UNBOUND

- 2 -

As the weeks passed, their friendship blossomed through moments that grew ever more intimate. They went on bike rides through the city, explored quiet restaurants, and shared nights under the stars, strolling along parks and city streets. They attended music festivals, laughing and dancing together, and spent lazy afternoons watching movies. Despite the deepening connection, they maintained their distance, honoring their promise of friendship.One evening, She even took Aditya to her church, promising God that they would remain only friends. Aditya, silent and respectful, followed her lead without question.

After their first meeting, Kiana and Aditya found themselves drawn to each other. Their "just friends" boundary quickly blurred as they started spending more time together. Every afternoon after work, they met for coffee, laughing over inside jokes and sharing stories from their lives. Kiana found herself opening up to him in ways she hadn't with anyone before.

One evening in early October, they took a stroll through Gardens. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the trees. "You know, I don't usually do this-spend so much time with someone so quickly," Kiana admitted, her voice soft.

Aditya looked at her, a teasing smile on his lips. "Well, maybe I'm just irresistible."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Or maybe you're just different."

As October passed, their connection deepened. Aditya started sketching her, capturing the moments they spent together. He'd show her glimpses of his work, but never the finished pieces. "You'll see it when the time is right," he'd say with a playful grin. Kiana loved how he could make her feel special with just a look or a teasing remark.

By the time Diwali came around, their friendship had evolved into something neither could fully define. At the Diwali party, Kiana couldn't help but notice how handsome Aditya looked in his kurta. As they stood by the balcony, watching the fireworks, their hands brushed. She flinched slightly, the familiar tension returning.

"You remember our promise, right?" Kiana asked, her voice a little uncertain.

Aditya turned to her, his eyes full of something unspoken. "I do. But sometimes... it feels like more."

Kiana smiled nervously, unsure of what came next. She knew their connection was more than friendship, but part of her was still afraid to take that step.

Later, as they ate sweets together, Kiana noticed how effortlessly they fit into each other's lives. Their laughter blended into the festive atmosphere, and for a moment, she forgot all her worries. She couldn't deny that Aditya made her feel alive in a way she hadn't before.