INVISIBLE STRINGS // SARAJ

more hinting

Savi chuckled, shaking her head. "No, Tara. No boyfriends, just the never-ending battle of studies and Badi Ajji's expectations."

Tara pouted. "That's boring. You're gorgeous, funny, and, well, you're you. You deserve some romance, Savi. Maybe someone tall, smart, with glasses..." She trailed off, her gaze flicking towards the living room where Rajat sat, now caught up in an animated conversation with Lucky.

Savi's cheeks warmed at the subtle suggestion. "Tara!" she whispered, nudging her friend in playful reproach.

Tara smirked. "What? Just saying. You two have known each other for years. I'm sure Bhai wouldn't be too bad to date."

Before Savi could respond, Rajat stepped out onto the balcony, hands stuffed into his pockets. "What are you two whispering about? Tara, if you're spilling secrets, remember I still know about that one time you—"

"Shh!" Tara interrupted with a laugh, standing up quickly. "I'll leave you two alone before Bhai starts embarrassing me. Enjoy the rain!" She flashed Savi a wink before slipping back inside, leaving them alone.

The rain's scent filled the air, mingled with the lingering warmth of the pakoras. Rajat leaned against the railing, the yellow glow from the house casting soft shadows on his face. Savi's eyes met his, and for a moment, neither spoke, the quiet between them both comforting and charged.

"Tumara pakora aur baarish ki wish poori hogaya?" Rajat asked softly, a smile breaking out onto his face. 

Savi smiled, moving towards the railing where he stood."Thanks for this Rajat, truly."

Rajat's just smiled in response, and they turned back to watch the rain. A gust of wind swept through, pushing Savi's hair across her face. Instinctively, he reached out and tucked a stray strand behind her ear. His fingers brushed her skin, warm despite the chill of the rain, and the small touch sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

The world seemed to slow as they stood there, eyes locked. Savi's heart beat a little faster, and she knew Rajat could probably hear it in the quiet of the evening. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but the words lingered unspoken.

Savi broke the silence first, her voice just above a whisper. "You're not wearing your glasses," 

He blinked, the moment was gone. 

"Forgot them inside. Didn't think I'd need them just to see the rain."

She just nodded in agreement, and even though she knew that it was absolutely nothing, she couldn't help but remember the small spark she felt. She wasn't supposed to, it was good she ended it promptly. 

The warmth and laughter at Rajat's house lingered with Savi as she made her way home, the rain finally easing into a gentle drizzle. Once inside her room, she absentmindedly realized she was still wrapped in Rajat's green sweater. 

It was far too big for her, the sleeves slipping past her fingertips and the fabric comfortably loose. She did think it was right to change, but her bed seemed so inviting and the familiar scent of the sweater was too warm, causing her to slip into her bed and drift away into sleep. 

***

The next day, Savi walked into the ethics class feeling more rested than she had in days. The lecture was intense, filled with debates about moral responsibilities, and Savi was completely immersed. After class ended, just as she was packing up her books, Ishaan Sir called out, "Savi, stay back for a moment."

A few students exchanged curious glances as they filtered out, leaving her alone with Ishaan in the quiet room. He leaned against his desk, arms crossed with an air of authority softened by a hint of amusement.