Déjà Vu

**Chapter 2: The Quiet of the Hills**

The cottage was a picture of perfection, nestled against the hillside like it had been part of the landscape for centuries. From the moment they stepped inside, Aarushi knew it was everything they had hoped for—cozy and intimate, yet not too polished, with just the right touch of rustic charm. The wooden beams that framed the ceilings felt sturdy and worn, adding to the sense of history that permeated the place.

A small stone fireplace sat in the corner of the living room, the wood inside crackling with a comforting warmth. The scent of burning pine filled the air, mixing with the fresh mountain breeze that drifted in through the large windows. The furniture was simple—well-worn leather chairs, a wooden coffee table that bore the scratches of years past, and a plush couch that faced the panoramic window, offering a breathtaking view of the valley below. Beyond the window, the landscape seemed to stretch on forever, the green hills rolling into the horizon, the mist that clung to them slowly dissipating as the day wore on.

Aarushi wandered through the rooms, her fingertips grazing the rough-hewn beams that crisscrossed the ceiling, feeling the texture of the wood beneath her skin. There was a lived-in feeling to the cottage, as if it had been waiting for them, quietly absorbing the memories of all those who had passed through its doors. The walls were lined with old bookshelves, their wooden surfaces lined with faded novels and local literature about the hills, stories of folklore and legends of the mountains. It was a place that invited you to slow down, to take in the quiet moments and let the world outside fade away.

As Aarushi explored the space, Rudra followed her, watching her with a quiet contentment. She moved with a grace that always captivated him, her curiosity leading her from room to room. The soft light that filtered through the windows cast a golden glow on her face, making her seem almost ethereal in the stillness of the cottage. He didn’t say much, content to let the silence stretch between them. The satisfaction of knowing that they were finally away from the noise of the world settled deep in his chest.

*This,* he thought, *was exactly what they needed.* Time to disconnect. Time to just *be* with each other, without the constant hum of responsibilities and expectations pulling them in different directions.

They had arrived just as the late afternoon sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the valley. Now, as the hours passed, the golden light softened, giving way to hues of deep orange and pink. By the time they stepped outside onto the porch, the sky was a canvas of fiery colors, the sunset painting the horizon with its last breath before nightfall.

The porch, framed by vines that clung to the wooden beams, looked out over a breathtaking view of the valley. Aarushi settled onto the bench, tucking her legs beneath her, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders to guard against the evening chill. The cool mountain air felt refreshing, a welcome contrast to the warmth of the cottage behind them. Rudra sat beside her, his arm draped lazily over her shoulders, pulling her close.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a while, watching as the sky changed before their eyes, the vibrant colors slowly giving way to deep purples and blues. In the distance, they could see the outline of small villages nestled in the valleys, the smoke from their chimneys rising in thin, wispy trails into the cooling air. There was something magical about the twilight in the hills—the way the mountains seemed to hold the light just a little longer, as if reluctant to let go of the day.

Aarushi’s gaze wandered over the horizon, taking in the beauty of the moment. “You know,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, “I’ve always wanted to do something like this. Just… get away. Be with you. No distractions. No rushing around.”

Rudra turned his head to look at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Me too,” he replied, his voice warm and full of affection. “I’m glad we’re finally doing it. We needed this.”

Aarushi leaned her head against his shoulder, her body relaxing into his embrace. She could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest, the quiet strength of his presence beside her. It was moments like this—simple, unhurried—that made her realize just how much she loved him. There were no grand gestures, no need for words. Just the two of them, sitting together in the stillness of the hills, as the world around them slowly prepared for the night.

“I love you, Rudra,” she whispered, the words slipping out naturally, without hesitation. They felt as true and steady as the mountains themselves.

Rudra tightened his arm around her, his fingers gently brushing against her arm as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I love you too, Aarushi. More than you know.”

They sat like that for a long time, their bodies close, the warmth between them keeping the evening chill at bay. The only sounds were the soft rustling of the leaves in the breeze and the distant call of a bird settling in for the night. It felt as though the world had paused for them, suspended in the quiet of the hills.

As the sky grew darker, stars began to appear, one by one, dotting the inky expanse above. The quiet beauty of the night unfolded around them, the constellations twinkling in the clear mountain air. It was the kind of night that made you feel small in the grand scheme of things, yet profoundly connected to the world around you.

Rudra shifted slightly, his gaze fixed on the stars above. “Do you ever think about how vast the universe is?” he mused, his voice soft, contemplative. “How small we are in comparison?”

Aarushi tilted her head to look up at the sky, her fingers intertwined with his. “Sometimes,” she replied, her voice thoughtful. “But right now, all I can think about is how perfect this moment is. How it feels like everything we’ve been through led us here.”

Rudra smiled, his thumb gently brushing the back of her hand. “It does feel like that, doesn’t it? Like we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be.”

For the first time in a long while, Aarushi felt completely at peace. The quiet of the hills, the closeness of Rudra, the beauty of the night—they all wove together into a tapestry of contentment. It was a moment she would hold onto, long after they left the mountains behind.