Destined (RagSan FF)

Chapter 3

"जिसने खुद से भी छुपाया था,
वो राज़ आज सब पे आशना हो गया।
एक महफ़िल में जो बात अधूरी थी,
वो हकीकत आज साफ हो गया।
जहाँ दोस्ती को खामोशी से अपनाया था,
वही दोस्ती आज सबके सामने साफ हो गई।"

The secret we kept even from ourselves,
Today, it has become known to all.
The conversation left incomplete in a gathering,
Has become clear reality today.
Where friendship was silently embraced,
That same friendship has now been openly acknowledged.

---

Ragini entered the café hesitantly, her eyes adjusting to the soft, warm lighting. The place was filled with a gentle buzz of conversation, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods creating an inviting atmosphere. The large windows along the far wall provided a stunning view of the river, its waters shimmering under the sunlight, adding to the café's tranquil charm.

Sanskar was already there, seated at a corner table partially hidden by a bookshelf. He waved at her with a bright smile, the familiar childlike expression on his face. As she approached, he stood up and pulled out a chair for her, a gesture that felt oddly formal given his usual playful demeanor.

"Duppata wali Dost!" he greeted cheerfully. "I saved this seat just for you!"

Ragini couldn't help but smile, despite the nervous flutter in her stomach. "Thank you, Sanskar."

The old couple who owned the café, Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor, approached their table, their faces lighting up at the sight of Sanskar. "It's good to see you again, beta," Mrs. Kapoor said warmly. "We missed you these past few months."

Sanskar's eyes softened, and for a moment, Ragini thought she saw a flicker of the real Sanskar beneath his mask. "I missed you too, Aunty. This place is like a second home."

Mr. Kapoor turned to Ragini with a kind smile. "Welcome, dear. Sanskar's spoken a lot about you. It's nice to finally meet his special friend."

Ragini felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Thank you, Uncle. This place is beautiful."

"We're glad you like it," the older man said, nodding toward the menu. "Anything you'd like to try today? Our niece just made a fresh batch of her special pastries."

Ragini glanced at Sanskar, who was watching her with an encouraging smile. "I'll have whatever you recommend," she said finally.

Mrs. Kapoor nodded. "Two specials coming up, then." She turned to Sanskar. "The usual for you, beta?"

Sanskar nodded eagerly. "Yes, please! And add some extra cream to the coffee."

As the couple left, Ragini turned back to Sanskar, her heart pounding. "Sanskar, why did you want to meet here? What's going on?"

But Sanskar only grinned and shrugged, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I just wanted to show you my favorite place. Isn't it nice?"

Ragini sighed, knowing she wouldn't get any answers now. But she couldn't deny that the café's peaceful atmosphere was soothing. For the first time in days, she felt a little bit of the tension leave her shoulders.

Ragini settled into the cozy chair, her fingers tracing the delicate patterns etched onto the table. The café buzzed softly around them, the occasional clinking of cups and murmur of conversations creating a comforting background noise. Across from her, Sanskar was stirring his coffee, his gaze fixed on the swirling liquid as if gathering his thoughts.