Closer Than Before

Chapter 32: My... what?

Hey guys! It's 22nd October, and it's your author's birthday! 🎉 First of all, thank you so much for all the love you've shown this book-I can't tell you how much it means to me. (Seriously, I love you all! 😭)

Now, here's something special I want to share with you: this novel is actually inspired by real people! Yes, you heard that right-there are real-life versions of Samar and Radhika out there. And by now, you've probably guessed that Radhika is none other than me! (I know, I know-don't be jealous! 😏) As for Samar, he's someone I met four and a half years ago, and he's still by my side today. He's the person I love with all my heart. No matter what challenges life has thrown our way, he's always been there for me, and my love for him is endless.

If you're reading this, My Dinosaur, I just want you to know how much I love you. You've been my constant, my strength, and the person who makes life feel beautiful, even in the toughest moments. You mean the world to me, and I can't imagine this journey without you by my side and every day with you is a blessing. (I love you moree dinosaur🦕 🥺❤)

To my amazing readers, I hope that each of you finds your own Radhika and Samar in life (but this Samar is definitely mine! 😘). Thank you for being a part of this journey-keep reading, keep smiling, and stay happy!

Radhika's POV:

Stepping out of the hotel, the warm Dubai air greeted us, brushing past like a gentle reminder that we were far from home. I glanced up at the skyline, the towering buildings making me feel small, yet oddly energized. Being here, in this vibrant city, with Samar by my side, felt surreal.

Samar had his sunglasses on, casually walking beside me with his hands in my hands. He looked calm, as always, but every now and then, his arm would brush against mine, and my heart would skip a beat. It was hard not to smile. We were in Dubai-together.

"So," he said, turning toward me, "where do you want to go first?"

I bit my lip, scanning the busy street ahead of us. "Honestly? Everywhere."

He laughed, a warm sound that made me feel even lighter. "Everywhere, huh? Let's start small. How about we just walk around, see where the day takes us?"

And so, we began to wander. The streets of Dubai felt alive, with people from every corner of the world bustling around us. The smell of exotic spices filled the air, mingling with the sound of different languages.

Samar made sure to walk close to me, and every time we crossed the street or navigated through a crowd, he would gently place his hand on my back, guiding me. It was a small gesture, but it made my heart flutter. He always had this way of making me feel cared for without saying much.

At one point, we found ourselves near a colorful market, where the stalls were overflowing with vibrant textiles, perfumes, and souvenirs. Samar pulled out his phone and grinned at me. "Come on, let's take some pictures."

I laughed, feeling a little shy. "I'm not really a fan of posing, you know that."

He shook his head. "No posing. Just be yourself."

He held up the phone, and before I could protest, he clicked a picture of us standing in front of one of the stalls. I barely had time to adjust, but when I looked at the photo, it was perfect. His arm was around me, my head slightly tilted toward him. It looked like those K-drama couples.

"See? Perfect," he said, showing me the picture.

I looked at it for a moment longer, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. "You're not bad at this."