The city of Jaipur was still golden as the sun dipped slowly into the horizon, casting amber shadows on its ancient walls. After handing over the files at her office, Aadhya headed straight toward the market street. Her mother had asked her to pick up mehendi cones, a silver puja thali, and a pack of scented candles—all of which she found at a store not far from their home.
But right next to the store… was her weakness.
Shree Mithaas Mahal—the elite sweet shop known for their melt-in-mouth malai ghewar, kesar rasmalai, and dark chocolate barfis. Aadhya's car came to a gentle halt in front of the glowing glass door.
Sweets and sugar?
She could never resist. Especially not when life was already so chaotic. Besides, hadn't she managed everything in just half an hour?
"Five minutes won't hurt…"
She walked in, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. The aroma of warm cardamom and saffron hugged her senses. The shop was quiet, and the sweets behind the glass seemed to sparkle like treasure. As if they, too, were calling her.
She ordered her favourites and took a seat near the window.
Just a short break.
But deep in her chest, something pulsed again.
That dream. That fire.
Why had it felt so real?
She shook her head quickly. "Snap out of it, Aadhya."
Because back at home, in the grand Raj Mahal villa, the house was buzzing with energy, relatives, and rituals—today was her sister's engagement.
And if she was even a little late, her mother would burn her alive.
After finishing the last bite of rasmalai, Aadhya wiped her lips, picked up the bag, and stepped outside in a hurry.
Her phone buzzed with a message. She didn't bother to check.
She was halfway down the stairs when—bam!
She bumped straight into someone.
A tall man, in a black kurta, was walking up the stairs while speaking into his phone. Neither of them saw the other.
It happened in a blink.
The man's phone slipped from his hand, Aadhya stumbled backward from the impact—and for a second, the world slowed down.
Her reflexes kicked in.
She grabbed the falling phone in mid-air.
And the man… grabbed her.
Strong arms wrapped around her waist before she could even hit the next step. His grip was firm, his hold steady.
Their eyes met.
And in that exact moment—
Flashbacks.
Fire. Screaming. Blood. A palace burning. A sword raised. Two people, holding each other, surrounded by chaos.
Aadhya's breath caught in her throat. She blinked rapidly, stepping back, away from his arms.
"Aap achhe se dekh ke nahi chal sakte kya?!" she snapped, her voice sharp.
Without waiting for a reply, she flipped her hair with attitude and stormed off toward her car.
The man behind her blinked, confused, still holding the memory of her face.
"Hey, listen—" he called out, walking after her.
She ignored him completely.
"Wait! You… you took my phone!"
She froze mid-step.
Looked down at her hand.
Oh shit.
Aadhya turned, face slightly red. Embarrassed, she walked back and handed him the phone, silently.
He smiled, teasingly, but said nothing.
She didn't either.
The man walked into the sweet shop casually, while Aadhya marched to her car, the bags swinging in one hand, and her mind—swirling.
Before stepping in, he turned one last time.
She didn't.
But something told him… they'd meet again.
Very soon.