I couldn't sleep a wink last night, my mind racing with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. I finally drifted off around 5:30 a.m., only to wake up three hours later, feeling both bleary-eyed and eager. I rushed to the washroom and indulged in a fragrant bath to invigorate myself.

Choosing my favorite white mini frock-adorned with delicate floral patterns and dainty strap sleeves-I dressed with care. My hair was swept into a simple, elegant low bun, and I applied moisturizer to my face, followed by a hint of lip and cheek tint for a natural glow. I finished off with a touch of mascara to highlight my eyes and adorned myself with a moon pendant, adding a subtle yet meaningful touch to my outfit.

I took one last look at myself in the mirror, smoothing down my outfit with a satisfied smile. The soft rustle of fabric filled the room as I slung my bag over my shoulder and slipped into my matching flat sandals. The muted clink of the metal buckle echoed in the quiet of the house. With a deep breath, I stepped out of my room, the faint scent of my perfume lingering in the air.

As I made my way downstairs, I found Adrit lounging on the sofa, eyes glued to the TV, his feet propped up casually. The sound of the door creaking caught his attention, and he glanced over at me, taking in my appearance with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you going somewhere?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.

I flashed him a quick smile, "Hmm... just going out on a date with Mishri."

He nodded, a small smirk playing on his lips, and waved me off with a lazy hand. "Alright, have fun."

I returned his wave and opened the front door, feeling the cool breeze greet me as I finally stepped outside. The day awaited, and so did Viaansh.

As soon as I stepped out, I pulled out my phone and quickly typed a message to Mishri, letting her know about the little white lie I'd told Adrit. "Hey, just a heads up-if Adrit calls you to check on me, cover for me, okay?"

Within seconds, her reply popped up on the screen: a thumbs-up and a wink emoji, the perfect combination of reassurance and mischief. I couldn't help but smile at how well she understood me.

With the situation handled, I tucked my phone away and headed to my car. The familiar scent of leather and the faint aroma of my favorite air freshener welcomed me as I settled into the driver's seat. I slipped the key into the ignition, bringing the vehicle to life with a low purr. The engine hummed beneath me, a comforting sound that stirred my anticipation.

With a steady hand, I pressed the accelerator, feeling the car surge forward as I navigated through the streets, ready to embrace the day ahead.

I reached the café at 10:25 a.m., the morning sun casting a warm glow over the bustling street. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as I pushed open the glass door, the chime above it announcing my arrival. My eyes quickly scanned the room, and there he was-Viaansh, seated at a table near the window, bathed in the soft, golden light.

His back was turned to me, but even from this angle, he looked ethereal. The contrast of his black cargo pants and plain white t-shirt was simple yet striking, highlighting the effortless charm he always seemed to carry. His hair fell slightly into his eyes as he gazed out of the window, lost in thought.

Taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart, I walked over to him, the sound of my sandals soft against the wooden floor. When I was close enough, I cleared my throat, coughing a few times to catch his attention.

He turned his head, his expression shifting from curiosity to a warm smile as his eyes met mine. "Aadhira," he greeted, his voice as smooth as ever, sending a thrill through me.

"Hey," I replied, trying to keep my tone light, though my heart was beating a mile a minute.

As I approached, Viaansh stood up from his seat, his presence commanding yet gentle. His eyes roamed from my head to toe, taking in every detail of my appearance with a slow, deliberate gaze. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks as a small smile gradually spread across his lips, the kind of smile that made my heart flutter.

"You look beautiful," he said, his voice low and sincere, each word laced with a warmth that made my stomach do a little flip.

I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my own lips, a wave of shyness washing over me. My hand instinctively moved to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, a nervous habit that only seemed to draw more attention to the fact that my face must have been turning a deep shade of red.

"Thank you," I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

He gestured towards the chair across from him, his smile softening even further. "Come, sit."

I nodded, grateful for the chance to hide my blushing face as I took my seat. The moment I settled into the chair, he did the same, his eyes never leaving mine. There was a comfortable silence between us, filled with unspoken words and the quiet hum of the café.

"Order whatever you want," he insisted, his voice gentle yet encouraging, as if he was determined to make me feel comfortable. I surfed through the menu, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest. After a moment of contemplation, I looked up and told him, "I think I'll go with a chocolate milkshake and Mexican fries."

He smiled, nodding as though he already knew what I would pick. Then, with a confident ease, he called the waiter over. "Two chocolate shakes, Mexican fries, and a fruit salad," he ordered, his tone firm yet caring, as if he was looking out for both of us.

I scrunched up my nose involuntarily at the mention of fruit salad, a playful expression that I couldn't hide. He caught the look and chuckled softly, the sound wrapping around me like a warm embrace, making me forget for a moment the storm of emotions that always swirled when I was with him.

A comfortable silence fell over our table, the kind of silence that didn't need to be filled with words. We both seemed to understand that sometimes, just being together was enough. Our eyes drifted towards the glass wall, which framed the bustling world outside like a moving picture. The scene reflected the chaos of life-people chatting animatedly in the café, the clinking of cutlery as orders were served, the barista's voice cutting through the noise as he called out the names of customers, and the faint hum of traffic from the street beyond.

In that moment, it was as if the world had slowed down just for us, allowing us to soak in the peacefulness of each other's presence amidst the everyday rush. It was a reminder of how life, no matter how busy and chaotic, still offered us moments like these-moments where we could pause, breathe, and find solace in the company of those we hold dear. The world outside continued in its hectic pace, but within our little bubble, time seemed to stretch, giving us a few precious minutes to simply be.

Soon, Viaansh excused himself to pick up our order from the counter. I watched him go, my heart drumming steadily in my chest, knowing that the fragile peace we'd been holding onto was about to break. When he returned, he placed the tray carefully on the table, arranging the drinks and food with a quiet focus, almost as if he was trying to delay the inevitable.

He sighed, a deep, heavy sound that seemed to carry the weight of everything we hadn't said. The tension in the air thickened, pressing down on me. My hands began to tremble, a subtle but undeniable sign of the anxiety creeping up on me. I knew then that we couldn't avoid it any longer-we had to face the conversation we'd both been dreading, the one that held the potential to change everything between us.

"Aadhira," he breathed out, his voice carrying the weight of something he'd been holding back for what felt like an eternity. It was just my name, but the way he said it made my heart clench. I could hear the strain in his voice, the way it wavered as though he was finally letting go of a burden he'd carried for too long.

"Hmm?" I responded, my voice soft, almost tender, hoping to wrap him in the comfort he seemed to need. I could feel the air around us shift, heavy with unspoken words and emotions we had both kept at bay for too long. The world outside continued its chaotic dance, but here, in this moment, it was just the two of us, on the brink of something that could either bring us closer or pull us apart.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of emotions he could no longer contain. I could see the moisture gathering in his eyes, threatening to spill over, and it tore at me in ways I hadn't expected. The sight of him, usually so composed and confident, unraveling before me was like a punch to the gut. My heart clenched, aching for him, wanting to reach out and take away whatever pain he was feeling.

But instead, I forced myself to keep a straight face, even though it went against every instinct I had. "There's nothing to be sorry about, Viaansh," I said, my voice steady, almost cold, as if by saying it like this I could somehow protect us both from the depths of the conversation that lay ahead. I wanted to be his anchor, to show him that he didn't need to apologize, that whatever it was, we could face it together-but deep down, I knew this was just the beginning of something that could change everything between us.

He put his elbow on the table and buried his face in his palm, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of his emotions was too much to bear. It was a vulnerable, heartbreaking sight-one that I wasn't used to seeing in him. My hands trembled as I watched him, my heart urging me to do something, anything, to ease his pain.

Hesitantly, I reached out, my fingers barely steady as they hovered above his hair. It felt like the space between us had never been wider, yet all I wanted was to close that gap, to offer him the comfort he so clearly needed. Gently, I let my hand rest on his head, my fingers threading through his hair in what I hoped was a soothing gesture. The softness of his hair against my palm was grounding, a quiet reminder that even in this moment of uncertainty, we still had each other. I wanted him to know that he wasn't alone, that whatever he was going through, I was here, ready to stand by his side.

He gently held my hand and guided it to his right cheek, cupping it with a tenderness that caught me completely off guard. My breath hitched as I realized this was the first time I had touched him so intimately while fully aware of what I was doing. His cheek was soft, almost like the delicate skin of a baby, and I found myself marveling at the warmth that radiated from him.

In that moment, despite the heaviness that hung between us, I couldn't help but notice how he looked so much like a child-his nose slightly red, his lips forming the tiniest pout as he tried to hold back whatever emotions were threatening to spill over. The sight was so endearing, so unexpectedly sweet, that I had to bite back the urge to chuckle. It felt strange, almost surreal, to find something so innocent and heartwarming in the middle of such a serious conversation. But there he was, looking at me with those soulful eyes, and all I could think was how this small, tender connection was somehow anchoring us in a moment that could have otherwise swept us both away.

"You've loved me for so long, Aadhu," he said, his voice heavy with guilt as he emphasized the words, as if the realization of how much time had passed weighed on him.

"So, is there any problem with that? Am I not allowed to love such a beautiful soul?" I replied, my voice softening as I added a hint of a smile, trying to lighten the tension between us. I wanted him to know that my love was not a burden, that it was something I cherished, regardless of the years that had passed.

He looked at me for a moment, and then, as if the weight on his shoulders had momentarily lifted, he chuckled. It was a small, almost fragile sound, but it carried a warmth that reached deep into my heart. In that brief moment, it felt like the tension between us had eased, and we were just two people sharing something genuine and pure. The heaviness of the moment still lingered, but it was softened by the warmth of his laughter, reminding us both that even in the midst of all this uncertainty, there was still room for joy.

But then, his face grew serious, the lightness of the moment fading. "But we can't date, Aadhira."

The words hit me like a crushing avalanche, shattering all the fragile hopes and dreams I had been clinging to. It felt as if a mountain had collapsed upon me, the weight of his rejection pressing down with an unbearable force. My vision blurred as the sting of his words overwhelmed me, and I was barely able to hold back the sob that was rising in my throat. The pain was raw and immediate, an aching sense of loss that made me want to curl up and cry like a child.

"Wh-why, Viaansh? You love me too, right?" My voice trembled, the question barely escaping my lips through the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

"Yes, I do, Aadhira. More than I've ever loved anyone. I've never looked at a girl the way I look at you," he said, his voice heavy with sincerity, but his eyes were clouded with something darker, something that made my heart ache even more. "But you're a princess, and I can't afford to be your prince. You were raised with so much love and care, with so much caution. Your whole house turns into chaos if a single tear falls from your eye. While I? I'm just a human about whom no one cared until you came into my life. I've always had to be strong so that my mother, who's been bedridden for more than three years, doesn't become weak.

This is the difference between us, Adhu. You're taken care of, and people make sure you don't cry because you're feeling sad. But I have to make sure I don't cry so that others around me don't feel sad."

His words were like a cold wind, sweeping away the warmth that had lingered between us. Each sentence was a painful reminder of the chasm that separated our lives, a chasm that seemed insurmountable no matter how deep our feelings for each other were. It was as if the weight of his struggles, the burden of his responsibilities, was pressing down on both of us, making it clear that while our hearts might be aligned, our circumstances were worlds apart.

"Viaansh," I whispered, my voice breaking as I saw a lone tear escape his eye.

"I know the differences between us are vast. I know. I know them very well," I continued, my heart aching with every word. "But I've loved you since class 9, and I've imagined every circumstance with you-good, bad, life, death, sleeping, waking up, walking, sitting, while breathing and even while not breathing. And I've never feared any of them because I trust my love enough. I know that as long as you're with me, everything will be okay."

I reached out, gently brushing away the tear from his cheek. "I want to be the person in your life who loves you, who cares for you, who handles you with so much caution. I want to make sure you don't cry because you're sad, to be the one you lean on when you come home exhausted or feeling down. I want to stand up for you, to be there for you while you care for your mother, so that whenever you feel weak, you can let your guard down and cry while I take on the role of being strong in front of her."

My voice grew more resolute, filled with a determination that I hadn't known I possessed until this moment. "I wouldn't have even tried to persuade you if I didn't know you loved me. Now that I do, I'm ready to fight the whole world to be there for you. Please don't be scared, Viaansh. Please don't."

His eyes met mine, and in that shared silence, I hoped he could see the depth of my feelings, the strength of my commitment. I wanted him to understand that my love wasn't just words but a promise to stand by him, to face the challenges together, no matter how daunting they seemed.

"What did I do to have you in my life, Aadhira?" he asked, his voice choked with emotion. "You are so nice. So, so nice. You make even the worst situations seem the best."

The raw sincerity in his words struck me deeply. It was as if he was grappling with the enormity of what we shared, trying to understand how someone as kind and supportive as I could be a part of his life. His gratitude was palpable, mingled with a sense of wonder, and it only deepened the ache in my heart.

I looked at him, my own emotions swelling, feeling both the weight of his struggle and the intensity of our connection. It was moments like these that made all the hardships seem worth it, knowing that even amidst the chaos, we could find solace in each other.

"So, will you give this nice person the only thing she has asked from you?" I asked softly, my voice tinged with a mixture of hope and vulnerability.

The question hung in the air, charged with the weight of my feelings and the depth of my commitment. I wanted him to understand that this wasn't just about a fleeting wish or a temporary desire, but a heartfelt plea for a future we could build together. The sincerity in my voice was a testament to how deeply I cared, and I hoped it would reach him, helping him see beyond our differences and embrace the possibility of a shared path forward.

"Aadhira... Your brother won't accept us?" he asked, the concern evident in his voice, as if he was searching for reassurance.

"We can convince him together," I replied with a determined smile, my voice steady despite the uncertainty. "We've faced challenges before, and this will be no different. If we stand united, we can make him see how much we mean to each other and prove that our love is worth fighting for."

The resolve in my words was unwavering, a reflection of my belief in us and the strength of our connection. I wanted him to feel that no obstacle, not even my brother's potential disapproval, could overshadow the love and commitment we shared.

"I need to use the washroom," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and resolve.

I nodded, acknowledging his need for a brief moment away from the intensity of our conversation. As he stood up, I watched him go, feeling a pang of sadness at his retreat but also a quiet hope that the brief separation might offer him the space he needed to gather his thoughts. Alone at the table, I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the continuation of our conversation and the challenges we still needed to face together.

I started chewing on my fries, the crispy texture providing a small distraction from the heavy thoughts that still lingered. Just as I popped the last fry into my mouth, he returned from the washroom. There was a silent understanding between us-no words needed. He resumed his seat and began eating, his movements slow and deliberate.

I sipped on my milkshake, trying to savor the familiar taste that contrasted sharply with the turbulent emotions still swirling within me. We made small talk about college, discussing trivial matters as if nothing significant had just transpired. Our conversation was light, almost casual, but beneath the surface, there was an unmistakable tension. The air was thick with an unspoken acknowledgment of the awkwardness that now hung between us, a reminder of the deep emotions we had just confronted. Despite our attempts to act normal, the weight of our earlier exchange lingered, casting a shadow over the seemingly mundane chatter.

After finishing his food and drink, Viaansh signaled the waiter for the bill. I waited, my heart pounding with anticipation, hoping for some sort of resolution or explanation. But after paying, he stood up and mumbled, "Let's go home," avoiding my gaze.

I looked at him in disbelief. I was still sitting in my chair, a heavy weight settling in my chest as he slipped his phone and valet into his pocket. I watched him walk towards the door, feeling the space between us grow larger with each step he took. I remained seated, the cool, empty chair beside me a stark contrast to the turbulent emotions stirring inside me.

As he stepped outside, I remained in my seat, feeling an overwhelming sense of helplessness. The moment felt suspended in time, a poignant reminder of the unresolved tension and the distance that seemed to stretch further with each passing second.

I stood up from my chair with a surge of determination, my heart racing as I gathered my belongings. Without a second thought, I nearly ran outside, driven by the urgency to confront him and find clarity.

There he was, strolling towards his Bullet with an unsettling nonchalance, as if the weight of our earlier conversation had vanished into thin air. His casual demeanor contrasted sharply with the whirlwind of emotions inside me, and I felt a mix of frustration and resolve as I hurried to catch up.

I shouted from behind, "Have you heard the song 'Mast Magan'?" The question seemed to catch him off guard, and he stopped abruptly, turning around with a curious tilt of his head and one eyebrow raised. I lifted my own eyebrow, silently demanding an answer.

"Yes?" His response sounded more like a question, tinged with confusion.

A smile slowly spread across my lips as I took a bold step forward. With a mix of confidence and tenderness, I encircled my arms around his neck, catching him completely off guard. "Then you must be familiar with these lyrics: 'Sheesh Mahal na mujhko suhaye tujh sang sukhi roti bhaaye.'"

His expression shifted as he understood the meaning behind my words. He placed his hands on my waist, pulling me closer. "You sing very well, princess," he said, his voice a blend of admiration and affection. The nickname made my cheeks flush with warmth.

"How can I resist you now that you're acting so cute? There's no other option than to say yes to you," he continued, his voice soft and sincere.

As soon as I processed what he had said, my eyes filled with tears of relief and joy. I hugged him tightly, burying my face in his shoulder. He nestled his face in the crook of my neck, and for a moment, we were completely lost in the embrace. The world around us seemed to fade away-passersby might have looked on with surprise, curiosity, or even disdain, but none of it mattered. In that moment, it was just the two of us, holding on to each other amidst the chaos.

I lifted my head, locking my green eyes with his light brown ones. A soft smile spread across my face as I began, "Viaansh, as I sit here trying to find the right words, I realize that no matter how eloquently I speak, I might never truly capture the depth of what I feel for you. From the very first moment our lives intersected, there was an unspoken understanding between us, a connection that transcends the ordinary. You've become more than just a significant part of my life; you've become my anchor, my guiding star, and the person who makes every day brighter.

I love you with a depth that goes beyond mere affection; it's a profound, all-encompassing love that touches every part of my being. In your presence, I've found a place where I can be entirely myself, where my heart feels at home. Your kindness, strength, and unwavering support have shown me a love that I never knew existed, a love that makes me believe in the beauty of our shared future.

You've made my life richer and more meaningful in ways I never thought possible. I want to spend my days nurturing this bond we share, weathering life's storms together, and celebrating every joy and triumph. I love you with all that I am and all that I hope to be. My heart is yours completely, and I am endlessly grateful for the love and happiness you bring into my life. I look forward to building a future together, one filled with understanding, adventure, and a love that only grows stronger with each passing day."

Viaansh's eyes sparkled with a joy I had never seen before, reflecting a profound happiness that seemed to illuminate his entire being. He began, his voice rich with emotion, "Aadhira, hearing your words feels like the most profound gift I could ever receive. I've always struggled to articulate the depth of my feelings for you, but your heartfelt confession has given me a glimpse of what true love really is. You've opened my eyes to a kind of happiness I never imagined possible, and your unwavering support and belief in us mean everything to me.

Every day with you is a treasure, and your love has become the most beautiful part of my life. It's as if you've taken the scattered pieces of my heart and made them whole again, demonstrating that we are far stronger together than we could ever be apart. I want you to know that my feelings for you are just as profound and genuine. I love you with all of my heart, and I am dedicated to building a future with you that mirrors the depth of our connection and the strength of our bond.

Thank you for loving me so completely and for giving me the opportunity to love you in return. I promise to cherish you, support you, and stand by you through every high and low. Together, we can face anything and everything. My heart belongs to you, now and forever."

I chuckled, "It feels like we're getting married and reading our promises to each other."

He laughed along with me, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "That will come soon enough," he said, his tone filled with warmth.

A playful thought crossed my mind, and I decided to tease him. "What are you saying, Viaansh Bhaiya?" I emphasized the word *bhaiya* with a mischievous grin.

He widened his eyes in mock surprise and immediately began tickling me. I erupted into uncontrollable laughter, the sound echoing with pure joy. "You naughty little girl, huh?" he teased.

I laughed harder than I ever had before, the sound of my joy mingling with his playful laughter. Every tickle, every burst of mirth seemed to peel away layers of tension and uncertainty, leaving only the pure, unfiltered delight of the moment. It was as if time had stopped just for us, creating a cocoon of happiness where nothing else mattered.

The laughter that filled the air was a profound release, a reminder of how deeply connected we were. In that beautiful chaos of giggles and playful banter, I felt a sense of completeness that was both exhilarating and soothing. It was the most enchanting and carefree moment I had ever experienced, and I found myself wishing it could stretch on forever.

In Viaansh's presence, I realized that this was just the beginning of a lifetime filled with such joyful moments. I imagined a future where our days were punctuated with laughter so intense it could bring tears to our eyes. This was the kind of happiness that filled me with hope and excitement, knowing that with him by my side, life would be a series of delightful, unforgettable moments like this one.