Fateful Dates
It started with a book. A chance encounter at a bookstore café where Meenakshi reached for a novel, only for the shelf to betray her—sending books tumbling down. Abhay, guitar case slung over his shoulder, caught one mid-air, flashing a playful grin.
Fate? Coincidence? Neither of them knew. But from that moment, their paths kept crossing—at the bookstore, the café, and soon, as if the universe had decided they should meet again and again
What began as casual chats about books turned into hours of conversation. First over coffee, then evening walks, and now, late-night texts that neither of them wanted to end
And somewhere along the way, in stolen glances and shared laughter, something changed
Ice Cream & Unexpected Laughter
A warm evening breeze drifts through the park as Minakshi and Abhay sit on a wooden bench, each holding an ice cream cone—hers is chocolate fudge, his is butterscotch
Minakshi Malhotra
(raising her eyebrow) You seriously like butterscotch?🤨
Abhay Singhania
Excuse me! Butterscotch is a classic😌
Minakshi Malhotra
It tastes like nostalgia mixed with regret (jokes, taking a bite of her chocolate scoop)
Abhay Singhania
You just haven’t lived enough to appreciate it😂
Minakshi Malhotra
😏 Says the guy who still orders plain vanilla milkshakes
Abhay Singhania
(grins) Vanilla is reliable. Just like me
They both laugh, the sound easy and warm. As Minakshi wipes a stray drop of ice cream from her fingers, she catches Abhay looking at her—his expression softer, more thoughtful than before
Minakshi Malhotra
What?🤷♀️
Abhay Singhania
Nothing. Just… I like this. Hanging out with you.💫
Minakshi looks down at her ice cream, hiding her smile
Later that night, Minakshi’s phone lights up
Abhay Singhania
💬 Hypothetically speaking… if someone left their guitar at the park, what are the chances they’d get it back?
She chuckles, replying instantly
Minakshi Malhotra
💬About 5% if that person is you. 50% if they know the right people. 100% if I go check for it now
Abhay Singhania
💬I like the way you think. But don’t worry, I already got it back. Just wanted an excuse to text you
Minakshi stares at her screen, her heart flipping a little
Minakshi Malhotra
💬 Smooth, Mr. Butterscotch
Abhay Singhania
💬What can I say? I like keeping in touch with my chocolate fudge friend
She bites her lip, smiling, as another message pops up
Abhay Singhania
💬 So… what’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever done for fun?
Minakshi Malhotra
💬Once, I made my best friend fake a phone call so I could escape a boring date
Abhay Singhania
💬 Legendary. Respect
Minakshi Malhotra
💬😗 stop joking man😂 Do you seriously think that was legendary?
Their conversation stretches into the night, filled with teasing, laughter, and stories that make them feel like they’ve known each other forever
Stolen Glances & Quiet Realizations
Days pass, and their friendship deepens. Every time they meet, there’s a lingering glance, a touch that lasts just a second longer than necessary
At the café, when Meenakshi is reading, Abhay watches her over the rim of his coffee cup
At the park, when Abhay is strumming his guitar, Meenakshi catches herself staring—at his fingers, at the way he loses himself in the music
Neither of them say anything. But they both feel it—something shifting, something growing.
One evening, as they walk side by side under a streetlight, Minakshi stops
Minakshi Malhotra
(quiet voice) You ever wonder when a friendship turns into… something more?
Abhay looks at her for a long moment before replying, softer than usual
Abhay Singhania
I think it happens in the little things. The small moments that start meaning too much
She meets his gaze, and for a second, time slows
But before the moment can stretch into something bigger, she playfully bumps his shoulder
Minakshi Malhotra
Fine. I’ll admit it. Maybe butterscotch isn’t that bad
Abhay Singhania
😏 That’s all I needed to hear
And just like that, the moment passes. But they both know—something is different now
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