21

He looked at her as if realised

What love actually is

It’s been two weeks since that rainy evening in the park. Since then, Aradhya has been avoiding Reyansh, needing space to process her emotions. Despite her distance, Reyansh has been persistent in showing his remorse.

Every day, without fail, he sends her a bouquet of flowers accompanied by a small note asking for her forgiveness. Each note is heartfelt, but Reyansh knows that mere words and gestures aren’t enough. He doesn’t want Aradhya to settle for the bare minimum; he wants to truly earn her forgiveness through his actions and commitment.

Today, Karan and Aradhya decided to take a break from the emotional turmoil and explore more of Italy’s beautiful nature. They planned an outing to the countryside, hoping the serene landscapes and fresh air would provide a much-needed escape.

"Aruuu be quick!"Karan shouted from the living room.

Aradhya glancing at her one last time stepped out of the room.

Reaching in living room she gave him a cheeky smile.

Karan stepped forward and kissed her hands.

"My lady looks so gorgeous,failing every other Italian woman"Karan winked at her.

Aradhya narrowed her eyes at him and folding her arms together asked"even lara?"

His ears turned red just by her name.

She chuckled and said"i was just kidding,you Tomato"

"Don't call me that"he whined.

"But you look so beautiful that you will attract some trouble for me"he laughed.

She shook her head with a smile.

Aradhya looked stunning in her pink floral puff sleeves ruched dress. The soft, pastel pink fabric was adorned with delicate floral patterns, adding a touch of elegance and femininity. The puff sleeves gave the dress a charming, vintage feel, while the ruched detailing accentuated her figure beautifully.

The dress flowed gracefully as she moved, the light material catching the breeze and creating a gentle, ethereal effect. The floral design complemented her natural beauty, making her look like she had stepped out of a fairytale. Her hair, cascading in soft waves, framed her face perfectly, and the subtle makeup she wore highlighted her features without overpowering her natural glow.

Aradhya paired her pink floral puff sleeves ruched dress with a few carefully chosen accessories that enhanced her look without overpowering it. She wore a delicate pair of pearl stud earrings that added a touch of elegance and complemented the floral pattern of her dress. Around her neck, she had a simple gold chain with a small pendant, which added a subtle sparkle.

On her wrist, she wore a thin, gold bracelet that matched her necklace, adding a cohesive touch to her ensemble. She carried a small, white clutch with a floral design that perfectly matched her dress, completing her look with a touch of sophistication. Her shoes were nude-colored ballet flats, comfortable yet stylish, allowing her to walk through the countryside with ease.

As the day progressed, they made their way to the beach. The golden sand felt warm under their feet, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore was soothing. They found a perfect spot to sit and watch the sun begin its descent.

The setting sun cast a golden glow over the water, creating a mesmerizing reflection that danced on the waves. The sky was painted with hues of orange, pink, and purple, each color blending seamlessly into the next. The beauty of the moment was almost surreal, and Aradhya felt a sense of peace wash over her.

Karan and Aradhya sat in comfortable silence, taking in the stunning view. The tranquil scene was a perfect end to their day of exploration, and the natural beauty of Italy left a lasting impression on both of them.

"I feel hungry our of sudden"said Karan.

"Me too"said aradhya looking at him.

"I guess i have snacks in the car I will bring"Karan stated and she nodded at him.

After Karan went to bring snacks from the car, Aradhya sat alone on the beach, enjoying the peaceful sound of the waves. Suddenly, a man walked near her. She ignored him at first, but as he slowly came closer, she began to feel anxious. Trying to keep her cool, she hoped he would leave, but he continued to approach her with an unsettling intent.

Feeling threatened, Aradhya stood up and started moving backward, closer to the sea. The man kept advancing, and in her panic, she stumbled and fell into the water. The waves quickly engulfed her, and she felt herself sinking, struggling to stay afloat.

Just then, Karan returned and saw the man running away. Alarmed, he looked around frantically for Aradhya. At the same moment, Reyansh and Dhruv arrived, having been invited by Karan for a beach dinner.he also wanted to apologise for that day because after that day he hadn't had a conversation with him.

And somehow in between he also wanted reyansh and aradhya to get back together even if he did not want to because he knows it's the only way to heal.

When Reyansh saw Aradhya struggling in the water, he didn’t hesitate. He sprinted towards the sea and dove in, his heart pounding with fear at the thought of losing her.

Reyansh reached her just in time, pulling her out of the water and onto the shore. His chest heaved with relief and worry as he held her close, grateful that she was safe but shaken by the close call.

As Reyansh pulled Aradhya out of the water, his heart pounded furiously in his chest. The fear of losing her had gripped him with an intensity he had never felt before. His mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions—relief that she was safe, anger at the man who had threatened her, and a deep, gnawing guilt for the pain he had caused her in the past.

Holding her close, he could feel her trembling, and it broke his heart to see her so vulnerable.

Reyansh’s thoughts were a chaotic mix of self-recrimination and determination. He couldn’t shake the image of Aradhya struggling in the water, and the realization that he could have lost her forever filled him with dread.

As Reyansh pulled Aradhya out of the water, Karan and Dhruv rushed to her side, their faces etched with worry and concern. Karan’s heart raced as he saw his friend lying on the sand, drenched and shivering. He had always been protective of Aradhya, and seeing her in such a vulnerable state filled him with a mix of fear and anger.

“Aradhya, are you okay?” Karan asked, his voice trembling slightly. He knelt beside her, his eyes scanning her for any signs of injury. The thought of what could have happened if reyansh didn't get her out in time sent a shiver

Down his spine.

Dhruv, usually the calm and composed one, was equally shaken. He placed a reassuring hand on Reyansh's shoulder, his expression serious. The sight of her struggling in the water had been a terrifying moment, and he couldn’t shake the image from his mind.

And he also knew the way he was terrified it would have been more terrifying for Reyansh.

Aradhya taking a deep breath looked at them who were looking at her worried"I am okay"she whispered slowly.

She looked at Reyansh who has hold her close"thank you"she said softly,her voice still shaky.

Reyansh, relieved to see her safe, couldn’t help but try to lighten the mood. With a playful smile, he replied, “Anytime, jaan. After all, a knight in shining armor has to rescue his princess, right?”

Aradhya couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, despite the lingering fear. The cheesy reply brought a bit of warmth to the tense moment, and she appreciated his attempt to make her feel better. Reyansh’s heart swelled with relief at seeing her smile, even if just for a moment.

Dhruv stood there with a blank expression though his heart swelled with happiness as he saw her smiling and also how reyansh also felt relieved.

He prayed in his mind that soon everything becomes good in between them.

Karan at the other side,tried his best to  not smile.he had never seen Reyansh being this cheesy.though he had seen laughing and talking with Neha but never heard him saying these words.

She actually changed him but he also changed her.

After few minutes of silence, aradhya distanced herself from him noticing their closeness.

Reyansh's face visibly saddened due to the absence of her warmth which didn't go unnoticed by dhruv and Karan.

'love truly changes people'thought dhruv and shook his head as the thought of his marriage came in his mind.

Aradhya stood up from the sand and then looked at her wet clothes.

She pouted as the sand sticked to them.

"I guess we should cancel the plan since she has got wet and will get sick"said Karan.

"What plan?"she asked.

"Well I actually called them so we could have dinner together"Karan said while giving her a sheepish smile.

"You didn't even tell me!"she Huffed and crossed her arms.

"I am sorry i thought if I tell you,you wouldn't come"Karan said holding his ears.

"I would come anywhere you want me to,it doesn't matter who other comes pookie"she said smiling and kissing his right cheek.

Reyansh, standing a few steps away, felt a pang of jealousy surge through him. His heart tightened, and he couldn’t help but clench his fists at his sides. He knew Karan was just being a good friend, but seeing Aradhya show affection to someone else stirred up emotions he couldn’t easily suppress.

He tried to keep his expression neutral, not wanting to reveal the turmoil inside him. But the sight of Aradhya’s kiss lingered in his mind which he couldn't shrug off.

Dhruv noticing it smirked.he signalled Karan who also noticed and tried his best to not smirk.

"Btw let's not cancel the plan,I don't want to ruin it"she said looking at dhruv who quickly kept a neutral face.

"It's ok little one,we will have it any other time,your health is a priority"dhruv said softly.

"But-

She couldn't complete as she sneezed.

Reyansh's eyes widened with concern, and he quickly stepped closer to her. “jaan, are you okay?” he asked, his voice filled with worry. He instinctively reached out to touch her arm, checking to see if she was shivering.

"We should quickly get home,you need to take medicine"he hastily said,his brow furrowed with anxiety.

Aradhya sensing he was really worried

"Calm down reyansh I am fine"

"No you aren't,you just sneezed.we are going back"

Karan and dhruv nodded in agreement sensing his concern.

"Fine"she said sighing but a corner of her heart warmed feeling how much he is worried for her.

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