INVISIBLE STRINGS // SARAJ

foreshadowing

"You missed a spot," he said, gesturing to the corner of the pile she was patting down.

"I know," she replied curtly. "I was getting to it."

"Sure you were."

The tension between them simmered as they worked, each interaction laced with an edge. Finally, Rajat broke the silence. "You've been quiet tonight. What's going on?"

"Nothing's going on," Savi said sharply, not looking at him.

"Really?" he pressed. "Because it feels like something is."

She dropped the handful of leaves she was holding and turned to face him. "Why do you care? It's not like it matters. In a few months, we'll all be in different places anyway. This," she gestured between them, "won't even matter."

Rajat's expression darkened. "You're right. It won't."

The cold agreement caught her off guard. She expected him to argue, to deny it, but instead, he stepped back, his jaw tight. "We won't have any reason to see each other, so what's the point?"

Her chest felt hollow at his words, but she didn't let it show. "Exactly."

Without another word, they finished the task in silence, the earlier camaraderie of the group now fractured.

***

The next morning, the group boarded the bus for the return journey. Savi moved quickly, sliding into a seat beside Arjun before Rajat could approach her.

Arjun raised an eyebrow as he settled in. "Well, this is a surprise. What's the matter, Savi? Your favorite sparring partner not good enough for you today?"

"Not in the mood," Savi muttered, pulling out her earphones.

Rajat walked past them, his steps slowing as he glanced at her. "Savi are you—"

"I'm fine," she cut in abruptly, not looking up.

His lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded and moved to a seat further back. Aashka trudged in to, with a bright smile. 

"I've been told I can join in, we're heading back to school anyways" She grinned and looped her arms around Rajat's. "A long bus ride, stuck with me"

Rajat chuckled, and Savi noticed how it was genuine. It was then she realized that she really should stay away from everything, all this paranoia and care wasn't worth anything. Their friendship- or whatever it was- was great while it lasted. But it was temporary, just like everything else. 

Arjun nudged her shoulder. "You two are really something, you know that?"

"Drop it, Arjun," she said, leaning her head against the window.

He held up his hands in mock surrender and after a beat he squeezed her shoulder.  "Alright, I get it now. trust me"

She didn't reply, letting the hum of the engine and the chatter of the other students drown out her thoughts.

***

When Savi arrived home, the familiar warmth of her family enveloped her. There was cheerful chatter coming from the main living, which was unusual from their usual strict demeanor. Savi frowned wondering what had changed in the few days she had been gone. 

"Ajji, I'm back" Savi called, as she rushed in, only for her face to light up and drop her bag in surprise. "Vinu!"

She didn't waste another second in throwing her arms around him. Pure happiness radiating off of her. 

He laughed, hugging her back. "You're so much taller now Savi. What are they feeding you at college?"

"Stress," she quipped, pulling back with a grin. "You? How's medical school treating you?"

"It's exhausting, but worth it," he said, ruffling her hair. "And you? How's the future IAS officer?"

She waved off the question. "Same old. But enough about me. Tell me everything about medical college! And now you live in your own dorm, away from us by two hours so you never visit" 

She frowned and he hugged her, "I'm sorry, there's so much studying to do. But I promise from now on I'll visit every two weeks definitely"

"Yeh nahi chalega!" Savi stomped her foot down dramatically, "Every week milne chahiye bas!"

"Acha teek hai, jo tum kahe hum mane" He bowed down, and she pretended to bless him before a they fell into laughter together. 

They filled each other on all the new things since they last met. Vinayak's medical school was in the city, so it was a good two hours away from them and due to the high stress of exams, he hadn't been able to visit for months, but Savi made sure to keep in touch over the phone.

Later, as the house quieted, Vinayak followed Savi into her room. The walls were adorned with motivational quotes and a bulletin board packed with her study schedule and newspaper clippings about social issues.

"Wow, this looks intense," he said, gesturing to the board.

"Tu bas dekh," Savi said proudly. "This is my game plan. By next year, I'll crack it."

Vinayak ruffled her hair. "I don't doubt it. You've always been the overachiever."

"Hey! That's you!"

He laughed, but his expression softened as he watched her. "You seem different, though," he said after a pause.

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know... It's like you're holding something back," he said, leaning against her desk. "You're usually buzzing with energy, but today you're... quieter."

Savi hesitated, unsure how to respond. "I'm just tired, Bhaiya. It was a long trip."

"Hmm," he said, narrowing his eyes. "If you say so."

She quickly changed the subject, asking him about his classes and clinical rotations. Vinayak spoke animatedly, and for a while, the weight on her chest lightened.

"Savi, Vinayak! Tayaar ho jao!" Bhavani's voice echoed from downstairs. "We're getting late for the function!"

Savi groaned as she rifled through her wardrobe for something presentable. "Back to the chaos."

Vinayak chuckled. "Wouldn't be home without it."

As they got ready, Vinayak watched her quietly. Though she was smiling and laughing, her responses felt a bit forced. Whatever was bothering her, he decided, he'd find out eventually.

***

please vote and comment!!

for those who've watched pre--leap, you would know that Vinayak had aspirations to be a doctor but he was kinda astray in the earlier episodes before he turned better before he died. I had a track planned but I feel like it's going to drag on, so i've kept him as a positive character especially with the leap arriving soon!