Neeyum Naanum Anbe💫💝

⋆⭒˚.⋆........KAADHALIN KAATRU⋆⭒˚.⋆

Adi entered the bakery, his eyes scanning the cozy space until they landed on Tara. She was at one of the tables, playfully interacting with a little girl, her laughter light and genuine. The sight brought a soft smile to Adi's face. There was something about seeing Tara so at ease, so warm, that tugged at his heart in ways he wasn't yet ready to explore.

Tara, noticing him from the corner of her eye, glanced up and waved, signalling that she needed just a couple of minutes. Adi nodded with a smile, leaning against the counter as he watched her hand the little girl a chocolate. The child's eyes lit up in delight, and Tara's joy mirrored that of the girl's, a connection that Adi found endearing.

After making sure the child was content, Tara walked over to Adi, her expression bright and cheerful.

Tara: (smiling) Sorry, I just couldn't resist. She was too cute to ignore.

Adi: (with a soft chuckle) No need to apologize. You looked like you were having fun.

Tara: (playfully) Maybe a little. Kids have that effect on me.

Just as they were settling into their conversation, Shakti, who had been busy at the counter, caught sight of them together. His eyes widened in surprise at first, but then a knowing smirk spread across his face. Tara noticed Shakti's reaction and quickly decided to intervene before he could start teasing her.

Tara: (quickly) Shakti, why don't you start wrapping things up? We're almost done for the day, right?

Shakti: (raising an eyebrow) Oh, sure, Tara. I'll just... get right on that.

Tara shot him a pointed look, which only made Shakti's grin widen. He excused himself to Adi, nodding respectfully.

Shakti: (smirking) Adi anna, I'll just finish up in the back. You two... carry on.

With that, Shakti slipped into the kitchen, leaving the two of them alone. Tara rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched Shakti disappear, knowing full well that he was enjoying this a little too much.

Tara: (shaking her head) He's impossible sometimes.

Adi: (smiling) He seems like a good friend.

Tara: (softly) He is. Annoying, but good.

Adi: (amused) It's okay. It's... kinda nice.

Tara: (curious) Nice?

Adi: (meeting her gaze) To see someone care about you like that. It's... different.

Tara: (softening) Yeah, I guess. He's been like a brother to me since we opened this place. Always looking out.

Adi: (quietly) It's good to have that kind of support.

They both shared a quiet laugh, the atmosphere between them growing more comfortable, more familiar. Tara shifts her weight, glancing at the last few customers in the bakery.

Tara: (gesturing) I've got just a few things left to wrap up........

Adi: (nodding) Take your time. I'm not in a rush.

As Tara moves to tidy up the counter, Adi finds himself watching her more closely. The way she moves with purpose, the natural ease with which she interacts with her surroundings-it all feels magnetic to him in ways he doesn't fully understand yet. She catches him looking, and for a moment, they lock eyes.

Tara: (playfully) Something on my face?

Adi: (quickly looking away, a little embarrassed) No... nothing.