Tangled Vows

Prologue

The glass façade of  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 five years of studying architecture in London, she was finally home. The weight of her parents' expectations lingered at the back of her mind, but it was overshadowed by the joy of reuniting with them. Dressed in a simple yet elegant salwar suit, her attire was a subtle nod to the culture she had missed. 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, engrossed in checking his phone, stepped to the side. The collision was inevitable.

The sound of clattering luggage echoed as Aanya stumbled, her suitcase tumbling over. Aarav caught her arm instinctively, his grip firm yet surprisingly gentle.

"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.

Aanya straightened, brushing off invisible dust from her sleeve. "Maybe you should watch where you're going."

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.

Little did they know, fate had only begun weaving the threads of their story.