Part 25

15 1 0
                                    

Shubh's voice cut through the silence,

Shubh-"Open the glove box."

Aarohi's curiosity piqued, she opened it, revealing a small box. She retrieved it, hesitating before lifting the lid. Inside, a white dead rose lay nestled.

Aarohi-"White dead rose! The one I forgot to take."

Shubh's eyes locked onto hers in the rearview mirror.

Shubh-"Forgot?"

he asked, his tone laced with skepticism.

Shubh-"I thought you left it on purpose, to let me know you'd never return."

Aarohi's voice softened.

Aarohi-"I truly forgot."

Shubh's gaze lingered.

Shubh-"Is it important?"

Aarohi's eyes drifted back to the rose.

Aarohi-"It reminded me of us—broken, yet still beautiful. And this dead rose... it reminds me that even in death, there's still beauty to be found."

Shubh's voice dropped to a whisper.

Shubh-"You're the beauty in my brokenness, Aarohi."

He pulled over, the city lights fading into the background. Shubh turned, his eyes burning with intensity. He leaned in, his lips brushing against Aarohi's.
The kiss was gentle, yet electrifying.
Aarohi's heart skipped a beat.

Shubh pulled back, his eyes searching hers

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

Shubh pulled back, his eyes searching hers. For a fleeting moment, they shared a tender gaze. Then, with renewed passion, Shubh's lips claimed hers again. This time, the kiss was deeper, more intense. Their lips moved in perfect harmony, the world around them melting away. Aarohi's hands instinctively wrapped around Shubh's neck. His arms enveloped her, pulling her closer. Time stood still as they lost themselves in the kiss.
The city lights blurred outside.
Their hearts beat as one.

Shubh's voice cracked with emotion.

Shubh-"Sorry, Aarohi. I'm truly sorry for not trusting you."

Aarohi's silence was palpable, her eyes cast downward. Shubh's hands gently lifted her chin, his gaze pleading.

Shubh-"During these five long years, I scoured India, searching for you, My heart never gave up hope. I had to find you, bring you back."

His voice dropped to a whisper.

Shubh-"I don't know how I controlled my feelings for so long."

Aarohi's eyes slowly met Shubh's, her expression softening. Shubh's eyes searched hers, seeking forgiveness.

Shubh-"I was blinded by doubt, but now I see the truth, You're the love of my life, Aarohi. My forever."

Aarohi's lips trembled, her voice barely audible.

          

Aarohi-"How did you find the truth? And what is it?"

Shubh's expression turned resolute.

Shubh-"Saloni and Parth were working together to separate us. I overheard Saloni's conversation with her friend."

Aarohi's eyes widened in shock.

Shubh-"They manipulated us, Aarohi, Every misunderstanding, every misstep, was their doing."

His gaze locked onto hers.

Shubh-"They played us, and we didn't notice."
Aarohi-"Parth? But he was my friend...how could he?"

Shubh's expression remained resolute.

Shubh-"It was him, Aarohi. I'm sure."

Shubh's eyes blazed with determination.

Shubh-"I'll punish them for what they did."

Aarohi's gentle touch softened his gaze.

Aarohi-"No. They've already received their punishment – seeing us together."

Shubh's expression transformed into a warm smile.

Shubh-"I don't want to waste time on them either. Let's get married."

Aarohi's eyes widened in surprise.

Aarohi-"What?"
Shubh-"Why? What's the problem?"
Aarohi-"No problem, but we should tell our parents at least."
Shubh-"Of course, we'll inform them first, then marry. I'm unsure how they'll react."

Aarohi's lips curved into a sly smile.

Aarohi-"My mom already knows."

Shubh's eyebrows shot up.

Shubh-"What?!"
Aarohi-"But she hasn't seen you yet."

Shubh's eyes sparkled.

Shubh-"So, where do you want to get married?"

Aarohi's voice filled with excitement.

Aarohi-"I don't know why, but I like Christian weddings...and Indian ones too."

Shubh grinned mischievously.

Shubh-"Let's marry twice, then."

Aarohi's eyes lit up.

Aarohi-"Really?"

Shubh's voice dripped with devotion.

Shubh-"Anything for you."

Aarohi squealed, her face aglow.

Aarohi-"I'm excited!"

Aarohi returned home, finding Aditya waiting in the corridor.

Aditya-" Aarohi!"
Aarohi-"You're still awake?"
Aditya-"I was worried, Where were you?"
Aarohi-"Spending time with the love of my life."
Aditya-"Everything's okay between you two now?"
Aarohi-"Yes."
Aditya-"That's great! Get some rest now."

As he turned to leave, Aarohi called out.

Aarohi-"Wait!"

Aditya turned back.

Aditya-"Yes?"

Aarohi's eyes remained downcast.

Aarohi-"When we acted as a couple...I hope it wasn't...too real...making you fall in love."

Aditya's warm smile reassured her.

Aditya-"Worrying about silly things that aren't true? Relax, little girl!"

He gently placed a hand on her head.
Aarohi's eyes met his.

Aditya-"It was just acting. Get some rest."
Aarohi-"You too,"

Aarohi replied, leaving.
Aditya watched her go, his smile lingering.

Aditya-"I hope it's never true,"

he whispered to himself.

Aditya-"Be happy, little girl."

The next day,
Aarohi's gaze met Shubh's across the office. He was engrossed in work, but their eyes connected. Aarohi slipped away to the terrace, seeking fresh air.
Minutes passed before Shubh joined her.

Shubh-"Time to leave,"

Aarohi's brow furrowed.

Aarohi-"What? Why?"

Shubh smiled.

Shubh-"Back to Florence. I belong there. Want to join me?"

Aarohi's heart skipped a beat.

Aarohi-"I do, but how?"

Shubh handed her a paper.

Aarohi-"Transfer?"
Shubh-"Various events in Florence are going to be held... I need you. Will you?"

Aarohi nodded enthusiastically.
Shubh grinned.

Shubh-"Let's go! Our flight's this evening."

Aarohi hesitated.

Aarohi-"But I need to talk to my brother."

Shubh's smile reassured her.

Shubh-"I already did."

Aarohi's eyes locked onto his.

Aarohi-"Okay."

Evening descended upon the airport, casting a warm glow.
Ayush's serious tone caught Shubh's attention.

Ayush-"You know you won't get another chance."

Shubh's eyes shone with determination.

Shubh-"This time, she'll be my wife."

Ayush's skeptical smile hinted at lingering doubts.

Ayush-"Let's see."

Turning to Aarohi, Ayush's expression softened.

Ayush-"Take care."

Aarohi nodded, her eyes locked onto Shubh's reassuring smile. As they boarded the flight, Aarohi's heart fluttered. The plane soared into the sky, leaving New York behind.

Our Destiny-: the beauty of loveWhere stories live. Discover now