Chapter 12: A Glimpse of Forever (TTPW)

The air was stagnant outside, but it reeked of strong jasmine, one of those nights on which time just seemed to thicken. Aarav and Maya walked much of the evening, neither of them really wanting to see off the other. The silence had taken on a gentle quality with this new understanding of each other.

As they strolled towards Maya's apartment, she made it to the steps and turned to him. The faintly illuminated gleam of the streetlamp edged over her smile, and Aarav couldn't help but feel amazed at how inhumanly well she lighted up any darkness corner within his mind.

"Thanks for tonight," she said warmly.

"For what?" Aarav asked, tilting his head a little.

"For. being you," she whispered, her cheeks colored in the faintest blush. "For playing, for sharing. It means more than I can say."

Aarav chuckled softly, raking a hand through his hair. "I should be thanking you. You're the one who made me believe it was worth sharing."

She moved closer, and the yard-wide distance narrowed down to inches. "Perhaps we've been giving each other something we both needed," she murmured barely above a whisper.

Aarav's eyes remained on hers, the unsaid words hanging heavy in the air. "You've changed everything, Maya," he said at last, his voice steady though emotions churned within him.

Before she could answer, the rain dropped a small tap on her cheek, then another. The evening clouds that had threatened all evening finally decided to give in.

Maya laughed-a bright musical sound filling the space above and around them. "Perfect timing," she said, punctuating her words with the growing rhythm of raindrops battering down onto the pavement.

Aarav instinctively pulled her under the small awning by her apartment door. "You're going to catch a cold," he teased although his lips were curled upwards in smile.

"And you won't?" she shot back her grin mischievous.

For a moment, they stood there, the rain pouring around them, like a curtain separating them from the rest of the world. Aarav's hand was still wrapped around hers, and neither seemed in any hurry to let go.

"Maya," he began, low and aching with a desperation he couldn't quite explain. "There's something I need to—"

A car horn blaring cut through the spell. They both turned to see Maya's mother getting out of a cab.

"Maya!" her mother called, her voice warm, but startled. "What are you doing outside in the rain?"

Maya pulled her hand away from Aarav's; but the movement was unenthusiastic. "I was just talking to a friend, mom," she said in a bright tone, waving her mom over.

As they were introducing each other, Aarav might catch himself looking at Maya and the way she was playing with her mother. There was such tenderness in her voice, such quiet strength in the way she spoke. It was yet another layer of hers that he was falling for.

After her mother went inside finally, Maya turned to Aarav again, apologetic in her expression. "Sorry about that. She likes to make an entrance."

Aarav's head moved in a negative gesture, though a small smile nudged his lips outward. "It's okay. She seems nice."

Maya hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping to the ground before meeting his. "She has been through a lot. I just. try to make things easier for her."

Aarav nodded, all too well aware of the weight of unspoken responsibilities. "You are incredible, you know that?" he said softly but firmly.

Maya laughed, but there was just the smallest involvement in her eyes. "I think you are giving me too much credit."

"No," Aarav said, closer to her. "I don't think I am giving you enough."

The words hung between them, heavy with meaning. But before either could say more, the rain began to let up, the storm giving way to a quiet drizzle.

Maya looked up at the sky, down at Aarav. "I should probably go in," she said, but she didn't get up to go.

"I really should get going too."

But even as they said the words, neither seemed able to tear away. The night was urging them back: it wanted them to hold on to this moment a little while longer.

Finally, Maya stepped aside, her fingers brushing against his one last time. "Goodnight, Aarav," she whispered softly.

"Goodnight, Maya," he said, his eyes staying on her as she disappeared into her apartment.

The rest of the days were a haze of music and art, late-night calls and shared silences. Aarav was composing more than ever: melodies seemed to pour out of him like the dam that finally let go.

Maya, too, seemed inspired in a way she hadn't been before. Her sketches grew bolder, more vibrant, each one capturing a piece of the world as she saw it.

Their worlds, once separate and guarded, had begun to merge in a way that felt both inevitable and extraordinary. And though neither spoke the words out loud, they both knew—this was something more than friendship.

One evening, Aarav took Maya to a small secretive, unnoticed café, which was an art gallery at the same time. The walls held paintings and sketches telling stories.

"I thought you would like this place," Aarav said as he led them in.

Maya's eyes lit up while absorbing all the paintings. "It's amazing," she said in a wonder-filled voice.

They sat there for hours, talking of everything and nothing at all. There was something Aarav found himself speaking of things he hadn't shared with anyone—the fears, the dreams, the parts he kept locked.

And Maya listened, steady and unwavering in her presence.

By the time they left, it was painted with twilight hues upon the sky, the first stars beginning to show.

"Thanks for tonight," Maya said as they walked back. "For. everything."

Aarav stopped, looking back at her. "Maya, he started saying, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside his chest. "I need you to know something. You've changed my life in ways that I just cannot get into explanation. And I don't want to imagine it without you in it."

Maya's breath caught, and her heart pounded within her chest. She looked into his eyes, finding nothing but sincerity and warmth.

"You're not alone anymore, Aarav," she told him, her voice trembling but strong. "We'll figure this out. Together."

It felt like the world had finally aligned under the vast expanse of night sky to bring them to that moment, a glimpse into forever.