Strings Attached ✨

35. Talking and Listening

" It's not like that. Till now, i didn't even feel the need to. Everyone used to call me anuj since childhood, and I was just so used to being called that. Suddenly, now its changed and I'm Vihaan. It'd just be nice if someone called me anuj, Vihaan just reminds me of all the responsibilities, you know?" ....he chuckled.

" Yes, I know. You seem a lot tired too. Just relax, you're good at your job and you know it." ....I assured him, and saw a small smile light up on his face.

The glint in his eyes were visible for a mere second before vanishing again.

" So, anything new ? " ....I added.

He looked at me, as if contemplating whether to tell me or not. I didn't want to force him so I waited patiently.

However, he shook his head and smiled silently.

" No,.nothing much. Indraprastha was good, nice people, beautiful landscapes. It was refreshing. Also, the discussion worked out well and we settled midway on trading matters. " ........he stated flatly.

Nevertheless, I knew something was wrong. He looked distracted, as if his mind were somewhere else. I didn't think prying further would be appropriate, so I let it go.

I looked at his plate, it was almost finished.

" Would you like to have some more rice ? " ....I asked as I picked up the bowl with rice.

" No. I'm full. Thankyou for the meal." ....he chirped with a smile.

" You ate so little. Are you feeling unwell ?" .....I was concerned.

" No, not at all. It's just .....I just don't have an appetite after the journey. " ....he shrugged, trying to convince me.

" Okay. Go and take rest now, you need it after the long journey. " ....I advised.

He nodded quietly, with a grateful look.

He felt different, like he missed something.

Maybe it was something in Indraprastha. I heard the kingdom was really beautiful. Anyhow, I decided to shrug it off.

Agastya would probably attend the court and get busy in his works. In the meanwhile, I decided to retire to the chamber and take rest. 

As I entered the chamber, I felt the curtain move. I shrugged it off, turning to close the door.

Out of nowhere, a hand sneaked up on my waist, pulling me into a hard chest.

" Agastya. " ....I said, surprised.

" How did you know it was me?" .....his voice sounded disappointed.

I chuckled, turning around while still caged between his arms.

" Well, that's for me to know and for you to figure out." ....I smirked at him.

He raised a brow in amusement.

" When did you start talking like me ?" .....he pointed out, and I realised.

That totally sounded like him, indeed. I was flustered, and it forced me to look down.

He chuckled and I felt his chest vibrate close to me.

" So affected by me that you're turning into me. " ....he commented smugly.

" I'm not." ...I defended.

To this, I only felt him pulling me closer.

" Your words say a different story." ...he placed his chin on my head, and his hands moulded closely with my waist, hugging me softly.