Fated by Love

Chapter 2

Sahil, Vanya, Rachit, and Aku have all agreed that Aranya is the perfect match for Vihaan, because she’s the only one who can handle his wild nature. The decision for their marriage was made, but Aranya had no idea what was brewing behind her back.

Party Night

Aranya sat at a party, her mind wandering far away. She wasn’t paying attention to the music or the people around her. Lost in her thoughts, she scowled, her frustration evident. Suddenly, her best friend Niti came up to her.

Niti: “Hey, what’s up? Where are you lost?” 
Aranya: "Nothing... just angry!” she fumed. 
Niti: "Uh oh, who’s the unlucky soul who’s managed to tick off our fiery Aranya this time?" she chuckled. 
Aranya: "Niti, not now. I’m really not in the mood.” 
Niti: "Okay, okay, I’m sorry! But tell me, what’s got you all worked up?" 
Aranya: "That idiot from the mall! I swear, I’m not letting this go so easily." 
Niti: "Oh, him again? You’re still thinking about that?" 
Aranya: "No! I wasn't, but guess what? I ran into him today again. Can you believe it? Turns out, he’s my dad’s best friend’s son. Just my luck! Every time I see him, something goes wrong. It’s like he’s cursed!" 
Niti: "Arey, leave it! Why spoil your mood over him? Just let it go." 
Aranya: "Why should I let it go? You don’t know what he did! I’ll never forget that jerk."

Aranya launched into the full story, recounting every annoying encounter with Vihaan.

Niti burst into laughter. “Hahahah, wow! The guy's got some serious guts! First a kiss, now this drama?” 
Aranya: "You're laughing? I'm furious, Niti! If I see him again, I’ll murder him!" 
Niti: "Murder him? You have to meet him first if you want to do that!" 
Aranya: "It’s better if I never see him again. Otherwise, I’ll... I’ll..." she grabbed her phone, ready to hurl it in anger, but Niti stopped her. 
Niti: "Hey, calm down! He’s not here, so why waste your energy? And by the way, don’t forget where we are..." 
Aranya: "Of course I remember. We’re at Somya’s new boyfriend’s birthday party." 
Niti: "Exactly! So forget him for now and let’s enjoy the party. Come on, have fun!" 
Aranya: "Fine, let’s go.”

The two of them made their way to the bar, ready to drown their frustrations in some vodka. Aranya, still fuming, downed more than a few shots, and soon the alcohol loosened her tongue.

Aranya: "Niti, I’m so happy! That donkey won’t cross my path again. If he does, I’ll finish him for good!” she laughed loudly, her anger mixing with drunken confidence. 
Niti laughed with her, though nervously, because little did Aranya know that Vihaan was right behind them.

Vihaan, seated with his back to Aranya, had overheard every word. At first, he was shocked. Then, a smirk crept across his face as he listened to her rant. But his amusement quickly turned to anger.

Aranya: "Niti, do you know what that idiot’s name is?" 
Niti: "What?" 
Aranya: "Vihaan, the loser!" she said, laughing hysterically. 

At this point, Niti noticed Vihaan and froze, her laughter fading as fear crept in. Aranya, still oblivious, kept going.

Aranya: "That fool thinks he’s so smart! He’s nothing but a..." 
Niti: "Aranya, stop talking." 
Aranya: "Why should I stop?" 
Niti: "Please, Aranya, just stop. You’re in deep trouble..." 
Aranya: "What trouble? There’s nothing to be afraid of! And even if he were here, I’d throw two drinks in his face! Ha!"

Niti: "Turn around, Aranya..." 
Aranya: "What? Why? Is there a ghost behind me?" 
Niti: "Worse than a ghost. Just turn around."

Curious and a little annoyed, Aranya finally turned around—and there he was. Vihaan stood right behind her, an evil smile playing on his lips, but his eyes burning with anger.