Hope you enjoy this chapter ❤️

Gauri's POV~

I push the door open, stepping into the quiet stillness of my apartment. The familiar scent of clean linen, a hint of my vanilla candle, and the faintest trace of coffee from the morning wrap around me like a welcome embrace.

I slip off my sandals and place them neatly on the stand.

The silence is thick, untouched by anyone but me. No voices, no footsteps—just the hum of the fridge and the distant sounds of the city outside my window.

It’s comforting and lonely all at once.

I let my bag drop onto the chair, the soft thud echoing through the space.

As I walk into the kitchen to grab a glass of water, my mind drifts to memories of my grandmother.

I always thought that when I started earning, I would buy a house for us so we could live together. But God had other plans for me.

Just when I was finally ready to start my life, He took the only person I had, leaving me alone.

I sigh, looking out of the window at the busy street. Crowds of people rush by, yet there’s so much loneliness.

And then, I remember the brown eyes I saw today, and an instant smile spreads across my face.

"And who said I am committed?"

"It's been four years—people change."

Is he really single? Or is he playing some sort of game with me?

But why would he?

It’s not like he likes me. This has always been one-sided.

I walk into my room, switch off the lights, and slip under the comforter, letting sleep take over.

The next week, we catch up over coffee, meals, and shared memories, trying to navigate the space between us. We both acknowledge that we’ve changed over the years, yet there’s still a bond.

If I had been the old Gauri, I wouldn’t have been able to hold a conversation with him because of my insecurities. But now, I feel like I’m the best conversationalist when I’m with him.

"So, what type of books do you read now?" he asks as we roam through the library section.

We are currently in a café with a medium-sized library.

I don't know how he found this place, but it’s beautiful. The vintage vibes suit it perfectly.

"Umm… everything. Self-help, romance," I say, thinking about the books I’ve read recently.

He stops in his tracks and looks at me. "Romance?"

"Yeah, I love reading love stories."

Oh, that sounded so innocent.

A warm blush creeps up my cheeks as I realize the kind of romance novels I actually read.

I can’t help it.

I’m just a girl.

He falls silent for a moment as I scan the bookshelves.

When I look up, I find him gazing at me intently, though his mind doesn’t seem to be here.

"Rajveer, is something wrong?" I ask, placing a book back on the shelf.

He snaps out of his trance and runs his fingers through his hair. "Nothing," he says.

I nod, even though I know he wants to say something. I don’t push him.

He pays for the coffee, and we step out of the café.

We’ve planned to visit the orphanage together after finishing our work, but before that, he insisted on coming here. And, of course, I couldn’t say no.

His car is parked nearby, so we walk in silence.

As we reach the car, he opens the passenger door for me. I whisper a small "thank you" before getting in.

He slides into the driver’s seat and starts the engine.

"If you don’t mind, can I ask you something?" he says, eyes focused on the road.

"No, Mr. Kapoor," I chuckle, mimicking his serious tone.

He smiles.

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

I glance at him for a moment before smiling. "Why? Do you want to meet him?"

For a fleeting second, I see something—something like sadness—in his eyes before he looks away.

"No, I’m sorry. I was just—"

"No… I’m single," I say, cutting him off.

He instantly turns toward me, his eyes shining even in the dim light.

He smiles. "Oh, that’s good."

I narrow my eyes at him, and he laughs.

"No, I mean… you shouldn’t settle for just anyone unless he’s the one, right?" he says in one breath.

"And what do you know about my likings and who is best for me?" I roll my eyes.

He chuckles softly, his gaze meeting mine with a teasing glint. "I might not know everything, but I do know that you deserve someone who makes you feel like you're enough—every single day. Someone who sees the best in you, even when you don’t see it yourself."

"Never found one," I whisper.

"Try again," he says, the words slipping out as if they were waiting to be said.

I look up and find him already watching me.

My heart!

I might become a heart patient because of him.

Breaking eye contact, I turn to look out of the window.

The cold breeze kisses my skin, and I close my eyes.

With my eyes shut, I see the happiest day of my life.

---

I sit with my friends in the cafeteria.

Today has been such a hectic day. I need to revise the lecture.

My friends start discussing the exam topics, but I glance out of the window, searching for something interesting.

And then I see them—

The most beautiful eyes in the world.

His eyes, which have the power to capture my whole existence within them.

And that smile. Oh, my heart.

Is he even real? Or is this just my imagination?

Tall, masculine, short hair, a neatly trimmed beard, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans, with a bag slung over his shoulder.

He looks as if he has stepped straight out of one of my romance novels.

And all I can do is stare.

Feeling this strange rush of ecstasy.

I sigh when he walks out of sight.

I wish I could see him again.

Thank you for reading ❤️