Anant's POV

As I strolled along the pristine beachside promenade, the warm sun on my skin and the soothing sound of waves calmed my mind. The upscale coastal resort, a favorite among the elite, was a refuge from the chaos of my business empire. I had arrived earlier than expected, eager to escape the emptiness that had haunted me since Rukmini's passing.

My thoughts drifted to my son, Randhir, and his rebellious nature. I worried about his future, about the legacy he would inherit. Lost in contemplation, I failed to notice the woman walking toward me.

Suddenly, a faint gasp broke the serenity.

Aadhya's POV

I walked along the beach, my feet sinking into the cool sand, the salty breeze whipping through my hair. The crystal-clear waters and luxurious villas lining the shore created a tranquil atmosphere, a perfect escape from my suffocating life. My mind wandered to my dreams of independence, of breaking free from the gilded cage.

As I turned a corner, a collision course awaited. A tall, dignified man, oblivious to my presence, rushed forward. His eyes, locked on the horizon, didn't see me.

Time slowed

His arm brushed mine, and a tray of refreshments in his hand teetered. I watched in horror as a glass of crimson juice splashed onto my cream-colored dress.

"Ahh!" I exclaimed, shock and annoyance mingling.

Anant's POV

I spun around, mortified, as the woman's cry pierced the air. Apologetic words tumbled from my lips.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm terribly clumsy."

Her eyes, like dark, polished onyx, flashed with irritation. My gaze lingered on her striking features – the sharp jawline, petite nose, and luscious hair.

"Aadhya Shekhawat," she introduced herself, voice laced with annoyance.

"Anant Mathur," I replied, offering a sincere smile.

As I helped Aadhya clean the stain, our fingers touched, sending an unexpected spark through me.

"A beautiful day, ruined by my carelessness," I said, attempting to lighten the mood.

Aadhya's expression softened.

"It's okay, Mr. Mathur. Accidents happen."

Our eyes met, and for an instant, the world around us melted away.

Aadhya's POV

As Anant's warm smile and gentle manner eased my frustration, I found myself smiling back. His eyes, a deep, soulful brown, seemed to hold a world of kindness.

We walked together, Anant insisting on buying me a new dress. His considerate nature and easy conversation put me at ease.

As the sun dipped into the ocean, casting a golden glow, our stroll transformed into a pleasant, unplanned date.

"May I have the pleasure of knowing you better, Aadhya?" Anant asked, his voice low and sincere.

My heart skipped a beat.

"I'd like that, Mr. Mathur," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Little did I know, this chance encounter would set off a chain reaction, altering the course of our lives forever.

After a few hours ......

I got into my car, and I floored the accelerator, speeding away from the serendipitous encounter with Anant Mathur. My mind reeled, replaying our conversation.

As I drove, the scenic coastal road blurred into a kaleidoscope of thoughts. I didn't want to return home, not yet.

Suddenly, a black bike burst out of nowhere, cutting me off. My tires screeched as I swerved, but it was too late. My car spun, slamming into a nearby tree.

"FUCK! SON OF A BITCH!" I shouted, leaping out of the car.

The bike lay abandoned, its rider approaching me. His face hidden behind a helmet, he seemed unfazed.

"YOU IDIOT! LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE!" I yelled, fury boiling over.

"Shit, are you okay?" he asked, his deep voice muffled.

"NO, THANKS TO YOU, ASSHOLE! SHOW YOUR FACE, COWARD! BE A MAN!" I spat, fists clenched.

He hesitated, then slowly removed his helmet.

Our eyes met. My anger faltered.

Those piercing blue eyes. That chiseled jawline.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

"Randhir," he replied, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"I'm Aadhya," I said, still fuming.

"You're quite the firecracker, aren't you?" Randhir teased.

"YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY? YOU ALMOST KILLED ME!" I shouted.

Randhir chuckled. "Sorry, Ms Aadhya. I didn't mean to scare you."

His eyes sparkled. "I like your spirit."

Randhir's POV

As I approached the furious woman, her beauty struck me. Those dark eyes blazed with anger.

When she demanded I remove my helmet, I hesitated. Why did I care?

Her swear words peppered the air.

"Fuck," "asshole," "bastard."

I grinned. This petite powerhouse intrigued me.

"Aadhya," she said.

"Randhir," I replied.

Our introduction sealed our chance encounter.

Little did we know, our worlds would collide soon enough.

Aadhya's POV

"Give me your number," I demanded, still fuming. "You're paying for the damage you caused."

Randhir chuckled, his eyes crinkling.

"Damage, huh? You're pretty fierce, Aadhya."

"FIERCE? YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY? MY CAR IS DAMAGED!" I shouted.

Randhir's grin widened.

"Okay, okay. I'll give you my number. But only if you promise to smile when you call me."

I glared. "This isn't a joke."

Randhir's expression turned serious, but his eyes still sparkled.

"Sorry, Aadhya. I know it's not funny. Let me check the damage."

He strolled over to my car, inspecting the damage. I followed, still seething.

"It's not too bad," Randhir said. "The engine's fine."

He got in, started the car, and drove it forward a few feet but first moved it away from the tree .

"See? It still moves."

I crossed my arms. "That's not the point."

Randhir got out, leaning against the car.

"Okay, I'll pay for the repairs. But only if you agree to let me take you out for coffee."

I scoffed. "You think I'd go out with you after this?"

Randhir shrugged. "Can't blame a guy for trying."

I rolled my eyes. "Give me your number."

Randhir pulled out his phone, dialed a number, and handed it to me.

"Here. Now, promise me you'll smile when you call."

I took the phone, our fingers touching.

"I won't promise anything."

Randhir grinned. "I'll hold you to that."

Randhir's POV

Aadhya's fury was captivating. Her dark eyes flashed, and her hair whipped around her face.

As I checked her car, I couldn't help but tease her.

She was serious, but I couldn't resist.

When our fingers touched, a spark ran through me.

"I'll make sure to take care of the repairs," I said.

Aadhya nodded, still stern. "I expect nothing less."

I smiled. "I think we're done here."

Aadhya turned to leave.

"Hey, Aadhya?" I called out.

She turned.

"Don't forget to smile."

Aadhya's expression softened, just for a moment.

Then she turned and walked away. I watched, grinning.

This wasn't the end.

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