All I've been searching for..

Chapter 14 - City of love

Muskaan opened the door. It was Alexandre. She smiled at him.
"Ready for our big day?" He laughed.
"Oh definitely! Let's go!" Muskaan said and linked her arms with his. Alexandre had promised her to take her around Paris and show her all the famous sights. Muskaan didn't live far away from the center of the city, so they walked to their destinations.

"What's first on our stop?" She asked excited. She was like a little child exploring the big city of love. Muskaan couldn't have chosen a better person to show her around. In the short time she was working at the school Alexandre and her developed a strong bond.

"We're going to musée du Louvre. Afterwards lunch somewhere on Champs-Élysées and last but not least, la Tour Eiffel!" He explained. Muskaan was getting super excited to hear about all the sights they were going to see. France has always been on her travel bucket list, so she was happy being able to cross that one off. After some time they arrived at the Louvre museum. They bought the tickets and went inside. Muskaan was amazed by all the beautiful paintings. Everything was just as aesthetically pleasing and french renaissance as she imagined it to be.

"I wonder how long these paintings took to be done." She said amazed.

"Probably very long, I mean look at the details and everything." Alexandre said.
He took her hand and walked around. He wanted to show her one of the most famous paintings the "Mona Lisa".

"Amazing isn't it?" He asked.
She smiled and look at him. It was interesting how similar they were when it came to taste. Hence why the got along so well.

"Indeed it is!"

Two hours later both headed to the exit. It was time for lunch. They walked down the street of the Champs-Élysées and looked for a nice restaurant. They went inside and had some lunch.

"I think the Arc de Triomphe was very nice!" Muskaan said.

"Oh really? I didn't see you running towards it like you ran towards the Disney store!" He said and laughed. Muskaan nudged him playfully.

"Hey, I can't help it, the Disney store practically called out to me! If Arc de Triomphe would've done the same maybe I would have run too it just as excited!" She giggled and sipped her drink. They enjoyed their lunch together and had a stroll till it got darker. It was time for their last stop on the list. The Eiffel Tower. They went up to the last floor on the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed the mesmerizing view from up there.

"Wow Paris looks just as beautiful from above!"

"I'm truly enjoying the view!" Alexandre said and looked at Muskaan. Muskaan didn't realise he meant her with the view, but once she did she blushed.

"You're such a flirt.."

"I can't help it, I'm surrounded by the most beautiful woman in the city of love!" That caused Muskaan to blush even more. She didn't know what this strange feeling inside her meant. Was she possibly crushing on him? Whatever it was she enjoyed it. It was a delightful feeling. Innocent and beautiful.

"Thank you!"
Alexandre moved closer and leaned in. He kissed her. He just kissed her. Muskaan kissed him back. It felt right to do so. For a moment she forgot Ishaan and everything that had happened. Maybe she could move on with Alexandre. Paris definitely proved it's name right.

Arrived at home Muskaan quickly grabbed her laptop and facetimed her niece. She couldn't wait to talk to Vaani again. She had missed her a lot, even though it has been a day since they last talked.

Hi aunty! How are you? I missed you!
Vaani cheerfully asked her aunt. Vaani missed Muskaan a lot.

Hello my darling, I miss you too! I'm great, how are things there?
She said and smiled. Vaani looked at her aunt through the screen. She seemed different today. Happier. Of course that made Vaani happy too, but she was curious where it came from.

Things are the usual here, what did you do today? You seem extra happy!

Oh I just went city exploring today with ehm..

Omg with who?
Vaani asked with wide eyes.

No one special.. his name is Alexandre a coworker if you insist.

Is that why you can't stop smiling? Because he's your coworker?
She teased her aunt.
Muskaan gave her a death glare and laughed.

Yes coworker only silly! He's very nice!

Okay okay, I believe you! Now aunty when are you coming to visit me?
She looked at her aunt with puppy eyes. Muskaan sighed.

I don't know when I can come yet, but trust me, I'll try my best to come and visit you soon!
Muskaan laughed and tried to cheer up her niece.

Look sweetie, I have to go now, but we'll talk again soon okay?

Alright, bye bye! Love you!!
Vaani said and hung up. She recalled the conversation with her aunt. She was curious who Alexandre was. Although she was happy for her aunt that she had found a possible new love, she also felt very bad for her father. She was torn between these two sides. Somehow she had to bring back her aunt and make the two of them realise they're made for each other.