Whispers of the Summer Sky

The next evening, Arjun arrived at the hilltop earlier than usual, sketchbook in hand. The sky was still a pale blue, tinged with pink at the horizon. He didn't know why he was in such a rush. It wasn't like Naina had a claim on this time of day, but something about their conversations felt… easy. Different.

She wasn't there yet, so he sat down on the bench and flipped through his sketches. The outline of Naina from the other night caught his eye again. He frowned, tempted to erase it but hesitated.

Thinking about erasing me?

Arjun nearly dropped his pencil. He looked up to see Naina standing in front of him, arms crossed, a playful smirk on her face.

Didn't hear you coming, Arjun muttered, closing the sketchbook.

You were in the zone, Naina said, plopping down next to him. It's a sacred artist thing, right?

Arjun snorted. Something like that.

They sat quietly for a while, watching the sky shift colors. Naina pulled a pack of gum from her hoodie pocket and offered him a piece.

Thanks, Arjun said, unwrapping it.

So, what's your deal? Naina asked, popping a piece into her mouth.

My deal?

Yeah. You're quiet, kind of broody. What's your story?

Arjun shrugged. No story. Just... life.

Naina raised an eyebrow. That's vague. Come on, everyone's got a story. Spill.

Arjun hesitated. I'm here with my parents. They think we don't spend enough time together. That's it.

That's not a story. That's a vacation, Naina said, leaning back. But fine, I'll go first. My dad died when I was nine. It's just me and my mom now. She loves this place because we used to come here with him. Says it keeps him close.

Arjun glanced at her, surprised by her openness. I'm sorry.

It's okay, Naina said, smiling softly. It was a long time ago. But that's my story. Your turn.

Arjun sighed, staring at the distant hills. I'm not close with my parents. They're always busy, and when they're not, they're trying to fix things with these trips. But it's awkward. Forced.

Naina nodded, chewing thoughtfully. Yeah, forced bonding sucks.

They lapsed into silence again, but this time it felt heavier, laden with the weight of their shared truths.

You know, Naina said after a while, you can't erase people just because they show up in your life. Even if you don't draw them, they leave marks.

Arjun looked at her, startled by the insight. You sound like a philosopher.

Maybe I am, Naina said with a grin. Or maybe I just read too many sappy books.

Arjun chuckled. That checks out.

The stars began to appear, one by one, as the sky darkened. Naina stretched out her legs and leaned back on her elbows.

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to just… leave everything behind? she asked, her voice soft.

Arjun frowned. What do you mean?

Like, start over somewhere new. No expectations, no past. Just a clean slate.

Sounds nice, Arjun admitted. But I think you'd still carry some things with you. The important stuff.

Maybe, Naina mused. Or maybe you'd get to choose what's important.

They sat in silence, lost in their own thoughts. The world seemed to shrink around them, the hilltop becoming their own little universe.

Same time tomorrow? Naina asked, standing up and dusting off her jeans.

Yeah, Arjun said, watching her walk away.

This time, he didn't wait for the stars to guide him. He opened his sketchbook and began drawing, the lines forming effortlessly as if they had been waiting all along.

A girl, sitting on a bench, staring at the stars.

--END--