Wedding flutters

The morning of Anu’s wedding was bright and warm. The venue shimmered with marigold garlands and soft fairy lights, laughter echoing through the halls. Aaru moved quietly among the guests, offering help where needed straightening décor, arranging seating, checking minor details always in the background. Weddings were not her scene, and yet there was something comforting in the familiar rhythm of small responsibilities.

Ankita ran ahead, talking to relatives, laughing, flitting between tasks, leaving Aaru to her quiet efficiency.

Meanwhile, Roop moved like clockwork, overseeing the wedding arrangements and the post-wedding trip. Every few minutes, he was checking schedules, confirming transport, ensuring guests were comfortable. Yet in the midst of it all, his eyes occasionally flickered toward Aaru. Not a stare, just the quiet acknowledgment of someone who notices details others miss.

After the wedding ceremony, as guests began to gather for the post-ceremony trip, Aaru felt a mixture of curiosity and nervousness. She hardly knew anyone in the group beyond Ankita and a handful of others. The rest were Roop’s colleagues.

Ankita leaned close, whispering with a grin, “Relax. You’ll be fine. I’ll be right here. And Roop’s organizing everything, there won't be any issue. Even it's you first trip, it will be interesting"

Aaru smiled faintly. She didn’t tell Ankita that “interesting” barely covered the flutter she felt whenever she caught a glimpse of Roop. This secret was hers to keep.

Soon, the group of fifteen loaded luggage into vehicles. The excitement of leaving the city behind, of the hills awaiting them, filled the air. Aaru kept close to Ankita but couldn’t stop her eyes from occasionally seeking Roop out. Calm, composed, quietly commanding attention without raising his voice he was exactly as she remembered, only now more tangible.

The journey began mid-afternoon. The city shrank behind them as the vehicles wound through scenic roads. Conversations rose and fell, laughter ringing through the bus. Aaru remained mostly quiet, observing. Her attention inevitably drifted to Roop, a few seats ahead. He managed the group efficiently, eyes scanning, making sure everyone was comfortable, and occasionally letting his gaze flicker subtly toward her.

She caught herself thinking, Why am I so aware of him? and scolded herself internally. It’s just a trip… nothing more.

The hills slowly appeared in the distance, mist curling over valleys, sunlight glinting off rivers. The scenery was breathtaking, but even amidst nature’s beauty, Aaru’s thoughts kept drifting back to Roop. She smiled faintly, keeping her fascination secret.

By evening, they arrived at Silver Mist Hills. Crisp mountain air greeted them, mingled with laughter and playful banter as luggage was unloaded. Aaru stayed mostly with Ankita, still quiet, still observing, noticing small interactions the way Roop coordinated smoothly, quietly, without any visible stress.

The 2-day journey had begun. Adventure, trekking, and laughter awaited but for Aaru, there was already a subtle anticipation: noticing him, being noticed, and discovering what lay beneath the calm, composed exterior of Roop.

And neither of them realized yet that this quiet awareness was just the beginning.

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