The next day, Aarav found himself walking toward River Bridge as the sun dipped low, painting the sky in fiery shades of orange and pink. The world seemed unusually silent, as though holding its breath for what was about to happen.
He arrived early, his hands clammy, mind racing. What if this was a prank? What if he was about to make a fool of himself in public?
Yet, amidst the swirling doubts, a strange feeling of destiny anchored him.
As the last rays of sunlight touched the water, a figure appeared at the other end of the bridge. Aarav froze.
She was beautiful in a way that didn't scream perfection but spoke of reality and warmth. Dark hair flowing, eyes reflecting the river's shimmer, and a smile that seemed to know him intimately, even though they had never met.
"Are you… Riya?" he asked, his voice trembling.
She nodded. "Aarav… I'm glad you came."
Time seemed to pause. The air thickened with emotion, anticipation, and the unspoken promise of something extraordinary.
They spoke cautiously at first, sharing stories that bridged a decade, carefully avoiding the impossible. Every glance, every gesture, was loaded with a magnetic pull neither could resist.
As the sun disappeared, leaving streaks of violet in the sky, Aarav realized he wasn't just meeting a girl—he was meeting his own fate.