Destiny: Time To Fall In Love

Chapter 3- Dual Life

After we got back from the Oberois', I barely made it to my room before diving for my phone. I called Richa immediately.

"Richa! You are not going to believe this! Destiny hasn't just knocked on my door, it moved in next door!"

I spent the next forty-five minutes giving her every single detail, from the "Aaru" nickname to the way he looked in a simple black t-shirt. As I expected, she absolutely freaked out. Her screaming was so loud I had to hold the phone a few inches away from my ear, laughing the whole time.

Later that evening...

The excitement of the morning had settled into a cozy evening glow. I was lounging on the sofa, scrolling through my notes, when Mom walked in looking slightly frustrated with herself.

"Sweetie," she began, giving me her most persuasive smile. "I was so busy chatting with Rekha today that I completely lost my head. I went shopping but forgot half the ingredients for dinner. Can you run to the market and grab these for me? If you do, I'll make your absolute favorite: Veg biryani."

I looked at the list she was handing me. Normally, I'd complain about going out in the evening, but the promise of her cooking was a powerful bribe.

"Fine, Mom. You win," I laughed, taking the paper. I grabbed my wallet and phone, shoved my feet into my favorite sneakers, and headed out.

The evening air was cool and smelled like rain. As I stepped off our porch, I couldn't help but glance at the house next door. The lights were on in the living room, casting a warm yellow glow onto the lawn. My heart did a little flutter. Was he in there? Was he thinking about the "incident" on the balcony or the "surprise" in the living room?

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "Focus, Aashi. Milk, tomatoes, and ginger. Don't get distracted by 'Aaru' thoughts," I whispered to myself as I started walking toward the local market.

But as I rounded the corner toward the store, I saw a familiar tall figure walking a few paces ahead of me, his hands buried in his pockets.

My heart stopped. The silhouette was unmistakable.

I stepped out of my gate and stopped dead. There he was. Forget the sunset, the best view in the neighborhood was currently standing right in front of me.

Aryan was standing near the curb, bathed in the soft evening light. He was staring intensely at his phone, his brow furrowed as if he were trying to decode a secret message rather than just looking at a screen. Even when he looked confused, he looked like he belonged on a magazine cover.

I couldn't help myself. I took a deep breath, smoothed down my oversized t-shirt, and walked up to him. I reached out and gave his shoulder a light tap.

"Hello, Aryan.... I mean, Sir!" I corrected myself quickly, my heart giving a little jump. "What are you doing standing in the middle of the road? Planning a new chemistry experiment?"

He looked up, his obsidian eyes scanning me for a second before he sighed. "Actually, I'm looking for a departmental store. My mother realized we're missing half the pantry, but since I'm new to the area, Google Maps is currently leading me in circles."

My brain practically screamed: OPPORTUNITY! Thank you, Universe! You really are looking out for me today. I didn't waste a heartbeat. "Well, since I'm heading there anyway... want to go together?"

Aryan paused, his expression shifting into that guarded, professional mask. He looked at me with questioning eyes. "It's okay, Miss Malhotra. You don't have to bother yourself. I can manage."

His voice wasn't rude, but it was cold, like a splash of ice water on my excitement. Miss Malhotra? I made a face of pure disgust.

"Miss Malhotra? Seriously, Aryan? Am I forty years old or something? Just call me Aashi. You know my name," I scoffed, crossing my arms.