Kabir pov
I checked my watch, feeling restless. Aashvi was running late.
Sarah and I exchanged worried glances.
"Try calling her," I suggested.
Sarah nodded and dialed Aashvi's number. It rang several times before going to voicemail.
"No answer," Sarah said, frowning.
Vihaan, who was sitting nearby, offered to try.
"Let me try," Vihaan said, taking aashvi no from Sarah's phone.
Vihaan dialed Aashvi's number, but it went to voicemail again.
"I'll try again," Sarah said, taking her phone back.
I started to feel anxious.
"Try again," I urged.
Sarah dialed Aashvi's number once more, but she didn't pick up.
Just as we were starting to get worried, Sarah's phone rang.
"Aashvi's calling," Sarah announced, relief washing over her face.
But before Sarah could pick up, I quickly grabbed the phone.
"Aashvi! Where were you? We've been trying to reach you," I said, concern evident in my tone.
"Hey, I'm sorry... I didn't see your calls," Aashvi replied, sounding apologetic.
"Why not? We tried multiple times," I asked, still worried.
"My phone was on silent, and I was still in the taxi. I just saw the missed calls now," Aashvi explained.
I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and concern.
"Okay... glad you're okay. You're running late, what happened?" I asked.
"Taxi tire got punctured. The driver is fixing it, but I'm already running too late. I'm walking the rest of the way," Aashvi said.
"Don't worry, we're still here," I reassured her.
"How far are you?" I asked.
"I'm about 15-20 minutes away, near the old bookstore," Aashvi replied.
As soon as Aashvi mentioned the time, Sarah gestured for her phone.
I handed Sarah her phone.
"Tell her to wait wherever she is," I instructed Sarah. "I'll go get her."
Sarah relayed the message.
"Aashvi, Kabir says to wait where you are. He's coming to get you."
"Okay," Aashvi responded.
I turned to Sarah.
"Give me Aashvi's number," I asked.
Sarah handed me her phone with Aashvi's number displayed.
I saved the number on my phone and handed it back.
"I'll call her when I reach the bookstore," I said.
I stood up, ready to leave.
I arrived near the old bookstore, scanning the crowded street for Aashvi.
My eyes locked onto her, and my heart skipped a beat.
Aashvi.
Her face was turned away, oblivious to my presence.
I approached her quietly, my footsteps masked by the city noise.
As I reached her side, I bent down, my lips inches from her ear.
