I looked into his eyes as long as possible, I wanted this forever, heart loud in my ears. I wondered if he could hear it.
his pupils observing mine.
And that was enough.
I didn't know someone was watching. I didn't know a picture was being taken. I only knew that moment existed—quiet, unguarded, dangerous.
...
Roy was observing everything about sands as was clicking picture of all but mostly of ava.
When everyone was heading to their huts Roy asked august and king to stay.
Mona stopped too but they asked her to go, saying its men's talk.
"He was clicking photo of ava mostly." Roy said. "What could be the reason? going to post it with something controversial caption?"
"No worries, I will handle it." August said confidently.
"Are you planning on cheat with me with Roy?" Mona said loudly.
"Aishh this lady." Roy said, "You go I will come in minute, keep the door open."
"huh?" King said.
Aiisshhh!!!
....
We all were waiting for the bus. King and driver went to nearby garage to get the door fixed.
Finally after few minutes bus arrived.
The bus hissed softly as it came to life, a low mechanical sigh before rolling forward. I took the window seat without thinking, pressing forehead lightly against the cool glass as the village slowly slipped away behind them. The main spot felt closer now—not just on the map, but in my chest. Something about this trip felt different.
King dropped into the seat beside me, stretching his long legs into the narrow aisle. "So," he said calmly, glancing around, "happy?."
I smiled. "I was feeling good here too."
I took a look at Sand and Tina, His face was little down, he was worried about something.
Hey sand, everything good? I asked.
He smiled, Yes. ( His social media accounts were hacked, the picture he posted were deleted automatically.)
Behind us, Roy and August were already arguing about playlists. Roy wanted loud new beats, August insisted on old English pop, and Mona—firmly unimpressed—snatched the aux cable and played whatever she wanted. May clapped dramatically when music finally filled the bus, turning the cramped space into something warmer, lighter.
As the bus picked up speed, laughter followed.
Someone passed around snacks. Someone else started singing—badly. King watched me laugh at Roy's ridiculous dancing in the aisle. For a moment, he forgot to be calm, cold, and composed. He forgot to be stone and joined Roy. That was super rare for all of us.
The road stretched endlessly, fields blurring into shades of green and gold. I leaned closer to the window, pointing out random things—an oddly shaped tree, a roadside dog, a tiny tea stall that looked like it belonged in a painting. King listened.
At one point, the bus hit a pothole and I nearly lost balance. Instinctively, King's hand caught my wrist. The contact was brief—but neither of us pulled away immediately.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
I nodded, suddenly aware of how close he was. "Yeah. Thanks." I sat back quietly.
The moment passed, but something stayed.
As afternoon melted into evening, the sky softened into warm oranges and dusky pinks. The bus slowed as the road narrowed, winding upward toward the resort. Everyone grew quieter, tired but content. Mona rested her head on May's shoulder. August stared out at the hills like he was memorizing them. Roy finally stopped talking.
When the resort gates appeared, illuminated by soft golden lights, a collective gasp went through the bus.
"This is insane," May whispered. Lights were visible one her pupil.
Wooden cottages sat nestled between trees, fairy lights strung lazily across balconies. The air smelled like pine and damp earth. I stepped down from the bus and inhaled deeply, feeling something loosen inside Me. This is the best spot so far.
King stood beside me. "It is." He too was watching it.
All of us booked room and got freshen up.
Night settled slowly. Dinner was loud, chaotic, full of teasing and shared plates. Everyone was enjoying, those smile were so bright But I felt unusually calm. I checked My phone once—11:47 PM. Birthday was almost here.
As the clock crept toward midnight, the lights suddenly went out.
I froze. "What—?"
"Relax," Roy said, grinning too widely.
The lights snapped back on.
"Happy Birthday, Ava."
The words hit me harder than I expected. Fairy lights flickered brighter. A small cake sat on the table, candles glowing softly. Everyone was smiling. King stood a little apart, this stone is afraid of celebration I guess.
As the clock struck twelve, I closed my eyes, and in a small list of my wishes he was there as last.
Ya, Mr. stone why are you standing there, you planned the whole thing come have first bite. Mona said.