Off to Cappadocia

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Cann drifts off to sleep, lost in his thoughts.

The next morning, he steps onto the balcony, carrying two cups of coffee. Setting them on the table, he gazes at the other side of the balcony. Just then, Ritika appears, her hair untied, flowing in the wind as she closes her eyes and enjoys the cool breeze.

“It’s cold today, you should wear something warmer,” Cann remarks, still holding the coffee cups.

“Good morning, gentleman. Seems like someone made coffee for me today,” Ritika smiles as she opens her eyes.

Cann chuckles and hands her a cup. She sips it while watching him, but Cann is already lost in the view of the city below.

“So, are you all packed? We’re leaving at 9,” he says.

Ritika nods cheerfully. “Yep! Let me grab a quick shower. Thanks for the coffee!” She sets her cup down and heads inside. Cann watches her for a moment before turning back to his own cup, taking in the cityscape once more.

Later that evening, around 9 p.m., Ritika packs her small bag, placing a picture of her parents in her purse. A knock on the door startles her. Expecting Cann, she rushes to open it, but instead, she finds Oziya standing there.

“Good evening, beautiful,” Oziya says with a grin, holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and embracing her with the other.

“Oziya...?” Ritika stammers, taken aback by his sudden appearance.

“Yes, Oziya. That’s me!” he laughs, handing her the flowers. “I was on my way to the hospital and saw these. Thought I’d give them to you before you head off on your trip.”

“They’re lovely, thank you.” Ritika takes the bouquet, inhaling its fragrance. She invites Oziya in, but he declines.

“I’ve got surgery scheduled. Enjoy your vacation,” he says with a smile before leaving. Ritika watches him go, then places the flowers in her bag.

A second knock pulls her from her thoughts. This time, it’s Cann.

“Ready to go?” Cann asks, flashing his disarmingly warm smile.

“How could I ever say no to you?” Ritika thinks to herself, momentarily lost in his gaze.

Cann waves his hand in front of her face. “We need to leave,” he says, snapping her out of her trance.

Ritika blushes, grabs her bag, and they head to the airport.

On the plane, they settle into their seats, with Ritika by the window.

“How long is the flight?” she asks, staring out at the clouds forming below them.

“About an hour and 45 minutes,” Cann replies, distracted by his phone.

As the plane takes off, Ritika yawns. “I’m going to sleep. I didn’t get much rest last night.”

She quickly drifts off, her head eventually resting on Cann’s shoulder. Cann smiles as he watches her sleep, her hair falling across her face. Gently, he brushes it back, tucking it behind her ear.

When the flight attendant comes by offering drinks and snacks, Cann politely declines, not wanting to wake Ritika. Perhaps he enjoys the quiet moment with her head on his shoulder.

Ninety-five minutes later, an announcement comes on: the plane is preparing to land. Cann glances at Ritika, brushing her hair back once more before whispering, “We’re here.”

His soft words stir her awake. Ritika blinks slowly, realizing her head is resting on his shoulder, with Cann’s face just inches away. Their eyes lock briefly before Cann leans back.

“We’ve arrived,” he says. Ritika turns to the window, a small smile playing on her lips as she watches the plane descend.

Once they land, they make their way to the hotel, a stunning place with breathtaking views of Cappadocia's hills and valleys. After checking in to their separate rooms, Cann stops by Ritika’s.

“My manager, Taniz, is arriving on the next flight with the rest of the crew. I think you’ll like meeting them,” Cann tells her.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Ritika replies.

“If you need anything, just call. We’re neighbors again,” Cann says with a laugh.

Evening falls, and Ritika lounges on her bed, staring out at the rolling hills when a knock interrupts her thoughts. Opening the door, she finds Cann with Taniz.

“Ritika, this is Taniz, my manager. Taniz, this is Ritika,” Cann introduces them.

“Hello, Ms. Ritika. Nice to finally meet you,” Taniz says warmly.

“Hello, Mr. Taniz. Cann speaks highly of you,” Ritika replies with a smile.

Taniz chuckles. “He’s too kind. Thanks for helping him out the other night.”

“It wasn’t much. Anyone would’ve done the same,” Ritika shrugs.

“Well, now that we’ve met, how about dinner?” Cann suggests.

Sensing a connection between them, Taniz grins. “Actually, I have some work to do to prepare for tomorrow’s shoot. You two enjoy dinner.”

Cann looks at Ritika. “Shall we?”

“Give me a minute to change,” she says, stepping back into her room. As she leaves, Taniz leans in to Cann.

“She’s really something, isn’t she?” Taniz remarks.

Cann, though clearly listening, says nothing, a small smile tugging at his lips.

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