Strings of Us

Hope you like the chapter ✨🤍

The sun filtered softly through the sheer curtains, painting golden patterns on the wooden floor. Mehul blinked awake, eyes fluttering open to the sound of faint tapping-Shaurya typing away on his laptop at the desk near the window.

Still in his pajamas, Mehul yawned and stretched, then peeked at the clock. 9:48 AM.

He panicked a little. "Shaurya ji...! Aapne mujhe uthaya kyun nahi?" he asked, slipping off the bed hurriedly.

Shaurya turned, an amused smile curving his lips. "Kyun uthata? Tum itne pyare lag rahe the, bilkul bunny jaise. Mujhe laga tumhe thoda aur rest chahiye."

Mehul's cheeks flushed. "Main bunny nahi hoon..." he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

Shaurya closed the laptop and walked over, cupping Mehul's face gently. "Mere liye ho," he said softly, and Mehul's heart skipped.

They stood like that for a few quiet moments, just breathing each other in. There was something so intimate in the silence between them now, something Mehul couldn't name-but he liked it.

Shaurya stepped back, clearing his throat. "Chalo, fresh ho jao. Breakfast ready hai. Aaj tumhare liye ek surprise hai."

Mehul's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Kya surprise?"

Shaurya smirked. "Batata hoon... jab tum brush kar loge."

Mehul pouted. "Aap har baat pe tease kyun karte hain?"

Shaurya chuckled. "Kyunki tumhare reactions addictive hain."

Half an hour later, they were in the car, Mehul dressed in a soft beige kurta set Shaurya had gotten tailored for him. He looked elegant yet still like the boy next door, and Shaurya hadn't been able to take his eyes off him all morning.

"Shaurya ji... hum kahan ja rahe hain?" Mehul asked for the tenth time.

"Patience, Mehul," Shaurya said, amused. "Trust me, you'll love it."

They finally arrived at a quiet stretch of the Mumbai coastline-far from the crowded Marine Drive, this was a private space Shaurya had bought for when he needed peace.

Mehul's eyes widened in awe at the view. The waves kissed the sand gently, and a small picnic setup waited for them-complete with a sunshade, mat, a cooler, and soft cushions.

"This is... beautiful," Mehul whispered, walking toward the sea.

Shaurya followed behind, watching the breeze play with Mehul's hair. "I wanted to show you a place where I come when I need to breathe," he said quietly. "Ab mujhe laga... main yahan sirf tumhare saath aana chahta hoon."

Mehul turned slowly. Their eyes met.

There was something different today. A shift in the air. Mehul's heartbeat was rapid, his palms a little sweaty.

Shaurya walked closer. "Mehul... kabhi kabhi lagta hai tumhare aane se meri zindagi mein roshni aayi hai. Tumhare bina sab kuch adhoora sa lagta hai."

Mehul swallowed. "Mujhe bhi... aapke bina ajeeb lagta hai. Pehli baar kisi ke itne kareeb mehsoos kiya hai."

The silence between them wasn't empty-it was thick with anticipation.

Shaurya leaned forward slightly, pausing mere inches away. "May I?" he whispered.

Mehul nodded-just a tiny tilt of his head-and before he could second-guess himself, Shaurya closed the gap, pressing a soft, lingering kiss on his lips.