AUTHOR’S POV:
Saranya Oberoi stepped onto the college campus, her vibrant presence commanding attention. As she walked, her bright smile illuminated the surroundings. Her greenish eyes, with a hint of brown around the pupils, sparkled with warmth, making her irresistible to everyone around her.
Boys couldn't help but drool over her beauty, their eyes following her every move. Even male professors couldn't hide their admiration, often finding excuses to engage her in conversations. Girls, too, were drawn to her, some envying her effortless charm, while others admired her confidence and intelligence.
In class, Saranya was a force to be reckoned with. She actively participated in discussions, her insightful comments and clever observations impressing even the toughest professors. Her notes were always meticulous, and her assignments, impeccable.
Despite her academic prowess, Saranya's bubbly nature made her a beloved figure on campus. She would often burst into laughter, her infectious giggles spreading throughout the classroom. Her friends adored her, and she was always the life of the party.
However, not everyone was content with simply admiring Saranya from afar. Many guys had worked up the courage to propose to her, only to be met with her signature savage replies.
One such brave soul, Rohan, approached her after class, his heart racing with excitement. "Saranya, from the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one for me. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Saranya's expression turned sweet, but her words were laced with sarcasm. "Oh, Rohan, I'm flattered. But I think you should focus on getting better grades first. I mean, who needs a girlfriend when you can have a decent GPA, right?"
Rohan's face fell, but Saranya just winked at him and sauntered off, leaving him to nurse his wounded ego.
As she walked out of the campus, Saranya couldn't help but smile. She loved being the center of attention, but she was never going to let anyone capture her heart. At least, not until she found her mysterious hero...
Saranya wrapped up her day at college, grabbing her bag and saying goodbye to her friends. As she walked out of the campus, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Her part-time job at "Brews and Bliss" awaited her, and she loved the feeling of being a cafe worker.
As she entered the cozy cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her, and she smiled. This place was her happy haven. She changed into her uniform, tying her hair into a ponytail and slipping on her name tag.
The cafe's glass walls allowed the sun's rays to stream in, illuminating her face. Her emerald-like eyes sparkled with warmth, framed by thick lashes that added to their allure. Her skin was a radiant, porcelain-like complexion, with a subtle golden glow that hinted at her Indian heritage. Her nose was small and delicate, slightly upturned at the tip, giving her an endearing, pixie-like quality.
Her lips were full and plump, painted a subtle pink that accentuated their natural beauty. Her hair was a rich, dark brown, falling in loose waves down her back like a cascade of night. When she smiled, her whole face lit up, and her eyes crinkled at the corners, adding to her irresistible charm.
Saranya's physique was equally impressive. Her toned legs and slim waist were evident even under her uniform, a testament to her dedication to fitness and self-care. Her curves were graceful and feminine, accentuated by her confident posture and effortless elegance.
As she moved, her very presence seemed to command attention. Her smile was like a ray of sunshine, brightening up the entire cafe and drawing people to her like a magnet. Saranya's beauty was not just skin-deep; it radiated from within, a reflection of her vibrant personality, intelligence, and kindness.
Saranya moved with ease, greeting the regulars and expertly crafting drinks. Men, in particular, would often visit just to catch a glimpse of her. The cafe's owner, Mrs. Jain, smiled at Saranya as she worked. "Saranya, you're a gem. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Saranya beamed, feeling a sense of pride. This job was more than just a part-time gig – it was her escape, her happy place. And as she worked, surrounded by the warmth and aroma of the cafe, she felt truly alive.
SARANYA’S POV:
I poured steaming hot coffee into a cup, lost in thought as I worked. Suddenly, the door burst open and a familiar figure rushed in. My face lit up with happiness as I dropped everything to run and hug my best friend, Mannat.
"Mannat! Oh my god, it's been ages!" I exclaimed, squeezing her tightly.
Mannat laughed, hugging me back just as fiercely. "I know, I'm so sorry! Life got crazy, but I've missed you so much, Sara!"
We pulled back, grinning at each other as I led her to a quiet corner table. "I've missed you too, Mannu! What have you been up to?"
As we sipped our coffee, Mannat filled me in on her life. We chatted about everything from college to our families, and I was thrilled to hear that she'd found the love of her life.
"I'm getting married, Sara!" Mannat squealed, her eyes shining with happiness.
I squealed right back, hugging her again. "Oh my god, congratulations! I'm beyond happy for you!"
But as I listened to Mannat's wedding plans, my happiness began to fade. I knew my mother would never let me attend the wedding. She'd find some excuse, some way to keep me trapped at home.
Mannat noticed my expression and reached out to take my hand. "Hey, Sara, I've already talked to your mom. I've invited her, Jai, and you to the wedding. It's going to be a destination wedding in Goa, and I'd love for you to be there."
I felt a surge of hope, but it was quickly replaced by a familiar, wistful longing. As Mannat talked about her fiancé, I couldn't help but think of my own hero, the man who'd saved me all those years ago. He'd promised to take me to his house, to get me married to his son when I grew up.
Even today, I'd saved myself for that unknown man, that hero's son. Somewhere deep inside, I was in love with him, this faceless, nameless person. It was a foolish, childish dream, but it was mine, and I couldn't help but hold onto it.
Mannat's eyes sparkled as she told me more about her fiancé, Rohan. "He's amazing, Sara. We met through mutual friends, and it was love at first sight. Well, maybe not exactly, but we definitely had a connection."
I laughed, intrigued. "Tell me more. What's he like?"
Mannat's face glowed with happiness. "He's kind, funny, and so supportive. He's always there for me, no matter what. And he's gorgeous, of course."
I teased her, grinning. "Of course, because that's all that matters, right?"
Mannat playfully rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Sara. You're just jealous because you're not married yet."
I chuckled, feeling a pang of wistfulness. "Maybe a little. But I'm so happy for you, Mannu. You deserve all the happiness in the world."
As we chatted, I couldn't help but think about my own life, my own dreams. I'd always been focused on my studies, on making a better life for myself. But hearing Mannat talk about her love for Rohan made me realize how much I was missing out on.
"Mannu, can I ask you something?" I said, my voice a little softer.
"Of course, Sara. What's up?"
I hesitated, unsure how to phrase my question. "Do you think...do you think it's possible to love someone you've never met?"
Mannat's expression turned curious. "What do you mean?"
I shrugged, feeling a little silly. "I don't know. I just wonder sometimes...if it's possible to have a connection with someone without even knowing them."
Mannat's eyes sparkled with understanding. "I think it's definitely possible, Sara. Sometimes, you just know when someone is meant for you. Even if you've never met them, you can feel a connection, a sense of belonging."
I nodded, feeling a sense of wonder. Maybe, just maybe, my hero's son was out there, waiting for me.
Mannat glanced at her watch and stood up, giving me a warm hug. "I'm so glad we caught up, Sara. I'll talk to you soon, okay?"
I hugged her back, feeling a pang of sadness as we said our goodbyes. "Yeah, talk to you soon, Mannu. Take care, and give Rohan my best."
As Mannat left the cafe, I watched her go with a mix of happiness and envy. She was starting her new life, while I was still stuck in mine.
I sighed, finishing up my tasks at the cafe before clocking out. The walk home was uneventful, my mind wandering to Mannat's wedding and the possibility of meeting my hero's son.
As I approached my house, a sense of dread settled in. I knew what awaited me - my mother's never-ending taunts and scoldings.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the inevitable. As I entered the house, my mother's voice cut through the air, sharp as a knife.
"Saranya, where have you been? You're late again. What's wrong with you?"
I closed my eyes, feeling the familiar sting of her words. I knew that no matter what I did, I'd never be good enough for her.
"I'm sorry, Maa," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was at the cafe, working."
My mother's expression twisted in disgust. "That cafe is a waste of time. You should be focusing on your studies, not wasting your time serving coffee to strangers."
I felt a surge of frustration, but I knew better than to argue with her. Instead, I nodded silently, taking the blame for my perceived shortcomings.
As the evening wore on, my mother's taunts and scoldings continued, each one cutting deeper than the last. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of criticism, unable to escape the toxic cycle of my mother's abuse.
I lay in bed, my stomach growling with hunger. It was a familiar feeling, one I'd grown accustomed to over the years. My mother's rules were clear: I wasn't allowed to eat dinner until everyone else had finished, and often, that meant going to bed with an empty stomach.
Just as I was starting to drift off to sleep, my phone rang, shrill in the silence. I groggily reached over to answer it, my heart skipping a beat as I saw the caller ID.
"Sir," I said, my voice instantly alert and respectful.
Mr. Ravi Sinha, the head of Team Spartans and my handler, was on the other end of the line. I worshipped him as my guru, my mentor, and I never failed to address him with the utmost respect.
"Saranya, I need you to come to HQ at 12 am tonight," he said, his voice low and urgent.
I sat up in bed, my mind racing with possibilities. What could be so important that it required a midnight meeting?
"Yes, sir. I'll be there," I replied, already throwing off my covers and getting out of bed.
As I ended the call, I couldn't help but wonder what the meeting was about. Mr. Sinha's tone had been serious, and I knew that he wouldn't call me in unless it was something big.
A thrill of excitement ran through me as I quickly got dressed and made my way out of the house, into the night. What lay ahead, I had no idea, but I was ready for whatever mission Mr. Sinha had in store for me.
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