23

I still hold onto the hope

That you will be mine one day

Midnight holds a unique beauty, a serene and mystical charm that captivates the soul. The world is cloaked in a tranquil darkness, with the moon and stars casting a gentle glow, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. It’s a time when the hustle and bustle of the day fades away, leaving behind a quiet stillness that invites introspection and calm.

As the clock struck midnight, it marked the beginning of Karan’s special day. Aradhya, Reyansh, and Dhruv tiptoed into his room, careful not to make a sound. They placed the cake on the table, and Aradhya gently sat on the bed, softly caressing Karan’s hair. His eyes fluttered open, and she whispered with a wide smile, “Happy birthday, pookie.” Karan’s face lit up with a reciprocated smile.

Reyansh and Dhruv joined in, wishing him a happy birthday and enveloping him in warm hugs. Together, they cut the cake, sharing a moment of joy and celebration. Afterward, they quietly left the room, ensuring Karan could drift back into his peaceful slumber, undisturbed.

The day was a blessing,filled with happiness and peace.

Dhruv and Reyansh wanted to throw a big party as he was with them after 5 years but he refused wanting to have a small party with only them and aradhya.

Dhruv and Reyansh ate breakfast together with aradhya and Karan.

It was all of Karan's favourite dishes prepared by aradhya.

After that,they thought to watch movie.

But the time went on and when one movie ended and another started.

Like this they watched three movies.

The lunch was prepared by reyansh and dhruv.

In afternoon,Karan was sent back to his room as to decorate the living room.

Balloons and streamers adorned the walls, and a large “Happy Birthday” banner hung proudly.

As the day unfolded, a balloon that had been part of the decorations fell from the wall. Aradhya noticed it and immediately tried to put it back. She stretched and tiptoed, but the balloon was just out of her reach. With a sigh, she gave up, feeling a bit defeated.

Just then, Reyansh, who had been watching her struggle, stepped forward. He gently took the balloon from her hand and effortlessly adjusted it back on the wall. Turning to her with a slight smile, he said, “I would never let you give up on things you work on, and I would never give up on you.”

Aradhya stood there, astonished by his words. Her heartbeat quickened slightly as she looked at him, feeling a mix of surprise and warmth. It was a small moment, but it carried a deep significance.

Their eye contact was broken by the buzz of her mobile,it was call of Karan.

She answered the call moving away from Reyansh who just smiled again.

"Yes Karan?do you need anything?"

"Let me come downstairs please"he whined which made her chuckle.

"No,not happening.if you want something I will get for you but you aren't coming downstairs"

"Fine,come in my room"he replied

"No,I am busy if it's important then tell me,I will get it done for you"

"Why are you so stubborn aru! please just come once in my room, I do not want anything but I want to say something"

"Fine,I am coming"

Saying this she cut the call.

"What did he say?"Reyansh asked.

"Asking to meet me in his room"she replied and went upstairs to his room.

She opened the door and closing it after entering,she locked it.

"I won't run away sweetheart"Karan said lying on his bed.

"I don't trust you with this"she replied and he laughed.

"All right,tell me what did you want to say?"

"If i request something will you-

Aradhya cut him off in between"speak it pookie,i won't refuse especially when its your birthday"

His smile grew wider and he let out a small sigh before saying"will you wear a saree today please"

Knowing she hadn't wore saree from last 5 years,it would be a tough request so he gave her his best puppy eyes which always melts her.

She hesitated for a moment before'yes'

Rolled down her tongue.

He stood up from the bed and Hugged her tight"thank you aru"

"Don't say it,I am just doing because it's your birthday"she said with a playful hint in her eyes as she pushed him away.

He let out a laugh before Falling on his bed again.

"Jao putri jaake humare janamdin ki tayariyan Karo"he said giving her blessings dramatically.

(Go child,do preparations for my birthday)

She rolled her eyes but a small smile crept on her lips as she left his room.

Karan closed his eyes as the boredom was eating him.

After 10 minutes,he heard the door opening.he opened his eyes to find Reyansh standing there.

"What makes you come here?"Karan asked sitting up on bed.

"My Jaan requested me to be here with you or i would never ever come here"

Karan fake scowled and let out a small cry.

"You are so mean Bhai"

"I know"

"Umm could you please stay with Karan,so he doesn't come out of his room.i  wouldn't have bothered you if dhruv bhaiya weren't helping me"

"Shh it's ok Jaan,you don't need to request me.i will go in that punk's room,he won't come downstairs until you say so"

"Thank you"

"So entertain me cause I am getting bored"Karan said.

"I am not a fucking television to entertain you,I am just here to warn you that don't come out of this room or you will not have your legs"

"Can't you be a little nicer bhai?"Karan pouted.

"My little brother,i kindly tell you to not come downstairs unless told or it won't be good for your health"Reyansh said with a tint of fake sincerity and sarcasm.

______________________________________

Karan stepped down and looked around at the beautiful decoration.

He then looked at the other two males and frowned.

"Where is aradhya?"he questioned.

"In her room since an hour,just messaged to let you come downstairs"replied dhruv.

Karan nodded at his words and took his time to admire the decoration more.

As they all heard the click of heels, their heads snapped towards the stairs. Aradhya moved gracefully down, her petite body draped in a beautiful saree that accentuated her elegance. Her every step was poised, and she seemed to glide rather than walk.

Aradhya looked absolutely stunning in her saree. The fabric draped elegantly over her petite frame, highlighting her graceful silhouette. The saree itself was a work of art, with intricate embroidery and delicate patterns that shimmered under the light.

Her hair was styled perfectly, cascading down her back in soft waves, adding to her ethereal appearance. The subtle makeup she wore accentuated her natural beauty, with her eyes sparkling like stars and her lips curved into a gentle smile.

As she moved, the saree flowed with her, each step exuding poise and elegance. The combination of her attire and her innate grace made her look like she had stepped out of a dream, leaving everyone around her in awe. Reyansh, in particular, was completely mesmerized, unable to take his eyes off her, wondering how someone could be so breathtakingly beautiful.

Karan and Dhruv watched in admiration, but it was Reyansh who was most affected. As her eyes met his, he felt his knees weaken, and he stumbled, falling to the floor. He was utterly captivated by her beauty, his mind racing with thoughts of how someone could be so stunning. “Is she even real?” he wondered, completely mesmerized.

Aradhya’s presence had a profound impact on him, leaving him in awe of her grace and beauty.

As Reyansh stumbled and fell, Karan and Dhruv couldn’t help but chuckle at the unexpected turn of events. They exchanged amused glances, finding the situation both surprising and endearing.

Aradhya, on the other hand, was initially startled. Her eyes widened in concern as she quickly moved towards Reyansh. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice filled with genuine worry. But as she saw the look of awe and admiration on his face, a small smile spread across her lips.

Karan and Dhruv, noticing the tender moment, decided to give them some space. They subtly stepped back, still grinning, and watched as Aradhya helped Reyansh to his feet. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of amusement and warmth, making the moment even more memorable.

But dhruv cleared his throat and broke their moment.

"Done with romance so please come"dhruv said going to the kitchen while Karan also followed him not wanting to be a third wheel.

Reyansh slowly leaned towards Aradhya’s ear, his breath warm against her skin. He whispered softly, “Mujhe bheja tha duniya dekhne ko, mein ek chehre ko takta reh gaya.” Her breath hitched at the proximity, and she felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks.

(I was sent to see the world and my eyes stuck staring at only one face)

Despite the fluttering in her heart, Aradhya placed a hand on his chest and gently pushed him away. The softness in her eyes from moments ago hardened as she stepped back, her expression now guarded. Without a word, she turned and left the room.

Reyansh, however, didn’t mind her reaction. He stood there, a foolish smile spreading across his face, completely enchanted by her presence and the moment they had shared.

The group gathered around the table, the cake adorned with candles flickering brightly. Karan, with a wide smile, stood at the center, flanked by Aradhya, Reyansh, and Dhruv. They all joined in singing “Happy Birthday,” their voices blending harmoniously. Karan made a wish and blew out the candles, and together, they cut the cake, laughter and cheers filling the room.

As the evening progressed, the celebration continued with music, dancing, and drinks. Karan, caught up in the joy of the moment, had a bit too much to drink. His steps grew unsteady, and his words slurred with each passing minute. Dhruv noticed and decided it was time to help him to his room. Supporting Karan, he guided him upstairs, ensuring he was comfortable and could rest.

He tucked Karan safely in and was about to leave but Karan holds his hand.

"Bhai stay with me"Karan said showing his all teeth.

He let out a soft sigh and nodded, sitting down on his bed,dhruv placed Karan's head on his lap and caressed his hairs.

___________________________________

As dhruv and Karan left,Reyansh and Aradhya were the only ones left. The room, now quieter, held a different kind of atmosphere. Reyansh and Aradhya exchanged glances, the earlier tension still lingering in the air.

Reyansh, still smiling from their earlier interaction, looked at Aradhya with a mix of curiosity and affection. The night had taken an unexpected turn, leaving them alone to navigate the unspoken feelings between them.

He settled down beside her on couch.

"It feels so good after a long time"Reyansh said initiating a conversation.

She just hummed at his words.

"May I hold your hands please?"he hesitated.

She looked at him for a brief minute and then nodded.

"I know what are you thinking jaan.i know you don't believe me when I say I love you.but it's true I do love you,I love you so much that i can't even measure it"

"It's just a sympathy Reyansh not love.you just regret doing all those things to me which make you feel sympathy to me, it's not called love."she calmly explained him.

"It may have started with sympathy.i when heard you crying in garden,my heart burned.seeing your eyes blank and emotionless hurt me and knowing I was the reason broke me.as my guilt increased each day my feelings for you blossomed too.i didn't mean to fall for you even after knowing that I do not deserve to be loved by you.i shielded myself with anger to protect myself but at that time it felt hollow as your painful cries rang in my ears.when I heard you say your parents also abused you,it made me feel more worse about myself.dont worry I made them suffer in these 5 years but not enough for them to break down cause I want you to do it, it's your right to do so.never in my entire life i questioned my actions as much I did back then after hurting you.i never cried after my grandfather's death but i cried every single night after you left.at that night Neha came there,i was drenched in rain and even though you hated me but you still gave me towel so I don't get sick.tell me why did you do this?it made my heart flutter yet burn at the same time.you slept on floor because I said it but you didn't sleep on bed after i said it which made me sleepless.i never in those 5 years slept on bed.

It started with sympathy but it didn't continue with that jaan.it turned hauntingly beautiful,what people call it is love.i want to fix those broken chords and dance on the tune of love with you,let me please!"

Tears spilled out of their eyes like pearls.

"But I dont love you Reyansh"

"You don't need to jaan.my love will be enough for us.you don't hate me right? that's the biggest achievement for me.tell me please,do you?"

"I don't"she whispered.

He smiled bitterly"you are trh kindest soul jaan.even after this much you don't hate me"

"It's not true,I hated you.i hated you to the deepest core of my heart but maybe not anymore.this doesn't mean I like or love you.but it seems that i can't hate you anymore and I can never love you.never.dont love me this much,your heart will shatter like mine.mine broke because I was love starved and yours will break cause you didn't get same love from me"

More tears rolled down her cheeks as she completed her words.

He gently wiped the tears with his another hand.

"This is where you are wrong aradhya.

You can stab me in heart but this heart will still beat for you.you can shatter it into pieces but you will still find your image in it.you don't love me is acceptable to me but you not with me isn't even bearable to me.no matter what I will beg for forgiveness till my last breath until you don't forgive me."

His words created a havoc in her mind but still she asked"why?"

"Because I love you.i love you so much.after I came here to Italy,I found you,this was the most blessed moment of my life.

Everytime I thought I have found the depths of my fall for you,I am proved wrong.you shatter my illusion.you come infront of me and gives me endless reasons to fall for you all over again.your eyes are like deep pools of warmth and mystery, drawing me in their rich,earthy hue.your eyes seem to hold entire worlds in them.your eyes aren't just beautiful they are a window to your soul, revealing the strength,kindness and pain with in them.

Your lips have a perfect shape, curving into a smile that could light up the room and warm my heart.

You are the epitome of grace and elegance,a vision that seems almost ethereal.

I am captivated by the way you carry yourself,with a quiet confidence and innate grace.

You are a living embodiment of beauty both inside and out.

You don't know how much grateful I am to be able to breathe the same air as you.

Agar kabhi mujhe maaf kar sako toh kar dena,kyunki mein toh kabhi nahi kar paunga"

(If you could ever forgive me,so do because I won't be able to forgive myself )

How's the chapter?

Thankyou for reading

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