15 | The Whisper of Unspoken Words

The air was thick with the scent of street food as Arjun and Naina navigated through the bustling market. The city was alive with colors and sounds, vendors calling out their wares, children weaving through the crowd with laughter ringing out like chimes. Naina's grip tightened on her newly acquired poetry book, its weight comforting against her chest.

Arjun was walking beside her, hands shoved in his pockets, his eyes scanning the chaos with casual indifference. Naina watched him from the corner of her eye, wondering how he could look so calm amidst the madness.

They stopped at a stall selling colorful bangles, the glass shimmering under the sun. Naina's eyes sparkled as she reached out, fingers brushing over delicate reds and golds.

You like those?

Naina's heart skipped at his voice, but she didn't look at him. They're pretty.

Arjun's expression softened, something unreadable flickering in his eyes before he looked away. He cleared his throat. You should get them.

Naina shook her head. I've spent enough today. Besides, I don't need them.

Arjun scoffed. Since when did needing something ever matter?

She opened her mouth to argue but stopped when she noticed him already talking to the vendor, negotiating with the practiced ease of someone who did this often.

Arjun, I said—

Too late. He handed her a set of crimson and gold bangles, their colors vibrant against his tanned skin. Here. Consider it a thank you.

For what?

For not running off when I 'borrowed' that scooter.

Naina's lips twitched. You mean when you stole that scooter?

Borrowed, he insisted, a smug grin playing on his lips.

Naina rolled her eyes but took the bangles, feeling their cool weight settle on her wrists. They were beautiful. She hated that he knew exactly what she would like.

They continued walking, a comfortable silence stretching between them. Naina glanced at Arjun, catching the way his eyes softened as he watched a child chase a kite, his guard slipping for just a moment.

He caught her staring. What?

Nothing. You're just… different today.

Arjun's eyebrow arched. Different how?

Less annoying.

He laughed, the sound warm and genuine, and for a second, Naina's heart stuttered. Arjun looked so… carefree. So unlike the arrogant boy she was used to.

They reached a street lined with food stalls, the smell of spicy chaat and sweet jalebis making Naina's stomach rumble. Arjun's eyes lit up. Hungry?

A little.

Arjun didn't wait for another word. He marched over to the chaat stall, ordering two plates. Naina watched in amusement as he argued with the vendor about the spice level.

You can't handle spicy, Arjun.

He scoffed. Watch and learn, bookworm.

They sat on a low wall, balancing the plates on their knees. The first bite set Naina's mouth on fire, and she saw Arjun's eyes widen, his bravado crumbling. But he kept eating, jaw clenched, refusing to admit defeat.

Naina bit back a laugh. I told you.

Shut up.

His voice was strained, his eyes watering, and Naina couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. She doubled over, the world around her fading as she clutched her stomach, tears of mirth streaming down her face.

Arjun watched her, his face softening. There it was again—that look she couldn't quite decipher.

The laughter died down, and Naina wiped her eyes, her chest light. Thanks. For today.

Arjun shrugged, looking away. It's nothing.

But it wasn't nothing. She knew it. And maybe… he did too.

They wandered through the market, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold. Naina felt her heart settle into an easy rhythm, her guard lowering. It was almost… peaceful.

Almost.

Until she heard a familiar voice calling her name.

Naina?

She turned, her heart sinking. Karan stood a few feet away, his face a mixture of surprise and confusion. His eyes flickered to Arjun, his posture tensing.

What are you doing here?

Naina opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her mind was a tangled mess, her heart racing.

Karan's gaze hardened as he looked at Arjun, suspicion burning in his eyes. And what are you doing with him?

Arjun's expression turned cold, his carefree demeanor vanishing. Just taking a walk.

With my girlfriend?

The words hung in the air, heavy and accusing. Naina felt a cold knot form in her stomach. She opened her mouth to explain, to say something, anything, but her voice failed her.

Arjun's eyes flicked to her, a flash of something vulnerable crossing his face before his expression hardened. Whatever. Let's go, Naina.

Karan reached for her arm, his grip firm. Come on. We're leaving.

Naina looked between them, her heart aching. Karan's eyes were filled with anger, hurt twisting his features. Arjun's face was guarded, his shoulders tense, his hands clenched at his sides.

She wanted to explain. To make them understand. But the words refused to come.

Naina… Karan's voice softened, his fingers tightening around her arm. Let's go.

She looked at Arjun, who was already turning away, his back rigid, his steps hurried as he walked into the crowd, disappearing from view.

Naina's heart sank, her chest tightening painfully. She wanted to call out, to stop him, but her voice was a broken whisper.

Arjun…

But he was gone.

And for the first time, Naina felt the weight of unspoken words crushing her, each step away from him echoing in her heart like a whisper she'd never get to voice.

--END--