Fated by Love

Chapter 3

Everyone boarded the flight, and the Kapoors and Ahujas had intentionally arranged for seats far apart to ensure that Vihaan and Aranya wouldn’t see each other.

After a long 7 to 8-hour journey, they finally landed in India at 7:30 PM. The time difference between London and India is about 6 hours, so while they left at 6 AM from London, it was already 12:30 PM in India. After a 7-hour flight, they arrived at Mumbai airport by evening.

As they stepped into the bustling airport, Vihaan walked ahead with his family, while Aranya followed behind with hers. In his usual careless manner, Vihaan stuffed his cap into his bag without noticing that it fell to the ground. Aranya, walking a little behind, saw the cap lying there. She picked it up and realized it belonged to someone who had already gone ahead.

She looked around for the boy who had dropped it but couldn’t spot him. With no luck, she decided to keep the cap with her for now and exited the airport with her family.

On the other side, Vihaan was just stepping out of the airport when he suddenly stopped.

Vihaan: "Dad, wait a second, I think I’ve forgotten something."

Rachit: "What is it?"

Vihaan: "I think I dropped my favorite cap. I’ll be right back."

Rachit: "Alright, but don’t take too long. We’ll wait outside."

Vihaan hurried back into the airport, searching for his cap. But fate had other plans. As he rushed, not watching his step, he tripped over something and stumbled. He fell… right on top of a girl. That girl was none other than Aranya.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they stared into each other’s eyes.

They were so lost in the moment that they didn’t hear the voices calling out to them. Suddenly, Vihaan felt a hand tap on his shoulder.

Sahil: "Vihaan… Vihaan, son, are you okay?"

Vihaan snapped out of his trance and looked at Sahil, then back at Aranya, then again at Sahil, completely confused.

Vanya and Aku, watching the entire scene unfold, couldn’t help but chuckle. But Aranya was far from amused.

Aranya: "Hello, Mr.! Do I look like your bed? Get off me!"

Vihaan finally realized what was happening and quickly got up. Aranya stood as well, dusting herself off.

Vihaan: "What are you doing here? Have you no shame following me all the way to India?"

Aranya: "Excuse me? This airport doesn’t belong to you, Mr. Ahuja. In fact, this is India, and I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. Who do you think you are?"

Vihaan: "Yeah, of course, but why do you always end up where I am? Why can’t you just leave me alone?"

Aranya: "How dare you? How could you even think I’m following you?"

Vihaan (leaning closer): "Like this."

He flashed her a cheeky grin, only for Aranya to push him back in anger.

Vihaan (furious): "You’re not going to get away with this!"

And just like that, they were at each other’s throats again, pulling each other’s hair like children. Everyone who had been laughing moments ago was now trying to pull them apart.

Aranya: "Dad, let go of me! I’m going to knock this monkey out!"

Vihaan: "Oh, really? You think I’m scared of you? Dad, let me go! I’m going to pull this lizard’s braid off!"