𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆 || 18+

1. HE DID NOT COME

Alia fidgeted nervously, her gaze darting between the clock on the wall and the entrance of the café.

The soft ticking of the clock seemed to echo in the quiet ambiance, each second stretching into an eternity.

She had been waiting for two long hours, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and dread.

The café, with its soft, warm lighting and the gentle hum of background music, was the perfect setting for a first meeting.

But the man she was supposed to meet, the man her parents had arranged for her, had been a no-show.

Her mind raced with thoughts . . or perhaps with demotivated thoughts.

Had something happened? Was he running late? Or worse, had he forgotten their meeting altogether or rejected her there itself?

The more she pondered, the heavier her heart grew.

A single tear escaped her eye and rolled down her cheek.

She quickly wiped it away, not wanting to draw attention to herself.

She'd dressed up, a simple yet elegant ensemble that made her feel both beautiful and vulnerable.

Her heart had raced as she'd left her home, a mix of excitement and trepidation.

But now, as she sat alone in the dimly lit café, the excitement had dwindled, replaced by a gnawing sense of rejection.

Alia's gaze drifted to the window, her reflection a stark reminder of her solitude.

Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

She blinked them away, determined to maintain her composure. But the dam broke, and she let the tears flow freely.

The café patrons, oblivious to her distress, continued their conversations, their laughter a cruel irony.

Alia felt a pang of loneliness, a deep yearning for companionship.

She had always been a shy girl, content in her own company.

But as she grew older, the longing for connection had intensified.

Every girl once in her life dreams of prince charming who would swept her off of her feet.

That is a pure acknowledged secret in the heart of every Indian girl.

A single tear escaped her eye, rolling down her cheek.

She quickly wiped it away, embarrassed by her vulnerability.

The waiter, a kind-hearted soul, approached her, his eyes filled with concern.

"Is everything alright, miss? Do you need anything?"

She forced a smile, "I'm fine, thank you. Just a bit disappointed, I suppose."

He nodded sympathetically, "It's alright. Sometimes things don't go as planned."

She thanked him and returned to her thoughts.

The image of her parents' hopeful faces flashed before her eyes.

She had let them down.

She had failed to meet the expectations they had placed upon her.

Finally, she decided to leave.

The café, once a place of anticipation, now felt like a prison.

She walked out, her head bowed, her shoulders slumped.

As she reached home, her parents were waiting for her, their faces etched with concern.

"Alia, beta, what happened? Why are you so upset?" her mother asked, her voice filled with worry.

Alia couldn't bring herself to speak. She simply ran to her room and locked the door.

Her parents tried to console her, but she refused to open up.

Two days later, Alia emerged from her room, her spirit somewhat restored.

The fresh air of Alibaugh, the vast expanse of the sea, had a calming effect on her.

She joined her parents and sister, Anika, in the courtyard, the sun casting long shadows on the lush green grass.

"I'm so glad you're feeling better, Didi," Anika said, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Anya forced a smile, "I'm trying, Anika."

"He. . .he never showed . .u.. up –" as Alia was saying, Anika suddenly hugged her tightly.

It was like a girl knew deep inside how it feels like to be rejected in an arranged marriage.

After some time, the two sisters sat on the grass, sharing secrets and laughter.

Just like old times, trying to forget the uncertain future.

Their parents watched them from a distance, their hearts filled with relief.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the horizon, Alia felt a sense of peace wash over her.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of watchful eyes followed their every move.

A sleek, black Mercedes was parked discreetly behind a row of palm trees.

Inside, a man with piercing green eyes observed Alia, his expression a mix of curiosity and intensity.

His gaze lingered on her, taking in every detail, from her flowing hair to her gentle smile.

As the night fell, the man left, disappearing into the darkness, leaving behind a trail of mystery and intrigue.

Oh there was a hint of smile on his face. A sweet sinister smile.

Or perhaps a stalker vibe? Maybe...

It was as if he knew her . . . all bout her pain, secrets and hidden . . desire we can say?

Little did Alia know, her life was about to take an unexpected turn, one that would challenge her beliefs and test the limits of her heart.