So the story continues…
🌸 At Ridhima's Side
Ridhima turned—
And saw him.
Aarav.
Standing just behind her.
For a brief second—
Time stilled.
Aarav's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Hii… we met again."
A pause.
"And this time… you told me your name."
Ridhima smiled back.
Calm.
Slightly amused.
"Hii… I'm Ridhima Khurana."
A small pause.
"And yeah… we met again."
Silence.
Not awkward.
Not empty.
Something unspoken.
Aarav tilted his head slightly.
"One cup coffee?"
Ridhima didn't hesitate.
"Okay… let's go."
☕ At the Café
They sat across from each other.
The space between them—
Comfortable.
Not strangers.
Not friends.
Something in between.
A waiter approached.
"Two coffees," Aarav said.
As the waiter left—
Aarav leaned back slightly.
His gaze steady on her.
"So… why are you here?"
Ridhima picked up the spoon.
Lightly stirred the empty cup.
"To meet someone."
Then she looked up.
"And you?"
Aarav smirked faintly.
"Anyone… is your brother?"
A pause.
Ridhima's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You were listening?"
Aarav didn't deny it.
"Work."
Simple.
Calm.
But not honest enough.
Before the moment stretched further—
The waiter returned.
Placed the coffees.
A soft aroma filled the air.
They both went quiet.
Sipping.
Observing.
Reading each other.
🖤 At Abhinav's Side
Abhinav sat inside his car.
Engine off.
Hands resting on the steering wheel.
But his mind—
Was somewhere else.
Back in that meeting room.
Anushka.
Her voice.
Her confidence.
Her control.
He closed his eyes.
Exhaled slowly.
"Why is she still in my head…" he murmured.
Because some people—
Don't leave easily.
Even when they walk away.
🌙 At Adya's Side
Adya's phone rang.
She picked up.
"Yes?"
A serious voice responded—
"Ma'am… today is the mafia meeting. You're coming, right?"
Her expression didn't change.
"Okay. I'll come."
Call ended.
Without wasting time—
She dialed her group.
Anu picked up.
"Yes, Adu?"
Adya's voice turned firm.
Controlled.
"Listen guys… today is the mafia meeting."
A pause.
"Be on time."
"Don't be late."
No emotion.
No explanation.
Just authority.
"Okay," they replied.
Call ended.
Her eyes darkened slightly.
Tonight—
Wasn't normal.
🌸 Back to Café
Ridhima placed her cup down.
"So… your 'work' is done?"
Aarav looked at her.
"Not yet."
A pause.
"Depends."
She raised an eyebrow.
"On what?"
Aarav leaned slightly forward.
His gaze locked with hers.
"On you."
Silence.
This time—
Heavier.
Deeper.
Ridhima's fingers tightened around the cup.
Just slightly.
"Me?" she asked.
Trying to sound normal.
Aarav nodded slowly.
"Yeah."
Her eyes studied him.
Carefully.
Trying to read him.
But Aarav—
Was unreadable.
And that—
Made him dangerous.
🔥 Ending Line
"Some meetings are planned…"
"Some feel like fate…"
"But the most dangerous ones—"
"Are the ones that feel like both." ⚡🖤
✨ End of Chapter 18
To be continued…
📌 End Note
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