"3RD PERSON POV"
"FEW WEEKS LATER"
The night was young, with stars scattered across the sky like diamonds. A soft, cold wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it a kind of quiet magic that made the heart feel light. In the small garden outside Aravind's house, the flickering glow of a fireplace warmed the space.
Aravind and Suryakantham sat in front of it, wrapped in the cozy silence of the moment. The fire crackled gently, casting dancing shadows across their faces. Aravind was holding a beautiful sarod in his lap, carefully tuning its strings. Suryakantham sat beside him, her eyes shining with excitement. The breeze played with their hair as it passed by, lifting strands into the air like a painter's brush on canvas.
"Aaru, play it quickly! I want to hear you," she said eagerly, her voice filled with anticipation.
That's what she had started calling him lately—Aaru. A sign of the closeness that had quietly grown between them.
Aravind glanced at her, rolling his eyes playfully.
"Just a moment… Let me tune the strings. It's been a while since I played."
She nodded, her eyes never leaving his hands as he adjusted the sarod with care and precision. After a few more seconds, he let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes.
Then his fingers moved.
He began to play Zara Zara, the gentle notes flowing out like a warm breeze on a winter night. The sound of the sarod was soft and tender, echoing through the garden with a soulful rhythm. It felt like the wind itself had turned into music—brushing against the skin, calming the heart.
Suryakantham closed her eyes, letting herself get lost in the melody. Every note touched something deep within her, filling the silence between them with emotions too delicate to speak.
The fire continued to burn slowly, its warmth mingling with the notes that floated through the air. The night, the stars, the cold wind, and the music—all came together to create a moment that felt like a dream woven from threads of peace and quiet love.
As the final notes faded into the quiet night, Aravind let out a soft sigh and slowly opened his eyes. His gaze met Suryakantham's. She was already looking at him, her eyes glowing with admiration. A peaceful smile played on her lips as she said softly, "Beautiful."
Aravind gently placed the sarod to the side and said with a light chuckle, "Isn't it?"
Suryakantham nodded. "It is. I didn't know you could play instruments too, Aaru. That was really surprising."
A faint, mysterious smile appeared on Aravind's face. "You'd be surprised to know there are a lot of things I can do… things you can't even imagine."
Suryakantham rolled her eyes and laughed. "Yeah, yeah. The great Aravind. I know, I know."
He leaned back, smiling in a relaxed way. "Anyway, how's work? How's everything going there?"
She tilted her head, a bit confused. "What do you mean?"
"I mean your job," Aravind said, his smile lingering. "Your boss, Govinda Bhargav, and his son Mohan… they died two days ago. It was all over the news—TV, internet, everywhere. It made headlines."
Suryakantham's expression changed slightly, her smile fading into a more serious look.
Aravind continued, "From what I've seen in the reports, the deaths hit AB Group hard. I mean, it's one of India's top pharmaceutical, iron, and metal companies. The market value dropped sharply. There's talk about instability in leadership, and I figured… maybe they'd start letting employees go."
He looked at her gently. "That's why I asked. I was worried. Are they treating the staff okay?"
Hearing that, Suryakantham said, "Oh, I understand, Aaru. But actually, it's the opposite."
Aravind raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, instead of the company firing employees, the employees themselves are leaving," she explained. "They're saying that after Mr. Govinda's death, the company is going to go bankrupt soon. So, many of them are resigning on their own. And because of that, the company has already started recruiting new people. So don't worry about me."
Aravind leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Well, that's good to hear… but don't you think it's a little suspicious? I mean, both father and son died on the same day—one in Italy in a car accident, and the other falling from a building?"
Suryakantham nodded slowly. "It does sound suspicious. But the police are investigating it. For now, Mrs. Indrani—Mr. Govinda's wife—is acting as CEO until the board selects a new one. She looked really stressed when I saw her at the office."
She paused for a moment, then looked at Aravind curiously. "What do you think, Aaru? Was it just an accident… or something else?"
Hearing that, Aravind said, "I mean, it's highly possible it was a planned murder. People like Govinda Bhargav always have threats hanging over their heads. It wouldn't be a big surprise if it really was murder."
"I think so too," Suryakantham replied, then smiled and asked, "Anyway, do you want to eat ice cream?"
Aravind raised an eyebrow. "Ice cream? Where are we going to find that at this hour? Or are you planning to order from Zomato?"
Suryakantham stood up, grinning. "I already bought it. It's in the fridge."
Aravind rolled his eyes and said with a smirk, "You're getting way too comfortable in my house."
Suryakantham laughed and walked inside to get the ice cream. Aravind watched her go, shaking his head with a smile.
After a moment, Suryakantham came back, holding an ice cream cone with a smile. She handed it to Aravind and sat back down in her place.
As they began eating, a peaceful silence settled between them. Only the soft crackle of the fire and the whisper of the wind filled the air.
After a while, Suryakantham glanced at Aravind, a hint of nervousness in her eyes.
"Aaru," she said softly.
Aravind looked at her while taking a bite of his ice cream. "What is it?"
She hesitated for a second, then asked, "Aaru… have you ever been in love?"
Aravind raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden question. "What's with that out of nowhere?"
Suryakantham looked down at her ice cream, a little flustered. "Just answer, okay? I mean… I'm not exactly experienced either, but I do have an ex—you already know that. So I was just curious. Did you ever fall in love with someone? I mean, doesn't everyone fall in love at least once in their life?"
Hearing this, Aravind smiled gently, his eyes calm and thoughtful.
"Love, huh," he said softly. "You see, love is a mysterious thing, Suri. Rohit may be your ex, but whether you truly loved him or not… that's a different question altogether."
He looked at her for a moment before continuing, his voice steady and warm.
"Let me tell you something. One day, Rukmini asked Krishna how much he loved her. Krishna replied, 'Not more than you.' Rukmini was surprised and asked, 'Why, Lord?' Krishna smiled and said, 'Because I am your first love, and you are my second.'
Rukmini was even more confused. She asked, 'But what's the difference? Love is love, isn't it?'
Krishna called her close, placed his hand on her shoulder, and said, 'Love is just a feeling, and this feeling can rise again. That is why I love you with one feeling, but you love me with none. First love never compares because it is pure, untouched by the past.'"
Aravind leaned back slightly, his eyes on the flames, then turned to her with a small smile.
"Do you understand what I mean?"
Hearing this, Suryakantham shook her head gently, still trying to understand.
Seeing her confused expression, Aravind smiled and said softly, "It means... you can fall in love many times in life. There are many good reasons and different situations. But when you fall for someone and accept both their good and bad sides, that's when it becomes real love."
He looked at her, his voice sincere.
"In the end, we don't get to choose who we fall in love with. But we can choose who we stay with. Remember, in life you'll get two options—love, and a lover. Always choose love. Because with time, you can fall for someone who truly loves you. But it's very hard to make someone you love, love you back."
There was a quiet pause before Suryakantham looked at him and softly said, "But... what if I find both in one person?"
Hearing this, Aravind smiled and said, "Then you're a lucky girl... to find someone you love, who also loves you back. As for me, life never really gave me the chance to fall in love."
He had already finished his ice cream. Suryakantham took her last bite too and looked at him with curiosity. "How so?" she asked.
Aravind leaned back a little, eyes calm, voice steady. "I've met many people in my life. Not always the ones I wanted, but always the ones I needed. You see, God doesn't give you the people you want, He gives you the people you need. Nothing is random in this world—everything is written by someone."
Suryakantham nodded slowly, then looked at him and asked, "You said if I find both love and a lover in one person, I'm lucky. So… what should I do with that person?"
Aravind gave a soft, knowing smile and said, "It's simple. Never let them go. Because if you lose them… you may never find them again."
Hearing this, Suryakantham looked into Aravind's eyes, as if something deep was stirring inside her—like she was standing at the edge of a decision that could change everything. The soft crackle of the fire was the only sound between them. Then, quietly, she stood up and walked toward him, her steps hesitant, her fingers slightly trembling.
Aravind looked at her with mild confusion as she sat down beside him, closer than before. Her eyes searched his face, full of nerves and something unspoken. "Aaru..." she whispered.
"Yes?" he replied gently, his smile calm and warm.
Suryakantham's breath caught in her throat. Her voice shook as she spoke, "A-Aaru... I... I love you."
Aravind's eyes widened, caught off guard. He was about to respond, but she quickly cut him off, words tumbling out.
"No, don't say anything. I know it's fast... I know we only met a few weeks ago. But I didn't want to hold this back... I didn't want to pretend anymore." Her voice cracked, her cheeks flushed, eyes glossy as if tears were threatening to fall.
But before she could say another word, Aravind leaned forward and kissed her—softly, deeply, like a quiet answer to all the questions in her heart.
Suryakantham was stunned at first—but she didn't pull away. Instead, she melted into the kiss, her eyes closing as Aravind gently cupped her face, his touch tender and grounding. Slowly, tears began to stream down her cheeks, not out of sadness, but from the overwhelming rush of emotions—fear, relief, joy—all blending into something she couldn't put into words.
When they finally pulled apart, she was breathing heavily, her lips trembling, eyes locked onto his. Aravind was still holding her gently, thumbs brushing away the tears from her cheeks. For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then he smiled softly and whispered, "What can I say? Things happen... and I love you too Suri."
In the very next second, Suryakantham moved without thinking. She pushed him back gently, climbing onto his lap, cupping his face in her hands. "I love you," she repeated breathlessly, over and over, as she rained kisses across his cheeks, his forehead, the corner of his lips—her voice trembling with each word.
Aravind couldn't help but laugh softly, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her close as if she was something fragile yet meant to be held tightly. Slowly, as her kisses turned into smiles and her breathing calmed, she looked down into his eyes again.
"I love you," she whispered, as if she still couldn't believe it herself.
Aravind brushed her hair back from her face, his voice low and steady.
"I know," he said with a calm smile.
Their lips met once more, a soft brush that quickly deepened into a passionate kiss under the silvery glow of the moon. This time, there was a fervent urgency, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken emotions that hung heavy in the night air.
Suddenly, the system's voice chimed—[Ding]—but Aravind ignored it completely, choosing instead to kiss Suryakantham passionately, as if nothing else in the world mattered.
Aravind's lips, firm yet tender, enveloped hers, and as the kiss intensified, his tongue tentatively traced the seam of her mouth before gently seeking entry. A soft gasp escaped her as their tongues met, a slow dance of exploration and desire.
The gentle clash of their tongues was a language of its own, a fervent exchange of longing and connection that resonated in the quiet stillness of the night.
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"3RD PERSON POV"
After the kiss, they sat and talked for a while, sharing soft laughs and quiet glances. Eventually, they made their way back inside the house. Suryakantham, still smiling, walked cheerfully toward the guest room.
Meanwhile, in his bedroom, Aravind stepped out of the washroom, his hair damp and his expression thoughtful. He turned off the lights, climbed onto the bed, and pulled the blanket over himself. Lying on his back, he stared at the ceiling, eyes unfocused, thoughts drifting.
'SYS… what were you saying earlier?' he asked in his mind.
A soft digital chime echoed in his ears, and a translucent blue screen appeared in front of him.
[Ding! Hidden Mission Completed: Successfully got your first girlfriend.
Make Suryakantham your girlfriend.]
[Generating rewards... Please wait...]
[Ding! Reward 1: You have received 37% shares in AB Group.]
[Ding! Reward 2: You have received 24% shares in AV Pharmaceuticals.]
[Ding! Reward 3: Skill Unlocked – Master Physician.]
Hearing that, Aravind raised an eyebrow and thought, 'SYS, I didn't even know there was a mission like that.'
The system responded in its usual calm tone, [It was a hidden mission, Host.]
Aravind rolled his eyes mentally. 'Yeah, yeah… Anyway, explain the rewards.'
The screen flickered briefly before the system began listing them one by one.
[As the host already knows, AB Group is the company where Suryakantham works. It was founded by Govinda Bhargav and operates in pharmaceuticals, iron, and metal industries. It's one of India's leading conglomerates. By receiving 37% of its shares, you are now the second-largest shareholder—right after Abhishikth Bhargav, Govinda's son.]
[The second reward is a stake in AV Pharmaceuticals. As the name suggests, it's a pharmaceutical company—one of the top firms in Australia. It was founded by Abhinav Vasudev. With 24% of its shares now in your possession, you've become one of the major shareholders.]
[The final reward is a skill: Master Physician. As the name implies, you now possess advanced knowledge and skill in medicine, healing, diagnosis, and treatment. You can rival—or even surpass—top doctors in the world.]
Aravind stayed silent for a while, his eyes still fixed on the ceiling. Then he sighed and thought, 'Hey, SYS…'
The system responded instantly,
[Yes, Host?]
Aravind frowned slightly. 'Why do I get the feeling there's something fishy about this AV Pharmaceuticals? It sounds like one of those multinational companies from a high-budget flop movie with a ridiculous plot… Are you messing with me on purpose?'
The screen blinked for a second before replying,
[I do not understand what the host means. As you are aware, all rewards are randomly generated.]
Aravind let out a tired sigh. 'Yeah, yeah… I hope so. Anyway, you gave me shares in two big companies. Who's going to handle all that? I'll be honest—I'm way too lazy to manage this kind of stuff. I'm not short on money either.'
[Don't worry, Host,] the system responded,
[I've already found the perfect person for the job. His name is Bala Subramanyam. He's from the same movie as Suryakantham. A poor but talented man, though often underestimated as dim-witted. In fact, Abhishikth Bhargav use his identity to enter the company illegally. But Bala has great potential and deep understanding of the business. You can trust him.]
Aravind raised an eyebrow. 'Hmm… I hope you're right.'
Suddenly, Aravind heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching. He turned his head toward the door just as it slowly creaked open. Suryakantham stepped inside, her voice gentle, "Aaru, are you awake?"
She was wearing one of Aravind's clothes —the same one she had taken on the day they first met and never returned. The sight made him smile.
"Yeah, I'm awake. What is it, Suri?" he asked, his tone warm and calm.
Without answering, Suryakantham closed the door behind her and quietly walked over to his bed. As she reached the edge, she suddenly lifted the blanket and slipped under it without hesitation. Lying down beside him, she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest.
"Can I sleep here?" she whispered, not daring to look at him.
Aravind chuckled softly and said, "But you're already sleeping here."
She lifted her gaze slowly, her eyes searching his face without saying anything. Aravind smiled gently, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face before pulling her closer. His arms wrapped around her securely, one hand resting on her waist as they lay in silence for a while, sharing warmth in the quiet of the room.
After a few peaceful moments, Aravind spoke softly, "Suri…"
She looked up again, her eyes meeting his.
"Do you want to live with me?" he asked with a calm smile.
Without a second of hesitation, Suryakantham nodded.
Seeing her response, Aravind leaned in and kissed her forehead tenderly. Still holding her close, he rested his chin gently on her head. With a soft smile on his face, he closed his eyes.