Fated by Love

Chapter 5

The train pulled into Chandigarh station, coming to a halt. Everyone stepped out, looking around, unsure of where to go next. Just then, a familiar voice caught Rachit’s attention.

"Rachit, Sahil!" a voice called out.

Rachit turned around and saw an old friend. With a wide smile, the two men embraced warmly. The man then turned to hug Sahil as well.

Sahil, with a teasing grin: "Wow, Varun, you’ve gotten old, haven’t you?" he laughed. 
Varun chuckled: "What can I say? Not everyone’s as lucky as you—still looking young, even after becoming a father." 

Sahil, laughing: "Some things never change, do they?" 
Varun then greeted the others before turning to meet Vihaan and Aranya. After exchanging pleasantries, everyone piled into the cars and headed to the Ahuja house.

When they arrived, Mamta was there to greet them, her arms wide open. She hugged Aranya and Aku tightly.

Aranya: "Mamta aunty, where’s Bua?" 
Mamta smiled: "She and your mom went to the temple. They should be back soon." 
Vanya: "Alright."

Mamta then turned to Vihaan and Aranya: "Why are you two standing there? Come, let me show you your rooms." 

Vihaan, looking around: "Chachi, where’s Gaurav?" 
Mamta chuckled: "Oh, he just stepped out for a bit. He’ll be back soon. In the meantime, you all get settled in and rest."

Everyone nodded and went off to their individual rooms. Coincidentally, Vihaan and Aranya’s rooms were next to each other. Vihaan, tired from the journey, collapsed onto his bed. Just as he was about to drift off, there was a knock at his door.

Vihaan got up, opened the door, but found no one there. He shrugged, thinking it must have been his imagination. However, as soon as he shut the door, there was another knock. This time, Vihaan opened the door quickly, only to find no one again.

Annoyed, he turned back to his room, but before he could react, someone pushed him, and he tumbled to the ground. He looked up and saw Gaurav standing there, grinning mischievously.

Gaurav: "Awww, did Vihaan fall down? Hahaha!" 
Vihaan, fuming: "You’re dead, Gaurav!" he shouted, jumping up to chase him.

Gaurav laughed, dodging as he ran out of the room: "Remember how you used to cry when you’d fall as a kid? Looks like nothing’s changed!" 
Vihaan: "Just wait till I get my hands on you, I’ll make sure you cry this time!" he yelled, still chasing after Gaurav.

Finally, Vihaan caught up to Gaurav, grabbing him by the collar and pretending to throw a punch.

Gaurav, panicking: "Hey, wait, stop! My wedding’s coming up! What if you mess up my face?"

Vihaan smirked: "You dog!" he said, pulling him into a tight hug.

Both men burst into laughter, their playful banter a testament to years of friendship.

The next morning, the sun gently filtered through the curtains of Aranya's room, casting a soft glow on her face. A content smile played on her lips as she instinctively hugged her teddy bear closer. But suddenly, something didn’t feel right. She remembered she was in India—her teddy shouldn't be here.

Startled, Aranya’s eyes flew open, and what she saw left her in complete shock. The person she was hugging wasn’t her teddy—it was Vihaan!

Her mind raced: "How is he here? Why is he in my room? What happened last night? And why don’t I remember anything?" A flood of questions filled her head, but she quickly pulled herself together and glared at him.