"yes."
Aradhya replied...the word escaped aradhya's lips before her mind could catch it.
For a second, pranav didn't react.
Then pranav eyes softened, and a slow, genuine smile spread across his face-the kind that comes from relief,not victory.Happiness flickered in his expression, warm and real.
"I thought you would say yes,"he admitted after a moment his voice low."But I didn't think it would be today.I thought you'd need time...maybe days,maybe weeks."
Aradhya looked at him, confused by her own choice,"so did I."
She shook her head slightly."I didn't think.I don't even know why I said it."
Pranav chuckled softly,just surprised.
He met her eyes again, sincerity steady in his gaze."your yes didn't come from pressure.That's why it matters to me.
"I said yes because you were honest,"and she said."Because you didn't pretened to be someone else.you were just... Good."
His smile deepened,but this time it carried something gentler-care.
"Then let's not rush this,"he said."your yes doesn't bind you.It just opens a door."
She nodded, grateful for that.
As walked out of the cafe together.pranav glanced at her once more and thought.
I expected her yes...
Just not this soon....
And Aradhya walked beside him,still unsure of everything -expect one strange , undeniable truth.
Pranav stepped closer as they walked out of the cafe.The road was busy under the bright noon sun, vehicles rushing fast,horns echoing in the distance.yet on the footpath, everything felt calm.
Without saying anything at first he slowly reached out and held Aradhya's hand.
She paused for a second.
Then...she didn't pull away.
(His hand was warm and steady -not hurried,not demanding.Just sure,just beside him)
When they entered Caffeine,they were strangers with unanswered questions......
When they left, they were lovers holding hands, ready for tomorrow......
***
They walked together along the footpath,the sunlight falling softly on them, people passing by,unaware of the quiet moment unfolding between two strangers who were no longer strangers.
After few steps.A taxi stopped beside of them on road.
Pranav slowly let go of Aradhya's hand and turn toward her."yes you go home,"he said quietly.
Aradhya looked at the taxi,then back at him.for a moment.
Pranav glanced up at the sky,where the sun was still bright,and then looked back at Aradhya."The sun is there," he said gently ."That's why I booked the taxi now.Ypu should go home safely.
The taxi pulled away.
After the taxi left, Pranav stood there for a moment, watching the road until it disappeared from sight.
Then he turned away.
A few streets later, he entered a quiet restaurant—simple, calm, almost not empty.But ,every table has separate room.It looks like some configurent room.
Pranav walked to a corner table10.
Someone was already sitting there.
They looked up as he approached.
“You’re late,” the person said.
Pranav sat down slowly. “I know."
What makes late?she asked
Nothing....just traffic pranav said.
The girl appeared in a completely black outfit,her sunglasses dark as well.Pranav looked her and asked,"what happened?why did you call me to meet you glory?"
"I only wanted to have lunch with you,"she said calmly," and discuss our deal."
"Alright, glory.I am not hungry.You can eat if you want- I have some important work to attend to".
Okay pranav...."I am currently working on our documents,and they should be ready for approval within 2 or 3 days....ready for it.
We don't have any work,then "what was it,pranav?"
"I am going to meet my girlfriend this evening,so I need to get everything ready.bye,Glory."
"I thought we would have a lunch together,but it's okay.Byeee....have a great day with your girlfriend,pranav."
_____pranav left from the restaurant _____
