Between Us, Between Time

38. Is it possible to describe Love ? - Siddarth

The next morning started in the usual chaotic manner, oversleeping despite our best intentions. Keerthi and Nithya barged into our room, shaking us awake with hurried exclamations about not missing breakfast. Groggy but determined, we scrambled to get ready, packed our bags, and headed downstairs.

Breakfast was at the same quaint place we'd discovered the day before, its warm ambiance helping us ease into the day. As we walked to the bus stop, I noticed Saanvi and the girls lingering near a dog. They were crouched beside him, petting him lovingly and saying goodbyes. He wagged his tail energetically, clearly enjoying the attention.

I couldn't help but marvel at how quickly they'd formed a bond with the little guy. After an emotional farewell, we boarded the bus, the dog watching us leave with soulful eyes.

Our next destination was the ancient fort of King Ingthiel in Thartharm. The journey there was longer than yesterday's, but the path wound through lush forests, the view mesmerizing. Trees with thick canopies flanked the road, sunlight streaming through in golden beams.

Saanvi and I sat together, and the time seemed to fly. We played ludo on our phones, she was a pro, while I, a total beginner, fumbled through the game. Her teasing and laughter made the entire experience delightful.

Two years ago, if someone had told me I'd be sitting next to her like this, sharing laughs and enjoying the simple joy of her company, I'd have dismissed it as a fantasy. Yet here I was, living it.

Midway through the trip, Saanvi grew tired and leaned her head on my shoulder to sleep. The moment felt surreal. Her soft breaths and the faint warmth of her presence made my heart race. She looked peaceful, vulnerable even, her delicate features illuminated by the dappled sunlight streaming through the window. I couldn't resist and snapped a quick selfie to capture the moment.

Her light snores were adorable, and I couldn't help but chuckle quietly. But the peace was interrupted when the bus hit a bump, jolting her awake. Realizing where she'd been sleeping, she sat up abruptly, cheeks flushing red.

"Was that snoring or sleep-talking?" I teased. "It was so cute."

Her blush deepened, and she retorted, "Maybe it was your stupid bony shoulder making me uncomfortable."

I grinned at her flustered response. "You were cute anyway," I said with a wink.

"Shut up," she muttered, turning toward the window, but the shy smile playing on her lips gave her away.

By the time we reached Thartharm, it was noon, and the sun was relentless. After freshening up at the hotel and having lunch, we made our way to the fort.

The fort was perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, and while the climb up was easier than yesterday's trek, the incline still left us breathless. Stalls lined the path, offering local crafts, rings, lockets, statues, and intricate carvings. We decided to browse them on our way down, too focused on reaching the summit to stop now.

When we finally arrived, the fort stood as a testament to time. Built with red stone, much of it was in ruins, its roof long gone and its walls crumbling under nature's persistent embrace. Despite this, it was breathtaking. The ocean stretched endlessly before us, its waves sparkling under the afternoon sun.

We wandered the ruins, letting the whispers of history envelop us. The cool ocean breeze was a welcome reprieve, and we soon found a spot on the rocks near the edge of the fort to rest.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we sat in quiet awe. The sunset was mesmerizing, the sun seeming to melt into the horizon. The water shimmered with fiery reflections, and for a moment, it felt like time had paused.

The sun disappeared completely, leaving behind a faint glow that faded into twilight. The moon rose to take its place, casting a soft silver light on the ocean. The stars began to pepper the darkening sky, their light shimmering like diamonds.

We took group photos to capture the moment, laughing and posing in the dimming light. These were the kinds of memories that would stay etched in my mind, the kind of moments that made life feel extraordinary.