Echoes of Destiny

*** India, Mumbai city , 14 February, 2024 ***

The busy streets of Mumbai were full of people as Arjun walked through them.

He is now 28 years old. Being an orphan he is adopted by his later mother's friend who runs a Muay Thai Dozo.

He used to be a mechanical engineer, but now he teaches at History and Maths Elacademy for civil service aspirants. He has been working there for 5 years.

Tall and athletic with black hair and a strong jawline, Arjun looked confident as he headed to the academy for his offline shift.

His days were busy with teaching classes to students at academy, while his evenings were dedicated to the art of Muay Thai, where he found peace from stress in the rhythm of punches and kicks.

Consequently, during his downtime, he engages in self-education, delving into subjects such as politics and technology specially the transmission from old to new .

Despite his busy schedule, Arjun's life took an unexpected turn when he found himself drawn to a colleague named Riya , a bengali beauty, whose long, dark hair and sparkling eyes captured his attention from the moment they met at the first day of her joining.

As he watched her work, a warmth spread through his chest, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she was someone special.

She was her fiftieth crush afterall, so that has to be special.

After maintaining a consistent and cautious approach for three months, he resolved to break the ice and proceed to the next level . Little did he imagine that his choice to confess would become the pivotal, life-altering event .

**14th February 2024**

He reached the staff room and found her at her desk, deeply engrossed in grading papers. Her attention was so focused that she hadn't noticed his approach. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves, then casually leaned against the edge of her desk.

"Hey, Riya," he greeted, with a teasing smile. "Busy saving the world, one paper at a time?"

Startled, Riya looked up, before a smile tugged at her lips. "Oh, Hi! When did you get here?" she asked, gesturing her work. "Just trying to catch up on grading. You know how it is."

Arjun nodded dramatically, feigning a deep understanding of her situation. "Of course, the noble work of a teacher. But," he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice with a grin, "don't you think you deserve a break from saving the world? Maybe tonight? Dinner, a movie... You, me, and a bucket of popcorn?"

Riya's eyebrows shot up, and she looked at him with amusement. "Are you asking me out on a date, Arjun?"

Without missing a beat, he pulled his phone from his pocket and showed her two movie tickets. "Well, today's the 14th, and I happened to get this combo ticket deal. The movie's got good reviews, and I figured I'd be bored without your charm."

Riya chuckled and shook her head, her laughter soft and genuine. "I appreciate the offer, Arjun, but I have way too much work to finish. Tonight might not be the best time."

Feigning a dramatic sigh, Arjun placed a hand over his heart. "Ah, work! the ultimate villain in every good story. But, you know, even heroes need a little downtime." He pulled up a chair, sitting across from her, said playfully. "Besides, I think I'm doing you a favor here. You get dinner, a movie, and the company of the most charming guy in the building."

Riya crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow as she smirked. "Most charming, huh? You're pretty confident, aren't you?"

Arjun grinned shamelessly. "Confidence is just humility in disguise," he quipped. "But seriously, you've been working nonstop for few days. I'd hate to see you burn out. Taking a break could be the most productive thing you do all week!"

Riya tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Oh, really? And how exactly is that?"

Leaning back in his chair, Arjun crossed his arms, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Well, think about it. If you take a break, relax, and enjoy yourself, you'll come back tomorrow totally refreshed. It's scientifically proven!" He gestured with his hands, mimicking like in lecture. "Too much work makes you lose focus. But a movie? Some good company? That'll reboot your system like magic."

Riya bit her lip, trying not to laugh at his antics. "You really have an answer for everything, don't you?"

With a modest shrug, Arjun replied, "Not everything. Just anything that involves food, fun, and making people smile. Look, I get it: work's important. But so is taking care of yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup, Riya. And right now, you're running on fumes."

Riya's smile softened as she shook her head. "I'm not running on fumes yet, Arjun. Maybe I'll take a pass for raincheck ?"

Arjun leaned forward, waving his hand dismissively. "A raincheck? That's just what people say when they don't want to hurt someone's feelings. I'm not here for the rain; I'm here for the sunshine!" He flashed her a wink. "Besides, if you wait too long, someone else might swoop in and steal this prime opportunity."

Feigning jealous, Riya stood up "This audacity.." and playfully smacked him with light punches. "You dare to bring someone else, my place? This is first time you ask, and you already have an attitude!"

Laughing, Arjun raised his hands in defense, grinning at his halfway success. "Okay, okay, it was a joke! See? I came to you the first chance I got. Now it's up to you; join me or not. There's this new thriller out, something with spies and plot twists. I guarantee it'll be worth your time."

Riya sat back down, still smiling but thoughtful. "I don't know, Arjun. I've got a lot to finish before tomorrow..."

Before she could finish, Arjun reached over and gently closed her notebook. "That's where you're wrong. You give me your time, and in return, I'll help with your work. We've still got the morning, and I can even drop you at your flat afterward."

Riya narrowed her eyes playfully. "Oh!, movie, dinner, then my flat? Are you up to something?"

Arjun raised his hands again, laughing. "Trust me, I'm as clean as a blank sheet of paper. Besides, you know me; I'll stand outside while you pass me your papers to grade!"

Before Riya could respond, the door opened, and their colleague Tanya entered, grabbing her things from her desk. "Hey, guys, sorry to interrupt, but we need to prepare for a joint presentation, Riya!"

Arjun, undeterred, ignored Tanya's interruption and stood up, leaning on the desk one last time. "Come on, Riya. Let me make your evening better. What do you say?"

Riya sighed, finally giving in with a smile. "Alright, fine. 7 PM. But you better not make me regret this."

A triumphant grin spread across Arjun's face. "Regret? With me? Never! You'll leave that theater with a smile."

Riya laughed, gathering her things. "We'll see about that."

As their conversation wrapped up, the bell rang, signalling the start of the session. Students began flooding the hallways. Arjun gave her a playful wave. "7 PM it is! See you later, Professor Riya."

Riya waved back as she headed for the door with Tanya. "Don't be late, Professor Arjun."

As the two women left, both giggled, 

"Can't believe he finally asked out," Tanya nudged Riya with a teasing smile. "So.. plan for valentine?"

Riya's cheeks flushed as she looked down shyly. "Not quite... but maybe after the movie."

Tanya playfully pinched Riya's arm as they entered their classroom, gossiping and laughing as the students filtered in behind them.