Canvas of Destiny

Chapter nineteen

This chapter is short. But lemme tell you.. we are nearing the end of this book.

Oh and I changed the book cover. Please tell me in comments weather it's good or you like it or not.

Happy reading.

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Ishika's POV

Three weeks have passed. Rishi and I are knee-deep in our last semester exams, which started in the second week of June. Thankfully, our office granted us leave for the entire month to focus on our studies.

As the clock strikes five in the morning, I find myself glued to my study table, poring over my notes with unwavering concentration.

Nighttime has become my sanctuary for studying; the peace and quiet help me focus in ways the daytime never could.

Tonight is no different. I've been pulling all-nighters regularly, only retiring to bed after breakfast, where I sleep until evening.

At half past seven, I take a break to eat breakfast with Nitya, and then follow her to the door and see her off and lock the door since I am gonna sleep till evening.

Upon opening the door, we found 2 red roses along with a few Choki Choki chocolates and a note.

I sigh, making Nitya giggle as she walks out waving me by.

I pick the roses and chocolate with the note which said — "Don't take stress and take proper rest. Sleep well and eat well. Do not neglect your health."

A small smile graces my lips as I read that. In the last three weeks, the roses never stopped coming. Each Monday, an annotated book would come along with the roses.

He promised in one of the notes that he will not disturb me until my exams get over, which happens to end in two days.

Being away has really helped me see things more clearly. I've finally made up my mind about what I want.

With a deep breath, I close the door behind me and make my way to my room.

As I walk over to my study table, I carefully tuck away the choki choki chocolate in the drawer. Then, I walk over to the window, exchang the wilted roses in the vase for fresh ones, and finally, I retire to bed.

---

"How did the exam go?" Rishi asks as soon as we step out of the college gates.

"Great! How about yours?"

He shoots me an annoyed glance. "Don't ask silly questions."

I laugh. "Okay, okay."

Our exams are finally done. We're getting back to work next Monday after having the entire June off. Today being Monday, it's the last week of June.

After Rishi drops me off at my apartment, I thank him and wave goodbye.

As I step into my apartment, I glance at the clock and notice it's half past five. He'll finish work at six and usually gets home around half past six.

An hour is plenty of time for me to get ready.

Ten minutes before six, I find myself sitting on the stairs, eagerly waiting for him.

I'm dressed in a simple white anarkali suit, with a white dupatta draped over my left shoulder. My neck is bare, but my ears are adorned with silver jhumkas. I've applied the lightest shade of nude brown lipstick on my lips.

The sound of the gate opening snaps me out of my reverie, and I look up to see him walking in without even noticing me.

Quickly, I stand up and move a little farther behind him as he begins unlocking his apartment door.

My first attempt to catch his attention falls on deaf ears.

Clearing my throat again, this time a bit louder, I finally manage to grab his attention.

His head snaps towards me, and he stumbles, his back colliding with the door.

He rubs the heel of his palm near his chest. "You scared me."

"Oh." We continue to lock eyes.

Clearing my throat once more, I say, "I want to go to the temple."

A look of bewilderment crosses his face before his eyes widen. "With me?"

I maintain my gaze on him.

"You want me to take you to the temple?" He questions, sounding incredulous.

I feign innocence, blinking at him. "If you don't want to take me, it's okay. I'll take an auto."

"NO," he yells. "I'll take you. Just give me a minute."

Five minutes later, he emerges from his apartment, and my mouth falls open in surprise.

He steps out wearing a sleek white shirt, it's sleeves neatly folded till his elbows, paired with black trousers. His hair is slightly messy, and a black Titan watch resting on his wrist.

He looks absolutely delicious.

~~~

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