har kisi ke liye
Tera milna hai uss rab ka ishaara maano
Mujhko banaya tere jaise hi kisi ke liye
Kuch toh hai tujh se raabta
Kuch toh hai tujh se raabta
Kaise hum jaane, hume kya pata
Kuch toh hai tujh se raabta
Tu humsafar hai, phir kya fikar hai
Jeene ki wajah hi yehi marna issi ke liye
Kehte hain khuda ne iss jahaan mein
Sabhi ke liye kisi na kisi ko hai banaaya har kisi ke liye
Darshil stood rooted to the spot, mesmerized. Her voice was enchanting, and he felt something stir inside him-something deep, something unexplainable. He had never heard a voice so beautiful, so pure. The song seemed to wrap around him like a warm embrace, pulling him closer, both emotionally and physically.
As she sang, Darshil's gaze softened even more. Her voice, the way she played the guitar, the setting-it all felt oddly familiar. Like something from a dream. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had been here before, in this exact moment, with her. But still, despite the strange sense of déjà vu, he was drawn to her, completely captivated.
The wind carried her voice across the beach, the words of the song tugging at his heart. His soul felt at peace, knowing that she was here, safe, and singing just for him. His chest tightened with emotions he hadn't realized were buried so deep.
As Aarvi finished the final note, she set the guitar aside and stood up. Her eyes never left his as she walked toward him, her steps slow and deliberate. Darshil, still lost in her voice, could hardly breathe. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her, and as she got closer, he felt his heart race.
That... that was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Darshil said softly
Aarvi didn't respond with words. She simply smiled, her eyes glowing with a mixture of emotions. Darshil opened his mouth to ask her how she had done all of this, how she had planned this incredible surprise, but before he could speak, Aarvi's gaze shifted to her watch.
It was exactly midnight.
She turned back to Darshil, her expression softening even further. Without a word, she took a step closer and gently took his hand in hers. Her touch sent a shiver down Darshil's spine. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked down at their joined hands.
Hazel.....what are you- Darshil said being confused but he could finish his sentence, Aarvi lifted her eyes to his, her voice barely above a whisper but full of conviction.
"I love you, Darshil" Aarvi said
Darshil's world came to a halt. Time seemed to stop as her words echoed in his ears. He felt his breath catch, his pulse quicken, and for a split second, he wondered if he had imagined it. He stared at her, wide-eyed, utterly stunned. His mind raced, trying to process what she had just said, but his heart... his heart knew immediately.
She loved him.
It was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard in his life.
You... you love me? Darshil whispered, almost to himself
Aarvi nodded, her eyes never leaving his. Her hand squeezed his gently, grounding him in the moment.
I love you. I've been trying to fight it, to hide it... but I can't anymore. I don't want to. You mean everything to me, Darshil. Aarvi said
Darshil felt his heart swell with emotions he couldn't put into words. For the first time in a long time, he felt something break free inside him-a wall he hadn't realized was there. He was overwhelmed, but in the best way possible. He took a step closer to her, their faces only inches apart now.
You have no idea how long I've waited to hear those words... how much I've wanted you to feel the same way. Darshil said
Aarvi's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and Darshil lifted a hand to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing gently against her skin.
I love you too, Aarvi. More than I can ever explain. More than I thought was even possible. Darshil said
Aarvi's breath hitched, and for a moment, they just stood there, staring at each other, both of them lost in the magnitude of the moment.
Then let's not waste any more time. Aarvi said
Darshil chuckled softly, his eyes full of warmth as he leaned in closer, his forehead resting against hers.
Aarvi smiled, her heart full, as they stood together under the glowing lights and the soft sound of the ocean waves.
You know, all of this... the guitar, the beach, the lights-it almost feels like a dream. But I'd rather not wake up from it. Darshil said
This isn't a dream Darshil.
As Darshil held Aarvi close, their hearts synchronized in the moment, he couldn't shake the lingering feeling of déjà vu. Everything about the evening-the music, the setting, even Aarvi's song-felt eerily familiar. He finally broke the silence.
All of this... it feels like it's happened before. Like I've lived this moment once, but I can't place it. Darshil said
Aarvi's expression softened, her eyes twinkling with a secret she had long kept hidden. She took a deep breath, her gaze never leaving his.
That's because it has happened before, Darshil. Aarvi said
Darshil's brow furrowed in confusion, his heart skipping a beat.
What do you mean? How can this-how can you say that? Darshil asked
Aarvi smiled, a mixture of nostalgia and love filling her eyes as she cupped his face in her hands.
Do you remember when you first saw me? Really saw me? Aarvi asked
Darshil nodded instantly, the memory crystal clear in his mind.
Of course I do, exactly Six months and fifteen days ago. You were standing in the rain, and I could see tears in your eyes. You looked... broken, like the world had wronged you somehow. Darshil said
Aarvi's smile widened, her voice soft as she began to reveal the truth.
You're right. I was crying that day... but not because of something that happened recently. I was crying in the memory of you, Darshil. Aarvi said
Darshil's heart raced. Her words didn't make sense. He felt as if the ground had shifted beneath him.
The memory of me? But... how could you have been crying over me? We'd never met before that day. I would've remembered you. Darshil asked, being confused
Aarvi's eyes flickered with emotion as she took a deep breath, steadying herself. It was time for the truth.
Do you remember your favorite music teacher, Vasudha Chauhan? The one you told me about... the woman who inspired you? Aarvi asked
Darshil's face softened at the memory. Vasudha had been a guiding light for him, someone who had nurtured his love for music. But he had also told Aarvi how that light had been tragically snuffed out when Vasudha and her family died in an accident-an event that had scarred him deeply.
Of course, I remember her. She was like a second mother to me, but she... she and her family died years ago. Why are you asking about her? Darshil said
Aarvi's voice was soft but steady, her eyes brimming with emotion as she prepared to reveal the secret she had kept for all this time.
What if I told you that Vasudha Chauhan's daughter didn't die that day? Aarvi said
Darshil froze, a wave of confusion and disbelief washing over him. He blinked, trying to process what she was saying.
What...? What are you talking about? Darshil asked
Aarvi stepped closer, her hands gripping his as if anchoring him to the truth.
Darshil... I'm Vasudha Chauhan's daughter. I didn't die that day. I survived. Aarvi said
Darshil's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing to comprehend her words. He felt as though the air had been knocked out of his lungs.
You... you're Vasudha mam's daughter? Darshil asked in surprise
Aarvi nodded, her eyes never leaving his as she continued.
I used to watch you practice with my mom all the time. I was just a little girl, but I admired you more than you ever knew. You were older, talented, and kind. I used to call you 'Darshu'... and you knew me as 'Cheeku'. Aarvi said
Darshil's breath hitched as a flood of memories washed over him. His heart pounded as he remembered the little girl who used to sit in the corner, watching him with wide eyes. Cheeku. The name rang in his mind like a bell.
Cheeku...? That was you? Darshil said, his voice was stunned like him, he was barely able to speak
Aarvi nodded, her voice soft but filled with emotion.
It was me. I had a crush on you since I was ten years old, Darshil. I used to watch you play music with my mom, and I dreamed of singing for you one day. Aarvi said
Darshil's legs felt weak, and he stumbled back slightly, his heart racing. How could this be? How had he not recognized her? He stared at her, his mind racing, trying to piece it all together and he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her tightly.
As he held Aarvi close, the weight of their shared past settling over him, he still couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story. His thoughts wandered back to the time when he had turned sixteen, and a soft smile played on his lips.
You know... I remember my 16th birthday. I was at the same place, right here on this beach, and you sang the same song. I thought it was because Vasudha aunty asked you to do it. Darshil said
Aarvi chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief as she pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze.
Is that what you thought? That my mom asked me to sing for you? Aarvi asked
Darshil's brow furrowed in confusion.
Didn't she? Darshil asked
Aarvi shook her head, her smile softening as she took his hand in hers, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his palm.
No, Darshil. My mom didn't ask me to sing for you. I did that on my own. I was only 10, but I practiced for days, just to make it perfect for you. I wanted to make you smile. Aarvi said
Darshil stared at her, stunned by the revelation. His heart swelled with emotion as he realized the significance of that moment.
You... you did that for me? You sang just for me? Darshil asked
Aarvi nodded, her voice soft but filled with love.
Yes. I didn't know how to tell you back then, but I sang for you because I wanted to make you happy. I've always been in love with you, Darshil. Even when I didn't fully understand what love meant. Aarvi said
Darshil's heart raced as her words sunk in, but confusion clouded his mind once again.
Why didn't you ever tell me before, Aarvi? Why didn't you let me know that we had this past? Darshil asked
Aarvi sighed, her smile fading slightly as her gaze turned more introspective.
Honestly, I didn't realize it myself until that day. I didn't connect the dots until that day in the room when you told me about your past. When you mentioned Vasudha Chauhan and those moments we shared... it all clicked. I realized that 'Darshu' was the boy I'd loved all along. Aarvi said
Darshil's expression softened, his heart aching with the realization of how long Aarvi had kept her feelings hidden.
I wish I had known, Aarvi. I wish I could've remembered you sooner. Darshil said
Aarvi shook her head, placing her hand gently on his cheek.
It wasn't your fault. So much happened after my mom's accident, and we both got lost in our own worlds. But the truth is... I never stopped loving you. Not even when I was supposed to. Aarvi said
Darshil looked at her with a mixture of awe and affection, but her words piqued his curiosity once more.
What do you mean, 'supposed to'? You mean when you were with Yash? Darshil asked
Aarvi's eyes flickered with a touch of sadness as she nodded.
Yes. Yash. I never wanted to be with him, or with anyone else, for that matter. But Siya kept pushing me to move on, to date someone. She thought I was stuck in the past, holding onto a memory. I didn't want to hurt her or anyone else, so... I accepted Yash's proposal. But I never let him come close to me, Darshil. I never let him touch me. Because in my heart, there was always you. Aarvi said
Darshil's heart clenched at her words, a surge of protectiveness and love rising within him. He took a step closer, his hands gently cupping her face.
You were always mine, Hazel. Even if I didn't know it back then, my heart knew it. Darshil said
Aarvi smiled, though her eyes were still misty with emotion.
That day, in the rain... when you saw me crying... I was crying because I was missing you. I was lost in memories of you, and I couldn't stop the tears. I just wanted to get out of that Yash's trap because I couldn't lie to myself anymore. Aarvi said
Darshil's heart ached, his gaze softening as he pulled her into a tight embrace. He felt the weight of everything she had been through, the years of hidden emotions, and his soul ached to make up for all that time.
I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that, Hazel. I wish I had been there for you. Darshil said
You're here now, Darshil. That's all that matters. Aarvi said
Darshil held her even tighter, his heart swelling with love for the woman who had loved him so deeply and selflessly for all these years. He pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes.
Hazel... I don't think I've ever loved anyone the way I love you. You're my past, my present, and my future. Darshil said
Aarvi's breath hitched, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she gazed up at him.
And you're mine, Darshil. You always have been. Aarvi said holding his gaze. Their faces were just few inches apart and both of them could feel the hot breath of each other on the skin. Darshil's gaze fixed on her lips.
Can I? Darshil asked
I am all yours Darshil.... You own me now. Aarvi whispered
Without another word, Darshil leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss so deep, so intense, it felt as if the world around them disappeared. It was a kiss filled with years of longing, unspoken love, and promises of forever. Aarvi melted into him, her hands gripping his shirt as she kissed him back with equal fervor.
The kiss seemed to stretch into eternity, a meeting of souls that had finally found their way back to each other. When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested against each other, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.
You have no idea how much I've waited for this moment. To have you in my arms, knowing that you love me just as much as I love you. Darshil said
Aarvi smiled, her heart overflowing with love as she rested her hands on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. Her heart swelling with love for the man she had loved all her life. She had waited years for this moment, and now that it had finally come, it felt like every second of heartache had been worth it.
I love you, Cheeku... Aarvi... my Hazel....every part of you. I always will. Darshil said as he held her tighter, his heart full of emotions he couldn't even begin to name. His voice was thick with emotion as he whispered into her hair.
I love you so much.... Aarvi whispered
And as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, they both knew that this was where they were always meant to be-together.
*********
How was the chapter readers? I literally tried my best to make the confession as beautiful as possible. Please do let me know your thoughts about this chapter.
So guys, that's all for today.
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