Chapter 2: Two Cities, One Twist
387 Words
Chapter 2: Two Cities, One Twist
Six Months Later – Bangalore
“New project, new client. They’re bringing in an external design consultant,” Karthik’s manager announced, handing him a file.
Karthik, now fully in ‘corporate mode’—formal shirt half-tucked, ID card swinging—flicked through the pages. His eyes skimmed over design mockups and project deadlines until they froze on a name at the bottom of the page.
Anaya Rao. Lead Architect.
He blinked.
No. It couldn’t be that Anaya.
He remembered the sharp eyes, the sarcasm, the seat dispute on the train, and how she eventually snorted laughing at his worst jokes. That Anaya had vanished into the crowd, and now... was heading this project?
“Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” his teammate asked.
Karthik grinned, still staring at the file. “Not a ghost. A window-seat thief.”
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Same Day – Different Office
Anaya entered the IT company's glass building with her architectural team. Hair tied in a neat bun, dressed in crisp cottons, she looked every bit the professional.
She hadn’t thought of Karthik since the train ride—well, maybe a few times. Okay, many times. But she’d convinced herself it didn’t matter.
Until he walked into the conference room like he owned the place.
Their eyes met.
She blinked. “No way.”
He grinned. “Surprise, Aries.”
“Still not an Aries.”
Everyone else just stared, confused by the electricity in the air.
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Later That Day
Karthik leaned on the balcony outside the office cafeteria. “So... fate, huh?”
“I think it’s just bad luck,” she replied, sipping her coffee.
“Oh, come on. Admit it. You missed me.”
Anaya rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her. “You’re insufferable.”
“And yet, here I am. Assigned to your project. Every day. For months.”
She groaned. “Just great.”
He smirked. “You’re going to fall in love with me.”
“In your dreams, Karthik.”
“Every night,” he winked.
---
That Night – Text from Meera (Anaya’s Best Friend):
Meera: How’s the new client?
Anaya: Remember train guy?
Meera: Oh.
Anaya: He’s here. EVERY. DAY.
Meera: You’re doomed. Also, he’s cute. Don’t deny.
Anaya: Shut up.
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- Writer
