TANGLED BY DESTINY

Unexpected Encounters

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of Mumbai as Anika navigated her way through the throngs of people. Lost in thought, she barely noticed the figure approaching until it was too late, and they collided with a jolt.

Anika: "Arre, careful na!"

Rohan: "Sorry, Anika. I didn't see you there."

Anika: "It's alright, Rohan. I should have been more aware."

Rohan: "How's your day been?"

Anika: "Busy as ever. Yours?"

Rohan: "Same old grind. Hey, I was thinking, why don't we grab a bite to eat? My treat."

Anika hesitated for a moment, considering the offer.

Anika: "Sure, why not? Lead the way."

As they strolled along the bustling streets, Rohan couldn't help but notice the tension in Anika's demeanor.

Rohan: "Is everything alright, Anika? You seem a bit off."

Anika: "Just work stuff, you know how it is. But thanks for asking, Rohan."

Rohan: "Well, hopefully, some good food will take your mind off things."

Anika: "I hope so too."

Entering a cozy café, they found a quiet corner and settled in, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air.

Anika's phone buzzed with a message, and she glanced down to see a text from Arjun.

Arjun: "Hey, Anika. I know it's last minute, but I'm in town for the night. Fancy grabbing dinner?"

Anika's heart skipped a beat as she read the message. She glanced up to see Rohan watching her expectantly.

Rohan: "Who's that?"

Anika: "Just a friend. Um, I should probably go."

Rohan's smile faltered for a moment, disappointment flashing across his features.

Rohan: "Yeah, of course. Maybe some other time."

Anika: "Definitely. Thanks for understanding, Rohan."

Hurrying out of the café, Anika's mind raced with conflicting emotions. She knew she had to make a choice-but which path would she choose, and what would be the consequences of her decision?

As Anika stepped out onto the bustling street, her mind was in turmoil. She quickly hailed a taxi, her heart racing with indecision. Arjun's invitation had caught her off guard, stirring up feelings she thought she had buried deep. Yet, Rohan's understanding demeanor tugged at her conscience, reminding her of their longtime friendship.

As the taxi wove through the city streets, Anika's thoughts drifted back to her past encounters with Arjun. They had shared a connection that was undeniable, a chemistry that sparked whenever they were together. But things had changed since then, and Anika wasn't sure if she was ready to reopen old wounds.

Lost in her thoughts, Anika barely noticed when the taxi came to a stop outside the restaurant where she and Arjun had agreed to meet. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out onto the sidewalk and made her way inside.

The restaurant was dimly lit, the air thick with the aroma of spices and sizzling food. Anika scanned the room, her heart pounding in her chest as she searched for Arjun. And then she saw him, sitting at a table near the back, his gaze fixed on her as she approached.

Arjun: "Anika, you made it."

Anika: "Yeah, I did."

Their eyes locked for a moment, and Anika felt a familiar spark ignite deep within her. But before she could dwell on it any longer, Arjun gestured for her to take a seat.

Arjun: "I hope you're hungry. I ordered some of your favorite dishes."

Anika couldn't help but smile at the gesture, grateful for Arjun's thoughtfulness.

Anika: "Thank you, Arjun. That's really sweet of you."

As they settled into conversation, Anika found herself relaxing in Arjun's presence. Despite the years that had passed, they fell into an easy rhythm, their banter flowing effortlessly as they caught up on each other's lives.

But even as they laughed and joked, Anika couldn't shake the feeling of guilt gnawing at her. Rohan's understanding demeanor weighed heavily on her mind, reminding her of the bond they shared.

As the evening wore on, Anika found herself torn between the past and the present, between the familiarity of Arjun's company and the comfort of Rohan's friendship. And as she bid Arjun farewell and stepped out into the cool night air, she knew that a decision lay ahead-one that would shape the course of her future.

The city lights twinkled like distant stars as Anika stepped out onto the sidewalk, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. The night air was cool against her skin, but inside, her thoughts were anything but calm.

As she walked through the quiet streets, memories of her time with Arjun flooded back—late-night conversations, stolen glances, moments of shared laughter. They had once been inseparable, their connection stronger than anything Anika had ever known. But somewhere along the way, life had pulled them apart, and Anika had been left to pick up the pieces on her own.

And then there was Rohan—her steadfast friend, her confidant, the one who had been there for her through thick and thin. He had always been her rock, the one person she could rely on no matter what. But lately, things between them had started to shift, and Anika couldn't help but wonder if there was more to their relationship than just friendship.

Lost in her thoughts, Anika found herself standing at a familiar crossroads, the path before her splitting into two distinct directions. On one side lay the familiarity of her past with Arjun—the comfort of knowing what once was and the allure of what could be. On the other side stood Rohan, a constant presence in her life, offering stability and security in an uncertain world.

For a moment, Anika hesitated, unsure of which path to choose. But deep down, she knew that she couldn't keep running forever—that eventually, she would have to make a choice, no matter how difficult it may be.

Taking a deep breath, Anika made her decision. With resolve in her heart, she set off down the path that led towards Rohan, towards the familiar warmth of his friendship and the promise of a future yet to be written.

As she walked, the weight of her decision lifted from her shoulders, replaced by a sense of clarity and purpose. And though she couldn't predict what the future held, one thing was certain—Anika Sharma was ready to face whatever came her way, with Rohan by her side.

Heyy my delulu babies....
How was the today's chapter???
I'll probably post one more chapter today.
And as you'll know,
I'm 15y/o , and it's my first writing so plz ignore the mistakes😅
I'll try my best to improve ♥️🫡

Luv uhhhh all .......<3
Byeeeee