Evening together

The van climbed higher roads now, curving sharply as it neared the resort. Outside, the night air had cooled, and the faint outlines of hills loomed in the distance. Inside, the laughter had mellowed, though a few still hummed along to the last of the songs.

Aaru shifted uneasily in her seat. The sharp bends, the swaying of the van. it was beginning to churn her stomach. She pressed her hand against her midriff and stared hard at the window, trying to steady her breathing.

Ankita was dozing beside her, oblivious. Aaru didn’t want to draw attention, but the color had drained from her face.

Then, unexpectedly, a hand reached across the aisle. Roop.

Without a word, he held out a small packet of candies. the kind that soothed queasy stomachs.

Aaru blinked, startled. She hadn’t said anything. She hadn’t even looked at him. Yet somehow, he had noticed.

“Take it,” he said simply, his voice calm but firm.

She hesitated only a second before accepting. The sweetness on her tongue worked almost immediately, easing the nausea. Relief washed over her, but more than that. it was the thought that unsettled her. He had seen her discomfort in the middle of fifteen people, when no one else had.

“Thanks,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Roop gave a small nod, as though it required no further acknowledgment, and turned back toward the front. But the gesture lingered with her, fluttering quietly in her chest as the van wound its way up the final stretch of road.

The resort lights finally appeared ahead, glowing warmly in the dark like a promise of rest. Everyone spilled out of the van, stiff yet buzzing with renewed energy. The receptionist handed over keys, three rooms in total. One for the four girls, two for the rest of the boys.

Aaru freshened up quickly in their room, grateful for the quiet moment away from the noise. Ankita, full of restless energy, was already chattering about dinner plans.

Soon, they joined the others in the dining hall, where a long table stretched across the room. Aaru chose a seat at the edge, slipping into her usual quiet corner. Plates clattered, voices rose in half-sung songs, and the smell of freshly cooked food filled the air.

Then Roop walked in. He scanned the table once before sliding into the chair adjacent to hers right at the edge, beside her.

Her heart thumped unexpectedly. There were other seats, many of them. Yet he had chosen here.

Dinner turned lively, filled with laughter and off-key singing. Ankita joined the chorus, loud and unbothered, while Aaru smiled softly at the chaos. And though she didn’t say much, she was aware of every small thing. the way Roop’s sleeve brushed her arm as he passed a plate, the way his quiet chuckles cut through the noise, steady and grounding.

By the time dessert was cleared, the group was half full, half giddy with laughter.

Outside, the air was cooler, the sky above scattered with faint stars. After dinner, they wandered toward the swimming pool, its surface glowing faintly under soft blue lights. Some leaned against the railing, others dipped their fingers into the water.

Aaru stood beside Ankita, watching the reflections ripple. The calmness of the pool made her chest ease, though she still felt the afterglow of his presence at dinner.

Soon, someone discovered the outdoor games room nearby. Within minutes, the group gathered around a simple ring toss game. Aaru was pulled in before she could resist, standing with Ankita on one side.

Opposite them stood Roop and another boy—one who had an older-brother vibe with everyone.

The game began with laughter and playful challenges. Ankita whooped whenever their side scored, and Aaru found herself laughing too, more than she expected. Roop remained steady, competitive but calm, his eyes flickering with amusement every time Aaru missed and pouted softly at herself.

For the first time that day, they weren’t separated by distance or silence. Just four people, tossing rings under the open night sky, waiting for the promised campfire.

And though the fire hadn’t yet been lit, a warmth had already sparked within her—quiet, unexpected, and very much alive.

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