chemistry between fate

The weather today was simply perfect — a gentle breeze, the sun casting a warm, golden glow through her window. Despite the uneventful morning, Yadnya felt a strange peace sitting by her window, sipping her coffee like she did every day.At just sixteen, life hadn’t been easy for her. A high schooler who often found herself the target of bullying, she carried her solitude quietly. Her family was a mix of warmth and chaos — a younger adopted sister, a protective brother, and her parents, whose booming business kept them busy most of the time. Yadnya used to sit by her window every morning, sipping her coffee, quietly watching the world outside. Right across, a poor lady lived in a small, crumbling house. Yadnya wanted to help her, but her family’s strict rules never allowed her to step out without permission. They even looked down on the lady, calling her “dirty,” and her pocket money was barely enough to do anything on her own.Sometimes, Yadnya found small ways to help from her window — secretly giving food or clothes. One day, she noticed a boy in a school uniform helping the lady. Something about him made her heart skip a beat — it was love at first sight. She started watching him every day from her window, silently wishing she could talk to him. But every attempt failed, and over time, the lady had to move away. Along with her, the boy disappeared from Yadnya’s view too.Years passed. Yadnya was now 22, a gorgeous and confident young woman in college. Many boys had crushes on her, but she rejected them all. Her best friend Naina was stunning and charming, while Rohan — a handsome, talented basketball player — secretly had feelings for Yadnya but never confessed, fearing it might ruin their friendship. The trio was famous in college, yet down-to-earth, kind, and loved by everyone around them.Yadnya, known as the “fairy” of her college, was envied by many girls. Handsome boys always seemed to follow her, and her best friend, Rohan — the college prince also very close to her Today was Rohan’s birthday. Yadnya and Naina had planned a little surprise for him. Yadnya had baked the cake, while Naina handled the decorations.With a playful smile, Yadnya covered Rohan’s eyes with her hands and led him into the room.“What’s this?!” Rohan laughed. “I’m not a kid... why are you two treating me like this?“”Shut up, or I’ll kill you,” Naina whispered with a mischievous grin.Rohan shook his head, laughing. “Yadnya, look at her! Today’s my birthday and you both are acting like kids!“”Ha, ha! You’ll stay a kid forever,” Yadnya teased, trying to hide her smile.Finally, they reached the gate, and Yadnya removed her hands. “Surprise!” both girls shouted together.Rohan looked around at the decorations, then the cake, his eyes lighting up with joy. “Wow! Thank you so much, you guys!“The three of them celebrated, laughed, and enjoyed the little party. By the evening, everyone went back to their own homes, still smiling from the fun.The next morning, Yadnya’s mother, Joyti, called her. “Don’t go to college today... someone is coming.“Yadnya picked up her phone and called Rohan and Naina.“I’m not coming to college today,” she said softly.Both of them replied with a simple, “Okay, take care,” and ended the call.She walked up to her mother, Jyoti.“Mummy... who’s coming today? And why did you make me skip college? Today was an important lesson.“Jyoti placed her hand gently on Yadnya’s head.“Let today’s college lesson go, beta. Today, life is going to teach you a bigger one.“”Mummy, please say it clearly,” Yadnya frowned.Jyoti sighed softly.“Rishtedaar... the proposal people... they’re coming today.“Yadnya froze. Shock spread across her face.“M-Mummy, what? I’m too young for marriage... this can’t be happening.“Jyoti held her hands tightly.“You know, beta... your father’s business is running in loss. If this marriage doesn’t happen, we might go bankrupt.” Yadnya took her mother to her room and closed the door behind them.“Mummy... start from the beginning,” Yadnya said softly.Jyoti nodded. “A few days ago, your father was negotiating with an investor, but no one agreed. Then Arun Mehra, chairman of Mehra Group, said he was ready — with one condition. He wanted the marriage of his daughter to your brother, Raj Mehra.“Her father had taken a few days to decide and finally agreed. “You just meet their daughter first,” he said. “Then everything will be finalized.“Yadnya took a deep breath. I loved someone once... but he could never be mine. And now, if I agree to this marriage, I can make my father happy... maybe even save our family business.She got ready, determined. The guests arrived, but Raj was absent. Her father asked, and they said he had an urgent call. Arun Mehra reassured everyone, “The boy and girl will see each other later.“Everyone liked Yadnya instantly.Meanwhile, her future brother-in-law, Rahul, noticed her quietly. Rahul, twenty-three, had never been in a real relationship, but he was already impressed by Yadnya. As everyone left, he leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Sister-in-law... you’re amazing. And just so you know, Raj has never had a real relationship or a female friend before. You’re the first one he’ll truly care about.“Yadnya stayed calm, her heart steady. Rahul noticed and smiled slightly.“Are you happy, sister-in-law?” he asked.“Yes, bhai... I’m happy,” Yadnya said softly. “This will help our family, make Papa happy... so why would I be sad?“Rahul nodded, satisfied. “Alright... I understand.“A few days later, Yadnya’s meeting with Raj Mehra was fixed.She was extremely nervous.She hadn’t told Naina or Rohan anything yet.Later, when Naina called, Yadnya finally told her:“Naina... a marriage proposal came for me.And... my marriage has been fixed.“Naina was shocked.“What?! Are you crazy? You’re so young! How can you say yes?“Yadnya quietly nodded.Seeing her pain, Naina said softly,“Yadnya... I really respect you. You’re sacrificing your happiness for your family.“”Please don’t tell anyone,” Yadnya whispered.“And I’m not coming to college tomorrow.“Naina agreed.“Okay. If you need anything, tell me.“Later both girls went to watch Rohan’s match.They cheered for him, and he won.Next Day — Café MeetingYadnya reached the café nervous and confused.But Raj didn’t come.Instead, his friend Rudra Sharma arrived.Rudra talked to her kindly and respectfully.He listened to her, made her feel comfortable,and without realising... he started liking her a little.While leaving, he finally told her:“I’m not Raj.Raj wanted to test you, so he sent me.He thinks I can understand people well.“Yadnya felt hurt and angry.Raj wasn’t present in the family meeting...and now today also he didn’t come.“Okay, Rudra. Bye,” she said and walked away.Rudra & Raj — Same NightRudra met Raj and said,“She’s really good. Better than you expected.“Raj joked,“If you like her so much, why don’t you marry her?“Rudra rolled his eyes,“Stop it. When will you meet her?“”Tomorrow,” Raj said.Rudra gave him Yadnya’s number.Raj’s First TextThat night, Raj sent her a message:Raj:Hello... I’m Raj.Yadnya replied:Yadnya:Are you really Raj Mehra?Or another friend pretending to be him?Raj read the message...and realised he had hurt her.He felt sad, thinking:Maybe she’s upset. Maybe she doesn’t trust me now...Raj finally texted her:Raj:I’m really sorry, Yadnya. I promise... I am the real Raj.To prove it, he quickly clicked a picture of himself and sent it.Yadnya stared at the photo and whispered,“Is this guy crazy?Who sends a selfie in a Doraemon night suit??And he wears THIS at night?“She typed:Yadnya:Nice Doraemon night suit, Mr. Raj.Raj froze.He hadn’t even noticed what he was wearing.Embarrassment hit him so hard that he immediately deleted the photo...But Yadnya had already saved it.“This will help me blackmail him someday,“she smirked.Meanwhile Raj was hitting his pillow,“Oh God!First impression ruined!What will she think of me now?!“He quickly texted:Raj:Can we... meet tomorrow? Same café?Yadnya replied:Yadnya:I’ve already skipped too much college.Raj panicked.Raj:It’s okay! We can meet after your classes. Anytime you say!Yadnya rolled her eyes with a smile.“Someone is in a hurry to meet me...“She typed:Yadnya:Okay okay. Bye.Raj was about to text something else,but her “bye” came first.He stared at his screen and sighed.“Great... I bored her.I’ve never talked to a girl before.How do I even make her happy?“Raj literally opened Google:“How to make a girl smile?“Meanwhile Yadnya was lying on her bed hugging her pillow.“My future husband is not only handsome...he’s cute too.Maybe love will come later.Maybe... he’s the right guy.“Next morning, Yadnya was walking to college with Naina.She finally confessed,“Naina... today I’m meeting Raj after class.“Naina rolled her eyes dramatically.“Oh wow... now HE decides to meet?What does he think?He’ll waste your time again and you’ll just sit there looking cute and waiting?“Yadnya sighed,“Please, Naina... don’t start.“But Naina wasn’t done.“No seriously, girl.If he sends one more friend instead of coming himself,I will go and throw my shoe at him.“Yadnya burst out laughing.“Naina! Stop... you’re insane.“”I’m insane? YOU are going to meet a guywho shows up in a Doraemon night suit!“Naina said, hands on her hips.Yadnya hid her smile,“Don’t remind me... he probably died of embarrassment.“Naina smirked,“Good. He SHOULD.At least he’ll take you seriously now.“Naina and Yadnya were talking about something, and Rohan heard a little bit of it. He heard Naina saying something about killing someone. Rohan got confused and wondered which boy Naina was talking about and who was wasting Yadnya’s time.Later, Yadnya messaged Raj:“I will come wearing a pink bow and a pink long frock.“Raj replied “ok” and left in his car towards the café.Yadnya’s classes ended, and she also started going home. Rohan came to her and said,“Let’s go home together.“Yadnya replied,“I have some work today. You go alone.“Just then, Naina arrived. Before Rohan could say anything more to Yadnya, Naina said,“Come home with me,“and she took Rohan with her.Raj was waiting outside the café gate. He had never seen Yadnya’s picture, but when she arrived, he recognized her by her pink outfit.Yadnya had also seen Raj’s picture last night, so she recognized him too.She walked up to him and said,“Hello.“But Raj was so lost in her beauty that he just stared at her and forgot to reply.Yadnya thought,“Can’t he speak? But he does look handsome.“She waved her hand and said again,“Hello, are you okay?“Raj came back to his senses and said,“Hello.“They both went inside the café.Raj gently pulled a chair back for her.Yadnya thought,“He must have gone on many dates... and he told me he never talks to girls.“Raj sat in front of her and gave her the menu,“Order whatever you like.“Yadnya liked the way he respected her.She ordered her food and gave the menu back to Raj.Raj ordered too.Then there was an awkward silence between them.Both of them felt nervous.Raj thought, “Did last night’s Google research not work? I did everything the internet said, but nothing is helping.“Before he could think more, Yadnya started the conversation.She asked,“So... what work do you do? You’re always so busy.“Raj replied calmly,“I’m the president of Gupta Group.“Yadnya raised her eyebrows,“Oh... nice.“Then Raj asked,“And you?“She smiled softly,“I’m in the 3rd year of college.“There was a small pause.Raj suddenly remembered something and said,“Actually... one thing was wrong. Before the family meeting, I had already sent my photo to your house in a parcel. But you never sent me your picture.“Yadnya looked confused for a moment and said,“I never got your picture. My parents gave me your photo only yesterday. And I had given my photo to my mom... maybe she forgot to send it. Sorry.“Raj immediately shook his head,“No, no, don’t say sorry. It’s not your fault at all.“He felt bad for making her feel guilty.To change the topic, Raj took out a small bag and slid it towards her.“This is my sorry gift... for wasting your time yesterday.“Yadnya smiled shyly.She also pulled out a small gift she had brought for him.“This is for you... it’s a tie. You wear ties at work, right?“Raj’s eyes softened.Both felt a warm blush rising on their cheeks.Just then, their food arrived.Raj had also ordered a cake.The waiter struggled a little while bringing it, so Raj stood up to help.He held the cake tray—but right then, his foot slipped.The entire cake tilted...and was about to fall on Yadnya.But Raj quickly moved, stretched his arms around her, and turned the tray toward himself.SPLAT.The whole cake smashed onto Raj’s face.For a moment, the entire café fell silent.Raj stood there with cake dripping down his face.Yadnya covered her mouth to hide her laugh... but failed.Yadnya kept laughing as Raj wiped the cake off his face, completely embarrassed but trying to act normal.“Why are you laughing so much?” Raj asked, his voice half-annoyed, half-shy.Yadnya tried to stop smiling but failed. “Because... you look like a cute chocolate panda.“Raj covered his face with his hands. Great, he thought. Her future husband’s dignity is officially finished.To hide his embarrassment, he said, “Okay, okay... don’t laugh. Let’s just eat.“They both sat again, and slowly the awkwardness disappeared. They talked about college, work, music, little jokes—nothing special, but it felt warm. Comfortable. Easy.For the first time, Yadnya felt... safe.Raj, on the other hand, kept stealing small glances at her, thinking, How can someone be this simple and still this beautiful?When the date ended, Raj walked her outside.“Text me when you reach home,” he said softly.Yadnya nodded and smiled, “Okay.“As she walked away, Raj stood there for a moment, staring at the pink bow on her hair... and smiling unknowingly.Both of them went home thinking the same thing—Maybe this arranged marriage won’t be so bad.Maybe... it could even turn into something real

[PART-2 COMING SOON....]

by Harshika