SHADOWS OF DESIRES

chapter 3

Adriti's beauty was the kind that made heads turn and hearts skip a beat. She had an ethereal grace that seemed to be woven into her very essence. Her long, flowing hair cascaded like a waterfall of silk, framing a face that was both delicate and strong. Her eyes, deep and expressive, held a warmth that drew people in, yet they also sparkled with determination and intelligence. Her smile, radiant and genuine, had a way of lighting up even the darkest of rooms.

  Despite the immense loss of her parents, Vikrant and Meera Roy, at the tender age of 16, Adriti had emerged from her grief stronger and more resilient. She channeled her pain into purpose, taking over her father's legacy with a fierce resolve. Under her leadership, the company thrived, a testament to her business acumen and unyielding dedication.

  But Adriti's true passion lay in her philanthropic endeavors. She ran an organization dedicated to treating cancer patients, providing them with the care and support they needed to fight their battles. Alongside this, she managed an orphanage, offering love and a home to children who had none. Her life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a blend of beauty, compassion, and unrelenting drive.

  In college, Adriti had formed a deep bond with Shriti, born from an incident where Adriti had come to her aid. This friendship, forged in moments of vulnerability and strength, had only grown over the years.

  Adriti stood as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a woman who had transformed her pain into a force for good, touching countless lives with her kindness and determination.

  AT THE AIRPORT

  Abhiman stood at the airport, irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. Vikram’s urgent call had thrown his plans into disarray, leaving him with the task of picking up Adriti—a woman he had never met. The situation wasn’t helped by the fact that the flight was now delayed by thirty minutes. He glanced around the bustling terminal, feeling distinctly out of place.

  He pulled out his phone, hoping for an update from Vikram, but there was nothing. No picture of Adriti, no further instructions, just the vague description that she would be the most beautiful woman stepping off that plane. It was annoyingly insufficient.

  As the minutes ticked by, Abhiman’s mind wandered. He imagined what she might look like—perhaps she was like one of those polished socialites he often encountered, or maybe she had a more understated beauty. His curiosity was grudgingly piqued, despite his frustration.

  Finally, the announcement came that the flight had landed. He straightened, scanning the crowd as passengers began to emerge. His eyes darted from face to face, seeking any sign of recognition, feeling an odd mix of impatience and anticipation.

  Abhiman stood near the arrivals gate at the airport, his patience wearing thin. Adjusting his mask, he muttered to himself about Vikram's inefficiency in providing Adriti's picture. Instead, Vikram had mistakenly sent Adriti a picture of him, leaving Abhiman completely in the dark about her appearance.

  Adriti, meanwhile, scanned the crowd for any familiar faces, her phone in hand. Distracted, she collided head-on with a tall, masked man.

  “Watch where you’re going!” she snapped, not recognizing him as Abhiman.

  “You watch it!” Abhiman retorted, equally clueless about her identity.

  Their bags dropped to the floor, spilling contents everywhere. They both bent down, frantically trying to gather their things while throwing snarky comments at each other.