(Kishori had finally gathered the courage to confess her love for Manav. Racing to the park where he sang, her heart soared—but Aakash interrupted, dragging Manav away. Disappointed, Kishori tried again later, strumming her guitar, but her words faltered. Even among friends, she faced judgment for daring to take the first step, yet she boldly declared her feelings. From afar, Manav watched her, smiling, his heart full of patience. Back home, he wrote a song, holding her photograph close. “I’ll wait,” he whispered, “but one day, you’ll tell me.” And Kishori’s silence held both fear and hope. Now ahead)
Shadows between us
The next morning, Kishori slipped into her blue jeans and a yellow t-shirt. Aanandi’s eyes widened in surprise.
“What’s this? You’re not even getting ready properly. You should look more beautiful today!”
Kishori only smiled faintly, picked up her books, and headed to college.
But something had changed. She wasn’t her usual cheerful self. In class, while others chatted and laughed, she sat quietly, her eyes staring into nothingness. Her mind was lost somewhere far away.
After the lecture ended, Aanandi slid into the seat beside her. “What happened? Aren’t you supposed to…” She hesitated, lowering her voice. “…propose today?”
Kishori shook her head slowly. Her voice cracked as she whispered, “It’s all over.”
Just then, Ruchi walked in and frowned. “What do you mean—over?”
But Kishori gave no reply. Later that evening, back in her room, she lay on her bed, tears soaking her pillow. She pulled the blanket over her head, shutting out the world. Her sobs were soft but heavy, as if her dreams had shattered silently inside her.
.....
Manav was sitting in the park, strumming a tune and humming softly. He turned to Aakash. “Let’s go to the disco tonight. It’s been so long since we went anywhere.”
Aakash grinned. “Perfect idea.”
That evening, the boys laughed and enjoyed themselves, the music loud, the lights flashing across the floor. But even in the crowd, Manav’s eyes searched for only one face. He was waiting—for Kishori.
When she finally arrived, her steps were hesitant. Though she forced a smile, her tension was clear. Her palms sweated, her heart pounded as if the whole disco was watching her.
Manav moved closer, his confident aura cutting through the noise. Kishori glanced around nervously, then quickly sat on the nearest chair, trying to steady herself.
Manav pulled up a chair beside her, leaning in with a playful smile. “Today,” he said, his voice low but firm, “I’ll show you just how brave we boys are.”
Kishori’s lips curved into a shy smile, her eyes betraying both fear and excitement. The moment hung between them, heavy with unspoken words.
....
Aanandi, Ruchi, and the other girls were dancing under the flashing lights when suddenly a boy pushed through the crowd and grabbed Aanandi’s hand.
“Leave me!” Aanandi shouted, pulling back.
The boy only laughed arrogantly. That was the moment Aakash’s kick landed hard on him, sending him stumbling.
“How dare you hit me!” the boy roared, charging back with a raised fist.
But before he could strike, a calm voice cut through the chaos.
“Oh, relax, Harsh. Anger is the biggest enemy inside a human body.”
Everyone turned. It was Manav, standing there with a smile, completely unshaken.
Harsh’s eyes narrowed, and he lunged toward him. But a few boys stepped in, holding him back.
“Don’t mess with him,” one of them warned. “He’s not just a singer—he’s a boxer too.”
Harsh gritted his teeth, then backed off, defeated.
Aanandi’s face softened with relief. “Thanks,” she said.
Manav flashed his charming smile. “Always welcome.” His eyes then swept across the hall, searching. “Hey… where has Kishori go?”
Aanandi pointed towards a corner. Kishori stood there, staring at her phone, pretending to type but clearly lost in thought.
Manav nodded with a quiet “Thanks,” then walked forward, his eyes fixed on her.
...
Kishori’s eyes were fixed on her phone screen, as if she was waiting desperately for a message that never came. Her fingers trembled over the keypad, but she didn’t type a word.
Manav stood her next “Why are you standing here alone? Your whole gang is out there dancing, and you’re…” He paused, tilting his head. “What happened? Is everything all right?”
Kishori didn’t answer. Her mind seemed miles away.
Manav tapped the table gently. “Hello? I’m talking to you.”
Startled, Kishori blinked and looked at him. “Huh? Were you saying something?”
Manav leaned a little closer, his tone softer. “Do you… want to dance with me?”
Kishori hesitated, then lowered her eyes. “I… I have a headache. Another day, please.”
Manav’s smile faltered, but he nodded kindly. “Oh… if you’re not feeling well—”
Before he could finish, Kishori fatched her all belongings abruptly, clutching her phone. “Sorry, I… I have to go.” Her voice carried hesitation, but her steps were quick, almost like she was running away from herself.
Manav stood back, watching her leave. A shadow of hurt crossed his face, but behind it was understanding. Something was troubling her deeply… and he silently vowed he would wait, no matter how long it took.
..
Kishori was folding her clothes neatly into her bag when Aanandi walked in, startled.
“Why are you packing? Are you going back home? Is something wrong?”
Kishori smiled faintly. “My cousin sister’s marriage has been fixed.”
Aanandi frowned. “So suddenly?”
Kishori zipped one side of her bag and replied calmly, “Life is full of surprises.”
Ruchi, who had been watching her closely, crossed her arms. “Strange. Your house has a marriage function, yet you don’t look happy. And yesterday at the disco… you were so tense.”
Kishori looked away, her voice soft. “My sister is leaving home… so…”
The girls exchanged glances, then nodded. “Ohh, yes, that’s true. Okay… enjoy the wedding.”
Kishori slipped into her bed, pulling the blanket to her chin. “My bus is scheduled for 5 a.m. tomorrow.”
There was a moment of silence. Then Ruchi suddenly asked, “Did you inform Manav?”
Kishori turned her face away but smiled faintly. “You tell him tomorrow.”
All the girls stared at her, stunned by her answer, as if she had left behind more questions than explanations.
.....
1. 💔 Why is Kishori running away from her own feelings—will she ever confess to Manav?
2. 🎶 Can Manav reach her heart despite the distance and unspoken words between them?
3. 🔥 With family events, misunderstandings, and tension at the disco, will love survive, or will fate intervene first?
Want to know what happens next? Keep reading "WHISPERS OF HEARTS"
