Destiny's Game of Love

The city of New York was breathtaking. As the sun rose, the stars faded, and the air was filled with the fresh promise of countless stories. Though Aditya was excited about his upcoming guest appearance at the school, he was preoccupied with making numerous phone calls to New York government officials for reasons unknown.Friendship is often the purest form of love because it's not bound by expectations. Pratyush, though not overtly expressive, cared deeply for Aditya's happiness. Determined to find closure for Aditya's unfinished story, he had been visiting various dance academies in New York, hoping to find someone special. Unfortunately, his search had proven fruitless—perhaps because she wasn't here.The next morning, St. Jarvin School erupted with cheers as Aditya arrived. Instead of taking the stage, he chose to sit among the students, interacting with them. He played games with the younger students and answered questions from the older ones in the library. The Q&A session went as follows:Student 1: "Sir, why did you choose the title 'The Moonlight Smile That Stole My Heart'?"Aditya: (smiling) "Because when she smiled under the moonlight, it brought me a profound sense of peace. If I were to phrase it romantically, I'd say her smile stole my heart every time."Student 2: "It seems like you got emotional there."Aditya: (chuckling) "Maybe I did."Student 3: "Was it love at first sight?"Aditya: "There's no such thing in this world. True love requires knowing someone's nature deeply. I loved her because she was kind, and genuine, and made me understand the true essence of living."Student 4: "You said you 'love her.' Do you still love her after all this time?"Aditya: (smiling sadly) "Yes."Student 5: "Can we assume your love story is incomplete?"Aditya: "Every story is complete in its own way. Life isn't a movie with a guaranteed happy ending. Not all love stories end the way we hope."Student 6: "Why didn't you propose to her?"Aditya: "Fear and a lack of courage. Fear of losing a friend."Student 7: "Do you feel lonely now?"Aditya: "Not practically, but yes, there's a certain emptiness inside."Student 8: "How would you describe love?"Aditya: "It's an indescribable feeling. When you prioritize someone else over yourself, do things you wouldn't normally do for them, laugh and argue over trivial matters. If you truly love someone, gather the courage to confess your feelings and set aside your ego. Maybe destiny has something in store for you."Student 9: "Why did you write a book about this?"Aditya: "To keep our memories alive forever. Before I leave, how many of you have started preparing for your exams?"Student 10: "What's the point, sir? We won't be able to take exams at this school."Aditya: "That's why I have a gift for you. You will be able to take your exams here, and no one will take your school away from you. This land belongs to the students of St. Jarvin School forever."The school's campus erupted with joy and celebration. Aditya's book had made a significant impact globally, and he was set to return to India the following day.Later that evening, after a drive with a disheartened Pratyush, who had failed to find Ahana, Aditya took a walk in the park to clear his mind. There, he met Drishti Singh, an Indian girl who was reading his book. Initially unaware of his identity, she discovered who he was and was thrilled to meet him.Aditya: "May I see your book for a moment?"Drishti: "Sure. Have you read it? If not, you should; it's so touching and peaceful."Aditya: (laughing) "I have read it."Drishti: "Why are you laughing? Your accent suggests you're Indian."Aditya: "Yes, I am from India."Drishti: "Have you recently moved here?"Aditya: "No, I'm here for work. I'm a writer by profession."Drishti: "I see. May I ask your name?"Aditya: "Aditya Sharma. And yours?"Drishti: "Drishti Singh."Aditya: "Well, goodbye. Enjoy your book."As Drishti resumed reading, something clicked, and she turned to Aditya.Drishti: "Excuse me. Can you tell me which book you've written?"Aditya: (smiling) "The one you're holding."Drishti: (shocked) "Oh my goodness! You're the writer Aditya Sharma? I can't believe my luck."Aditya: (laughing) "Calm down; I'm Aditya Sharma, not Elon Musk."Drishti: "Who wants to meet Elon Musk when you're standing here?"They talked for an hour, with Aditya sharing his story in person. Drishti was particularly interested when Aditya spoke about Ahana and how he fell in love with her.Drishti: "You remind me of someone I know personally when you talk about Ahana."Aditya: "Who?"Drishti: "You might laugh, so I'd rather not say."They parted ways after their conversation. Drishti, living with a non-bookish friend, was deep in thought. She woke her friend, Ahana, seeking clarification.Drishti: "Ahana, wake up. I have some confusion."Ahana: (sleepily) "What?"Drishti: "Sit up. It's important."Ahana: "Okay, what's the matter?"Drishti: "You mentioned you fell in love with a boy from India. What was his full name?"Ahana: "Adi. Why?"Drishti: "His full name?"Ahana: "Aditya Sharma."Drishti: "Oh my goodness, this is a twist of destiny."Ahana: "What are you talking about? Aditya Sharma is a common name in India."Drishti: "What if I can prove it?"Ahana: "How?"Drishti: "Turn to any page and read for a bit. If the story doesn't resonate with you, then just forget it."Ahana: "How can I understand the story if I don't start from the beginning?"Drishti: "You'll understand because my instincts tell me this is your story. Just go ahead and prove me right."Ahana: "Fine."Ahana began reading from page 27. Within minutes, tears filled her eyes. Despite trying to hold back, she eventually broke down, crying in Drishti's embrace.Drishti: "I knew it. My instincts were spot on."Ahana: "I can't believe he wrote a book about our story. I never imagined he still had feelings for me. But now, our paths have diverged, and I can't express my feelings to him."Drishti: "Get ready and come with me."Ahana: "Where to, and why?"Drishti: "To complete this story. I have a chance to make things right, so I'm going to do everything I can to bring it to a fitting conclusion. The final chapter will be written by me. Come on, let's go."Drishti took Ahana to the hotel near the park where she had met Aditya. They learned that Aditya and Pratyush had already checked out. Outside, Drishti spotted Aditya's car. They hurried to the airport, relieved to find that their flight was delayed by 15 minutes. They searched the airport for Aditya, but their efforts seemed in vain until fate played its hand.As Aditya bent to pick up a pen he had dropped, Ahana turned and saw him. Their eyes met, and Aditya called out, "Ahana!" The reunion was emotional and intense. Drishti and Pratyush watched with anticipation as Ahana ran to Aditya. They embraced and kissed, bringing the book "The Moonlight Smile That Stole My Heart" to its perfect conclusion.22 Years Later19th July 2042It's the occasion of Shantanu's 17th birthday. He cuts the cake and first feeds his loving father Aditya and then Ahana. Ahana gives him a watch as a gift. Shantanu takes it cheerfully and hugs Ahana. He then asks Aditya, "Dad you promised me that you would give me your most precious thing which I have been eagerly waiting to see". Aditya takes out a pen from his pocket and pins it in Shantanu's shirt pocket. Shantanu was filled with joy on receiving the pen that narrated his parent's love story.The End