𝑬𝑺𝑯𝑨

As the weeks slipped away like grains of sand through my fingers, the long-anticipated night finally arrived—a night heavy with the weight of unspoken dreams and unyielding fears, the kind of night that felt electric with possibility.

I stood in my dimly lit room, the shadows dancing around me as I meticulously packed my suitcase, each item a bittersweet reminder of the life I was leaving behind.

A soft sigh escaped my lips as I placed my favorite sweater atop the pile, its fabric still holding the warmth of countless memories.

With trembling hands, I affixed a note to my mirror, a silent plea to the world: "Please, don't search for me. I want to embark on a new journey, a fresh beginning." Alongside it, I poured my heart into a letter, detailing the reasons for my departure—each word a cathartic release, a final farewell to the weight that had anchored me for far too long.

When the hour struck, I descended the stairs, my heart racing like a wild stallion, pounding against my chest as I stepped into the cool embrace of the night. The air was crisp and alive, filled with the scent of dew-kissed grass and the distant hum of the city.

I summoned a cab at the end of the street, yearning for a sanctuary that would cradle my restless spirit if only for a while, a place where I could reinvent myself away from the prying eyes of my past.

But just as I crossed the threshold of my gate, a hand clamped around my wrist, yanking me back into the reality I so desperately sought to escape. The voice that followed was deep, husky, and achingly familiar, sending a jolt of recognition through my veins.

"Where are you eloping to?" he asked, his tone laced with a blend of disbelief and anger. A gasp escaped my lips, a chaotic mix of shock and confusion swirling within me, my heart pounding like a war drum.

Desperately, I tried to wrench myself from his grip, the warmth of his touch igniting a tempest of emotions deep inside me. It's the first time he ever touched me this tight.

"I'm not eloping," I protested, my voice trembling, barely a whisper against the night's stillness.

His eyes radiated a darkness, a rage of which I was never a victim.

"Then where are you going in the middle of the night?" His tone dripped with an undercurrent of danger, a warning that sent shivers racing down my spine, igniting a primal instinct to flee.

"It's none of your business. Why are you here now, of all times?" I whispered, my voice a fragile thread, woven tightly with fear and defiance.

"Don't divert; just answer me!" He shot back, his voice rising like a tempest, the intensity of his gaze piercing through my resolve.

"Keep your voice down!" I snapped, frustration mingling with a flicker of fear that danced in my chest, threatening to consume me.

"Okay, tell me where you're going," he demanded, his tone softening, almost on the verge of losing patience as if he sensed the turmoil swirling within me, the chaos that had driven me to this moment.

"Why are you suddenly here? Didn't you move back to your condo? How is it that you stand before me now?" I countered, my heart racing as I challenged him, the tension crackling between us like a live wire.

"It's none of your business. Now answer my question—where are you going?" I sensed his patience fraying, a storm brewing behind his eyes, and my heart ached with the weight of unspoken words.

"Why should I tell you? If your life is none of my concern, then why is mine any of yours? Who are you to me? Why do you care where I go and when I go?" With those words, I felt his grip on my wrist loosen, and in that fleeting moment of freedom, I seized the opportunity.

I dashed toward the waiting cab, urgency propelling me forward, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum.

"Please, drive fast!" I urged the driver, my voice laced with desperation, the city lights blurring past as we sped away from the life I had known. Though I had initially booked the ride to my dorm, I quickly altered my destination to the nearby metro station, fearing that Dhruv might track my movements.

I slipped the driver a few paper notes, my hands shaking as I pleaded for his silence should anyone inquire about my journey.

Once at the metro, I navigated the familiar route, my heart pounding with each step as adrenaline coursed through my veins.

I reached my dorm, hurriedly showered away the remnants of fear, and collapsed into bed, knowing that tomorrow marked the beginning of a new chapter—my first day at the office.

Morning dawned, and I emerged refreshed, ready to embrace the unknown. As a newcomer, I was greeted with an orientation that spanned two days, complete with tokens and well-dressed security personnel guiding us to our respective rooms.

When I entered the office, I was taken aback by the sheer beauty of the space. It's not like I have never seen it, as I was a witness to our own industries, yet I was captivated. Well, I find my love in small things.

The walls were adorned with intricate patterns and swirling designs that seemed to dance in the soft light, while the ceilings soared above me, their height creating a sense of grandeur that was both exhilarating and intimidating.

The air was filled with the faint scent of fresh paint and polished wood, a reminder that this place was new, vibrant, and full of potential. Elegantly furnished chairs beckoned me to sit, their plush cushions promising comfort as I settled into this unfamiliar environment. I can agree wholeheartedly with why they have named the company Grace & Grandeur; it's not only about the fashion they throw to the world but their own as well.

Each table bore two chairs, meticulously arranged and marked with token numbers. Mine was number eight, a seemingly innocuous digit that suddenly felt heavy with expectation.

The seat beside me remained empty, a silent reminder of the unknown, as I awaited my tablemate. I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation mixed with anxiety; who would share this space with me?

As I took a moment to absorb my surroundings with a sip of water, the gentle hum of conversation and the soft rustle of papers created a comforting symphony in the background. I felt a sense of belonging, a flicker of hope that perhaps this new chapter would bring the change I so desperately sought.

A deep, soft voice greeted me from behind.

I turned, and my breath caught in my throat. "What a strange way to recognize!" he said, a teasing lilt in his voice. I gasped, covering my mouth with my palms, unable to process the sight before me.

He chuckled, the sound warm and inviting, and continued, "How are you? I didn't expect to meet you here, and that too as my tablemate."

"Me too! The world is seriously too small," I replied, my heart racing as I took in the sight of him. There he was—Jay, the dashing man in the tailored suit, sitting next to me.

His presence radiated confidence, and I could feel the eyes of every woman in the room fixated on him, a mix of admiration and envy swirling in the air. The way he leaned slightly toward me, his smile effortless and charming, made my cheeks flush with a warmth I hadn't anticipated.

The day unfolded with a whirlwind of activities and lectures, each moment a blend of excitement and nervousness.

Later that afternoon, I found myself on the phone with my parents, trying to navigate the delicate balance between their expectations and my new reality.

"It's my first job, and I don't want to be known as Mr. and Mrs. Sharma's daughter or a gold digger," I explained to my parents, who were deeply worried about me, my voice steady but my heart racing.

I didn't want them to think I was trying to impress them or anyone else. I had landed this job on my own, and I was living here now—far from everyone's watchful eyes.

As I spoke, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, and I realized how much I missed them. But I carefully avoided mentioning my whereabouts or any little details that might give away my privacy; those were my little secrets, my steps into independence.

Although they could get my details in a snap of time, they respect my decision. Even though I can assume they might have already known my whereabouts, they prevented me from letting anyone out or acted as if they didn't know my coordinates.

At least I can accept this.

As the final session wrapped up, I switched off my mobile phone, a precaution against anyone tracking me back to my dorm. I needed to keep my new life a secret, at least for now.

I stepped out of the office; the sun bathed the street in shades of orange light, and a gleaming Ferrari caught my eye. Its sleek lines glistened in the evening sun, a vision of elegance and power. Jay popped his head out and flashed a grin that could stop traffic.

"Want a ride?" Jay asked; he rolled down the window glass, and I felt a flutter in my stomach. This wasn't just any car; it was a Ferrari SF90 LM, the latest model.

I smiled, my initial instinct to decline battling with the exhaustion from the day's activities. Maybe just this once, I could indulge.

I slid into the passenger seat, my breath catching as I took in the stunning silver and saffron interiors. It felt like stepping into a dream—every detail designed to captivate and impress. The leather was soft against my skin, and the dashboard gleamed with high-tech elegance.

As I lost myself in the luxury, Jay's voice pulled me back to reality. "What's your address?"

Stunned, I blinked at him. "You don't know my home?" I tilted my head, a playful challenge in my tone.

"Well, if you've moved from that place, I need the new address to drop you off," he replied, his eyebrow quirking up in amusement. A moment of silence hung between us, and I could feel the weight of his gaze, a mix of curiosity and interest.

Then he added reluctantly in a slow voice, "Umm... I overheard your conversation with Pooja about living in a dorm nearby and your plans for Sunday."

Pooja, the only good friend with an innocent facade I have met today, and I instinctively became so close as if we grew up together from childhood. She was cute, smart, and easygoing, yet not with all.

"You were eavesdropping?" I shot back, a teasing edge to my voice, my heart racing with the thrill of this unexpected banter.

"No! I was just passing by to grab some coffee on break, and you were talking a bit loud in the breakout area. I promise that's not called eavesdropping," he defended himself, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Alright, here's the address," I relented, pulling up my phone's maps. I trusted him; I don't know where this instinct came from within me.

He entered it into the car's navigation system, and within twenty minutes, we pulled up outside my dorm.

Jay drove like a jet—smooth, fast, and effortlessly classy. It was exactly my type of driving, the kind that made my heart race. I wasn't exaggerating; he was the kind of driver I found utterly captivating.

It reminded me of Dhruv, who also had that effortless charm behind the wheel, driving with one hand while looking impossibly dashing.

"It's a heartbreak you are not inviting me. It's alright; can I pick you up tomorrow?" Jay's voice was gentle, almost hopeful and playful, pulling me from my thoughts.

"I want to burn some calories," I replied with a playful smile on my lips, returning his, enjoying the lightness of the moment.

"Okay, beautiful. See you tomorrow in the office. Good night!" he said, his tone lingering in the air as he flashed that dazzling smile one last time.

Just like that, he was gone, leaving me standing there, rooted to the spot. "Beautiful?" I stared into the void where the car had vanished, my mind racing with thoughts and emotions.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly around me, a surreal moment suspended in the air, until the sharp ring of my phone shattered the stillness, pulling me back to reality.

Without pausing to check the caller ID, I answered, instantly enveloped by the joyful chatter of my friends.

I had shared my new number with them when I had the thought of living here, and soon we were swept away in a delightful exchange of stories, our laughter weaving a tapestry of connection that momentarily shielded us from the heaviness of the night and the unexpected thrill that Jay had ignited within me.

"Guess what? I finally tried that new café on Maple Street!" Aarti exclaimed, her enthusiasm radiating through the phone like sunlight breaking through clouds. "You have to come with me next time; their pastries are divine!"

"You know just how to tempt me, don't you, Ari?" I replied, my spirits lifting as I envisioned the warm, inviting atmosphere and the tantalizing array of sweet treats waiting to be savored.

I started moving my feet forward to my room.

"Haha!! And we're planning something special this weekend," Lilly chimed in, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Just a small celebration for our little munchkin's new beginning!"

"Some fun this week in honor of me?" I teased, a wave of warmth washing over me. It was a comforting realization that I was starting to carve out a life here, one rich with laughter and the bonds of friendship.

As our conversation flowed, I found myself laughing more freely than I had in ages. I shared snippets of my first day at work, carefully sidestepping the details about Jay. I didn't want to jinx the magic or overanalyze the spark that flickered between us. It was still too fresh, too delicate.

When we finally hung up, I felt lighter, as if the burdens of the world had been lifted just a fraction.

I glanced at the clock, surprised to see how late it had gotten. I should have felt weary, yet instead, I was alive with energy. The thrill of the day, the promise of tomorrow, and the lingering warmth of my friends' voices danced in my mind like fireflies in the twilight.

With a contented sigh, I turned off the light and nestled into my pillow, surrendering to the embrace of the night.

It wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, soothing and safe, and I drifted off to sleep, my dreams painted with the laughter of friends, the exhilarating roar of a Ferrari engine, and the sweet promise of new beginnings waiting just beyond the horizon.

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By: shinestoriess.

Bye, lovelies💗