THE UNEXPECTED CATCH

Just then, Smiksha's younger brother, Sidhant, came rushing upstairs.

SIDHANT :

"bhaiya! Didi! Dinner is ready. Everyone's waiting downstairs. Come back !"

Ali and Smiksha both stood up --- their silence still hanging at the air like an unfinished thought.

As they walked towards the stairs , something shifted.

Smiksha took the first few steps ahead of Ali, but just as she turned slightly -- her balance slipped.

Her foot missed the step .... And in a split second, she was about to fall.

"Smiksha"! Her family screamed from below --- fear griping their hearts.

But before she could hit the ground ------ Ali caught her.

Strong arms. Fast reflex. Eyes wide with shock---- and something else.

She was safe ....... But breathless.

In that one moment, time slowed down.

Smiksha looked up, still in his arms ----- startled, scared, and strangely.... Calm.

ALI(softly):

" careful, wild cat..... Falling isn't always fun".

She blinked. For once, she had no comeback.

Their eyes locked ---- this time, without hate.

The family rushed towards them, if she was okay..... But neither of them answered.

Because in that one moment ...... something had already changed.

After the sudden fall, things calmed down again.

Smiksha is now sitting quietly at the dinner table ---- still a little shaken, and still trying not to look at Ali, who had just ...... Saved her.

Smiksha's mom walked over to Ali with folded hands and a thankful smile.

SMIKSHA'S MOM:

"Thank you, beta. If you hadn't caught her in time..."

ALI(shaking his head gently):

"No, aunty. Please....... It just happened, I am glad she's okay."

A small silence followed ---- not awkward, just soft.

Then everyone settled down for dinner. The table was full of voices, laughter, and light conversation.

Smiksha unusually quiet, just focus on her plate, sneaking glances at Ali now and then.

After the meal, Ali's family got up to leave.

As they headed towards the door, smiksha's mom placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder.

SMIKSHA'S MOM (softly):

"Go, beta..... Walk them out.

Smiksha hesitated for a second.

Then without saying a word, she got up and started walking behind them---- heart racing, unsure why it suddenly felt harder to breathe.

Smiksha slowly walked behind Ali and his family as they stepped out of the house.

The night air was cool, and the sky was sprinkled with quiet stars.

Her heart was beating faster than usual ---- she didn't know why.

Ali's parents were already getting into the car.

Her mother gave her a slight nob from behind, silently telling her to stay for a moment.

Ali turned around ---- just the two of them now, standing near the gate under the streetlight.

ALI(softly, with a small smile):

"So..... Survived dinner and the staircase. Not bad for one night."

Smiksha gave him a half-smirk, looking away for a second.

SMIKSHA :

" I didn't ask you to catch me."

ALI(teasing):

" yeah? Next time I will let you fall, gracefully. Of course."

They both chuckled --- quietly.

But in that laugh.... There was no sarcasm. No ego. Just a strange kind of peace.

A few seconds of silence passed.

Then Smiksha looked up --- her voice softer this time.

SMIKSHA:

"... Thanks."

Ali paused, surprised. Not at the word, but the tone.

ALI:

" you are welcome."

Their eyes meet again--- and this time, there was no hate in them.

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