Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi

9.

Chapter 9 – The Heart That Finally Spoke

The following week felt strange for everyone.

Something invisible had changed between Kaashi and Shiva.

They still spoke like before.

They still walked in the garden.

But there was a new awareness in the air between them.

A quiet tension.

Every glance lasted a little longer.

Every silence carried words they were both afraid to say.

And somewhere deep down... both of them knew why.

One evening Virat arrived again at the center.

He had been visiting more often now, trying to know Kaashi better before the engagement.

Virat brought chocolates that day.

"I heard you like sweets," he said cheerfully.

Kaashi smiled politely.

"Thank you."

The three of them sat together in the garden for a while.

Virat talked easily about his work, about his travels, about funny childhood memories with Shiva.

But while speaking, he noticed something strange.

Whenever Kaashi laughed...

Her eyes always turned toward Shiva.

As if she wanted to see whether he was smiling too.

As if his reaction mattered more than anyone else's.

Virat noticed it again.

And again.

And slowly the truth began forming in his mind.

Later that evening Virat walked with Shiva toward the parking area.

For several minutes they walked silently.

Then Virat suddenly stopped.

"Bhai."

Shiva looked at him.

"Yes?"

Virat folded his arms.

"Do you love her?"

The question hit Shiva like lightning.

"What?"

Virat didn't look angry.

Just serious.

"You heard me."

Shiva looked away.

"Don't be ridiculous."

Virat sighed.

"You're a terrible liar."

Silence fell between them.

Finally Shiva spoke quietly.

"It doesn't matter."

Virat studied his face.

"So that's a yes."

Shiva didn't respond.

Virat ran his hand through his hair.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

Shiva gave a bitter smile.

"Because she deserves a peaceful life."

"And marrying you would ruin that?"