The morning sun peeked through the curtains, painting the room in soft gold. Purvi stretched under her warm blanket, blinking sleepily at the ceiling. For the first time in weeks, she felt something resembling peace. The nightmares had become less frequent, the suffocating dread that had shadowed her life beginning to lift.
Her phone buzzed on the bedside table. She reached for it, her heart skipping when she saw Karan's name.
Karan:Good morning, sunshine. Coffee date today?
She smiled, feeling a flutter of anticipation. She typed back quickly:
Purvi:You're becoming predictable. But yes, let's do it.
Karan:Predictable? Ouch. I'll have to prove you wrong. Pick you up at 11?
She laughed to herself and responded:
Purvi:It's a date.
Sliding out of bed, she felt a nervous excitement tangle with her nerves. She still wasn't sure how to define this thing with Karan. It was easy, effortless—like sliding into a conversation she'd been having her whole life. Yet every time she thought she could label it, something in her heart pulled back. But today, she decided, she'd let herself enjoy it.
Karan's car pulled up exactly at 11. He leaned out of the window, grinning like a schoolboy. "Ready to be impressed, Miss Sharma?"
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile. "That remains to be seen, Mr. Kapoor."
The café he took her to was small but cozy, tucked away in a corner of the city that felt untouched by the rush of everyday life. Sunlight streamed through large windows, glinting off old wooden tables and painting the air with a warm glow.
Karan held the door open, his eyes lingering on her as she walked in. She felt his gaze like a caress, warming her cheeks.
"Table for two?" he asked the hostess.
The woman smiled. "Of course. Right this way."
As they settled in, Karan leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "So, predictable, huh? Let's see if I can surprise you."
She smirked. "This place is a good start. I've never been here before."
He looked pleased. "Small victory for me, then."
They ordered coffee and pastries, and conversation flowed as easily as the sunlight between them. They talked about everything and nothing—her favorite books, his childhood mischief, the time he tried to bake a cake and nearly set his kitchen on fire. Every time he leaned closer, she felt a spark that made her heart race.
Between laughs, he reached across the table, his fingers brushing hers. "You have the most beautiful smile, you know that?"
She blushed. "Flattery again, Mr. Kapoor?"
"Guilty," he said, his voice low and warm. "But I mean every word."
A comfortable silence settled between them, the kind that spoke of shared moments rather than emptiness. Purvi felt the pull of his presence, the way his eyes seemed to see through her defenses.
"Karan," she said softly, "thank you for being here. For... everything."
His thumb traced circles on the back of her hand. "Always, Purvi. You're not alone anymore."
Her chest tightened. For so long, she'd carried her pain like a shield. With Karan, she felt like she could finally lower it.
But before she could say more, the café door opened, and the air shifted. She glanced up and froze.
Ayaan.
He looked different—his hair shorter, his face leaner. But his eyes, dark and intense, still held that spark she once found irresistible.
He walked in holding hands with a girl—tall, with a cascade of dark hair and a laugh that turned heads. She wore a simple dress, her presence bright and effortless. Purvi felt a pang, sharp and unexpected.
Ayaan hadn't seen her yet. He guided the girl to a table in the corner, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. Purvi's heart twisted. A part of her had always wondered if he'd regret losing her, if he'd come back. But seeing him now—happy, so easily moved on—it was like a slap.
Karan noticed her change in demeanor. He followed her gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spotted Ayaan. "Want to leave?" he asked gently.
She shook her head. "No. I'm okay."
But she wasn't sure if that was true.
They tried to focus on their conversation, but her eyes kept darting to Ayaan. He laughed at something the girl said, his head tilting back, his eyes bright. The sound used to be her lifeline—now it felt like a betrayal.
"You're quiet," Karan murmured, his voice gentle.
She looked at him, guilt in her eyes. "Sorry. It's just... weird, seeing him like that."
Karan's fingers found hers again. "It's okay to feel that way. But remember, you've come so far. He's part of your past, not your present."
She swallowed, forcing a smile. "I know. It's just... seeing him happy makes me realize I don't want to hold on to the pain anymore."
Karan squeezed her hand. "Then let it go, Purvi. You deserve to be happy too."
Her eyes shimmered. "With you?"
His smile was slow, warm, and full of promise. "If you'll let me."
She felt something shift inside her—a door creaking open. "I think I'd like that."
He leaned across the table, his voice low. "Can I tell you a secret?"
She nodded.
"I've liked you from the moment I saw you at the NGO. Even when you were grumpy and skeptical, I couldn't help but fall for you. I've been waiting for you to see it too."
She laughed softly, tears in her eyes. "I'm a little slow sometimes."
He chuckled. "That's okay. I'm patient."
Their eyes locked, a current of something electric passing between them. Slowly, he leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was both tentative and hungry. Her heart stuttered, then soared. It felt like the sun after a long winter—warm, bright, and undeniable.
When they pulled away, she was breathless. "Wow," she whispered.
He grinned, his thumb tracing her cheek. "Not too predictable now, am I?"
She laughed, her heart lighter than it had been in months. "No, you're not."
The afternoon melted into evening, the café filling with the soft glow of hanging lanterns. Karan suggested a walk, and she agreed. They strolled through the nearby park, the path winding between trees that cast dappled shadows on the ground.
Karan slid his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "You know," he murmured, "I could get used to this."
She smiled, leaning into him. "Me too."
They walked in comfortable silence, the world softening around them. She felt the warmth of his body, the solidness of his presence. Every time his hand brushed hers, she felt a shiver of anticipation.
At a small bridge, they paused. Karan turned to her, his expression serious. "Purvi," he said, his voice low, "I know you're still healing. I'm not trying to rush you. But I want you to know that I'm here for whatever you need."
Her heart ached with gratitude. "You've been so patient. I... I don't know how to thank you."
He cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her jaw. "Just let me in. That's all I ask."
She closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Okay," she whispered.
He kissed her then, soft and tender, his lips a promise of something real. She melted into him, letting herself feel everything—the fear, the hope, the fragile beauty of trust.
When they finally pulled away, the night was full of stars. She rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
"I want to take things slow," she murmured. "I'm not ready to jump in all at once."
He kissed the top of her head. "Slow is perfect," he said. "As long as it's with you."
As they headed back toward the café, her phone buzzed. She glanced down—Ayaan. A single message:
Ayaan:I hope you're happy. I really do.
She felt a pang, but it was different now. She wasn't stuck in that place where his words could break her. She turned to Karan, who was watching her, his brow furrowed.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
She smiled. "Yeah. Everything's more than okay."
She deleted the message without responding, slipping her phone back into her bag. The night air felt cool against her skin, but Karan's warmth chased away the chill.
As they reached the café, Karan paused, turning to face her. "Purvi," he said, his eyes searching hers. "You're incredible. And I'm so lucky you're letting me be part of your life."
She felt tears sting her eyes, but they were happy tears this time. "I'm the lucky one," she whispered.
He grinned, pulling her close. "We'll figure this out together. Every step of the way."
She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek to his chest. The world felt softer somehow, the shadows receding. She was still learning to trust, but for the first time, it didn't feel so impossible.
Together, they stepped into the night—into a future that felt like it was finally hers to claim.