you are my destiny

chapter 54.

Rajiv's Restaurant

Ahana stepped into the restaurant and froze.

The place was decked out in soft lights, heart-shaped balloons floating around the ceiling. A giant balloon in the center had "Rajiv ❤️ Sumitra" written across it in shiny red letters. And there stood Rajiv in the middle of it all-blowing balloons.

"Rajiv?" Ahana blinked. "What's all this?"

Rajiv grinned, clearly proud. "The outcome of our beautiful and sacred love! Today's our 100th day anniversary. Sumitra's going to be thrilled that I remembered."

Ahana chuckled, surprised. "Wow! So... we're closed today then?"

"Yep. But you're not off duty yet. I need your help decorating."

A little while later, they were both hanging garlands and arranging candles.

"You know," Ahana teased, adjusting a heart-shaped balloon, "aren't you too old for 100-day anniversaries? People your age forget their wedding anniversaries, let alone count days."

Rajiv laughed. "Exactly why this is special! At this age, dating someone for 100 days is a miracle in itself."

She raised a brow. "No wonder they say a late fling is terrifying. You're making such a fuss."

Rajiv winked. "Experience is a sacred thing, you know."

"What?" she laughed.

"When you've experienced love and then been alone, it stings more watching others celebrate. That's why I go overboard. We've had to fight to be together. I want to replace our bad memories with good ones."

Ahana paused, then gave him a thumbs up. "You're more thoughtful than you seem."

"What was that?"

"You surprise me sometimes," she smiled.

He chuckled, cheeks a bit pink.

Finally, they stood back, looking at the finished decor.

"Done!" Rajiv said with pride.

Ahana exhaled, half-laughing. "Gosh."

Rajiv rubbed his back. "I can't believe I pulled this off."

She looked around. "But... are you sure this suits her taste?"

He froze. "What? Uh... I'm not sure."

Ahana sighed, eyeing the balloon overload. "Well, good luck."

The Club

Meanwhile, at a dimly lit club, Reyansh and Divya sat in a booth, drinks in hand. Music thumped in the background.

Divya, tipsy and relaxed, sipped her drink. "It's fine. Loads of guys get rejected by Dia. Maybe you're just... boring. Or a loser." She smirked. "Nothing wrong with that."

Reyansh raised an eyebrow. "Is this your version of comforting?"

She nodded, grinning. "Absolutely."

He chuckled, swirling his glass. "It's alright. We didn't get along anyway."

"What do you mean?"

"I think... I want to be with someone who loves me for who I am. No pretending."

Divya smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Good. Drink up and get over it."

She poured him another drink, then filled her own.

"Cheers," she said, raising her glass.

"Cheers."