Chapter-4: A Glimmer of Us

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The museum visit marked a subtle turning point. It wasn’t love—not yet—but it was something softer than indifference and kinder than obligation. For the first time, Anaya felt as though Veer was trying.

In the days that followed, their small gestures toward each other became more natural. They began sharing breakfast. Occasionally, he would ask about her classes, and she would reply with a smile instead of a nod. It was progress, however small.

One Sunday morning, Anaya found Veer in the kitchen, struggling with the coffee machine.

“I didn’t know you cooked,” she teased.

“I don’t,” he admitted, holding the machine like it was a bomb about to detonate. “I was just trying to make coffee. Thought I’d surprise you.”

She chuckled, stepping in. “Let me help. It’s simpler than it looks.”

Their fingers brushed over buttons and coffee pods. There was laughter, light and real. When the machine finally sputtered to life, they shared a victorious high-five that lingered a second longer than necessary.

After breakfast, Veer asked if she wanted to visit the beach. It was spontaneous and unexpected. Anaya, caught off guard, simply nodded.

That afternoon, the two drove in his sleek black car with the windows down, letting the breeze tangle their hair. The air smelled of sea salt and sun.

At the beach, Veer rolled up his trousers and walked barefoot beside her. She lifted her kurti slightly and let the waves lap at her ankles.

“Do you come here often?” she asked.

“Used to. With Meera,” he admitted. “She loved the ocean.”

The silence that followed was brief, but heavy. Then, he added, “But I think she loved winning more.”

Anaya looked at him, sensing the raw honesty in his voice.

“She was with me because I was convenient—next in line to the empire. When things got tough... she left.”

“You still love her?” she asked.

Veer hesitated. “I don’t know. I think I loved the idea of her. But now...” He looked at Anaya, really looked. “You’re the one who stayed. Even when I gave you nothing.”

Anaya’s throat tightened. The breeze caught her hair, and Veer gently tucked a strand behind her ear.

They didn’t kiss. But in that moment, something shifted—a glimmer of possibility, a crack of light.

That night, Anaya stood at the window of their bedroom. She hadn’t moved into the master room officially yet, but Veer had asked her to spend the evening there.

“You don’t have to keep sleeping in the guest room,” he said earlier. “It’s your home too.”

She turned when he entered, carrying two mugs of coffee. He handed her one, and they both sat on the bed.

“I want to try,” he said quietly.

She looked at him, surprised.

“I’ve been selfish,” he continued. “I never gave you a chance. But you’ve been patient, kind... more than I deserved. And somewhere along the way, I started looking forward to seeing you, talking to you.”

Tears welled in Anaya’s eyes. “I was never trying to replace her.”

“I know. You’re not her. You’re stronger.”

He reached for her hand, and this time, she didn’t hesitate. Their fingers intertwined naturally, like they were meant to.

Outside, the rain began to fall softly against the windows. Inside, the warmth between them grew.

They sat like that for a long time—two hearts once bruised by expectation and betrayal, now slowly beginning to recognize each other.

It wasn’t the fairy tale Anaya had once dreamed of. But it was real. And sometimes, reality—raw and honest—was far more beautiful.

She rested her head on his shoulder.

“I think... we might just be okay,” she whispered.

Veer pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“We will be,” he promised.

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