Silver-Topaz

Khushi was standing by the bedroom window,  He walked towards her. "What is it, Khushi?" She looked at him for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Shyam called me today." The warmth disappeared from Arnav's face instantly. His jaw tightened. "He what?" Khushi gently placed a hand over his arm before he could react further. "Please... listen to me first." He nodded, although every muscle in his body had become rigid. "What did he say? Did he threaten you?" "He tried " She pulled out her phone from the pocket of her kurti. "I... I recorded the conversation." Arnav frowned. "You recorded it?" Khushi gave him a small, hesitant smile. "I know the lawyer had suggested collecting evidence if Shyam ever contacted us again." She paused before looking directly into his eyes. "But... that wasn't the biggest reason." Her voice became softer. "Also .. I wanted you to believe me."...

The balcony overlooked the glittering lights of Mumbai, but Tripti barely noticed them. She stood motionless, her fingers wrapped tightly around the cold railing, her mind drifting thousands of miles away to Singapore. That was where she had been. Living comfortably. Taking care of their family business. Convincing herself that she had moved on. She had spent years telling herself that ambition came first, that relationships could always wait. Shivaay had wanted commitment- a future. She had wanted freedom, success, excitement. So she had walked away. No... She hadn't merely walked away. She had broken him. At the time, his pain hadn't mattered to her. She had believed he would recover. She had believed people like Shivaay always forgave. She had believed she would always have the option of returning if she ever changed her mind. How arrogant she had been. Then, weeks ago, an unexpected phone call had arrived. Senior Jha. An old acquaintance of her father from...

It was already 10 am. Both slept again after their early morning adventure. Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of the hotel room.  Anjali stirred awake slowly. For a few peaceful seconds, she felt strangely content. Then the memories of the previous evening and early morning came rushing back. It was very different when it was dark. Now she was feeling like she is completely stripped off in front of him which she didn't feel in the early morning.  Her eyes widened. Beside her, Anuj was already awake. He had been watching the city skyline through the window, lost in thought. Sensing movement, he turned around. Their eyes met. Immediately, both looked away. An awkward silence filled the room. Neither quite knew how to begin. Finally, Anuj broke the silence with a small smile. "Good morning." Anjali managed a nervous smile. "Good morning." The simplicity of the greeting somehow made everything feel even more awkward. After a moment, both laughed softly....