Chapter:5 Trip to Nafra

After picking them up from the Bomdila station, Leon suggested, “Instead of staying in Bomdila, why don’t you come with me to my village? It’s peaceful there… you’ll get to rest before Dimapur.”

Leona glanced at Mia, unsure. Mia nodded softly. “It sounds nice.”

Leon smiled. “Trust me.”

They traveled along winding roads surrounded by hills. The air was fresh, and Leona’s nerves slowly eased as she admired the scenery. Mia sat quietly beside her, occasionally pointing out a flower or tree along the way.

After about an hour, they arrived at a small cluster of houses. Leon stopped at a house with a wooden gate and a small garden. “This is my family home,” he said softly.

The moment they stepped inside, the warm aroma of cooking filled the air. Leon’s family greeted them warmly, offering tea and snacks. Leona felt shy but happy. Mia smiled politely, speaking softly to Leon’s mother.

Leon led Leona to a small porch. “This is where I come to think when I’m here,” he said quietly. Leona glanced at him shyly, her heart fluttering.

Mia wandered inside to talk to Leon’s family, leaving Leon and Leona alone. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable — it was filled with a strange warmth.

Leona finally spoke, her voice soft. “Thanks for bringing us here. I… didn’t expect this.”

Leon smiled slightly. “You didn’t tell me much before coming here. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

Leona looked down, smiling faintly. “You’re full of surprises.”

They sat quietly for a while, watching the village life go by. Somewhere deep inside, Leona felt this day was going to be one of those moments she would never forget.

Later, Leon’s mother brought out fresh snacks and tea. Mia politely thanked her, while Leona quietly took a seat near the porch, trying not to stare too much. Leon leaned against the doorway, watching them with a quiet smile.

“You look tired,” Leon said softly to Leona.

“I’m fine… just a little nervous,” she admitted, her cheeks tinged pink.

Mia giggled softly. “She’s overthinking again.”

Leon smiled faintly, shaking his head. “That’s her… always overthinking.”

The afternoon passed slowly. Leon’s younger cousins peeked curiously at Leona and Mia, offering shy greetings. Leon introduced them with a little grin. Leona tried to respond politely, her shyness showing through every word. Mia, ever calm and sweet, helped ease the mood with quiet conversation.

Later, Leon took them to a small hill near the village. The view was breathtaking — rolling green fields, mountains in the distance, and the gentle hum of village life all around.

“This is my favorite place,” Leon said softly, sitting down on a rock. Leona sat beside him, hesitating.

“It’s beautiful,” she said quietly, glancing at him.

Leon’s eyes softened. “I’m glad you think so.”

There was a quiet pause. The wind moved gently, and Leona felt her heart beat faster. She didn’t know if it was because of the view, Leon’s presence, or the fact that she was here with him.

Mia called them back to the house as the sun began to set. Leon and Leona walked back slowly, side by side, the silence between them comfortable.

At the house, Leon’s mother served dinner, and the three of them ate together, talking quietly. Leon occasionally glanced at Leona, and she felt a strange warmth every time their eyes met.

Later that night, after everyone had gone to rest except Leona, she found herself sitting quietly on the porch under the soft moonlight, watching the stars. Leon stepped out quietly and sat beside her.

“You’re still up?” Leona whispered softly.

Leon gave a small smile. “Couldn’t sleep. It’s peaceful here… thought I’d check on you.”

Leona looked at him shyly. “Thanks… for today.”

He glanced at her, his expression softening. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m glad you came.”

There was a quiet moment between them. The wind moved gently, and the faint scent of flowers drifted through the air.

Leona fiddled with her hands. “I… I’m glad too.”

Leon smiled faintly. “Goodnight, Leona.”

She gave a small nod, watching him walk away. Inside her heart, something had already shifted.

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