21.the pause

Let's take the story forward and build upon their relationship in the next chapter. I'll focus on developing the

The days passed by quickly, and the summer holidays were beginning to settle into a new routine. Riya couldn't help but feel a sense of change in the air. It wasn't just the school break or the free time—it was something about her connection with Vishal.

They had gone from texting every day to having long conversations into the night, each conversation becoming more comfortable, more intimate. And yet, despite everything, something was missing. They hadn't seen each other face to face in days. The phone calls were nice, but there was a different kind of warmth that came from sitting together, laughing in person, and feeling the chemistry that had first sparked between them.

Today, Riya was sitting on the balcony of her room, scrolling through her phone absentmindedly. She hadn't spoken to Vishal yet today, but she knew they'd talk soon enough. The sun was setting, and the sky was painted in hues of gold and pink. She leaned against the railing, her thoughts wandering to the last time they had been together, when everything felt so new and fresh. Now, it felt like they were in a comfortable rhythm, but something still tugged at her.

Just then, her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts.

Vishal (text): What's up?

Riya's heart skipped a beat as she quickly typed back.

Riya (text): Not much. Just thinking about how much I miss our late-night talks.

She smiled as she sent the message, already imagining his teasing response. It didn't take long before his reply came.

Vishal (text): I miss them too. You've been keeping me on my toes with all the drama in your life, Riya. How am I supposed to focus when I'm constantly wondering about what's going on in that head of yours?

Riya couldn't help but laugh at his message. He always knew how to make her smile, even through a screen.

Riya (text): Drama, huh? I think you're confusing me with someone else. I'm as chill as they come.

Vishal (text): Oh, really? Because last I checked, you were the one who got all riled up over nothing a few days ago. Remember that phone call?

Riya groaned as she remembered that incident. It had been a typical Vishal joke, one that had completely thrown her off balance, and her reaction had been… not the most graceful.

Riya (text): You had no idea how loud your voice was, Vishal. It was like your brother was yelling through the phone.

Vishal (text): Well, maybe he was! Can't help it if we're passionate people. But fine, I'll work on my volume control if that helps.

Riya (text): I'll hold you to that.

They exchanged a few more texts, with Riya feeling that familiar warmth in her chest. She set her phone down for a moment, gazing out at the sunset. A thought crossed her mind.

Riya (text): I've been thinking… I'm kind of glad we're doing this. I know we're both busy, but I don't want to lose this. What we have, I mean.

She bit her lip after sending the message, hoping she hadn't come on too strong. The vulnerability in her words wasn't something she was used to showing, but she wanted him to know how much their connection meant to her.

It felt like forever before he replied, and when the message came, Riya's heart raced.

Vishal (text): I've been thinking the same thing, Riya. It's not just the talks or the fun moments—it's everything. And it's different with you. But I've been wondering… how do we make this work? With the distance and all that?

Riya's heart sank slightly at his words. He was right. They were both busy, and now that summer was here, they'd be spending more time apart. He had his plans, and she had hers. Would they be able to make this work?

Riya (text): I don't know. But I think if we want it to work, we can find a way. I don't want to lose what we have either. So, I guess we just keep talking, right?

She felt a weight lift off her shoulders when he replied almost immediately.

Vishal (text): Yeah, we'll figure it out. One step at a time. Maybe not every day, but enough to keep this going. And who knows, maybe when the summer break is over, we'll have more time to see each other.

The optimism in his message made her feel lighter. She smiled, even though he couldn't see it.

Riya (text): That sounds good. I can't wait to see you again.

The next few days passed in a blur of messages and missed calls. It felt almost like they were both holding on to something intangible, something they weren't ready to let go of. They'd find time to talk, but each conversation ended with the same bittersweet thought in their minds: What happens next?

Finally, it was the weekend. Riya had planned to meet up with Aanya and Priya for a coffee date at their favorite café, and as luck would have it, Vishal called her just as she was getting ready.

Vishal (on the phone): Hey, are you busy?

Riya (smiling): Not really. I'm heading out to meet the girls for a bit.

Vishal: Ah, I see. Girl time, huh? You know, you always seem to be surrounded by people. What's that like?

Riya: It's fun. I need the distraction sometimes. Keeps me from thinking too much.

There was a pause, and for a moment, Riya wondered if he was thinking the same thing.

Vishal: You know, I wish I could be there with you. It's been too long since I've seen you.

Riya (laughing softly): Don't worry. I'll save you a seat at the next hangout. Who knows? Maybe I'll introduce you to Aanya's "famous chai. She says it can fix anything.

Vishal (laughing): I'll hold you to that. But hey, are you doing okay? I know this break is making things feel a bit distant.

Riya: Yeah, I'm okay. Just a little… you know, I miss our talks. I feel like we're still figuring this out, you know?

Vishal: I get it. It's hard, but I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to worry about that.

Riya (softly): I know. I just want things to be normal, but… I think I'm realizing that maybe we're not in a normal relationship. It's special. But different.

There was a long silence on the other end, and Riya wondered if she had said too much. She wasn't used to being this vulnerable, especially with someone she liked so much. But before she could say anything else, Vishal spoke again.

Vishal (gently): I think you're right. This is different. But I like it. And I'm glad it's with you.

Riya's heart fluttered at his words, and she felt her nerves settle.

Riya (smiling softly): Me too. Okay, I have to go. But I'll talk to you later, alright?

Vishal: Of course. Enjoy your coffee date, Riya. And hey, don't forget about the chai.

Riya (laughing): I won't. Talk soon.

As she hung up, Riya felt a warmth spread through her chest. It was strange, but she felt like things were finally starting to make sense. Yes, the distance was hard, and yes, she was still figuring out how to navigate this new dynamic with Vishal. But there was something comforting in knowing that they were both willing to try. They were on the same page, even if it wasn't perfect.

Later that evening, after she had spent a few hours with Aanya and Priya, Riya found herself thinking about Vishal again. He was right: the relationship they had was different from anything she'd experienced before. And maybe that's what made it so special. Maybe that's what made it worth the effort.

As she lay in bed that night, her phone buzzed once more.

Vishal (text): Goodnight, Riya. Just wanted to remind you that I'm always here. Talk soon. 💭

Riya's smile grew as she read the message. She quickly typed back:

Riya (text): Goodnight, Vishal. Sleep well. And I'll be thinking of you.

She hit send and placed her phone on the nightstand. As she closed her eyes, a sense of peace settled over her. Things weren't perfect, but they were moving forward. And that was enough for now.

The days drifted by like the calm breeze that swept through Riya's room, carrying with it the aroma of summer—the season of relaxation, freedom, and the promise of adventures. But for Riya, this summer felt more complicated. Despite the carefree vibe that came with the holidays, she found herself caught in a web of emotions. Her heart tugged every time she thought about Vishal. The texts, the calls, the lingering moments of intimacy they shared—it wasn't enough. It was like they were stuck in a pause, neither moving forward nor letting go.

She spent more time alone, lost in thought, replaying their last conversation over and over. The way Vishal had sounded so reassuring when he said, "I'm not going anywhere, Riya." Those words echoed in her mind, reminding her that despite the distance, he was still there, still waiting for her to catch up. But how long could they keep doing this? The physical distance between them was becoming more palpable with every passing day. She had always been the type to seek clarity, but with Vishal, everything felt uncertain. The uncertainty gnawed at her.

It was a quiet morning when her phone buzzed, breaking the silence that had settled in her room. Riya glanced at the screen, her pulse quickening when she saw Vishal's name.

Vishal (text): Hey, where are you right now?

Riya sat up straighter, a small smile curving on her lips. Where am I? She thought. It felt so odd that he asked. It wasn't like he needed to know her exact location. But it was still something that connected them, like a tiny thread that they both held onto.

Riya (text): I'm just at home, chilling. Why?

Vishal (text): Hmm, what if I said I'm nearby and thinking of stopping by for a surprise?

Riya's heart skipped a beat. A surprise? He was nearby? Her fingers hovered over her phone for a second. Was he serious? It had been weeks since they last saw each other in person. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd actually been able to touch his arm, hear his laugh in person, feel his presence. It was always through the phone screen.

Riya (text): Stop by? Are you sure?

She bit her lip nervously, wondering if this was actually going to happen. She had been craving the moment when they would be together again. But she also didn't want to get her hopes up too quickly.

Vishal (text): You're not going to believe it, but yeah, I'm just a few blocks away. Got time for me?

Riya (text): I always have time for you.

She hit send before she could even stop herself. The words had slipped out so naturally, but they held so much meaning. I always have time for you. It was true, she did. But would he feel the same way once they were face to face again? Could they pick up right where they left off?

Just as she was about to set her phone down, it buzzed again.

Vishal (text): Be ready, Riya. I'll be there in 10 minutes.

Riya's heart raced as she scrambled to throw on a simple outfit. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. After all this time, they were finally going to be in the same place again. But she didn't want to overthink it. She just wanted to enjoy the moment, however fleeting it might be.

---

When Vishal knocked on her door ten minutes later, Riya's breath hitched. She opened the door to find him standing there, grinning, holding a small bouquet of her favorite flowers in his hand.

"Surprise," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Riya couldn't help but laugh, her nerves dissipating instantly. She stepped aside to let him in, and as he entered, she took in the sight of him—tall, wearing a casual tee and jeans, his hair slightly messy from the wind. He looked just like she remembered, yet something felt different.

"You're actually here," she said, her voice soft, almost as if she couldn't believe it.

He gave a half-shrug, still smiling. "I told you I'd be here, didn't I?"

He handed her the flowers, and she took them, her fingers brushing against his. The touch sent a small shiver down her spine, a reminder of how much she had missed him.

"Thank you," Riya said, smelling the flowers. "These are beautiful."

Vishal nodded, his smile fading a little as he took in the quietness between them. He cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "I'm glad you like them."

They both stood there for a moment, unsure of what to say next. Riya's mind raced, trying to find the right words to bridge the gap that had formed between them over the phone. How could everything feel so easy and comfortable in the past, and now—now it was different?

"So…" Vishal started, scratching the back of his neck. "What's been keeping you busy?"

Riya glanced at him, still holding the flowers in her hands. "You know, the usual. Just hanging out with Aanya and Priya. Not much else. What about you? How was the trip?"

"It was good. But honestly, it felt like something was missing." Vishal paused, as if he were choosing his words carefully. "It felt like I was always thinking about something—someone—else."

Riya met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat. She knew what he meant, and she felt the same. But she wasn't sure how to say it. It was as if they were both standing on the edge of something, unsure whether to take the next step or hold back.

Before she could say anything, Vishal took a step closer to her, the distance between them narrowing. "I missed you, Riya. I really did."

She could hear the sincerity in his voice, and it made her heart swell. But at the same time, there was a part of her that hesitated. She had been thinking about this moment for so long, and now that it was here, she wasn't sure how to respond.

"I missed you too," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. The room was thick with unspoken words, emotions that were too complicated to untangle in a single moment. But then Vishal reached out, gently taking her hand in his.

"I know it's been weird, with the distance and everything," he said, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. "But I'm not going anywhere, Riya. Not if you don't want me to."

Riya looked up at him, her breath caught in her chest. "And what if I do want you to stay?"

Vishal's gaze softened, and he took a step closer. "Then I'll stay. I'll stay, no matter what."

The words hung between them, an unspoken promise, a vow that neither of them had expected to make so soon but had always known was there. It was a promise that made Riya's heart race and her thoughts swirl. They didn't know what the future held, but in that moment, everything felt right.

"Do you think…" Riya started, her voice trembling slightly. "Do you think we can make this work?"

Vishal smiled, a genuine, soft smile that made her feel like everything would be okay. "I think we already are."

Before she could say anything more, he leaned in slightly, his face close to hers. The room seemed to fade away as she felt his breath against her skin. For a moment, they just stood there, caught in the electricity of the moment.

And then, as if on instinct, Riya closed the gap, her lips meeting his in a kiss that felt like the culmination of everything they had been through—every phone call, every text, every moment of hesitation and longing.

The kiss was soft at first, tentative, as if they were both unsure of what would happen next. But as time passed, it deepened, growing more confident. Vishal's hand cupped her face, pulling her closer, and Riya responded, her arms winding around his neck.

It was a kiss full of promise, full of everything they had wanted and feared, and yet it felt so natural, so inevitable.

When they finally pulled away, breathless, Riya leaned her forehead against his, her heart still racing.

"I guess we're doing this," she whispered, a smile tugging at her lips.

Vishal chuckled softly. "Yeah. I think we are."

And for the first time in a long while, Riya felt a sense of peace settle over her. The uncertainty, the fear—it was all still there, but it didn't matter. They were in this together, and for the first time, that was enough.