Ann adjusted the scarf over her shoulders as she stepped out of her house. The soft morning air of the village brushed her face, carrying with it the scent of wet earth and blooming jasmine. Her father was sitting on the veranda, sipping his tea, while her mother packed her lunch in a steel box.
"Ann, don't forget to eat during the break," her mother called out.
"Yes, Ma," Ann replied with a smile. She had heard the same reminder every morning since she started college. And every morning, her heart warmed at the affection that wrapped her life.
Ann was different from many of the other girls in her village. She had spent her school years in the city, staying with relatives, and had seen the fast-paced life there—the lights, the traffic, the endless rush. But she never lost her love for her roots. Now, in college, she balanced both worlds: the simple charm of her village and the confidence she had gained from the city.
Ann's POV
Sometimes I wonder if I'm meant for something more than this small road I take to college every day. I don't say it out loud, because I know Appa would worry. But deep down, I feel life has something waiting for me. Something unexpected.
She waved to her younger brother, who was chasing a kite, and began walking down the familiar path that led to the main road.
Meanwhile, not too far away, Dennis leaned against the gate of his cousin's house. He had only come for a short visit—a break from his busy software job in the city. He never imagined that the quiet village would give him something his life in glass buildings and buzzing offices never could: peace.
And then he saw her.
She walked with a natural grace, her books clutched to her chest, her eyes lowered, but every step filled with quiet confidence. For a moment, the world around him blurred, and Dennis felt his breath catch.
Dennis's POV
Who is she? She's not like the other girls I've met. There's something about her… the way she walks, the way she seems untouched by the rush of the world. She doesn't even know I'm looking, and maybe that's why I can't look away.
"Dennis, are you coming inside or planning to stand there all day?" his cousin Jacob teased from the doorway.
Dennis tore his gaze away, embarrassed but restless.
"Jacob… who's that girl? The one walking towards the road?"
Jacob glanced casually. "Oh, that's Ann. She lives in the next lane. Nice family. Her father works in the panchayat office. Why?"
Dennis hesitated, but curiosity burned in his chest. "Just asking," he muttered, though his mind was already filled with thoughts of her.Dennis hesitated, but curiosity burned in his chest. "Just asking," he muttered, though his mind was already filled with thoughts of her.
At college, Ann took her seat near the window. Her best friend, Meera, nudged her playfully.
"You look thoughtful. Lost in some dream?"
Ann shook her head, smiling. "Nothing like that. Just thinking of home."
"You and your home," Meera teased. "Sometimes I think your heart is more in your family than in your books."
Ann laughed softly. "Isn't that how it should be?"
But a tiny part of her, hidden deep inside, whispered that maybe there was something more waiting for her than books and family love.
That evening, Dennis found himself restless again. He couldn't shake her image from his mind. Finally, he turned to Jacob.
"Tell me more about Ann."
Jacob raised an eyebrow. "More? You seem very interested."
"I just… want to know," Dennis admitted.
Jacob smiled knowingly. "She's a good girl. Studying in college. Simple, well-mannered. Her family is respected here. Why, Dennis? Planning something?"
Dennis leaned back, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe I am."
Dennis's POV
I've met so many people in my life—confident women in corporate offices, bold voices in meetings—but no one has stirred me like this girl. And I don't even know her properly. But I want to. I have to.
The next morning, Ann found herself walking the same path again, unaware of the pair of eyes waiting for her. Dennis stood near the gate, pretending to check his phone, though his real attention was fixed on her.
Their eyes met for the first time.
Ann quickly looked away, her cheeks warming. She wasn't used to strange men staring at her, and something in his gaze made her heart flutter nervously.
Dennis, gathering courage, took a step forward. "Excuse me… you're Ann, right?"
She paused, surprised. "Yes. Do I know you?"
"I'm Dennis," he said, trying to keep his tone calm. "I'm Jacob's cousin. I… saw you yesterday."
Ann nodded politely. "Okay." She shifted her books, clearly unsure where the conversation was going.
"I—" Dennis began, then stopped. Was it too soon? Too sudden? Yet his heart pushed him forward. "I just wanted to say… I like you."
Ann froze, staring at him in disbelief. "What?"
"I like you," he repeated, his voice firm now. "I don't want to waste time pretending otherwise. I saw you, and I know I want to know you more. I want to be with you."
Ann blinked, her mind racing. No one had ever spoken to her so directly before. She looked at him carefully, trying to read his sincerity.
Finally, she said quietly, "If you really mean what you say… don't tell me. Tell my father. If my family is happy, then I'll think about it."
Dennis's eyes widened slightly. He hadn't expected such a response. Most girls would laugh, or shy away, or give excuses. But Ann's words carried weight, dignity, and a challenge he respected.
Ann turned and walked away, her heart pounding.
Ann's POV
What did I just do? Why did I even say that? I thought he would walk away, embarrassed. But something in his eyes… no, I shouldn't think about it. He won't come. No one ever takes words like that seriously.
Yet Dennis stood rooted to the spot, a slow smile spreading across his face.
Dennis's POV
So that's the test. She wants me to face her family, not just her. Good. Because when it comes to her, I'm ready to do anything.
And in that moment, the seed of something beautiful began to grow.