Fate's Little Interventions

The fluorescent lights of the 24-hour mart flickered slightly as Tanmay entered, running a tired hand through his already disheveled hair. It had been a long day at work, and at this hour, he didn't have the energy to cook.Grabbing a shopping basket, he walked straight toward the instant noodle section.

Noodles again, he thought with a sigh. Not that he minded. It was a quick fix—just five minutes and done. He reached out to grab a few packs when a familiar voice caught his attention."

You're having noodles for dinner again?"

Startled, Tanmay turned around to see Aditi standing a few feet away, holding a shopping basket filled with vegetables and household supplies. She was dressed casually in pants and a comfortable oversized t-shirt, her hair pulled up into a messy bun.

His lips curved into a slow smirk. "You make it sound like a crime."

Aditi rolled her eyes. "It's almost midnight, Tanmay. Don't tell me you didn't have anything all day."

He shrugged. "Had something in the evening, but yeah, pretty much starving now."

She sighed, shifting the weight of her basket. "What about you? What are you doing here this late?"

"Just picking up a few things. Stocking up, you know."

Aditi raised an eyebrow. "And yet, your basket only has instant noodles."

"Priorities," he grinned.

She shook her head in amusement, then glanced at the shelves. "Well, if you're really that hungry, why don't you come over? I cooked, but I haven't eaten yet. We can share."

Tanmay blinked. He wasn't expecting that."Are you sure?" he asked, hesitating.

Aditi nodded. "Of course. I made enough for two anyway. And honestly, I'd rather not eat alone."

Something in her voice, a quiet sincerity, made warmth bloom in his chest. He had never been one to intrude on people's space, but this... this was Aditi.

"Alright," he said, smiling. "I'll just get freshened up and come over.""

Good." Aditi smiled back, then looked at the items in her basket. "You might as well help me carry these."

Tanmay chuckled, taking half the bags from her as they made their way back to their apartment building.

The night air was crisp as they walked side by side, the only sound being their footsteps and the occasional hum of the city in the distance.

Tanmay glanced at Aditi, who was walking a little ahead, her arms wrapped around the bags she carried. He thought about how easy this felt—walking home with her, carrying groceries, sharing late-night meals. Something as simple as this felt special when it was with her. If only things could always be this way.

"Hey," Aditi broke the silence, nudging him with her elbow. "Lost in thoughts?

"Tanmay smirked. "Just thinking how lucky I am that you saved me from another noodle dinner."

Aditi laughed. "You should be thanking me. Your stomach deserves real food sometimes."

"I am grateful," he admitted. "Really."

Aditi smiled at him, and for a moment, the night felt warmer than before.

Tanmay freshened up quickly in his apartment before heading to Aditi's. He knocked lightly, and she opened the door, motioning him inside.

The apartment was neat, a mix of cozy and minimalistic. The dining table was already set with two plates, and the aroma of home-cooked food filled the air.

"Looks amazing," he said, walking in.

"Wait till you taste it," Aditi grinned, but just as they were about to sit down—The lights flickered once. Twice. Then, darkness.

Aditi groaned. "Oh, great."

Tanmay sighed. "Yeah, the guard mentioned earlier that the generator's down. Power's been fluctuating a lot these days."

Aditi fumbled her way toward a cupboard, opening drawers. "I have candles somewhere here."

After a few moments of shuffling, she found a small box. As she took out the candles and lit them one by one, a soft glow filled the room.They weren't just any candles. They were scented ones, filling the space with a gentle, soothing fragrance.

She turned to him sheepishly. "I hope you don't mind the smell. These are all I have at home."T

anmay leaned against the kitchen counter, watching her. "I don't mind. Actually, it's nice."

Aditi set the last candle on the table, stepping back to admire her work."Well," she said, turning to him, "it looks like you're getting a candlelight dinner instead of just a normal one."

Tanmay let out a softchuckle. "Not bad. A bit fancy for a late-night meal, but I'm not complaining."

Aditi rolled her eyes playfully. "Come on, sit."

They settled down across from each other, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow between them.

As they started eating, Tanmay couldn't help but glance at her every now and then. There was something surreal about this moment. They had never done this before—sat down together, just the two of them, sharing a quiet meal. And yet, it didn't feel strange. It felt... natural. Like this was how it was always meant to be.

Aditi took a bite of her food, then glanced at him. "How is it?"

Tanmay hummed in appreciation. "It's really good. Way better than instant noodles."

She smiled. "Good to know."

For a while, they ate in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the clinking of cutlery and the occasional rustle of wind outside.Then, Tanmay spoke."You've changed."

Aditi looked up. "Huh?"

"You've changed since college," he said, watching her carefully. "I noticed it during the alumni meet. And again now."A

diti tilted her head. "In a good way or a bad way?"

Tanmay took a moment before answering."In a... different way."A

diti pursed her lips, setting down her spoon. "Well, people do change, Tanmay.""

I know." His gaze softened. "But some things don't."

She met his eyes, and something unspoken passed between them. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across his face, making the moment feel even more intimate. Aditi felt her heart hammering in her chest. She wanted to ask—What do you mean? What hasn't changed?

But she was scared of the answer. So instead, she smiled lightly and changed the subject. "You should probably buy a few candles too, in case this keeps happening."

Tanmay smirked. "I will. Maybe I'll get the scented ones too."

Aditi chuckled. "You're adapting fast."

"Only when necessary."

The conversation drifted to lighter topics after that—work, neighbors, funny things that happened at the office. But even as they talked, the undercurrent of emotions remained. Unspoken. Lingering.

By the time they finished dinner, the power was still out. Tanmay leaned back in his chair, exhaling. "Well, that was a nice dinner. Unexpectedly fancy, but nice."

Aditi smiled. "Glad you enjoyed it."

He glanced at his watch. "I should probably head back. It's late."

She nodded. "Yeah, you should rest."

Tanmay stood up, but before he could leave, he turned to her."Thanks, Aditi. For tonight."

She met his gaze. "Anytime, Tanmay."

For a second, he hesitated, as if he wanted to say something more.But then he simply nodded and walked toward the door.

Aditi watched as he disappeared into the darkness of the hallway. And as she blew out the last candle, she couldn't help but think—Maybe, just maybe, some stories weren't meant to be left unfinished.

Maybe they were just waiting for the right time to continue.