Déjà Vu

**Chapter 10: Farewell to the Hills**

Their last evening in Mussoorie had been a perfect blend of warmth and bittersweet nostalgia. As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the town, Aarushi and Rudra wandered down the lively streets of **The Mall Road**—the heart of Mussoorie. The narrow lanes were bustling with life, the aroma of roasted peanuts and freshly brewed chai filling the air as locals and tourists alike drifted through shops, stopping to admire local crafts, woolen shawls, and wooden souvenirs.

They paused at a small shop, its windows lined with intricate jewelry and hand-carved trinkets. Aarushi admired a silver anklet, its delicate bells ringing softly when touched. Rudra, noticing her fascination, picked it up and without a word, placed it on her ankle. Aarushi smiled, her eyes brimming with affection, and they moved on, their footsteps in sync.

As they continued down the street, the golden light faded into dusk, and the town’s flickering lights came to life. The evening was punctuated by the distant calls of street vendors and the laughter of children playing nearby. They stopped at a tiny tea stall overlooking the valley, where they shared a steaming cup of chai. The view from the edge of the road was breathtaking, the Doon Valley below them bathed in the last light of day, fading into twilight.

“This place feels timeless,” Aarushi murmured, her fingers wrapped around the warmth of the cup. The twinkling lights of the valley stretched out below them like stars fallen to the earth.

Rudra nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on her instead of the view. “It’s like a world of its own. But it’s more special because I’m here with you.”

The intimacy of the moment weighed heavy between them, making the approaching end of their trip all the more poignant. As the night grew darker and the streets quieted, they made their way back to the cottage, tucked away in the hills, its stone walls glowing faintly in the moonlight.

Inside, the room was still, almost too quiet after the bustle of the town. Aarushi stood by the large window, gazing out at the valley now cloaked in darkness, only the faint outline of the hills visible in the distance. The soft breeze from the open window played with the curtains, bringing with it the scent of pine trees and earth, grounding them in the moment. The distant sounds of crickets filled the night air, mingling with the soft rustle of the leaves.

Rudra’s presence behind her was a comforting warmth, his arms slipping around her waist as he pulled her close. She leaned into him, her body fitting perfectly against his, as though the very mountains had molded them together.

“I’m going to miss this,” she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness. Her eyes were fixed on the lights twinkling far below them, like pieces of their trip that would remain behind after they left.

Rudra gently turned her to face him, his fingers grazing her cheek. “We’ll carry this with us,” he said softly, his words heavy with meaning. His thumb brushed over her lips, lingering on the curve of her smile. “But tonight... tonight is just for us.”

The space between them disappeared as he kissed her—soft and slow at first, but deepening quickly with the weight of their emotions. The kiss tasted of the sweetness of chai and the mountain air, a perfect blend of everything they had shared over the past days. Their hands moved with a sense of urgency, as though they were trying to capture and hold on to every second, every touch, before it slipped away with the night.

They undressed each other slowly, savoring each moment as they revealed more of themselves, both physically and emotionally. The cool night air contrasted with the heat of their bodies as they moved to the bed, their connection deepening with every kiss, every caress.

The world outside their window vanished as they made love, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, a slow, deliberate rhythm that spoke of their deep bond. The sheets twisted around them as they gave themselves completely to the moment, losing track of time as they explored each other. The mountain breeze slipped through the window, cool against their heated skin, but they barely noticed. It was just the two of them, lost in each other, as if the rest of the world no longer existed.

Hours passed in a blur of whispered words and soft gasps, their bodies tangled together as they rode the waves of passion. They took their time, savoring each other with a sense of urgency but also a deep appreciation for what they shared. It wasn’t just about the physical act; it was the culmination of every moment they had spent together—the laughter, the exploration, the quiet conversations, and the love that had grown between them.

As the night wore on, they found themselves wrapped in the warmth of the blankets, their legs still entwined, their bodies spent but their hearts full. Aarushi rested her head on Rudra’s chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart as she traced lazy patterns on his skin. Outside, the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, painting the sky a soft lavender and casting a faint glow into the room.

“We’ll come back here,” Rudra murmured, his voice rough with exhaustion, but filled with certainty. His fingers gently combed through her hair as he spoke.

Aarushi smiled, pressing a kiss to his chest, her heart full. “I know we will.”

They lay there in the peaceful silence, the mountains standing as silent witnesses to their love. As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, they drifted into a peaceful sleep, knowing that while their time in Mussoorie was ending, the memories they had made here would stay with them forever.

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