**Note this is an original fiction story, it uses the name of the characters from the show Sadda Haq, but it has nothing to do with the show apart from the names. You can read as if it's a regular novel. I almost got it published with original names.**
"Randhir, what do you think we should name her?" Renuka whispered to her son of six months whose eyes were now open.
"Ssss aaaannnaaakk ta!" Randhir exclaimed and everyone in the hall started laughing.
Holding Anju's daughter in her arms, Renuka whispered into the girl's ear, "Sanyukta."
Then she looked up at the crowd and announced, "Sanyukta."
"Gaaga," Randhir voiced in Anju's arms, as if he were stating his approval and everyone started to laugh again.
"It seems like this boy has connected her to him by indirectly deciding her name," the priest commented.
Randhir then reached over and grabbed Sanyukta's hand causing everyone to giggle.
"I think he likes her," Renuka said, grinning.
Sanyukta opened her eyes and smiled.
"I think she likes him too," Anju laughed.
Nobody was aware at this time, that Randhir and Sanyukta were not just connected by birth, but connected by fate. What seemed like a coincidence and childish antics, were actually a scheme by destiny. As they grew older, destiny would pull them apart, only to throw them towards each other with such force, that they would have no choice but to crash into each other. Together, they would learn about a beautiful phenomenon that was known as love, while being tangled in this intricate web woven by destiny.
"I can't let you go," he whispered. "Not when you love me too."
She didn't speak. Her breath hitched, lips parted, her entire body tense with emotion.
He pulled back just enough to look at her, his hands still cradling her face with trembling care.
His fingers brushed her jaw, lingering like he was afraid to lose even the feel of her skin.
"When you look at me like you did just now... when you say you love me... it's the only time I've ever felt like I belong somewhere. Not as someone's son or someone's brother. Just as me."
..........
In the quiet town of Mayilur, where the monsoon rain dances on tiled roofs and childhood friendships bloom beneath mango trees, two neighbouring families share more than just a lane - they share a lifetime of memories.
Vaishnavi and Karthik, bound by years of playful banter, shared school days, and family ties, are caught in the gentle current of something deeper - a love that neither of them fully understands yet. As they grow up side by side, their bond is tested by distance, duty, and the expectations of tradition.
Authors note: This story is loosely based on the events in my own life. It gives me a LOT of pain to write this, but it's something that needs to be done, as a part of my healing process. I don't know if anyone would read this, if you do, please like/comment. I'd be happy to reply. :)