For the first time in weeks—
They were somewhere that wasn't the office.
No meetings.
No files.
No pretending.
Just them.
Arman had texted her only one line:
"Be ready by 8."
No explanation.
No details.
Very him.
When Anika got into his car, she looked at him suspiciously.
"Where are we going?"
"You ask too many questions."
"And you answer too few."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"You'll see."
After a long drive—
He stopped near a quiet lakeside café outside the city.
Soft lights. Music in the distance. Peaceful air.
Anika looked around in surprise.
"You brought me here?"
Arman got out casually.
"You hate crowded places."
Her heart softened.
He remembered that.
They sat by the water, the night breeze cool around them.
For once—
There was no tension.
Just laughter.
Conversation.
Comfort.
At one point Anika smiled and asked,
"So tell me honestly…"
"What?"
"When did you start liking me?"
Arman leaned back.
"I don't know."
"Liar."
He smirked.
"Probably when you first argued with me."
She blinked.
"What?"
"You challenged me."
"That made you like me?"
"It annoyed me first."
She laughed loudly.
"Wow, so romantic."
He smiled faintly.
"But then I couldn't stop thinking about you."
That shut her up instantly.
Her cheeks warmed.
"You say dangerous things very casually."
"You ask dangerous questions."
Later—
They walked near the lake slowly.
Hands brushing at first.
Then—
His fingers intertwined with hers naturally.
Like it belonged there.
Anika looked down at their hands and smiled softly.
"You know…"
"What?"
"I used to think you were the most arrogant person alive."
He glanced at her.
"Used to?"
She laughed.
"Okay, still are."
He pulled her lightly closer.
"And yet?"
She looked up at him.
"And yet I like you anyway."
He stopped walking.
Turned toward her fully.
His gaze softer than ever.
"You deserve better than hidden moments, Anika."
Her smile faded slightly.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean one day…"
He held her hand tighter.
"…I want to do this properly."
Her heart skipped.
"Properly?"
"No hiding. No fear. No distance."
Silence.
Then softly—
"I want a future with you."
She stared at him.
Speechless.
Because Arman Khurana—
The man who once couldn't even admit his feelings—
Was now talking about forever.
Her eyes watered slightly.
And she whispered—
"I want that too."
He pulled her into his arms.
Holding her close beneath the stars.
And in that moment—
It wasn't just attraction anymore.
It wasn't just love growing.
It was becoming something deeper.
Something lasting.