The whispering shadows

 Chapter 6: The Whispering Shadows

It was a quiet evening in Shivdara, but something in the air had changed.

A new guest had arrived—Raghav, well-dressed, well-spoken, and chosen by Vaanika’s stepmother as the “perfect match.”

He brought sweets and smiles… but something about him made Vaanika’s heart feel cold.

She nodded politely, but her eyes wandered—searching the fields, the trees, the wind—searching for someone else.

Far away, near the temple, Arin heard the whispers.

He stood still, the words sinking deep: Vaanika's marriage had been fixed.

His heart thudded.

Not now. Not so soon.

He wasn’t ready to lose her… even if he hadn’t told her how he felt.

That night, Arin saw her again—alone, by the lake, feeding birds.

He stayed hidden, like always, just watching.

One bird with an injured wing fluttered near her feet.

Vaanika bent slowly, touched it softly—just once.

And as if touched by light, the bird flew again.

Arin’s eyes widened.

That wasn't normal.

That… was magic.

But she didn’t notice.

She just smiled gently, watching the bird fly free.

She didn’t know what she’d done.

But Arin knew—this girl was special. Powerful. Pure.

Later, Raghav came to meet her again. He spoke of gold, cars, city life.

But Vaanika stood silent. Her heart didn’t beat for gold. It beat for something else.

Something unspoken. Unnamed.

That evening, Arin found her near the banyan tree.

“You’re quiet,” he said.

She looked up. “I don’t want to marry someone who doesn’t see who I really am.”

Arin said nothing. His chest ached with words he couldn’t say.

And as she walked away, the wind picked up, dancing around her like it loved her more than the world.

That night, under the moonlight, Vaanika whispered to herself,

“Why does it feel… like I’ve known him forever?”

Somewhere behind the trees, Arin stood—watching her glow, wondering the same.

To be continued...

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Let your heart feel the magic... because love is just getting started.

— The Author (Kridha)