The first rays of morning sunlight began to spill across the forest, casting a golden hue on everything it touched. The birds stirred before the world, their chirps blending into a soft morning symphony.
Thabal stirred in the tent, wrapped in a very thin blanket, her hair tousled and cheeks still flushed from sleep. She blinked slowly, adjusting to the glow that filtered through the thin fabric. The crisp scent of dewy grass and woodsmoke lingered in the air. She squinted her eyes and then rubbed it with her fist slowly. A gentle yawn escaped her lips. She on her phone to see the time. It was 8:50 am.
Where was he? She thought to herself as she clenched the bedsheet of his side. His scent still lingering in the tent.
Outside, Vikram was already awake, sitting on a log near the firepit. The flames from the night had died down to warm embers, and in his hands, he held two enamel mugs, steam rising from each.
He looked back when he heard the tent unzip.
"Good morning, madam" he said with a soft smile. Thabal stepped out, yawning and hugging the blanket tighter around her.
"Aap kab uthe?" She asked groggily. Frowning a bit.
"5 ko. Come, sit here" he replied, patting the spot next to him. She joined him, sitting close enough that their shoulders brushed.
In silence, they sat watching the morning scenery infront of them. The sun peeked above the edge of the forest, casting its golden glow through the branches. The light danced on the river's surface, making it shimmer like liquid gold. Thabal whispered, almost to herself.
"It's beautiful" Vikram glanced at her profile, the way her eyes lit up with childlike wonder, and quietly said.
"Yeah. It really is" She turned to him, catching his gaze, and for a heartbeat, time stood still. Then she laughed softly, pulling her knees up.
"This is do dreamy. Ahh, i never want to leave this place" she giggled looking at him. Vikram didn't said anything, just passed her a small smile. Only if she knew how much he was resisting himself from caging her only for himself.
Thabal's eyes fall upon the cups near Vikram. She narrowed her eyes at it. She then nudged him with her shoulder.
"Yeh kiske liye?" She asked him, earning a chuckle back.
"Tumhe idhar hamare alawa aur koi dikh raha hai?" He asked to which she quickly shook her head.
"Toh? It's for us. After you brush we will have it" he said. Thabal nodded faintly.
"Toh aap pilo na. Mein baad pe pi lungi" she assured. Vikram smiled faintly at it.
"It's okay. We will have it together after you freshen up" he was amandant of his words. Thabal smiled at it. She looked away from him and just stared at the scenery infront of her. Her heart warmed up by his silent care. He was surely planning to kill her with his cute gestures.
She peeked a glanced at him and then looked away quickly. Biting her lips from giggling. Her cheeks tinting a bit.
"Waise kuch puchu kya?" She asked to which Vikram turned to her and raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm" he hummed in return. Thabal took a moment. Not asking immediately. As if thinking about the question she was about to ask. Contemplating whether to ask or not.
After a moment, she finally asked.
"Umm- woh. Aapko matlab. What did you like in me? Matlab kaise" she fumbled with her words. Vikram couldn't help but chuckle hearing her. He let out a hearty laugh at her fumbling.
"Calm down" he gently raked his hand on her head.
"When i first saw you. Mujhe sabse pehle tumhari aankhein bhaah gayi. So i like your eyes the most" he replied. Thabal looked stunned. She stared at him with slightly wide eyes.
"M-meri aankhein?" She asked unsured. To which Vikram nodded.
"Haan" he agreed.
"But kaise?" She asked confused. Vikram stared at her at it.
"Aab ismein kaisa kaise. Bas pasand aagaya" he replied softly, smiling at her. Thabal looked away from him and sat still, not knowing what to respond at all. It was weird and completely new, hearing compliment about her eyes.
"P-par aajtak no one complimented my eyes. I mean I was you know kind of insulted for my eyes. Always. Bahar jati thi toh sab chinese, japanese bolte the" she finally voiced out her insecurity. Vikram listened quietly to her.
"Also ghar pe sabka eyelid hai. Papa ko chorke. Chiche, bobok, mama. Sabka hai. Mera hi unse different tha. Toh sablog iss baat ko leke bhi bohot compare karte the. Mere aur chiche ke bich. I mean no doubt she is very beautiful from me. I can never come near her beauty. But somehow it made me feel very low" she muttered, hugging her knees to her chest, resting her chin on it.
"Sab bolte the mein gori hoon isliye i am bearable to see. Warna bohot kharab dikhti. Yeh bachpan se hi sunti aa rahi hoon. Abhi bhi. Koi bhi dekhta hai mujhe meri skin colour ke baare mein bolta hai. They say it's beautiful, they want my colour. Aur yeh sab sunke I use to hate my skin colour. I hate it till now. Mujhe pasand nahi jab koi mere colour ke baare mein bole. It feels like i am only known to people just because of it" she sighed softly and looked blankly infront of her. Both of them sat in silence for a moment. Letting the situation settle for her.
"I like your hair too" Vikram said after a moment of silence. Thabal turned to him hearing it. A faint smile on her face.
"Bobok use to say it too. She was the only one who took care of my hair like it was her own. She really loved my hair" she whispered slowly.
"I like your lips" he said again.
"I like your nose"
"I like your smile"
"I like your nature" he said in a go. Thabal stared at him with awe and amusement. Her eyes softening.
"Tumhe pata hai meine tumhe pehli baar kab dekha?" He asked to which she wondered for a second.
"Woh checkpoint pe. Strike ke wakt?" She guessed as there was no other day they met before that. Vikram smiled at it. He gently shook his head.
"I saw you for the first time before that. A week ago from the strike day" he confessed. Thabal quickly put down her legs and lifted her head, staring at him with wide, surprised eyes.
"Traffic pe. I was going for work. It was my fourth day here in Nashik. Mera posting recently hi huwa tha. And in the traffic, that's when i saw you for the first time. And very suprisingly you were the reason for the traffic that day" he chuckled as he narrated.
"Tum aur tumhari ek dost ek aurat ko road cross karne mein help kar rahe the. I didn't saw your face. Yet I felt drawn to you. Pehli baar kisiko dekhne ki itni tadap thi under. Aur jab tum meri taraf muri. Mano laga jaan nikal gayi meri. I saw you smile. Aur wahi pe tum mujhe pasand aagayi" he smiled and glanced at her to see her already smiling at him, cheeks reddened a bit.
"Everything about you attracts me Thabal. Logo ka nahi pata. Woh toh woh jane. Andhe hai ya dekh ke bhi nahi dekhte. But I see more of you, which they didn't and will never. I see more than just a fair, beautiful girl. I see a responsible daughter, sister, friend and a granddaughter. Tum itni mehnat karti ho just so that tum apne family ka maan rakh pawo. You care about your friends. You are everything any person would need in their lives" he voiced out, his voice slow and hoarsed.
Thabal stared at him, stunned and amazed. Her eyes glinting with warmth. A feeling of happiness overwhelming spreaded through her chest. Till now, no one said this to her. No one knew how much she needed that encouragement. And him. Woh kal ka aaya huwa anjaan insaan. He understood her feelings so well which her family failed to understand for the past 22 years.
"Swimming aati hai?" This broke her trance of thoughts. She looked at him confused by his question.
"Hain?" She reacted, a bit confused.
"Aati hai?" He asked again to which she nodded slowly.
"Good. Chalo" with that he casually stood up and was already heading toward the riverbank. Thabal looked at him confused but then understood his move. Her eyes widened slightly, watching him peel off his shirt with ease, revealing a toned back dusted with scars, evidence of his life in the field. She gulped and turned away quickly, cheeks burning.
She slapped her cheeks softly. And shook her head to not divert her mind to the dirty thoughts. But she couldn't help it, her mind was clouded with nothing but his naked back. A splash sound was heard from the river, as if something heavy dropped in. When she peeked again, he was already waist-deep in the water, splashing it over his head with a satisfied sigh.
"Come over" he called out, smiling wide. Thabal hesitated before standing up, still wrapped in her thin blanket. She walked towards him and stood at the edge, watching the water ripple with sunlight.
"Come" he called softly this time, looking at her with gentle eyes. And as if a siren itself called to lure, Thabal without her own permission dropped the blanket and sat down, dipping her legs into the water.
"Ahh! This is so cold" she shrieked a little as the freezing water touched her skin. Vikram let out a laugh at it.
"Don't worry. Come. Mera haath pakro" he assured with a chuckle, extending his arm for her to clutch.
"Okay... okay, fine. No turning back" she muttered to herself. She took a deep breath and clutched his hand. As she was about to walk in slowly, Vikram suddenly pulled her in. Thabal widened her eyes immediately, before she could even process, she was already inside the river. Chest level deep. A loud squeal escaped her lips.
She shivered a little before getting comfortable. She turned to him, lips apart to see him already grinning. She quickly hit on his chest.
"I hate you" she shouted, laughing.
"I get that a lot" he teased back with a laugh. She splashed a wave of water at him.
"Bohot gande hai aap" she narrowed her eyes at him playfully.
"Achaa?" he smirked at her, ducking and splashing back, starting a playful war in the river.
They chased each other through the shallows, laughing and screaming like kids, sending ripples across the still water.
"Ek baar pakar mein aagayi na toh dekhna tum" Vikram shouted at her, half laughing. To which Thabal giggled back at him, still running from him.
"Sapne dekhte raho aap" she laughed out loud. She squealed as she waded through the water, the current tugging at her ankles, laughter spilling from her lips like music. Vikram was right behind her, grinning wide, letting her win until he catch her.
"Thabal!" he called.
"Main seriously bol raha hoon, ruk jao!" He warned playfully.
"Never!" she shouted back over her shoulder, splashing water at him again before stumbling away, half-running, half-tripping in the shallow river.
"Enough now" he laughed with a smirk at the end. And then, suddenly, he surged forward with surprising speed. She let out a startled yelp, turning to escape, but it was too late. His arms wrapped firmly but gently around her waist from behind, lifting her slightly off the riverbed.
"Aaahhh! Vikram!" she shrieked between giggles, twisting in his grip like a fish out of water.
"Told you I'd catch you," he murmured near her ear, voice lower now, a teasing whisper carried on the breeze. His breath was warm against her skin. Her laughter faltered just a second as her body stilled in his arms. The river was suddenly too quiet, only the distant calls of birds, the rush of water, and their uneven breathing filled the space between them.
She turned her head slightly, their faces close. Too close. She twisted her body towards his. Their chest touching each other.
"You cheated" she whispered, eyes narrowing playfully.
"I chase what runs" he replied, his gaze fixed on hers, not as playful now, something softer, deeper stirring beneath the surface. For a beat, neither moved. The tension thickened, but it wasn't heavy. It was alive. Crackling.
Thabal's heart thudded in her chest, loud enough she was sure he could hear. She placed her hand over his bare chest to support herself. But the surface felt oddly rough. She looked down to see a rough scar over his left chest. She faintly caressed over the area.
"Idhar kya huwa?" She whispered at him. And then looked up at him to see him already staring at her, with eyes glinting with some emotion which she couldn't define. He leaned down slowly to her face, their face close to each other dangerously.
His breathe fanning over her face.
"5 saal pehle ka baat tha. Knife se" he informed in short, his voice slow, deep and husky. Thabal shivered slightly. One reason being the cold water and the other, the intensity of his voice.
Their chest were pressed against each other. Slowly, his hand reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering along her cheek. She leaned into his touch, heart pounding.
The world felt still. The river hushed. Even the trees seemed to hold their breath. Vikram's eyes dropped to her lips, just for a second. And then, slowly, achingly slowly, he began to lean in.
Thabal didn't move. Couldn't. Her eyes fluttered closed, her breath catching as the space between them narrowed. Their lips were only inches apart now, the moment trembling in the air between them. Their nose rubbed against each other. Vikram closed his eyes and breathed out slowly. His lips parted slightly. He nudged his nose against hers. He was so closed to lose his control.
He gently caressed her cheeks. Thabal panted slightly feeling sort of breathe just by his act. She clutched her left hand on his shoulder tight. Nervous about the next moment. But just before their lips could touch each other-
Vikram pulled away sharply with a low grunt, turning his face toward the trees. His jaw clenched tightly, and his hand balled into a fist at his side. Thabal snapped her eyes open, her eyes widened slightly. Cheeks reddened immediately.
Fuck! Were they just about to kiss? She looked away quickly, trying to hide the warmth creeping back onto her cheeks. Her hand forming a fist over his chest.
"Jawo. Change. You will catch cold" he told her, without looking at her. His tone a bit gentle. Thabal hesitated.
"Vikram" she slowly called and inched more closer, touching his cheek. But Vikram quickly pulled away from her as if in reflex. He moved back a little from her, creating a distance between.
"Pass mat aawo" he blurted out. Thabal was taken aback by his sudden behaviour. Was he angry? No... he didn't sound angry. Just conflicted. Troubled. As if he was struggling with something he couldn't say.
Her heart sank a little. Was this regret?Was he behaving like this because he regret what he was about to do? She gulped a lump down. A sense of hurt spreading in her chest. She nodded and turned from him, planning to climb up.
When suddenly her hand was clutched by big, warm ones. She turned back to see him looking at her with sorry eyes? She couldn't contemplate.
Vikram gently held her hand and caressed it.
"I am sorry. I didn't meant to be rude. It's just that" he clenched his eyes shut, cursing himself for what he was about to say.
"I-i. I won't be able to resist if you come more closer" He internally cringed. Gaya ijjat pani mein. He had just laid himself bare, and possibly ruined everything. Thabal was caught offguard hearing him. Of all the reasons, she didn't expected it to be this.
A giggle escaped her lips without her permission. Her cheeks warming up. Yet she couldn't control the laugh that slip up at her lips. Vikram groaned, turning his face away. His ears had already gone red.
"God! Why do I have to fuck things up?" he muttered under his breath. Thabal, still smiling, shook her head and climbed the last bit to solid ground. The laughter lingered on her lips as she made her way back toward the tent.
Just as she reached for the tent, his voice called out behind her.
"Chand!" Her head snapped towards him quickly. A frown settling on her face.
"Jate wakt towel lekar aana" he informed casually.
"Kya bola aapne?" She asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"Jate wakt towel-" he was cut off by her.
"Nahi. Woh nahi. Aapne kya bulaya mujhe?" She asked. But in return Vikram smirked slightly.
"Chand!" He admitted innocently.
"Agar aap bhul gaye hai toh mein aapko yaad diladu. Chand nahi. Thabal hai mera naam" she scowled at him. To which Vikram just chuckled, the smirk still playing on his lips.
"Kyu? Isn't it your name? Thabal means chand. Just the language barrier" he shrugged playfully. She stared at him for a second, momentarily caught off guard by the simplicity of his reasoning.
Oh. A light pink bloomed on her cheeks before she could stop it.
"A-aap. Aapko kuch bolna hi bekaar hai" she muttered under her breath, turning around quickly to hide the shy smile tugging at her lips.
Vikram chuckled as she disappeared into the tent. Her flustered reaction had been worth it. He leaned back against the water's edge, a quiet sigh leaving his lips. His smile slowly faded, his eyes drifting downward. Beneath the surface of the water, his body betrayed him, clear evidence of the desire he had tried so hard to suppress.
A bulged clearly visible from his pants. He closed his eyes again and exhaled deeply.
If she had seen this, if she knew, she might have been disgusted by him. And that was the last thing he ever wanted. He wanted to protect this moment. To protect her. And to protect the fragile thing forming between them. Something soft. Something real. Something he didn't want to ruin.
🦋🦋🦋---------------------
It was 3pm, the forest was quiet and warm. The sun was high in the sky, and its golden light came through the leaves, making soft, glowing patches on the ground. The trees stood tall and still, their trunks warm from the sun. A soft breeze moved the leaves, making them rustle gently.
Thabal and Vikram began to take down their little campsite. The tent, which had stood proudly for the last two days, now sagged slightly as they loosened the ropes and rolled up the canvas. The peaceful silence of the forest was only broken by the occasional chirp of birds and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Thabal folded the blanket with slow, careful hands.
"Itna ajib lag raha hai wapas jane mein" she said, her voice small. As if she was disheartened about leaving the area.
Vikram, kneeling as he rolled up the sleeping mattress, looked over. A faint smile on his face.
"Wanna come visit here again?" He asked to which she nodded, glancing around.
"Hmm" she hummed softly. They had spent the morning wandering near the riverbank, going further in the forest. Collecting edible fruits and having fun. And now, just like that, it was time to return to reality.
She walked over and knelt beside him. Helping him fold the tent. Their hands brushed as they folded the material, neither of them pulling away this time.
Vikram glanced sideways, catching the wistfulness in her eyes.
"We will come again. Whenever you say" he assured, more like a promise. There was a pause as she stared down at her hands.
"Thank you for bringing me here" she quietly acknowledged his efforts. Vikram said nothing at it. They stood and carried the tent roll to the back of the jeep. Vikram opened the back door and placed it beside their duffel bags. Then he paused and looked out at the clearing one last time.
A breeze passed between them, rustling the trees gently. The river in the distance hummed like a soft farewell. They stood like that for a moment, not touching, not speaking, just existing in the quiet space they had built together over yesterday and today's morning.
Then, with a deep breath, Vikram gestured toward the jeep.
"Come on" He opened the door for her, letting her settled in. As they climbed into the jeep, the tires crunched softly over fallen leaves and pebbles. The forest slowly disappeared in the rearview mirror.
Thabal kept her chin on the window, watching the forest quietly with sad eyes. Vikram glanced at her and cleared his throat.
"If you just keep staring at it jaise woh tumhara saath saal pehle ka bichra pyaar ho toh wapas jab aawogi, it won't welcome you in the same way" he teased her. Thabal let out a small chuckle hearing him.
She looked at him and then glanced at his bare arm. With a small smile, without thinking much, she encircled his arm and leaned her head over it. Resting with a relief sigh. Vikram glanced at her, his lips twitching into a smile. They both stayed silent. Enjoying each other's presence.
And even though the road was leading them back to their everyday lives, they both knew something had shifted, something real had begun beneath the trees and beside the river, where time had briefly stood still.
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Hope you liked it
Stay safe sweeties 😤🖤
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