The destiny of Red String

PART22||captured emotions

"I despise him for driving me insane"
~aanya Singhania ~

The morning light spills through the tall windows of the photography studio. Shanaya arrives early, dressed in a simple but elegant outfit, ready to face the day. Her heart feels oddly light, a strange warmth lingering in her chest since yesterday's unexpected closeness with James. She shakes off the thoughts-after all, she's here for business, not for some silly emotional distraction.

James walks in shortly after, his presence commanding yet understated. He's dressed impeccably, with a subtle smile that doesn't reach his eyes. He's calm, collected, and in control, just as he always is. Yet today, there's something different-a certain intent in the way he watches her, but Shanaya can't put her finger on it. She decides to keep her guard up, mentally berating herself for letting the previous day's incident get to her.

Photographer's Setup

The lights are adjusted, backdrops arranged, and the crew bustling around. James and Shanaya are guided into their first set-a sleek, modern backdrop highlighting the elegance of their partnership. They're instructed to pose close together, and Shanaya suddenly feels his proximity. She can feel his breath, calm and measured, while her own feelings are erratics

James is all action, little words. He adjusts the collar of her dress without asking, his fingers lightly brushing against her skin, sending a ripple of electricity that Shanaya tries desperately to ignore. When she stumbles slightly during a pose, he steadies her, his strong hands lingering a fraction longer than necessary. She catches his gaze-those ocean-blue eyes calm and collected-and feels a surge of something warm and disorienting.

He doesn't say much, only nods or gives simple directions, but every touch feels intentional. Every smile, though professional, carries an underlying warmth she can't quite dismiss. Shanaya tries to focus, reminding herself that this is just another business deal, but something about the way he moves, his silent confidence, keeps her flustered.

---

After the first round of shots, they're given a break. Shanaya heads to the side to refresh herself, feeling her cheeks flush with a heat she can't shake. "This is ridiculous," she tells herself, splashing cold water on her face in the dressing room. Why is she reacting like this? He's just a business partner, and this photoshoot is purely for collaboration. Nothing more.

James watches her from afar, catching the way she fidgets and adjusts her hair. His gaze is steady, even as she avoids eye contact, and he finds himself captivated by the subtle shifts in her expressions-uncertainty, confusion, and the hint of curiosity that she tries so hard to hide.

When she returns to the set, he catches her wrist gently. "You look tense," he says, his voice low, almost tender. "Relax. We've got this."

Shanaya nods, her breath hitching at the unexpected warmth of his touch. "I know," she lies, forcing a smile. His closeness is intoxicating, and it takes all her effort to focus on the task at hand.

The next set is more intimate. They're instructed to stand close, his arm draped around her waist, her hand resting lightly on his chest. The camera clicks rapidly, capturing each movement, each unsaid word. He whispers directions, his breath brushing her ear. "Tilt your head," he says softly, guiding her chin with a light touch. She complies, feeling a shiver run down her spine.

They're asked to make eye contact, and for a moment, time seems to freeze. The intensity in James's gaze unsettles her-deep, quiet, and unreadable. She wonders if he can sense the pounding of her heart, if he can see the confusion swirling in her eyes. But he remains calm, composed, as if he's in full control while she struggles to maintain her poise.

"Perfect," the photographer exclaims, breaking the spell. Shanaya blinks, pulling herself back to reality, but something has shifted between them-a tension that neither can quite name, but both feel.

" And now back up the shot is over thankyou everyone" the photographer says with a genuine smile

Everyone greets each other and says good bye .

"Should I drop you?" James asks

" No ,no thanks my driver is already waiting for me downstairs , your secretary called my driver,say thankyou to him on behalf of me Mrs Arthur and have a good day ahead "
Shanaya replied with a smile that formed a beautiful dimple on her cheeks making her eyes shine .

"That darn ,punk secretary I am gonna chop you in pieces " james says in a low tone that only he can hear .

" Okay then miss raisinghani see you and have a good day ahead you too" james replied with a smile

Austin and Aanya - A Shared Melody

Meanwhile, Aanya and Austin's violin lessons are progressing. The studio has become a haven for both of them-a space where time blurs, and the world outside fades away. They share moments of genuine laughter and frustration, getting lost in the melody. Aanya is fascinated by Austin's passion, admiring the way he loses himself in the music. Yet she's oblivious to the way his gaze lingers on her when she's not looking.

During a lesson, Austin stands behind Aanya, guiding her fingers over the strings. The closeness is unintentional, but Aanya feels a flutter in her chest, a feeling she can't quite explain. Their fingers brush, and she quickly pulls away, laughing off the moment as a mistake, unaware of the warmth in his eyes as he watches her.

Austin's own emotions remain a puzzle even to himself. He's never been this drawn to someone, yet he refuses to dwell on it. For now, they're just teachers and students, even if each lesson leaves him more entangled than the last.

---

Aanya and Austin share a quiet evening at the studio. Aanya plays a melody she's been practicing, her eyes closed, feeling each note resonate in her chest. Austin listens, mesmerized. There's a raw honesty in her playing, a vulnerability that he's not used to seeing.

When she finishes, she opens her eyes to find him staring, his expression softer than she's ever seen. "That was beautiful," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. Aanya's heart skips, but she smiles and brushes it off with a joke, hiding her own confusion behind humor.

They part ways that evening, both unaware that they're carrying the same unspoken feelings-a mix of admiration, curiosity, and something else that they can't quite name.

Aanya was confused and scared too she wanted Austin but scared to loose him because she is only for week in Paris not for lifelong, will they part away? When they just meet each other.

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