The car stood by the park. Two people inside. Night had fallen outside. The city lights sparkled all around. But inside the car, there was darkness.
Anvesha's words still hung in the air—"I saw you dying."
For the first time, Ayaan lost his control. Terror in his eyes. But he composed himself immediately. Became ice again.
"Tell me everything you saw," Ayaan's voice was dry.
Anvesha wiped her tears with trembling hands. Then began to speak—
"You were standing on a road. Night. Raining. Tears in your eyes. A girl in front of you. I couldn't recognize her. She slapped you. You fell. Then Arnab came. Gun in hand. He fired... at you."
Ayaan listened. No expression on his face. But his hands had tightened on the steering wheel.
"Arnab?" Ayaan's voice seemed to change, "Are you sure?"
Anvesha nodded. "Yes. I saw him. Clearly."
Ayaan started the car engine. The car sped off with a roar. Anvesha didn't dare say anything.
---
Back home, Ayaan went straight to his room. Door closed. Anvesha stood in the corridor. Unsure what to do.
After a while, Ayaan opened the door. The ice was still in his eyes. But now, a hint of determination mixed in.
"I need to know something," Ayaan said, "This seeing of yours—how true is it? How many times has it happened? And since when do you see?"
Anvesha remained silent for a moment. Then said, "Since childhood. At first, I thought everyone saw. Later I understood I was different. How true? I don't know. Sometimes it has come true, sometimes not. But whatever I see, I fear it."
"How sure are you about what you saw today?"
"About Arnab, hundred percent. I saw tears in your eyes. And the gunshot. But... I couldn't recognize the girl. Who is she?"
Ayaan stared out the window. Silent for a long time. Then said—
"Arnab is my cousin. We grew up together since childhood. After father's death, he helped manage the business. But..."
Anvesha listened silently.
"But I've seen greed in his eyes. For a long time. He wants a share of the business. Wants everything. I never said anything, out of respect for his father. But if your vision is true, then..."
Ayaan turned around. Fire in his eyes.
"I don't want to die. At least not now. The business is incomplete. There are responsibilities. And..."
Ayaan stopped. Didn't say the next words.
Anvesha understood. And... his promise? Divorce after one year? Or something else?
---
That very night, Ayaan came to Anvesha's room. Carrying an old box.
"What's this?" Anvesha asked.
Ayaan opened the box. Inside was a silver chain. A small locket. And a letter.
"This was my mother's. She gave it before she died. Said—when you truly love someone, give it to them."
Anvesha looked on in surprise.
"I don't know if your vision of the future will come true," Ayaan said, "But if it does, and I die, then keep this chain with you. My mother's memory."
Anvesha took the chain in her hands. Her eyes welled up.
"Will I really love you one day?" Anvesha blurted out the question, "In another future I saw... I fell in love with you. You with me. Will that come true?"
Ayaan remained silent. After a long time, he said, "I don't believe in fate. But seeing you, it feels like—fate can change too."
Anvesha looked up. In Ayaan's eyes, for the first time, a hint of ice melting.
"Then shall we change fate together?" Anvesha asked.
Ayaan smiled slightly. A genuine smile for the first time.
"Let's try."