Hiten frowned, slightly hesitant. “I… I don’t think—”

Before he could finish, Aarya grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door. “It’s okay! Just for a little while,” she insisted.

He sighed but let himself be dragged outside. The cold rain soaked them both instantly, the greenish streetlights reflecting off the puddles around them. Hiten muttered, “I’m really sorry…”

She shook her head with a laugh, droplets sliding down her hair. “It’s okay… my fault. Now let’s just enjoy it!”

They ran through the streets, laughing, splashing through puddles, the rain drenching them completely. At one point, Hiten scooped her into his arms, spinning her around until both of them were dizzy with laughter. “Stoppp!” she shouted, but the joy in her voice made him grin. “Nope, it’s too much fun!”

Eventually, they found a garden hose, and Hiten playfully turned it on her. She shrieked, then retaliated, spraying water on him despite the rain already soaking them. “Hey! You’re wasting water!” he laughed.

“You started it!” she shot back, chasing him across the yard. Their laughter echoed through the quiet neighborhood, mixing with the sound of rain on the leaves.

By the time they returned home, soaked to the bone, they were shivering yet exhilarated. A quick shower later, they changed into dry clothes, the aroma of damp earth still lingering in their hair.

“Today was… so much fun,” Aarya said, brushing her wet hair back.

“Exhausting too,” Hiten added, smiling.

They moved to the kitchen to make dinner together. Hiten patiently taught her every step, the smells of fresh vegetables and spices mixing with the lingering petrichor from the rain outside. She fumbled with the knife, slicing unevenly, and he gently held her hand to correct her technique. Inside, his mind couldn’t help but notice the subtle scent of her shampoo, the warmth of her skin. I don’t want this moment to end, he thought.

Aarya, on the other hand, felt the comfort of his touch and the faint scent of his cologne. Everything has changed so fast… I don’t want to lose him, she realized.

They finished cooking, brought the food to the room, and sat on the floor with plates in front of them. The soft glow of the room, the sound of rain outside, and the aroma of freshly cooked food made everything feel cozy. They chatted while eating, laughing at little mishaps and teasing each other.

Later, tired but happy, they collapsed on the bed. Pillow fights, playful teasing, and whispered laughter filled the room. When she requested a poem, Hiten couldn’t resist her adorable pleading expression.

He recited softly:

"Raindrops on the windowpane,

A fleeting touch, a gentle strain.

Moments pass, yet linger near,

Your laughter’s song, I long to hear."

Aarya’s eyes widened. “Wow… you’re really amazing.”

Hiten smiled, hiding the blush on his cheeks. “For now, let’s sleep… school comes too soon.”

As night wrapped around them, both drifted into a peaceful sleep, the rain tapping a soothing rhythm on the roof above.

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