Destiny|| A Rutkarsha Story

10.

Utkarsha sat at her desk, typing away on her computer, when she heard a knock at the door.

"Come in!" she called out, expecting it to be a colleague.

But to her surprise, Rutu walked in, flashing his charming smile.

Rutu: (flirtatiously)"Hey, beautiful! I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Utkarsha: (laughing) "Rutu! What are you doing here? You have busy match schedules isn't?

Rutu: "I have two days off so, just came to Pune to meet you!"

Utkarsha: (playfully) "Well, now you've met. You can leave."

Rutu: ( mock-offended) "Oh, so you're kicking me out? That's not very hospitable."

Utkarsha: (smiling) "I'm just trying to get some work done."

Utkarsha is now more comfortable with Rutu.

Rutu: (leaning against the desk) "Work, work, work. You need to take a break. How about lunch?"

Utkarsha hesitated, but Rutu's charming smile won her over.

Utkarsha thought to herself: "Why not? It's just lunch."

Rutu thought to himself: "Yes! I'm making progress! a lot of progress!"

And with that, they walked out of the office together, Rutu's arm brushing against hers, sending a spark of electricity through both of them.

***

Utkarsha: (laughing) "You're really persistent, aren't you?"

Rutu: (grinning) "When I want something, I go for it."

Utkarsha: (teasingly) "And what do you want right now?"

Rutu: (leaning in) "I want to get to know you better. Outside of work."

Utkarsha: (smiling) "And what makes you think I'm interested?"

Rutu: (confidently) "I can see it in your eyes. You're curious about me too."

Utkarsha: (playfully) "Maybe I'm just being polite."

Rutu: (chuckling) "Polite doesn't look like that. Trust me, I know the difference."

They arrive at the restaurant and sit down at a table.

Utkarsha: (looking at the menu) "So, what's good here?"

Rutu: (smiling) "Everything. But I think you'll like the pasta."

Utkarsha: (smiling back) "You know my taste already?"

Rutu: (leaning in) "I'm trying to. I want to know everything about you."

Utkarsha's heart skips a beat as she meets Rutu's gaze, feeling a connection she can't ignore.

Utkarsha: (smiling) "I know just the place to show you the real Pune."

Rutu: (grinning) "Ah, you think you can show me Pune? I'm a Pune boy myself, you know."

Utkarsha: (teasingly) "Oh yeah? Then why did you leave?"

Rutu: (laughing) "Cricket took me to Mumbai, but my heart remains in Pune."

Utkarsha: (smiling) "Well, in that case, let me show you the Pune you left behind."

***

They head to the Shaniwar Wada Fort, with Utkarsha guiding Rutu through the historic site.

Rutu: (nostalgically) "I used to come here all the time as a kid. It's great to be back."

Utkarsha: (smiling) "Glad to be your guide, then. What do you think has changed?"

Rutu: (thoughtfully) "Actually, it's nice to see some things remain the same. Pune still feels like home."

As they walk around the fort, Utkarsha points out new developments and changes, while Rutu shares his childhood memories.

Utkarsha: (smiling) "I'm glad you're enjoying it. I was worried you'd find it too different."

Rutu: (gratefully) "No, it's great to see Pune through your eyes. Thanks for showing me around."

As the sun sets over the fort, Rutu turns to Utkarsha with a warm smile.

Rutu: (smiling) "You know, I'm really glad I ran into you, Utkarsha. This has been a great day."

Utkarsha: (smiling back) "I know exactly what you mean. I've had a wonderful time too."

Rutu: (hesitantly) "Would you like to...maybe grab dinner tonight? Just the two of us?"

Utkarsha: (surprised but pleased) "I'd like that."

Rutu: (grinning) "Great! I'll pick you up at 7?"

Utkarsha: (laughing) "Okay, but don't expect me to be ready on time."

Rutu: (teasingly) "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Rutu: (smiling) "Thanks again for today, Utkarsha. I really needed this."

Utkarsha: (smiling back) "Anytime, Rutu. Welcome back to Pune."

They share a warm smile, the connection between them palpable.