FATED REDEMPTION

7.

ANANYA

The café hummed with the familiar symphony of clinking cups and hushed conversations.

I sat at our usual corner table, my laptop open, a mountain of paperwork awaiting my attention.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me—a comforting companion in my solitary world.

And then he appeared—Arhan, the man who’d slipped into my life like a secret.

He placed a steaming cup before me, the porcelain warm against my palms.

“Your favorite,” he said,

his voice a low murmur. I looked up, and there he was—his eyes tracing the curve of my cheek, the line of my jaw. My heart fluttered, and I felt my cheeks heat.

“What?” I asked, my voice barely audible. His gaze held mine, unwavering. “What?” he echoed, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I’m just looking at my beautiful girlfriend.”

My blush deepened, and I looked away, pretending to focus on my laptop.

But he leaned in, his breath against my ear. “Ananya,” he whispered, “you’re exquisite.”

And just like that, the paperwork faded—the deadlines, the stress. It was just us—two souls entwined in this quiet corner of the café.

We talked—about everything and nothing.The way coffee tasted like home. Arhan’s fingers brushed mine, and I felt the spark—the connection that defied words.

"Don't you have work"
I said.

"What are you telling me to go?"
He said with a widen eye.

"Perhaps yes"
I said teasingly.

"It's not funny"
He said scoffing a little and I chuckled at his reaction.

"Okay wanna go to the beach?"
I asked closing my laptop and putting my stuffs on my bag.

He opened his phone and typed something then looked around us and glare at something,I followed his gaze but found nothing.

What he is glaring at?

"What happened?"
I asked knitting my eyebrows.

"Nothing lets go"
He rose up from the seat and offered me his hand.I gladly took it.

We left the cafe and walked towards the beach, it's very near so we can just walk.

The beach stretched before us—a canvas of sand and sea, the horizon a blurred line where sky met water.

The sun dipped, casting a warm glow—the kind that whispered secrets to the waves.

Arhan's hand in mine, we walked—two souls entwined, leaving footprints in the sand.

The beach was empty—just like the amusement park that day.

I'd expected crowds, laughter, but instead, it was solitude—the waves murmuring their ancient tales, the seagulls wheeling overhead.

"It's empty here," I said, my voice hushed, my heart echoing the vastness.

Arhan hummed, his gaze on the horizon. "It's good," he answered.

His aura—the soft demeanor that had drawn me in—was softened by the gentle lapping of waves.

We walked, our footsteps in sync, the salt air tangy on our lips.

"Let's go," I said, tugging him toward the water. He followed, and soon we were ankle-deep—the waves tugging at our feet, the sand shifting beneath us.

I splashed water, and he laughed—the sound a revelation. For a moment, we were children—carefree, unburdened.

And then mischief sparked—an idea that bubbled up. I pushed him, but he stood firm—unyielding.

His chuckle was a melody—the one I'd memorized, the one that played in my dreams.

Pouting, I retreated, pulling him deeper. Waist-high now, the water swirled around us, and we splashed, giggling like fools.

His hair was wet, his eyes alight. And as we stood there—hand in hand, hearts unguarded—I realized—the beach wasn't empty. It was ours—a canvas for love, for laughter.

The beach had relinquished us—two drenched souls, laughter still echoing in the salty breeze.

As we stepped onto the street, the world watched—people casting curious glances at our wet clothes, our tangled hair. But did we care? Not a bit.

Arhan's hand in mine, we walked—our footsteps leaving a trail of water, a testament to our playfulness.

And then, the luxury store beckoned—a beacon of opulence amidst the mundane.

Arhan followed me inside, and I felt a thrill—the kind that only designer labels and soft fabrics could evoke.

The salespeople, their eyes widening at our bedraggled appearance, quickly adjusted their expressions.

I chose—a floral knee-length dress for me, a comfortable ensemble for him.

Arhan hesitated, his gaze flickering to the price tag. But I knew—I'd made up my mind.

"No buts," I said, cutting off his protest. "Go and change into this."

He complied, disappearing into the changing room.

I, too, slipped into the female section, the mirrors reflecting my flushed cheeks, my damp hair.

The dress—the pink one with delicate blooms—fit like a dream.

I twirled, imagining Arhan's reaction. Would he approve? Would he—

As I stepped out, he was waiting—already dressed, a towel draped over his shoulder.

A worker offered it, her gaze lingering on him.

I frowned—her flirty expression irking me. But Arhan remained oblivious, taking the towel with a nod.

And then he saw me—his eyes tracing every detail. I twirled again, showing off the dress.

"It's beautiful," he said, and my blush deepened. He was my mirror—the one who reflected my joy and peace.

At the counter, I paid—the price tag a mere number, insignificant against the moment.

Arhan stood beside me, his hand brushing mine. "Ready?" he asked, and I nodded. The luxury store faded.

But one thing I don't understand is whenever we make some plans to somewhere fortunately it will always be empty.

I don't know why but let's just focus on our time.

Okayyy I know I am dragging this but I had to, this is the last filler chapter just wait for next chapter‼️

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