Canvas of Destiny

Chapter three

Happy reading!

~~~

Author's POV

Once again, Siddhant's peaceful sleep succumbed to the early morning symphony of loud music, now accompanied by the harmonious voices of both Ishika and Nitya singing "Aa Mil" by Zaedeen.

This time around, he found himself unaffected by irritation, recognizing that a certain someone was wholeheartedly immersed in dancing and singing. Witnessing her happiness brought him joy.

As their small early morning concert concluded, he also emerged from bed, beginning his morning rituals. Eager to explore his newly acquired studio, Siddhant, an artist and now thriving as an interior designer, understood the significance of having a workspace that fostered creativity.

His journey in the realm of sketching, initially a hobby while pursuing Chartered Accountancy, had metamorphosed into a fulfilling profession. Harnessing his inherent talent, Siddhant navigated into the field of interior design, culminating in a prestigious role with a well-known company in Hyderabad. The enticing prospect of a personal studio served as the final allure, solidifying his decision to embark on this exciting professional venture.

Dressed in a crisp white shirt, black trousers, and a coat, Siddhant prepared for the day, contemplating a quick breakfast en route. While locking his door, he caught sight of Ishika gracefully descending the stairs.

In her straight black trousers and a white crop top, a chic black sling bag hanging off her shoulder, Ishika paused as her eyes met Siddhant's. He looked undeniably handsome, prompting her gaze, while Siddhant found her irresistibly cute, momentarily captivated by her figure.

"Hey," Ishika greeted, her hands waving awkwardly. Siddhant couldn't help but chuckle at her endearing gesture as he walked towards her while she descended.

"Going somewhere?" he inquired.

"Um, yeah. I'm doing an internship, so..."

"How will you go?"

"Oh, I take a bus to the company. The bus stand is a ten-minute walk from here. My bus will be here in fifteen, so I should get going. Bye!"

She blurted this out in a rush, attempting to leave, but found herself pulled back against a sturdy chest.

"Breathe, will you?" His voice, an octave lower, had an inexplicable effect, stealing her breath away.

"I'll drop you," he suggested, making her eyes widen as she immediately protested.

"No, no, no. I'll take the bus. You don't have to bother—"

"I want to."

---

An uneasy silence enveloped the car as he navigated through the city. Ishika grappled with the decision of whether to initiate a conversation or maintain a contemplative quiet.

Sensing her usual chattiness, he patiently waited for her to break the silence. However, disappointment filled him as she remained tight-lipped. He reminisced about the times when she used to share everything with him, her ease apparent in their conversations. Regretting the distance he had allowed to grow between them, he cursed himself for the newfound hesitancy in her words.

Taking matters into his own hands, he decided to break the silence. "Have you had your breakfast?"

Startled by the sudden question, Ishika turned towards him and replied, "Ah, no. It's Monday. I am fasting."

Amusement glinted in his eyes as he questioned, "Since when?"

"Huh?"

"Since when have you been fasting? I thought you were a foodie who couldn't sacrifice her food for anything," he teased.

"Well, for the last three weeks," she answered, playing with her fingers.

"Why so?"

"Ayse hi!"
(Just like that)

"Kahin achha pati mile isliye to nahi?" he teased again.
(Is it just to find a good husband?)

She gasps. "Nahi nahi, aysa nahi hai," and denies instantly.
(No no, it's not like that)

"To fir kaisa hai?"
(Then how is it)

"Kuch bhi nahi hai! Mujhe bas mann tha rakhne ka to maine rakh liya," she said, annoyed.
(There's nothing! I just felt like keeping it so I kept it)

He laughed and playfully pulled her cheeks, prompting a wide-eyed surprise and a rush of heat to her cheeks. As he returned to his driving, questions swirled in her mind.

'What are we doing? Are we really going to act like nothing has happened between us years ago? Why is he acting like he didn't just remove my existence from his life back then? Is he really fine with us being friends? All of a sudden?'

Silently, she stared at him, the lingering questions echoing in her mind.

Approaching the address Ishika provided, he brought the car to a halt in front of the company's imposing building.

"DesignSynergy" boldly marked the apex of the building.

"Is this your workplace?" he questioned, his brows furrowing.

"Yeah," she replied. "I'm heading out now." Opening the passenger door, she gracefully exited, waved at him, and disappeared into the building.

With a subtle smile, he reciprocated her wave, then retrieved his phone to double-check the company's name. A broad grin illuminated his face, confirming that he would indeed be working in the same company as Ishika.

With a constant smile, he parked in the underground lot and headed for the elevator.

On the sixth floor, where Ishika worked, she placed her bag on her desk and sank into her chair, arriving fifteen minutes early. Usually, she'd be a few minutes late due to a ten-minute walk from the bus stop, but today, riding with Siddhant made her early.

"I won't hear the end of it today," she thought, heading to the floor's kitchen for a glass of juice.

"OH MY GOD!" resonated as she stepped into the kitchen, greeted by a girl's exclamation. Ishika, rolling her eyes, made her way to the juice counter.

"Tell me I'm hallucinating," the girl pleaded.

"Yes, you are," Ishika replied, a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

"I knew it!" the girl exclaimed. "Ishika Sharma can never be on time, let alone ten minutes early. Aha. It's impossible."

"Yeah, sure." With her juice in hand, Ishika left the kitchen, the girl trailing behind.

"Oh my god, you're here! How?"

"Shut up, Divya!" Irritation laced Ishika's response.

It was just the beginning; she had a reputation of never arriving on time since day one. Can't blame people for being shocked and giving her a hard time.

~~~

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