Moment That Refuse To End

⸻ Chapter One Fate in Small Moments Mornings like this never ended well. Ayan knew it the moment she opened her eyes. The sunlight was already too bright, slipping through the edges of her curtain like it had been waiting to expose her lateness. Her heart dropped. “I’m late.” The words barely left her lips before she threw the blanket off and rushed out of bed. Everything after that happened in a blur. Ayan moved quickly—too quickly—grabbing her bag, slipping into her shoes, and locking her door with unsteady hands. Her thoughts were racing faster than her steps. Don’t miss the lecture. Not today. She pushed the gate open and stepped into the street, her pace already urgent. The morning air carried the usual sounds—distant voices, passing cars, life already in motion—but Ayan had no time to notice any of it. Her eyes stayed fixed ahead as she walked briskly, searching for a bus. Then— Honk. She ignored it. People honked all the time. It wasn’t her business. Honk. This time, it was closer. Ayan slowed down slightly, her brows drawing together as she turned her head. A black G-Wagon rolled up beside her, its tinted windows reflecting the morning light. For a brief second, she hesitated. The driver’s window slid down. A man, probably in his mid-forties, leaned slightly toward her. “Hi, please, sorry for disturbing you,” he said politely. Ayan nodded, her expression calm but cautious. “We’re looking for Number 6 in Eve Estate,” he continued. “We’ve been driving around, but we can’t seem to find it.” Ayan pointed ahead. “It’s straight down. You’ll see a gate with the highest fence—that’s the one.” Relief crossed his face. “Oh, thank you so much.” She gave a small nod and turned to leave. But before she could take another step— The back window rolled down. Ayan paused. Something about it made her stop. Inside sat an elderly man, probably in his eighties. His presence was quiet, yet somehow… noticeable. His eyes rested on her with a calm interest, and then he smiled. Not just a polite smile. Something deeper. He extended his hand, holding out a business card. “Make sure you call me,” he said. Ayan hesitated. There was a brief silence between them—just a second—but it felt longer. Still, she reached out and took the card. Her eyes dropped to it for a moment, but before she could process anything— “You won’t call.” His voice stopped her again. Ayan looked up, slightly confused. The man’s smile hadn’t faded. “Give me your number instead,” he added, almost certain. Ayan let out a small, unsure laugh. There was something strange about the confidence in his tone… but not threatening. Just… certain. She told him her number. He nodded, satisfied. And just like that, it was over. The window rolled back up. The car drove off. Ayan stood there for a second, the card still in her hand, her thoughts slightly unsettled. Then reality hit her again. “My lecture.” She quickly snapped out of it and hurried forward, her steps turning into a light run. When she reached the bus stop, relief washed over her instantly. The bus was still there. Without wasting another second, she climbed in—just in time. The doors closed behind her. And as the bus pulled away, Ayan exhaled softly, leaning back into her seat, already forgetting the morning that had felt a little unusual.