ISHITA SHARMA

Outside Shiv Mandir → Noida Studio

Two hours passed.

I prayed. Lit diyas. Watched people chant and dance and offer milk to the Shivling.

But I couldn't focus.

My hands moved - offering flowers. My lips moved - chanting mantras.

But my heart?

It stayed on those stairs. With him.

And now, as I step out of the mandir with my two assistants, still barefoot on the cold marble...

There he is.

Still there.

Leaning on the side rail near the bottom steps, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a phone he isn't even looking at.

His eyes...

Still on the temple. Still... searching?

My breath hitches.

I freeze for a split second.

"Ma'am chaliye," priya says, tugging on my dupatta lightly.

I blink and start walking down the stairs. And for the second time today, we lock eyes.

Longer this time.

No accident.

No rush.

Just... eye contact.

My heart twists.

Why is he still here? Who waits this long? He wasn't even going to the mandir. Was he?

I don't even know him.

But why do I feel like he's the only person in the world right now?

I glance down nervously, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

We pass right next to him.

I feel the warmth of his presence without even touching.

He doesn't speak.

Neither do I.

What would I even say?

"Hi, thanks for catching me, also... why are your eyes so criminally gorgeous?"

Nope.

I keep walking.

But I don't stop thinking.

Even after getting into the auto, even while instructing the driver, even when reaching my studio... I stay stuck.

I sit on the studio couch, everyone is busy unpacking the pooja samagri, and I just... sit.

Hands on my lap. Eyes far away.

Lost.

That moment. That grip. That stare.

Who was he?

RUDRA SINGH RATHORE

Shiv Mandir stairs → Eternity Headquarters, South Delhi

I don't know why I stayed.

The driver kept asking. My phone buzzed a few times. Akshat even called once asking where I was.

But I stood.

One leg up on the railing, arms folded, gaze fixed up those stairs.

Like a lunatic.

Like someone waiting.

Waiting for... what?

Her?

And then - finally - she came.

Two hours later, and still just as glowing.

Barefoot. Hair wind-blown. That same anarkali suit fluttering behind her like poetry.

And in her hand, a flower basket that looked weightless in her presence.

And then - our eyes met again.

Like the first time wasn't enough.

This time there was no fall. No chaos.

Only a stare. Still, slow, and strangely... significant.

I didn't speak.

She didn't speak.

And she walked past.

But in those five seconds - I felt a weight in my chest that I've never felt before.

I let her go. Again.

But something in me whispered: This isn't the last time you'll see her.

I finally got into the car.

Didn't say a word to anyone. Didn't check my phone.

Even forgot to ask my assistant to cancel the meeting I missed.

Just reached Eternity Headquarters in silence.

Fifth floor. Private elevator. No greetings.

Walked into my glass cabin, closed the door behind me, sat in my chair, and leaned back.

And then just... stared at the ceiling.

Who was she?

And why the hell can't I stop seeing her face every time I close my eyes?

INNER VOICES

Ishita (softly):

"Why did I feel like... I knew him? Why can't I stop thinking about him?"

Rudra (under his breath):

"I've never believed in God... but why did she feel like a sign?"

They don't even know each other's names. But fate just drew the first stroke of their story.