The shopkeeper, slightly torn between the desire to close up for the night and the earnest request of Arman and Asha, sighed. He looked at the two of them, then glanced at the clock ticking away the last moments of the year. A moment of contemplation passed before he finally relented.
"Alright, just a minute. Make it quick," he said, unlocking the shop door and allowing them to enter.
Asha's eyes lit up with gratitude as she thanked the shopkeeper, her optimism shining through. Arman and Asha hastily entered the shop, greeted by the warmth of the small space filled with the scent of candles and the remnants of holiday decorations. The shopkeeper followed them, keeping a watchful eye on the time.
As Asha browsed the shelves, Arman approached her, whispering, "What are we looking for?"
"A small gift for my niece," Asha replied with a smile. "Something that will make her eyes sparkle with joy when she opens it."
Their hurried search led them to a corner of the shop where a collection of charming trinkets and small toys awaited discovery. Asha's eyes caught a delicate music box adorned with swirling snowflakes and a tiny ballerina twirling inside.
"This is perfect!" she exclaimed, holding it delicately. "She'll love it."
Arman nodded, agreeing with her choice. She quickly approached the counter, and the shopkeeper, having witnessed the genuine joy in Asha's eyes, softened. He wrapped the music box with care, and Asha handed him the money with gratitude.
As Asha approached the counter to purchase the ballerina music box for her niece. Arman, seizing the opportunity, discreetly slipped away to browse the shelves.
In a corner filled with charming trinkets, his eyes landed on a beautifully crafted photo frame. It had an elegant design, adorned with delicate patterns and an inscription that read, "Capture the Moments." He decided to buy it. And gift wrapped it. Asha looked at Arman, at the counter with eyes filled with curiousity. She asked Arman "Who're you buying this gift for...?" Arman with mystery in his eyes... "I am buying this for someone special" For which Asha replied him with a wide smile.
As they stepped back out into the chilly night, the clock struck midnight, announcing the arrival of the new year. The streets were now quiet, the fog hanging in the air like a serene curtain.
Arman turned to Asha, a smile on his face. "Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year" she replied, her eyes reflecting the newfound warmth of the music box in her hands.
As Arman and Asha walked away from the closed shop, the enchanting music box cradled in Asha's hands, a sense of camaraderie lingered in the air. The festive atmosphere of New Year's Eve seemed to surround them, wrapping them in the promise of new beginnings.
Arman, with a curious gleam in his eyes, decided to break the silence. "You know, we never really introduced ourselves properly. I'm Arman."
Asha's eyes sparkled with a newfound connection. "Nice to officially meet you, Arman. I'm Asha."
They exchanged smiles, the cold night air turning their breath into fleeting clouds. Arman, feeling a surge of warmth, shared, "I didn't expect to find such magic tonight, especially not in a closed shop on New Year's Eve."
Asha laughed, the sound carrying a melody that echoed the joy in her heart. "Life is full of surprises, isn't it? I'm glad we stumbled upon this little adventure together."
Arman nodded in agreement. "Me too. It's not every day you meet someone willing to stand up for a promise to a niece on New Year's Eve."
Asha blushed, her cheeks rosy in the chilly night. "Well, family is important, and promises are meant to be kept, especially on such special occasions."
They continued walking, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Arman learned about Asha's love for art and how she found joy in simple things, like the delicate music box she now cherished. Asha discovered Arman's passion for literature and his dream of opening a small bookstore someday.
As the night unfolded, it became more than just a chance encounter; it was a shared journey into the unknown. The city, wrapped in the quiet magic of the new year.
And so, under the moonlit sky, Arman and Asha strolled through the quiet streets, their laughter blending with the distant echoes of New Year's celebrations. As they were walking through the empty road. Arman...approached Asha.. He handed the gift to Asha with a warm smile... And said... "Here, Asha, I got something for you"
Asha's eyes widened in curiosity and surprise... She unwrapped the gift like a curious 5 year old kid who has just received a gift from Santa himself... and she saw a photo frame... Arman grinned, " I thought....... this could be a way for us to capture the memories we're going to make together" Her cheeks subtly transformed into a soft shade of pink.
Asha's eyes, reflecting a mix of appreciation and bashfulness, met Arman's gaze. A shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she held the photo frame delicately in her hands. Her fingers traced the intricate details of the frame's design, and she glanced away momentarily, her gaze dropping to the ground.
She didn't say a word.. Controlling her emotion With lips closed and eyes in front She continued walking... And Arman followed her...till the end of time and forever... And It was decided... That...This is it...
She was New year's eve's gift.
THE END.NOT FOR THEM.
YOU ARE READING
Nothing
RomanceA drop of sweat, gently and swiftly sliding through, Arman's neck. He swallows hard, feeling the air bubble in his throat, the drop of sweat moved through his Adam's apple. Like a boat, floating through huge waves, of the stormy ocean. Well, The tru...
