The boat ride was peaceful, the kind of night that seemed frozen in time. The lake shimmered under the moonlight, and the occasional flicker of lanterns from the distant palaces added a golden hue to the water’s surface.
Astha leaned back slightly, letting the cool air kiss her face. “You know, I have to say, Verma, you’re handling this trip pretty well. I half-expected you to demand a five-star conference room for our interviews.”
Arin smiled, resting his arm casually on the side of the boat. “Well, I was going to, but then I got distracted by all the bus roofs and stolen guavas.”
Astha chuckled. “See? Chaos suits you.”
“Or maybe,” Arin said, studying her, “you just make chaos look appealing.”
She turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze. For a moment, there was something there—something neither of them wanted to name. But before either of them could say another word—
The boat jerked.
Astha let out a small yelp as she grabbed onto the side for balance. Arin’s reflexes were quicker—he reached out instinctively, his hand gripping her wrist before she could tip forward.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice lower, more serious.
Astha let out a breath. “Yeah. But that wasn’t normal.”
The boatman frowned, adjusting his oar. “Something’s caught on the rudder. Hold on.”
Arin still hadn’t let go of her wrist. Astha noticed but didn’t say anything. Instead, without realizing it, she leaned slightly into his presence, as if seeking reassurance.
A moment later, a loud splash sounded behind them. Then another.
Astha tensed. “Okay, Verma. Time to admit that this isn’t part of my ‘chaotic adventure plan.’”
“Duly noted,” he muttered.
Then, without warning, something hit the boat from underneath. Hard.
Astha lost her balance completely, toppling forward. But before she could fall, Arin caught her—both arms securing her against his chest as the boat rocked violently.
The boatman cursed under his breath, struggling to steady them. “We need to turn back—something isn’t right.”
Arin’s grip on her tightened instinctively. “Stay close,” he murmured.
Astha nodded, her fingers curling lightly around his forearm. Normally, she would have made a joke, something to deflect. But at that moment, she didn’t.
Another thud from beneath.
The boatman didn’t wait for another warning—he began rowing back toward the dock as fast as he could.
Astha exhaled shakily. “I don’t know what the hell that was, but I’m officially putting boat rides on my banned activities list.”
Arin, still holding onto her, leaned back slightly. “Noted. Also, for the record, I told you cars were the better option.”
Astha rolled her eyes. “If you say ‘I told you so’ one more time, I’ll personally throw you into the lake.”
Arin smiled. “Noted.”
Back on Land
When they reached the dock, the boatman was still shaken.
“I’ve been doing this for years,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Never seen anything like that.”
Astha glanced at Arin, a silent question in her eyes. He said nothing, but his jaw was tight, as if he was thinking too much.
“Let’s go,” he finally said. “I don’t think either of us wants to linger here tonight.”
Astha nodded, and without another word, they walked back toward their guesthouse.
The Late-Night Conversation
That night, when a knock sounded at her door, Astha wasn’t surprised to find Arin standing there.
“I can’t sleep,” he admitted.
Astha smiled. “The mighty Arin Verma can’t sleep? What, did the lake monster give you nightmares?”
He gave her an unimpressed look. “I just… wanted to check if you’re okay.”
Astha studied him for a moment before stepping aside. “Come in, then. But if you start lecturing me about my life choices, I’m kicking you out.”
He smiled. “Noted.”
As he sat on the chair by the window, he asked, “Does anyone at the office know this side of you?”
Astha raised an eyebrow. “What side?”
“The side that sits on top of buses, steals fruit, and nearly gets swallowed by lakes,” he said, amusement laced in his voice.
Astha shrugged. “Not really. At work, I’m just a journalist. No one really cares about my adventurous streak.”
Arin tilted his head. “I do.”
Astha paused at that. She opened her mouth to say something but then closed it. Instead, she smiled faintly. “Good to know, Verma.”
Arin leaned forward slightly. “Why are you so reserved in the office? You’re a fun person to be with.”
Astha let out a small laugh. “Office is different. Work is work. If you’re too friendly, people stop taking you seriously. And sometimes, it’s easier to keep a distance than to deal with unnecessary drama.”
Arin watched her carefully. “But that’s not who you really are.”
She shrugged, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Maybe. But we all have different sides, don’t we?”
Arin held her gaze for a moment longer before exhaling. “Get some sleep, Mehra.”
As he left, Astha lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She didn’t know why his words affected her so much. But one thing was certain—this trip was changing something between them.
And she wasn’t sure she was ready for it.
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