echoes of my heart

An unexpected conversation

"Hi, I'm Shiv," he said with a warm smile, extending his hand for a handshake.

Reya's heart raced as she took his hand, feeling a gentle squeeze before he let go.

"Hi, I'm Reya," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Shiv's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled again. "Nice to meet you, Reya. I've seen you around the house... enjoying the new view?"

Reya nodded, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Yeah, I love the big windows in my room."

Shiv leaned against the doorway, making himself comfortable. "Our house has big windows too... but I think your view is better. May I see?"

Reya's mother, Kavi, intervened with a warm smile. "Shiv, beta, come in, come in. Reya can show you her room later. Would you like some refreshments?"

As Kavi led Shiv's mother into the living room, Shiv turned to Reya and whispered, "Later sounds perfect. I'd love to see your room... and talk more."

Reya's heart skipped another beat. What did Shiv want to talk about?

Reya sat down cautiously beside him, their legs almost touching, and felt a spark of electricity.

"It's nice sitting close to the window," Reya said nervously, trying to break the silence.

Shiv smiled and turned to face her, his eyes locking onto hers.

"I think it's nice sitting close to you, Reya," he said softly.

Reya's heart skipped beats as she processed his gentle words. No one had ever talked to her like that before.

She looked down, fidgeting with her hands, and asked barely above whisper,

"Why do you say that, Shiv?"

Shiv gently tilted her chin up, his fingers brushing against her skin.

"Because you seem really interesting... and beautiful," he replied, voice low and sincere.

Reya's cheeks burned bright red as she met his gaze again...

Reya's cheeks burned bright red as she met his gaze again. Her heart was racing like crazy.

Shiv smiled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're blushing," he whispered.

Reya nodded slightly, feeling embarrassed yet happy he noticed.

Shiv's hand was still gently touching her chin, sending shivers down her spine.

Slowly, he removed his hand but leaned in closer.

"We barely just met, but I feel like I've known you forever, Reya," Shiv said, voice low and mysterious.

Reya's lips parted slightly as she breathed out a whisper, "I know exactly what you mean..."

Their faces were inches apart now. Reya could feel Shiv's warm breath on her skin.

Suddenly, she heard her mother's voice from downstairs, "Reya, beta, snacks are ready!"

Reya's heart sank – the moment was interrupted

The moment shattered like glass. Reya pulled back, feeling disappointed yet hopeful.

Downstairs, tension simmered between them as they exchanged glances and brief touches.

Later that night, Shiv's text flashed on Reya's screen: "Did you feel that too?"

Reya's heart soared as she typed back "Yes..."