The roads of the city were unusually lively that morning. Vehicles rushed past one another, people hurried towards their offices, and the pleasant breeze carried the scent of rain through the air.
Among the traffic, Avni rode her scooter with a small smile on her face. Her backpack rested on her shoulders while she hummed softly, enjoying the beautiful weather on her way to the art studio.
Unlike everyone else, she never minded getting a little late.
For her...
The journey was just as beautiful as the destination.
Just then—
Thud!
Her scooter suddenly jerked to one side after lightly colliding with an expensive black sports bike.
Avni immediately applied the brakes.
"What the—"
She looked towards the bike in disbelief before parking her scooter properly on the roadside.
Taking a deep breath, she muttered,
"Now I'll teach him a lesson."
She confidently walked towards the biker.
"Aren't your eyes working?"
She reached for the bike's key, intending to switch off the engine. Before she could... A firm hand caught her wrist. Avni looked up. The biker slowly removed his helmet.
Perfectly styled hair. Sharp jawline. Confident eyes. A proud smirk spread across his face. It was none other than...
Armaan Rana.
He looked at her with amusement.
"Aree..."
He chuckled.
"No."
Avni frowned.
"No... what?"
Armaan shrugged casually.
"I can see perfectly."
He leaned slightly closer before saying with complete confidence,
"But because of my looks...girls usually forget to see anything else. They just find excuses to come and talk to me."
He folded his arms proudly.
"So...Which excuse are you using?"
For a moment...Avni simply stared at him.
Then...
A look of complete disgust appeared on her face.
"Eww. Cherha dekha hain khudka aaine main chachunder kahi ka."
She took a step back.
"The level of confidence you have...I wish your driving skills matched it."
Armaan raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"I didn't come here to flirt with you."
She pointed towards his bike.
"I came here to warn you. Learn how to ride properly. And stay within your limits."
Instead of getting offended...
Armaan laughed.
"My limits?"
He smiled arrogantly.
"This entire area comes under my brother's administration. My brother is the Chief Minister. So I think...I'm exactly where I belong."
Avni folded her arms.
"Ae...Bhai hoga apne ghar mein.Out here...You're just another careless biker."
Armaan's smirk widened. Before either of them could continue..Loud voices came from behind.
"Bhai! Move your vehicles!"
"We're getting late for work!"
"If you two want to fight..."
"...do it at your home!"
"Not in the middle of the road!"
Several people honked continuously, annoyed by the traffic they had created. Both Avni and Armaan looked around.
For the first time...
They realized dozens of people were staring at them. Armaan glanced back at Avni before wearing his helmet again. A mischievous smile played on his lips.
"Jao."
He started his bike.
"And try not to fall in love with me on your way."
The engine roared to life.
Within seconds...
He sped away without waiting for her reply.
Avni stood frozen.
A vein popped on her forehead.
She shut her eyes tightly before taking a deep breath.
"What a headache..."
She muttered under her breath.
"Chachunder."
Shaking her head in disbelief, she returned to her scooter. A few moments later...
She, too, drove away towards her art studio.
Neither of them knew...
That this was only the beginning of a rivalry fate had already decided to turn into something much more.
As the evening sky turned shades of orange and pink, the warm lights of the Mehra Residence lit up with laughter and conversations.
The doorbell had rung almost an hour ago. And now, seated comfortably in the living room were Harish Mehra and Savitri Mehra, Anika's beloved grandparents. As always, they had arrived carrying bags full of homemade sweets, gifts, and endless affection for their only granddaughter.
Anika sat between them with her head resting on Savitri's shoulder, happily listening to their stories while Raghav Mehra and Kavya Mehra served everyone tea and snacks.
The atmosphere was filled with warmth.
"So, princess," Harish smiled. "How's your fashion studio going?"
Anika grinned proudly.
"Very well, Dadu. I even got two new bridal projects this week."
"That's my granddaughter."
Harish patted her head proudly.
After a few moments of casual conversation, Savitri placed her teacup on the table.
"Anika..."
She called gently.
"Hmm, Dadi?"
"We're not here just to meet you."
Anika blinked in confusion.
"Then?"
Savitri exchanged a glance with Harish before speaking.
"Tomorrow, we're going to meet the Rana family."
Anika looked at her curiously.
"The Rana family?"
"For what?"
Savitri smiled.
"For your marriage."
The smile on Anika's face faded instantly.
"My... marriage?"
Harish nodded.
"You're twenty-five now, beta. We think it's the right time."
"The Rana family is respected, well-cultured, and united. They're a big family, and we're sure you'll always be happy there."
Harish was about to continue.
"And the boy is the Chief Min—"
"Dekhiye ji!"
Savitri immediately interrupted him.
"Don't say that."
Harish looked at her in confusion.
"Why?"
She sighed dramatically before pointing towards Anika.
"Because everyone in this house knows...If this girl finds out the boy is a politician...she won't even look at him."
Raghav and Kavya couldn't help but laugh.
Anika folded her arms.
"Exactly."
She stood up from the sofa.
"I've already told everyone. I don't want to get married right now. I need time. I still have so much to achieve."
Harish smiled patiently.
"Marriage won't stop your dreams."
"But Dadu..."
She tried once again.
"I'm not ready."
Before anyone could respond, Savitri gently held her hand.
"We're only asking you to meet them. That's all. No one is forcing you today."
Anika looked around the room.
Every member of her family had the same hopeful expression.
She knew them well. Once they made a decision...
Changing it was nearly impossible.
She let out a defeated sigh before sitting back on the sofa.
"Fine. I'll come."
Everyone smiled.
"But..."
She added calmly.
"The final decision will still be mine. If I don't like the boy... I'll refuse the proposal right there."
The room fell silent for a moment. Harish looked at her before smiling.
"That's fair."
Savitri nodded in agreement.
"No one will force you."
Anika smiled faintly.
"Good."
She leaned back comfortably.
"Then I already know what I'm going to do tomorrow."
The conversation slowly shifted back to the Rana family. Harish spoke about their respected reputation.
Raghav discussed their successful businesses. Kavya praised the values of the Rana household.
Meanwhile...
Anika quietly sipped her tea, listening to every word without much interest.
For her...
Tomorrow wasn't the beginning of a new relationship. It was simply a meeting... One she had already decided to reject.
The evening sun had begun to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold.
Outside Little Blossoms International School, dozens of parents waited patiently as children happily rushed out through the school gates.
Among them stood a black luxury car. Leaning against it with his usual cold expression was Advik Rana. His eyes remained fixed on the school entrance, searching for only one person.
A few moments later...
"Daddyyy!"
Little Ayaan came running out of the gate, his tiny school bag bouncing on his shoulders. The moment his eyes landed on Advik, his smile grew even brighter.
Advik's stern face softened almost instantly. He opened his arms slightly. But before Ayaan could reach him...His foot suddenly slipped.
"Ahh!"
The little boy lost his balance and fell onto the rough road.
"Ayaan!"
Advik rushed forward without wasting a second. He immediately knelt beside his son.
"Ayaan... look at me."
The little boy's lips trembled. His eyes filled with tears.
"It... it hurts..."
Without another word, Advik carefully lifted him into his arms as if he were made of glass.
"It's okay. I'm here."
He carried him straight to the car, gently placing him on the back seat before handing him a bottle of water.
"Drink."
Ayaan obediently took a few sips, trying to stop himself from crying. Advik crouched in front of him and noticed a scratch on his little leg. His jaw tightened. Although it was only a minor injury...
To him...It felt much bigger.
"We're going to the hospital."
Within minutes...
The car stopped outside City Care Multispeciality Hospital. By then, the evening rush had almost ended.
Most of the patients had already left, leaving the hospital unusually quiet. Advik carried Ayaan inside and walked towards the reception.
"I need a doctor."
The receptionist looked up politely.
"For a child?"
"Yes."
She checked the system before replying,
"Dr. Ritesh Verma is available."
She smiled.
"Room 204."
"Thank you."
Advik nodded and carried Ayaan towards the cabin.
He knocked lightly.
"May I come in?"
"Yes."
The doctor looked up with a smile.
"Please come."
Advik placed Ayaan carefully on the examination bed. Dr. Ritesh gently examined the little boy's leg.
"It's just a small scratch."
He smiled warmly.
"But let's clean it properly."
The doctor softly touched the injured area.
"Does it hurt here?"
Ayaan nodded, his eyes already becoming watery again.
Just then...
Advik's phone rang. He glanced at the screen. His assistant.
"I'll be back in a minute."
He looked at Ayaan.
"Papa is just outside."
The little boy nodded. Advik stepped out of the cabin to answer the call. The moment he left...
The doctor began cleaning the wound. The antiseptic touched the scratch. Ayaan burst into loud tears. The doctor tried comforting him.
"Just a little more, champ. It'll be over soon."
But the little boy cried even harder. At that very moment...Down the corridor...
Dr. Saanvi Sharma had just finished her duty for the day. Her white coat rested neatly over her shoulders as she walked towards the exit. She was about to pass Room 204...
When the sound of a child crying made her stop. She immediately opened the cabin door.
"Dr. Ritesh?"
The doctor looked up and smiled.
"Oh, Dr. Saanvi."
"What happened?" she asked gently.
"The poor little fellow slipped and hurt his leg.
Saanvi nodded before walking closer. She looked at Ayaan's tear-stained face and the small scratch on his knee.
A soft smile appeared on her lips. Without hesitation... She bent down and carefully lifted him into her arms.
"Hey..."
She spoke softly.
"What happened to our brave boy?"
Ayaan sniffled.
"It hurts..."
"I know."
She gently brushed his hair away from his forehead.
"But do you know something? Our doctor uncle is a magician. He'll make your pain disappear. And then..."
She smiled.
"You'll be running faster than everyone again."
The little boy looked at her with teary eyes.
"Really?"
"Promise."
Without warning...Ayaan wrapped his tiny arms tightly around her neck.
Still crying...
But much more quietly now. Saanvi smiled warmly. She sat down on the nearby chair with him resting comfortably on her lap.
"You know..."
She whispered.
"Once there was a little lion who fell while learning to run..."
As she began telling him the story... Ayaan slowly forgot about the pain. His tears stopped. His wide eyes remained fixed on her face as he listened carefully.
Meanwhile...
Dr. Ritesh quietly cleaned the wound and applied the bandage without the little boy even noticing.
"There."
He smiled.
"Done."
Saanvi looked at Ayaan proudly.
"See? I told you our doctor uncle was a magician."
Ayaan looked down at his bandaged leg.
"It doesn't hurt now..."
"That's because you're very brave."
She kissed his forehead affectionately.
"So..."
She asked gently,
"Who came with you?"
"My Papa."
Just then...
The cabin door opened.
All three pairs of eyes turned towards it. Standing there was...
Advik Rana.
His expression remained as calm and unreadable as ever. For a brief second...
His eyes met Saanvi's.
They were complete strangers. Neither knew the other's name. Neither realized that destiny had just introduced them for the very first time.
Saanvi stood up carefully and placed Ayaan back into his father's arms.
"He'll be fine."
She smiled politely.
"Just make sure he doesn't run too much for the next two days."
Advik looked at his son before giving a small nod.
"Thank you."
"It was nothing."
With that, Saanvi picked up her bag, adjusted her white coat over her arm, and quietly walked out of the cabin. Advik watched her disappear down the corridor for a brief moment...
Before shifting all his attention back to the little boy in his arms.
For him...
Nothing in the world mattered more than his son.
Write a comment ...