Parallel Lines: a story of memory, silence, and first love

Finally

He flinches — just slightly.

Tiara notices.

Meanwhile, in the second cab, Arvind watches quietly from the backseat.
Kiara sits beside him, pointing out palm trees with childlike excitement.

He nods politely.
But something in his eyes is miles away.

Beach Day Shenanigans

Later that afternoon, they reach the beach house.
Ankita squeals at the sea view, rushing to claim the best room.
Sahil rolls his eyes and trails after her.

The group heads down to the beach, kicking up sand, throwing around a volleyball.

Kabir and Tiara team up for beach volleyball.
They lose, but she's smiling —
until she realizes Kabir hasn't looked her in the eye in a while.

Kiara tries pulling Arvind into the game.
He declines at first, but she teases him until he throws the ball (badly) once.
They both laugh.

Later, Arvind walks the shoreline alone.
Sketchpad in hand.
Just waves. Tangled lines.
No faces.

Goa Shack Conversations (Night)

They head to a beach shack later that evening —
dim lighting, fairy lights strung between coconut trees.
Music hums softly in the background.

They order seafood, mocktails, a round of fries for the table.

Everyone is laughing —
Sahil and Ankita are being gross and adorable,
Kiara's telling a story about her roommate accidentally washing her law notes.

But Arvind and Tiara?

They keep stealing small glances.

Not flirting. Not smiling.
Just... quietly acknowledging the presence of someone they haven't yet figured out how to un-know.

Split Conversations

The group drifts into smaller pairs after dinner.

➤ Tiara & Sahil – By the Rocks

They walk toward the rocks near the water, barefoot.

Tiara:
"Kabir... he's been quieter lately.
I don't know if it's stress or... if he's just tired of me."

Sahil shrugs.

Sahil:
"Maybe he's scared you're still tied to someone else."

She freezes.
Then smiles — softly, sadly.

Tiara:
"I never wanted that."

➤ Arvind & Kabir – Near the Shack

They sit on low stools. Neither looking at the other.

Kabir:
"You're not what I imagined, you know."

Arvind:
"I usually disappoint people's imagination."

Kabir sips his drink.

Kabir:
"She talked about you.
Never by name.
Just... the boy who changed her life."

Arvind doesn't reply.

Kabir smiles faintly.

"Lucky guy."

Scene 5 – Balcony at Midnight

Everyone's asleep or in their rooms.

Arvind walks out to the balcony, sketchbook in hand.

Tiara's already there —
hoodie on, feet tucked into the railing.

They don't flinch.
Don't greet each other.