When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch 50. Love Amidst The Waves

Lost in thought, Shivay waited for the traffic signal to turn green, his mind still reeling from Mr. Sinha's words and the lingering thoughts of Aarav's proposal to Annika. The sudden knock on his car window shattered his reverie, making him jump.

He lowered the window, revealing a young boy, no more than 10 years old, holding a bouquet of roses. The boy's bright smile and hopeful eyes contrasted with Shivay's somber mood.

"Bhaiya, buy one rose for your wife," the boy said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's only 20 rupees."

Shivay's expression remained stern, his tone firm. "Go away, I don't want it. I don't have a wife."

Undeterred, the boy persisted, "Then buy one for your girlfriend, bhaiya. See, these roses are beautiful."

Shivay's irritation grew, his voice sharper. "I told you, I don't want it. And I don't have a girlfriend."

The boy's gaze locked onto Shivay's, his eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and concern. For a few seconds, they simply stared at each other.

Then, with a wisdom beyond his years, the boy said, "I know why you don't have a girlfriend, bhaiya. You're always in an angry mood. Take this flower from me and be happy."

Without waiting for a response, the boy tossed a single rose into Shivay's car and darted away, disappearing into the crowded streets.

Shivay watched him go, his expression softening. The rose lay on the passenger seat, its delicate petals and sweet fragrance a stark contrast to his turbulent emotions.

For a moment, Shivay forgot about his inner turmoil, his thoughts focused on the boy's words. Was he truly always angry? Had his guarded heart driven away potential love?

The traffic signal turned green, snapping Shivay back to reality. As he drove away, the rose remained beside him, a poignant reminder of the boy's words and the uncertainty that lingered within.

Shivay's thoughts drifted as he drove, the rose beside him a constant reminder of the boy's words. Unaware of his surroundings, he navigated the familiar streets, lost in reflection.

Suddenly, his car's GPS announced his arrival. Shivay's gaze lifted to the building ahead – Annika's apartment complex.

He slammed on the brakes, his heart racing. What was he doing here?

As he pondered, a figure emerged from the shadows. Aarav, holding a bouquet of flowers, walked toward the building's entrance and entered it. Shivay's grip on the steering wheel tightened.

Shivay's anxiety spiked as he watched Aarav approach Annika. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts:

"Should I leave?"

"Should I intervene?"

"What if she says yes?"

The honking of a nearby car snapped Shivay out of his trance. He glanced up to see Annika arriving on her scooter, lost in thought. Without hesitation, Shivay swiftly exited his car and began to follow her, his footsteps silent.

As Annika parked her scooter, Shivay quickly closed the distance between them. He clutched her arm, pulling her behind a nearby pillar. His other hand instinctively covered her mouth, silencing her startled gasp.

Annika's eyes widened in shock, her body tense against his grasp.

Shivay held her firmly, his gaze locked onto hers. They stood there, hidden from view, as Om arrived on the scene. Shivay waited with bated breath, watching Om enter the building.