When Aarav Kapoor, a shrewd businessman born into wealth, and Aanya Mehra, an ambitious architect returning to India, are thrust into an arranged marriage, neither is prepared for the secrets beneath their union. What begins as a reluctant compromis...
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The glass façade of the Airport shimmered in the golden hues of the setting sun, casting long shadows on the bustling crowds below. Inside, the arrival hall buzzed with the overlapping sounds of announcements, hurried footsteps, and joyful reunions.
Aarav Kapoor adjusted the collar of his bespoke blazer, glancing impatiently at his watch. A man of wealth and precision, he despised waiting. Yet here he was, standing amidst the sea of people, his usual sense of control wavering. The heir to one of Mumbai's most prominent business empires, Aarav was accustomed to a life of luxury, where even time seemed to bend to his will. Today, however, his meticulously planned schedule was interrupted by his impulsive decision to personally pick up an important business associate.
Across the hall, Aanya Mehra clutched the handle of her suitcase, her heart racing with anticipation. After three years of studying architecture in London, she was finally home. Her petite frame struggled with an overstuffed duffel bag that threatened to topple over at any moment, Dressed in a simple yet elegant black top and jeans. With her warm brown eyes and the faint trace of exhaustion on her face, she looked like someone just happy to be home. Her mind was already racing with thoughts of hugging her parents and reliving the aromas of her mother's cooking, meeting her siblings after a long time. As she navigated through the throng, her gaze wandered, soaking in every detail of her vibrant homeland.
And then, it happened.
Aanya's suitcase swerved as she tried to avoid a distracted child running across her path. At the same moment, Aarav, scrolling through his phone while balancing a coffee cup in one hand, didn't notice Aanya struggling with her bag. The collision was inevitable. She stopped abruptly to adjust the strap, and with a misstep, his designer loafer connected with her oversized duffel. The impact sent the cup of coffee flying—and splattering.
"I'm so sorry!" Aanya exclaimed, her cheeks flushing as she tried to steady herself.
"No, it's—" Aarav began, his words faltering as their eyes met. Her gaze, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, locked onto his. He found himself momentarily speechless, caught off guard by the spark of familiarity in a complete stranger.
"Oh, great. Just perfect," Aarav muttered, his tone clipped as he stared down at the now-brown stain on his pristine white shirt.
Aanya turned, eyes wide, and then narrowed. "Maybe you should watch where you're walking instead of texting like a teenager."
Aarav raised an eyebrow, clearly unused to being scolded. "Excuse me? Maybe you should learn how to carry a bag without causing a scene."
Aanya's jaw dropped, her indignation bubbling to the surface. "Oh, I'm sorry—should I have rolled out a red carpet for Your Highness? Last I checked, the airport wasn't your private kingdom."
He smirked, the kind of smug, infuriating expression that made Aanya want to throw her bag at him. "Well, it wouldn't hurt to show some gratitude. Most people would kill for the chance to bump into me."
"Most people must have really low standards," Aanya shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
But as their verbal sparring continued, something shifted. In the pause between barbs, their eyes met. His deep, caramel gaze softened, and her irritation gave way to an unexpected flutter in her chest.
For a brief moment, the noise of the airport faded. Aarav noticed the stray strands of hair framing Aanya's face, the faint sparkle in her eyes when she was annoyed. Aanya, despite her annoyance, caught a glimpse of vulnerability beneath his confident façade—a spark of humor that threatened to undo her resolve.
The sound of clattering luggage echoed as Aanya stumbled again, her suitcase tumbling over. Aarav caught her arm instinctively, his grip firm yet surprisingly gentle.
Aarav raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips twitching into a smirk. "Perhaps you should try a sturdier suitcase."
Before she could retort, a loud announcement broke their tense exchange. Aanya turned away abruptly, muttering something under her breath as she hurried off toward the exit.
Aarav watched her retreating figure, an unfamiliar curiosity stirring within him. For a man who believed in calculated risks and well-charted paths, the fleeting encounter felt oddly significant.
As they walked toward the exit, side by side, their lives unknowingly began to intertwine in ways that would change them forever.
