In the quiet spaces
Author's pov-
Three years ago, when everything fell back into place for Divya and Purv, Kaashi had been watching silently—holding her best friend’s hand through every emotional storm, but also beginning to notice someone else who never left her side either.
Rudra.
What started with shared glances turned into late-night conversations. They weren’t dramatic or intense—no sudden sparks or stolen kisses. Just soft comfort. Presence. Someone to laugh with. Someone who just… understood.
When Divya and Purv moved into their new phase of life, Kaashi often stayed back late at Purv's office, helping Rudra with projects, sipping coffee while the city slept. He’d tease her for her chaotic notes. She’d scold him for his terrible playlist.
One evening, as they sat on the rooftop of Rudra’s apartment after a long week, watching stars dot the velvet sky, Kaashi broke the silence with a soft murmur.
“You know what’s funny?”
Rudra raised an eyebrow. “That you still carry a Hello Kitty diary at 23?”
She laughed, shoving him lightly. “No! I mean… maybe. But also… how safe I feel with you.”
Rudra didn’t reply immediately. He just looked at her, his expression unusually serious. “That’s not funny, Kaashi. That’s everything.”
And from that night on, everything shifted.
There were no grand declarations. No urgent kisses.
Just a slow-burning warmth that grew with time. He started holding her hand in busy streets. She started remembering how he liked his coffee—extra strong with no sugar. They’d fight, banter, tease—but always come back to each other.
When Rudra introduced her as “someone important” at his family dinner last year, Kaashi blushed for hours.
When she got sick and refused to go to the doctor, he canceled his meeting and stayed by her side all day.
And tonight, after Divya said yes to Purv’s proposal, Kaashi stood silently by the balcony rail, watching the two lovebirds.
Rudra came beside her, bumping her shoulder gently. “You’re next, you know?”
Kaashi smirked. “Who says I’ll say yes?”
Rudra chuckled, eyes twinkling. “You will. You’re stuck with me, Kaashi.”
She looked up at him, heart full. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”