The space between us
Author's pov-
The rest of the day felt off.
Divya tried to focus in class, but her thoughts kept drifting back to purv-his distant behaviour, the way he had walked past her like nothing had happened.
She hated this feeling. This uncertainty.
By lunchtime, she was restless. Kaashi had gone with Aditya to canteen, so divya decided to go to the library. It was the only place that gave her some peace.
As she walked in, she sighed in relief at the quiet. Most students were in the canteen, making this her safe heaven.
She picked a book randomly and sat by the window, trying to distract herself. But before she could even turn a page, her phone buzzed.
Her heart skipped a beat.
For a moment, she considered ignoring him. He was the one who had walked away. Let him deal with it.
But deep down, she knew she wouldn't.
She closed her book, grabbed her bag, and walked out.
---------------------------------------------------
Purv was leaning against his car when she arrived, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
Divya stopped a few steps away, folding her arms. "So now you want to talk?"
Purv looked at her, his jaw tightening. "Get in the car."
She raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"Please," he added, softer this time.
Divya sighed but walked over, slipping into the passenger seat. As soon as she closed the door, he started the engine and drove off.
She didn't ask where they were going. She just watched him-his grip on the steering wheel, the tension in his shoulders.
After a few minutes, she finally spoke. "Are you going to tell me why you dragged me here?"
Purv exhaled sharply. "I needed to get away from there."
Divya frowned. "And I'm supposed to be what? Your escape?"
His grip on the wheel tightened. "No. You're the only person I can actually breath around."
Her heart shuttered.
The car slowed down as they reached a quiet, secluded area near the outskirts of the city. A small hilltop that overlooked the skyline.
Purv parked and stepped out without a word.
Divya hesitated before following him. The wind was cool, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun began to set.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke.
Then, purv broke the silence.
"I know I've been acting weird."
Divya let out a short laugh. "That's an understatement."
He glanced at her, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes before he grew serious again. "I just... I don't know how to do this."
She frowned. "Do what?"
Purv looked away. "Be close to someone. Let them in."
Divya's heart ached at the rawness in his voice.
She took a small step closer. "Why does it scare you so much?"
His jaw clenched. "Because I mess things up. I ruin things."
Divya searched his face, waiting for him to continue.
Purv sighed, running a hand through his hair. "When I was in 10th, I lost someone because of my anger. I let it control me, and I destroyed everything. I can't-" He exhaled shakingly. "I can't let that happen again."
Divya felt a lump form in her throat.
"So what are you saying?" She asked softly.
Purv turned to face her fully. His gaze burned into hers. "I'm saying that I don't want to hurt you."
Divya took another step forward, closing the space between them. "And what if you won't?"
Purv looked torn, like he was fighting an internal battle. "You don't understand."
"Then help me understand," she whispered.
For a long moment, he just stared at her, his breathing uneven.
Then, before she could say another word, he reached out, his fingers grazing her cheek.
"I don't trust myself, Divya," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But for some reason, I trust you."
Divya felt her heart shatter and rebuild all at once.
Slowly, hesitantly, she placed her hand over his. "Then let me be here."
Purv's eyes darkened, filled with something unreadable.
And then, without thinking, he closed the distance between them.
This kiss was different. Not rushed. Not desperate. Just real.
Like a silent promise neither of them fully understood yet.
But it was there.
And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.