Until I Found You

Chapter : 2

On the way to airport

Priya's phone rang, and she saw it was Ved calling. With a smile, she answered, "Hey Ved, I'm on my way. Don't worry, I'll be there soon." She could sense his anticipation through the phone, her own excitement building as she imagined their upcoming reunion at the airport.

As Priya hung up the call, she leaned forward and instructed the cab driver, "Could you please increase the speed a bit? I'm running a bit late for a flight." The wind rushed past her as the cab picked up speed, the city blurring into streaks of light and color.

Breathless from her rush, Priya's eyes darted around the bustling airport. Suddenly, she caught sight of Ved, who was already making his way towards her. As she turned to him, a mix of relief and affection washed over her face, illuminated by the airport's warm lights. She managed a sheepish grin, her eyes sparkling with gratitude for Ved's timely warning.

In the crowded flight as Priya settled into her seat beside Ved, she noticed his stifled yawn. Concerned, she inquired, "Are you tired, Ved?" In response, Ved nodded wearily, adding, "Yeah, had to pull an all-nighter to wrap up a crucial project." His eyes, tinged with fatigue, conveyed a mix of determination and fatigue from the sleepless night.

Priya, noticing Ved's fatigue, gently suggested, "You should get some rest. Even if it's just an hour or so, it will help." Ved hesitated, aware of the short flight duration, yet the weariness in his eyes betrayed his need for rest.

Despite Ved's protests, Priya persisted, softly encouraging him, "Come on, just take a short nap, it will make you feel better." Ved finally relented and, with a hint of hesitation, leaned his head onto her shoulder. Priya, sensing his fatigue, adjusted her position slightly, allowing him to find a comfortable spot. As the gentle hum of the plane enveloped them, Priya couldn't help but smile, cherishing the moment of quiet intimacy shared between them.

Then ved said to her it doesnt feel so heavy right smirking at Ved's playful remark, Priya gently brushed his hair and retorted, "I'm not that fragile, you know. Now, hush and get some sleep." Her voice, filled with affectionate amusement, seemed to calm Ved as he nestled his head closer, finding solace in the rhythmic hum of the plane and the comforting presence of Priya beside him.

Stepping into the bustling café at the airport, Priya guided Ved to a cozy corner table bathed in the soft morning sunlight. As she approached the counter, she ordered a strong espresso shot with a determined smile, knowing it would help invigorate Ved after the tiring journey. The rich aroma of the freshly brewed coffee enveloped the air, infusing the space with a sense of warmth and comfort, preparing them for the adventures awaiting them in Paris.

Inside the cake shop, the aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air as Ram and Alisha deliberated over the array of delectable flavors. Suddenly, Alisha's friend appeared, her eyes lighting up with excitement at the sight of them. With a warm smile, she walked over to their table, initiating a lively conversation filled with laughter and catching up on each other's lives. The cheerful chatter blended harmoniously with the clinking of cutlery and the soft background music, creating a pleasant atmosphere within the bustling cake shop.

Mid-conversation, Alisha's friend's gaze fell upon the delicate earrings adorning Alisha's ears. With a delighted expression, she complimented, "Oh, those earrings are exquisite! They suit you perfectly." Alisha's eyes lit up with pride as she gently touched the earrings, replying with a soft smile, "Yes, Ram got them for me. They're an exclusive piece, a special gift from him."

After left the cake shop As they strolled along the vibrant streets, Ram's furrowed brow betrayed his confusion. He turned to Alisha, voicing his irritation, "Why did you tell them I bought those earrings for you?" Alisha, with a hint of mischief in her eyes, confessed, "I wanted to make her a little jealous. She just went through a divorce, and her ex happens to be my ex too."

Ram's astonishment lingered as he tried to grasp the complexity of the situation. Frowning slightly, he remarked, "What kind of game are you playing, Alisha? It's all so fake." Alisha, however, reached out and gently cupped his face, a fond smile playing on her lips. "That's why I love you, Ram. You're a simple guy, not wanting to get caught up in these intricate webs. Those men I've dated all these years were just... well, let's just say they weren't worth my time," she explained, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and affection for Ram's straightforward nature.

As Alisha's words sank in, Ram's mind was torn between conflicting emotions. Doubts crept in, questioning whether Alisha's affection for him was genuine or just another one of her elaborate ploys. A sense of inner turmoil brewed within him, leaving him in a state of perplexing uncertainty. Despite his genuine feelings for Alisha, a shadow of doubt loomed over their relationship, prompting him to reassess the authenticity of their bond. The bustling streets of the city seemed to mirror the chaos within Ram's heart as he grappled with the complexity of his emotions, unsure of what lay ahead.

Alisha's gentle interruption snapped Ram back to the present moment. With a determined nod, she gently tugged at his hand, urging him forward. "Come on, let's go. I can't be late for my dress fitting," she declared, a hint of urgency in her voice. Ram, still grappling with his inner turmoil, allowed himself to be guided by her, the bustling city streets now a blur as they hurried towards the dress fitting appointment, their footsteps echoing the unspoken tension that lingered between them.

In the busy fitting room, Alisha was engrossed in trying on various dresses, meticulously examining each one with the assistance of the store staff. Meanwhile, Ram found himself aimlessly wandering around the store, his gaze flitting from one rack of clothing to another. He felt out of place, unsure of how to occupy himself amidst the flurry of activity surrounding Alisha's dress fittings. As he idly ran his fingers over the fabric of a nearby display, the muted hum of conversation and the rustle of clothing served as a backdrop to his inner contemplation, leaving him feeling disconnected from the moment.

As Alisha approached him, Ram's attention was immediately drawn to her. She softly requested, "I'm feeling a bit thirsty. Could you get me some Boba tea from that famous place nearby?" Ram's expression softened, a glimmer of relief flashing across his face at the prospect of a temporary escape. "Of course," he replied with a gentle smile, grateful for the chance to step away from the bustling fitting room. With a renewed sense of purpose, he swiftly made his way out of the store, the anticipation of the task ahead dissipating the tension that had been building within him.

On the way back to the store Ram's footsteps faltered as his eyes locked onto the familiar face that had briefly appeared inside the passing cab. His heart skipped a beat, and a surge of disbelief and confusion engulfed him, rendering him momentarily frozen in place. The image of the person in the cab seemed to linger in his mind, leaving him grappling with a flood of unresolved emotions and unanswered questions. As he stood there, the cacophony of the city seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the racing thoughts and memories that now consumed him.