Ria had everything she could want—beauty, wealth, and success. But despite all of it, there was one thing she was missing: love. She had always been cautious about relationships. Her parents' marriage had left her disillusioned with the concept of lasting love. Despite their early passion, their marriage had become a series of misunderstandings, broken promises, and quiet resentment. She often wondered if anyone could truly have a love that lasted, a love that stood the test of time.
But everything changed the moment she met Arun.
Their first meeting was completely unexpected. Ria had been at a mutual friend's birthday party when she first laid eyes on him. He wasn't the type of man she usually noticed—he didn't have that polished, rich look that Ria had become accustomed to, being surrounded by successful professionals. He was simple, yet there was something about him—something raw and magnetic—that drew her in. Their first conversation was casual, filled with laughter and light teasing, but something about his deep brown eyes made Ria feel as though he could see right through her. He didn't ask her about her wealth, her career, or her family. Instead, he seemed genuinely interested in who she was, in the things that made her happy. She couldn't help but feel at ease in his company.
The chemistry between them was undeniable, and over the next few weeks, they saw more of each other. Arun's charm, wit, and kindness had Ria hooked. As they spent more time together, Ria began to open up, sharing her fears about relationships, her hesitation to fall in love, and the unresolved pain of her parents' failed marriage. Arun listened attentively, never judging, never rushing her. He just let her speak, offering reassurance when she needed it and a calming presence when her insecurities took over.
Everything felt perfect—until doubts began to creep in.
Ria's friends had noticed how much time she was spending with Arun, and while they were happy for her, they also had concerns. Priya, Ria's best friend since childhood, was particularly vocal. "I just don't know about him, Ria," Priya would say, eyeing Arun suspiciously when he wasn't around. "He's too perfect. No one is that perfect."
Ria would laugh off Priya's concerns, brushing them aside. But deep down, something started to shift in her. Was Arun too good to be true? She had never been the type to blindly trust anyone, and the sudden wave of caution she felt was both confusing and frustrating. Was she being paranoid, or was there something about Arun that she wasn't seeing?