The Malhotras

The car was filled with silence, the silence was not uncomfortable but it was heavy. Shreya wanted to talk to him but didn't know how to start. Advait was silently driving the car, his gaze was fixed on the road ahead. She was glancing at him from time to time, she wanted to talk to him. She wanted him to share his pain with her.

"Kuch kehna hai aapko?" Advait asked softly.

She shook her head but then nodded, he glanced at her raising his brow.

"Haan ya naa?" He asked.

She nodded, "Ji, kehna hai."

"Kahiye." He said.

She looked outside, "Hum thodi der aage beach par ruk sakte hain?" She asked.

He nodded, "Sure."

After five minutes, he parked the car and stepped down. He opened her side of the door making her smile at the little gesture. They looked around, the beach was not crowded at that hour only a few couples could be seen doing their unholy business in the shadow of the darkness.

"Wahan baithein?" She asked pointing at the quiet place.

Advait nodded, they sat down on the cool sand, his guards were standing alerted at the distance.

She pressed her knees close to her chest placing her chin on her arms which were resting on her knees. She turned at him, he was already staring at her with the undeniable warmth in his eyes. Her face was glowing in the moon light making her look more enchanting.

She looked at the full moon in the sky and closed her eyes in peace, "Chaand kitna khoobsurat lag raha haina?" She made a statement turning towards him.

"Bohot khoobsurat lag raha hai." He said drowning into her dark orbs, not even averted his gaze from her face. His gaze was fixed on her glowing face.

She blushed at that making Advait really smiled this time. He started looking up at the moon, they sat there in a comfortable silence for a few minutes.

"Kya soch rahe hain?" She asked.

"Yahi ki aap itni khoobsurat kaise hain?" He said looking at her with a mischievous smile but something was off. His eyes.

"Baatein ghumana band kijiye, Mr. Malhotra." She said, well aware that he was trying to divert her mind.

He inhaled deeply before looking away.

"Aap theek hain?" She asked while searching his eyes for any kind of sign.

He nodded looking ahead but she swatted his arm narrowing her eyes, "Jhooth bolna band karenge aap?" She said angrily.

He looked at her from side eye, "Lagi mujhe." He complained feigning hurt.

"Lagni bhi chahiye." She glared at him.

She leaned on his arm resting her head on his bicep. Advait closed his eyes feeling calm, her touch was grounding. She unknowingly calmed the chaos brewing inside his heart.

"Aapko mujhse jhooth bolne ki jarurat nahi hai Advait." She said slowly.

"Aur aapko aisa kyun lagta hai ki mai aap se jhooth bol raha hoon?" He asked.

She sat up straight and looked into his eyes, "Aapki jo ye badi badi aankhein hai na ye aapki baaton se match nahi ho rahi." She looked between his both eyes.

He chuckled.

She cupped his cheeks gently, "You know I'm always here for you, Right?" She asked.

He held her hands which were cupping his cheeks and looked down, "Mujhe bohot dar lag raha hai." He said, his voice was hoarse.

She looked at him confused.