It had been a few weeks since the incident at Rushan’s office, and things between Shreya and Rushan had gradually settled into a comfortable rhythm.
They weren’t the typical loving couple, but there was a noticeable shift in their relationship. Conversations became more relaxed, their silences no longer tense but filled with quiet understanding. They hadn’t labelled what they were yet—perhaps friends, maybe something more—but whatever it was, it felt easier.
One afternoon, as Shreya and Rushan were finishing lunch, Shreya’s phone buzzed with a message from Swati.
"Picnic plan final hai, kal hum chaaron ja rahe hain!" the message popped up
"Yaar , ye ladki bhi na sunti nahi hai kabhi meri. " Shreya let out a sigh in mild annoyance
Shreya glanced at Rushan. " Rushan kuchh baat karni thi tumse"
Rushan who had been preoccupied with his phone looked at her " what happened shreya? Why you're looking tensed?"
"Kal picnic ka plan hai , swati aur rishabh ne decide kiya hai. Maine bahut samjhane ki koshish ki par wo log maan hi nahi rahe to tum chaloge na " she asked, not wanting to pressure him but also hoping he would agree.
Rushan chuckled lightly, "Haan, why not? And you were tensed for this ."
Shreya smiled "yeah I thought what if you didn't liked the idea so...."
She was relieved. "Achha hoga. Tum, main, Swati aur Rishabh... kaafi time ho gaya aise hume chill kiye hue ."
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The next day, they all met at a picturesque park on the outskirts of the city. The sun was shining, a light breeze in the air, and everyone seemed in good spirits.
Rishabh had packed a cricket bat, Swati had brought snacks, and Rushan, surprisingly, had brought a portable speaker, earning an appreciative grin from Swati.
"Ab lag raha hai seriously picnic mode mein hain!" Swati joked, adjusting her sunglasses.
" Nahi ab tak mazaak chal raha tha " shreya replied in mocking annoyance
"Are meri pyari shreya, baat baat par hinsak nahi hote " swati replied wrapping her arms around shreya's shoulder
As they set up the picnic blanket and settled in, Shreya felt a wave of contentment wash over her. It had been a while since she’d felt this relaxed.
Rushan, too, seemed lighter, laughing with Rishabh and teasing Swati about her obsession with taking selfies.
Shreya was laughing seeing the bickering of Rishab and Swati. Rushan was lost in her .
But just as Shreya was about to fully enjoy the moment, she spotted a familiar figure walking toward them—her younger brother, Aditya
"Yeh… yeh Adi hai? Is he really here or I'm hallucinating" Shreya whispered, her stomach tightening with excitement .
Rushan followed her gaze, seeing a tall young man, casually dressed, approaching with a wide grin.
Shreya was overjoyed but suddenly her excitement faltered .
" Chachi ji and chacha ji "
Rushan noticed the tension in her voice and glanced again, spotting an older couple walking with Aditya—Shreya’s uncle and aunt.
He had heard about them but had never met them before. The last figure, however, was a man in his early thirties, someone who looked strikingly similar to Shreya.
"Who's he ?" Rushan asked, his eyes narrowing as he sensed Shreya’s discomfort.
Shreya nodded stiffly. " Woh Akshay hai. Chacha ji ka beta but I don’t really get along with him."
YOU ARE READING
DESTINY: tale of love
Romance______________________________________________ He's a fierce protector where passion embrace gentle care, She's a sunshine stubborn girl, bold and free fierce yet fragile He'll never let her face the world alone, and she'll be always his home. Thi...
