living room was too quiet for a room full of people.
Aarya sat with her hands in her lap, staring politely at the teacup in front of her. Her mother kept offering snacks like she was hosting a royal banquet. Reyansh's mother smiled warmly, complimenting the curtains. Their fathers exchanged safe topics — rainfall, fuel prices, electricity bills.
Kanta Kaki commented on the wall clock. "It's fast," she said, tapping it with her finger like a judge giving a verdict. Nisha, Reyansh's cousin, sat in the corner, already half-bored but quietly amused.
Everyone was smiling. No one was relaxed.
Then Aarya's father cleared his throat. "How about Aarya and Reyansh step out for a few minutes? Just to talk."
There was a pause.
Then everyone looked at Aarya. Then Reyansh.
Reyansh stood first. "If that's okay."
Aarya glanced at her mom. She nodded.
So Aarya stood up and walked toward the balcony. Reyansh followed.
---
The balcony was small but peaceful. Two chairs sat near the railing, surrounded by potted plants. A slow breeze moved the air.
They both sat down, side by side, but not too close.
Down on the street, a food vendor was shouting something about chaat. Aarya smiled faintly.
"Every Sunday," she said, "same voice, same timing."
Reyansh nodded. "Feels familiar. Like background music."
They were quiet again.
---
Inside, Maushi leaned toward Nisha.
"They're smiling," she whispered.
"Maybe," Nisha said, not looking up. "Or maybe they're just being polite."
---
"So," Aarya said, breaking the silence, "do you do this often?"
Reyansh turned. "Meet strangers on balconies? Not really."
She laughed. "I meant arranged meetings."
"This is my first."
"Really?"
He nodded. "I usually say no. This time I didn't."
"Why not?"
He thought for a moment. "Because I felt like maybe... it was time to try."
She nodded slowly. "That's fair."
---
They fell silent again, but this time it didn't feel forced.
"I don't know what I'm supposed to say in these moments," she admitted.
"You don't have to say anything impressive," he said. "I think we're both here just to find out if we can talk without trying too hard."
"That's a nice way to put it."
They sat quietly again. Aarya played with the edge of her dupatta. Reyansh looked at the sky.
---
Inside, Kanta Kaki was whispering to Aarya's mother. "They've been out there too long. Is that good or bad?"
"Good," her mother whispered. "Let them be."
---
Reyansh turned toward Aarya. "You seem... guarded."
She gave a small smile. "I don't fall easily."
"That's okay. I don't chase easily."
That made her laugh. Not loud. Just enough.
He smiled too, then said, "But I like talking to you. It doesn't feel like effort."
She looked at him, more openly this time. "It doesn't."
---
They heard a phone ring inside. A chair scrape. Someone cough.
The world was still waiting for them.
Aarya stood up first. "We should go back before the entire family starts pretending not to listen."
Reyansh stood too. "That would be a first — them pretending."
They walked back in.
Everyone tried very hard to look casual.
---
After another round of polite goodbyes and warm smiles, Reyansh's family left.
Aarya stood at the door as they walked out. Reyansh turned and gave her a small nod before leaving.
No words. But not cold.
Just… unfinished.
---
That night, Aarya sat by her window, the sky dark, the stars few. Her phone buzzed.
A message from Reyansh:
> "I liked talking to you today. No pressure. Just wanted to say that."
She stared at the screen.
Then smiled. Just a little.
And replied.
> "Me too."