Raindrops & Heartbeats
The evening was warm, the air thick with the scent of brewing rain. Meenakshi and Abhay had spent the last hour at their usual bookstore café, their conversation flowing as easily as the coffee
As they stepped outside, the first raindrops hit the pavement. Then, within seconds, the sky opened up
Minakshi Malhotra
(groaned, tugging her denim jacket over her head) Great. Perfect timing
Abhay Singhania
(smirked, stuffing his hands into his hoodie pockets) Hey, maybe it's the universe giving us a Bollywood moment. You wanna dance in the rain?
Minakshi Malhotra
Yeah, let me just add that to my list of dumb life choices
Abhay Singhania
😌You sure? I mean, I bet you'd look cute, twirling around like those actresses—
Minakshi Malhotra
If you don’t shut up, I’m using your hoodie as an umbrella🧐
Abhay Singhania
Bold of you to assume I’d give it up that easily.
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile
Minakshi Malhotra
(her sneakers already splashing against the wet pavement) Okay, we need to move. Fast
Abhay Singhania
Last one to the bus stop buys the next round of coffee! (challenged before dashing off)
Minakshi Malhotra
Cheater! (yelled, chasing after him)
Laughter and hurried footsteps echoed through the empty street as they ran, dodging puddles and the occasional streetlamp glow
Abhay reached the shelter first, breathless, grinning, and annoyingly victorious
Abhay Singhania
Looks like you’re buying, bookworm
Minakshi Malhotra
(slightly out of breath, flicked some raindrops from her sleeve at him) Next time, I’m tripping you
The bus stop was small with people filled, barely enough space for the two of them. Water dripped from their clothes, pooling on the concrete
Minakshi shook her head, running a hand through her damp hair
Minakshi Malhotra
This is a mess
Abhay watched her, a smirk playing at his lips
Abhay Singhania
I dunno. You look kinda cute when you're drenched😚
Minakshi Malhotra
Flirting will cost you a coffee bill, Mr. Sighania😉
Abhay Singhania
It was worth a shot
For a moment, they just stood there, the rain drumming on the roof, the world outside blurred with mist and neon lights
Then, without thinking, Abhay reached out and tucked a stray strand of her wet hair behind her ear
His fingers barely grazed her skin, but the touch was enough to send a strange, unspoken current between them
She looked up, their eyes locking for just a second too long
Minakshi Malhotra
(cleared her throat, stepping back slightly) Uh…So. The rain
Abhay Singhania
(stuffed his hands back into his pockets, looking away with a slight grin that refused to leave his face) Yep. Still raining
A Walk Home & A Realization
When the rain slowed to a drizzle, they finally started walking toward her apartment
Minakshi Malhotra
(admitted, hands tucked into her jacket) I think this is the first time I've ever had fun getting drenched
Abhay Singhania
(teasing) See? Told you. Bollywood moment
Minakshi Malhotra
Shut up before I actually start singing a sad romantic song
Abhay Singhania
(laughing) Now that, I'd pay to see
When they reached her building, she hesitated at the entrance
Minakshi opened her mouth, as if about to say something important—but then she shook her head with a small laugh
Minakshi Malhotra
Nothing. Good Night😄 Byee
Abhay watched her disappear inside, his smile lingering longer than it should.
As he walked home, he realized something had changed.
Maybe it was the rain.
Maybe it was the way she had looked at him under it
Whatever it was, he knew this wasn’t just friendship anymore
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