Whispers of the Summer Sky

The next morning, Naina woke to a thunk against her window. Groggy, she shuffled to the glass and peered out, only to spot Arjun standing in her front yard, an unrepentant grin on his face and… a mango in his hand?

What are you doing? she yelled, sliding her window open.

Good morning to you, too! Arjun called back, waving. You missed your morning walk, so I decided to bring the walk to you. And breakfast. He held up a bag in his other hand, filled to the brim with mangoes.

Naina stared at him, incredulous. You chucked a mango at my house?

"I was aiming for the door!" he defended, though his sheepish grin gave him away.

You need professional help, she muttered, slamming the window shut. She padded downstairs, still in her pajamas, and opened the door. Arjun, as if sensing her reluctance, barged in uninvited.

Nice pajamas, he quipped, eyeing her cat-printed attire.

They're comfy, and they're none of your business, Naina said, snatching the bag of mangoes. Now, explain why you're here and why you're holding the fruit equivalent of a weapon.

I woke up inspired, Arjun said, flopping onto her couch. You looked like you needed some tropical serotonin yesterday. And mangoes are the answer to everything.

You have an answer for everything, Naina retorted, glaring at him. But why mangoes?

He shrugged. Do I need a reason? Plus, you're always whining about your mom's obsession with fruits. Thought I'd continue the family tradition.

Naina shook her head and dumped the bag onto the counter, pulling out a knife. You're insane. But since you're here, make yourself useful and help cut these.

Arjun grinned. With pleasure .

What followed was a comedy of errors. Within five minutes, the kitchen resembled a tropical battlefield. Arjun, struggling with the slippery fruit, accidentally flung a piece across the counter, narrowly missing Naina's head.

Sharma! she shrieked, holding up her mango-smeared hand like it was evidence in court. What is wrong with you?

It slipped! he said defensively, though he was laughing too hard to sound convincing.

You're banned from touching knives ever again she said, shoving him aside. Just sit there and look helpful while I fix your mess.

Yes, ma'am, he said, mock saluting her.

As Naina efficiently cut the rest of the mangoes, Arjun leaned on the counter, watching her work. You know, he said after a moment, this feels… nice.

She glanced at him, eyebrow raised. You and your food-related chaos?

No, he said, grinning. This. Hanging out. Doing normal things.

Naina hesitated, her hands pausing mid-slice. It is, isn't it?

They fell into an easy rhythm after that, chatting about everything and nothing as they cleaned up the mango massacre. When the fruit was finally served in neat little bowls, they sat cross-legged on the floor, sharing spoonfuls.

Admit it, Arjun said through a mouthful of mango. I brightened your day.

You brightened my kitchen counter, my hair, and my soul, Naina deadpanned, flicking a piece of mango skin at him.

Now, that's the gratitude I deserve, Arjun said, catching the flicked peel mid-air with an exaggerated gasp.

Don't get used to it, she warned, though her voice was softer than usual.

As the sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over their impromptu breakfast, Naina felt an unexpected pang of contentment. She'd spent so many weeks wrapping herself in layers of walls and boundaries, but somehow, with Arjun, those walls seemed irrelevant.

And as much as she hated to admit it, she didn't mind the mess he brought into her life.

Later that afternoon, as Arjun prepared to leave, he paused by the door.

By the way, he said casually, don't make plans for Saturday.

Why? Naina asked, folding her arms.

You'll see, he replied with a wink before dashing out the door, leaving her suspicious and slightly nervous.

As the door shut, Naina found herself smiling despite herself.

What was it about Arjun Sharma that made her feel like every day with him was some kind of ridiculous adventure?

--END--