26/01/2024 23:35

As Ahaana made her way home with her family, Raj settled into his room, stealing a moment's rest before moving towards the ocean.

With the last local train to Marine Lines departing at 00:00, the railway station was just a 10-minute walk from Raj's location.

11:40

Raj was off for the railway station with his hoodie on , energized by the day's events, he prepared to venture out to Marine Drive.

The city buzzed with life, its streets filled with the aroma of street food and the sound of laughter. Raj's heart raced with anticipation as he made his way to the railway station, the cool night air invigorating his senses. Raj reached the station at 23:48, went to the ticket counter, took 2 tickets for Marine lines. He then sprinted over to platform 6 from where the local was scheduled to come at 11:51.

As Raj boarded the nearly empty local train, he couldn't help but marvel at the contrast between the bustling city life and the calmness of the late-night journey. The rhythmic sound of the train on the tracks was almost hypnotic, lulling him into a peaceful state of mind. As the train moved forward, Raj's thoughts drifted to Ahaana. He replayed their moments together in his mind, from their unexpected encounter at the family gathering to the intimate moment they shared before parting ways for the night. He wondered what the future held for them, and a sense of excitement mixed with apprehension washed over him.

Raj's phone buzzed, breaking his reverie. It was a message from Ahaana. "I am at the station, did you board?"

Raj replied “Reaching in 5 bubs!”.

Raj and Ahaana had already planned that they wanted to spend every possible moment together and hence Ahaana went back to her home and made an excuse to go out tonight with her friends. Raj on the other hand wanted to squeeze water from the stone and make the most of the time they spent together, because in his inner conscience he knew he had to go back in some time and then they won’t get these moments again.

The local arrived at Ahaana’s Station.

Raj's heart raced as he hurried to the door. The city seemed to blur past him, matching the whirlwind of emotions inside him. As he arrived, he spotted Ahaana waiting, her eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and longing.

"I thought you might not come," Ahaana confessed as Raj approached.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world," Raj replied, his voice filled with sincerity.

As they boarded the train, the world around them faded. It was just the two of them, lost in their own universe. The train rattled on, each passing moment a bittersweet reminder of their limited time together.

They sat close, their hands brushing against each other, sending electric sparks through their bodies. The train's rhythmic motion seemed to sync with the beating of their hearts, a silent testament to the love that bound them.

00:30

A bunch of lgbtq people boarded the train at the next station and started to demand money from men around, few of them gave few didn’t. Raj, protective of Ahaana, swiftly positioned himself between her and the group. Despite feeling unsettled, he calmly took out some cash and handed it to the group, hoping to avoid any confrontation and ensure Ahaana's safety.

Ahaana hugged Raj tightly, her voice barely a whisper, "You're the one I've always dreamt of." Raj held her close, feeling a rush of emotions. In that moment, amidst the chaos of the city, they found solace in each other's embrace, their hearts beating as one.

As the train rattled along the tracks, Raj and Ahaana found themselves lost in their own little world. Raj leaned back, looking out of the window at the passing scenery, while Ahaana sat beside him, her head resting on his shoulder.

Ahaana: (teasingly) You know, Raj, if you keep staring out of the window like that, you'll miss all the beautiful sights right here beside you.

Raj: (smiling) Oh, but the most beautiful sight is right here next to me. How can I look away?

Ahaana blushed, playfully nudging him with her elbow.

Ahaana: (giggling) Smooth talker, aren't you? But I'll take the compliment!

Raj: (grinning) Only stating the truth, Ahaana. Besides, who wouldn't be mesmerized by your beauty?

Raj looked at Ahaana and said, "You know, if this train were a film, this would be the part where we'd have a quirky, romantic montage with a song playing in the background."

Ahaana chuckled, "Oh, really? And what would be happening in this montage?"

Raj grinned, "Well, we'd be looking out of the window, sharing deep thoughts about life and love, and then suddenly break into a spontaneous dance in the aisle."

Ahaana laughed, "You watch too many movies, Raj. But I like the idea. Shall we?" She stood up and extended her hand.

Raj took her hand and twirled her gently in the narrow aisle, their laughter filling the air. They came close and just held each other kissing passionately.

As they settled back into their seats, Ahaana said, "You know, even without the music and the montage, this journey feels like a movie with you."

Raj smiled, "Yeah, a movie where the hero and heroine meet on a train and embark on a life-changing journey together."

Ahaana teased, "Does that mean we're going to have a happily ever after?"

Raj took some time and said in a low tone, "I hope so”.

Ahaana, feeling playful, whispered, "Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?"

Raj chuckled, "Well, if you walk by again, I might just have to chase after you."

Their laughter filled the compartment, blending with the rhythmic sound of the train. Raj gently lifted Ahaana's chin and looked into her eyes. Without a word, he leaned in, and their lips met in a soft, tender kiss, full of unspoken emotions and the promise of something beautiful.

They lingered in that moment, savoring the closeness and the warmth they found in each other's embrace. The train journey seemed to stretch on forever, but for Raj and Ahaana, time stood still, wrapped in the magic of their budding love.

01:05

The local reached Marine lines.

As Raj and Ahaana stepped off the train at station, the cool breeze from the ocean greeted them. They walked together, hand in hand, along the dimly lit streets towards Marine Drive. The city was alive with the sounds of the night, cars honking, people chatting, and the distant roar of the waves crashing against the shore.

As they reached Marine Drive, they were greeted by the sight of the city skyline illuminated against the night sky, the streetlights casting a warm glow on the promenade. They found a secluded spot along the edge, away from the bustling crowd, and sat down on a bench, overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below was soothing, a gentle rhythm that seemed to match the beating of their hearts. Raj wrapped his arm around Ahaana, pulling her close, and they sat there in comfortable silence, taking in the beauty of the moment.

Ahaana rested her head on Raj's shoulder, and he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. They sat there, watching the twinkling lights of the city reflecting on the water, lost in the serenity of the night and the warmth of each other's company.

Ahaana rolled her eyes, but there was a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She leaned closer to Raj, and they sat together in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's presence as the train journeyed on.

As they walked along the promenade, the cool sea breeze tousled their hair, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled the air. The night was clear, and the sky was studded with stars, adding to the magical ambiance of the moment.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Raj and Ahaana laughed and joked as they walked, their conversation flowing effortlessly. They talked about everything and nothing, their words a blend of playful banter and heartfelt confessions. They stopped occasionally to admire the view, the city lights twinkling in the distance, and the moon casting a silver path on the water.

At one point, Raj challenged Ahaana to a race along the promenade, and they sprinted off, laughing and teasing each other as they ran. Ahaana pretended to trip and fall, and Raj playfully scooped her up in his arms, spinning her around before setting her back down.

As they continued their walk, they came across a street vendor selling ice cream. Raj bought two cones, and they sat on a nearby bench, enjoying the cool treat and each other's company. The night seemed endless, and they were lost in the moment, cherishing the simple joy of being together.

As they sat on the edge of the ocean enjoying their ice cream, Raj suddenly asked, "Do you think anyone noticed we were gone?"

Ahaana chuckled, "Who cares? It's our little adventure."

Raj grinned, "Yeah, but if anyone asks, you're with me, got it? No wandering off with handsome strangers."

Ahaana playfully nudged him, "Oh, so now you're calling yourself handsome?"

Raj feigned offense, "Hey, I never said I wasn't!"

They both laughed, enjoying the light-hearted moment. Raj then looked at Ahaana with a mock serious expression, "You're not allowed to look at any other guys , okay? I'm the only one you're allowed to do anything with."

Ahaana raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Anything?"

Raj grinned, playing along. "Well, within reason, of course. I don't want to end up in a street fight for choking you on spot."

Ahaana laughed, leaning in closer. "Don't worry, you're the only one I want to stare at for hours on end."

Raj chuckled, feeling a surge of affection. "Likewise. You're my favorite view, after all."

Ahaana nudged him playfully. "Smooth talker. But don't let it get to your head. I might just find another handsome stranger to admire."

Raj feigned shock. "You wouldn't dare!"

They both laughed, enjoying the banter as they continued to walk along the promenade, the night alive with the sound of the ocean and their shared laughter.

As the night grew darker, the lights along Marine Drive shimmered like stars on the ground, casting a romantic glow over Raj and Ahaana as they walked. The sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation, as they shared their thoughts and feelings with each other.

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence. Ahaana looked at Raj, her eyes filled with love and admiration. "You know, being here with you feels like a dream come true," she said softly.

Raj smiled, his heart full. "I feel the same way. It's like the world has faded away, and it's just you and me, here, in this moment."

They walked hand in hand, their fingers intertwined, feeling the warmth and comfort of each other's touch. A gentle breeze swept through, ruffling their hair and carrying the salty scent of the sea. Raj pulled Ahaana closer, wrapping his arm around her waist, drawing her into a tender embrace.

They stood there for a moment, just taking in the beauty of the night and the depth of their feelings for each other. "I love you," Raj whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

Ahaana smiled, her eyes shining with tears of joy. "I love you too, more than words can say."

In that moment, as they stood on the edge of the ocean, their love felt as vast and endless as the sea itself, a bond that would withstand the test of time and tide.

As they continued their walk along Marine Drive, Raj took out his phone and played a soft, romantic song. He handed one earphone to Ahaana and kept the other for himself. They each placed an earbud in their ear and started listening to the music together.

The melody filled their hearts with warmth as they walked, their steps falling in rhythm with the song. Ahaana leaned her head against Raj's shoulder, and they swayed gently to the music, lost in the moment.

With the sound of the ocean as their backdrop and the music in their ears, they felt as though they were in their own little world, where nothing else mattered except the two of them. Raj looked at Ahaana, and she looked back at him, their eyes locking in a gaze filled with love and understanding.

As the song came to an end, they stood there for a moment, savouring the feeling of being so close to each other. It was a moment they would cherish forever, a moment that captured the essence of their love and the beauty of the night.

They continued their walk, hand in hand, the music still playing softly in their ears, their hearts beating in perfect harmony with each other and the world around them.

As they sat by the shore, the waves gently caressing the sand, Ahaana's words hung in the air, filled with love and longing. Raj looked into her eyes, seeing the depth of her feelings reflected in them.

"You're the only thing I want to feel inside out," Ahaana's voice was soft, yet filled with immense love. "I love you so much."

Raj's heart skipped a beat, overwhelmed by the depth of her emotions. He took her hands in his, feeling the warmth of her touch. "I love you too, Ahaana. You mean everything to me."

They sat there, in the embrace of the night, their love shining brighter than the stars above. It was a moment of pure connection, where words were not needed, as their hearts spoke volumes in silence.

As the breeze gently tousled Ahaana's hair, Raj was captivated by her beauty. He reached out, his touch tender, and brushed her hair behind her ear, his eyes never leaving her face. Ahaana's eyes met his, a silent understanding passing between them. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, the world around them fading into the background as they lost themselves in each other's gaze. It was a simple gesture, yet filled with so much love and adoration, a silent promise of his affection for her.

Raj teasingly pointed towards a group of girls passing by. "Hey, check them out, they seem to be admiring me."

Ahaana playfully nudged him. "Oh, please, they're probably just looking at the view."

Raj feigned offense. "Are you saying I'm not a view worth admiring?"

Ahaana laughed, wrapping her arm around his. "No, you're my view, and that's all that matters."

As their time together at Marine Drive drew to a close, Raj and Ahaana walked hand in hand, the waves gently lapping at the shore beside them. The city lights glittered like stars on the horizon, casting a soft glow over their faces as they talked and laughed, trying to savour every moment.

But beneath the surface, Raj's heart was heavy. He knew that in just a few days, he would have to leave Mumbai and return to his life elsewhere. The thought of being separated from Ahaana, whom he had grown to love so deeply, was like a dagger in his chest.

Ahaana sensed Raj's inner turmoil. She stopped and turned to him, her eyes searching his for answers. "What's wrong, Raj?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Raj hesitated, unsure of how to voice his fears. "I... I don't want to leave you," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wish I could stay here with you forever."

Ahaana's heart ached at his words. She knew that their time together was limited, but she also knew that their love was real. She took his hands in hers and looked into his eyes, her own eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Even if we're apart, our love will keep us together," she said softly. "No matter where you go, or how far apart we are, you will always have my heart."

Raj pulled her into his arms, holding her close as if he never wanted to let her go. "And you will always have mine," he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion.

They stood there in silence, the sound of the ocean mingling with the beat of their hearts. In that moment, they knew that their love was stronger than any distance, and that no matter what the future held, they would always find their way back to each other.

As they sat by the shore, the weight of impending separation hung heavy in the air. Ahaana, feeling the depth of her emotions, suddenly stood up, her hand hitting against a rock, causing her bangle to shatter into pieces. The pain of the broken bangle mirrored the ache in her heart.

In a moment of raw emotion, Ahaana picked up a shard of the broken bangle and, without a word, took Raj's hand in hers. With tears streaming down her face, she gently pressed the sharp edge of the bangle against Raj's skin, creating two faint lines.

Raj winced, not from the physical pain, but from the depth of emotion behind Ahaana's action. He understood her silent message – a symbol of their love, marked on his skin as a reminder of the bond they shared.

Despite the pain, Raj didn't utter a word. He knew that this act was Ahaana's way of expressing her love and sorrow at their impending separation. Instead, he pulled her close, holding her tightly as they both let their tears flow freely.

In that moment, as they sat together by the shore, marked by the physical and emotional pain of their love, Raj and Ahaana found solace in each other's arms. They knew that no matter where life took them, their love would always remain, a silent but powerful bond that connected them, heart and soul.

As they sat by the shore, the mood heavy with emotion, Ahaana suddenly let out a small laugh. Raj looked at her, surprised.

"What's so funny?" he asked, wiping away a tear.

Ahaana grinned mischievously. "I was just thinking, if we were a Bollywood movie, this would be the moment when it starts raining."

Raj chuckled. "And then we would break into a song and dance routine, right here by the ocean?"

"Exactly!" Ahaana giggled, pretending to dance in the rain. "But knowing our luck, we'd probably slip and fall into the water."Raj laughed, imagining the scene. "Well, at least we'd have a dramatic story to tell."

"True," Ahaana said, her smile fading slightly. "But I'd rather not fall into the ocean tonight. I don't think I could handle any more drama."

Raj reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, no falling into the ocean tonight. Just you, me, and the stars."

Ahaana smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "That sounds perfect."

The sound of the ocean waves seemed to fade away as they drew closer, their hearts beating in sync. Ahaana reached out and gently cupped Raj's face, her touch sending a shiver down his spine. Raj wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, their bodies almost touching.

"I love you," Ahaana whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

Raj leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, tender kiss. Ahaana responded eagerly, deepening the kiss as if trying to convey all her love through it. They melted into each other, the world around them disappearing as they lost themselves in the moment.

Hours seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, but for Raj and Ahaana, it felt like an eternity of love and togetherness. As they finally pulled away, their foreheads touching, they knew that this moment would stay with them forever. Their love was a flame that burned bright, illuminating their hearts even in the darkest of nights

Raj wanted to make the mood light after few intense emotions, he said:

Raj: "You know, if love was a game, you'd be the MVP."

Ahaana: "Oh really? And what would you be, the coach?"

Raj: "Nah, more like the lucky fan who got front-row tickets to your heart."

Ahaana: *laughs* "Smooth, but you'll have to do better than that to win me over."

Raj: "Challenge accepted. How about this? If love was a buffet, I'd choose you every time."

Ahaana: "Hmm, not bad. But I'd prefer if you chose me for more than just my looks, you know."

Raj: "Oh, I do. I choose you for your kindness, your humor, your intelligence... and yes, your looks too. You're the whole package."

Ahaana: *smiling* "Flattery will get you everywhere, you know."

Raj: "Good, because everywhere is exactly where I want to be with you."

As the night ebbed into early morning, the time drew close to 4:30 am. Raj and Ahaana reluctantly realized it was time to go back, at least for a few hours. They walked back towards the station, their arms wrapped around each other, not wanting to let go.

The journey back was silent yet filled with unspoken words of love and longing. Ahaana's station approached, and with a heavy heart, she prepared to leave. Raj, ever the caring partner, ensured she reached home safely. He called her friend, requesting her to accompany Ahaana, ensuring she wasn't alone at this hour.

Once Ahaana was safely on her way home, Raj headed back to his room. The night had been magical, but now it was time to rest. They had a wedding to attend in the evening, and Raj couldn't wait to see Ahaana again. As he drifted off to sleep, thoughts of her filled his mind, a smile playing on his lips.