93

Divyanshi strolled slowly along the lakeside, feeling a bit early for her lunch with Vihaan and Drishti. If she had stayed in her apartment for a moment longer, she would have succumbed to the anxiety that had led her to change her outfit four times already. She had tried to think about what a twelve-year-old would like to see her mother wearing – smart and classy, soft and feminine, casual and approachable, bright and boldly chic – there were so many looks one might present. Finally, after much contemplation, she settled on vanity.

She was wearing a lemon-yellow short-sleeved top and a long emerald green skirt that matched her eyes. And however foolish it might sound, she wanted Vihaan to take a long second look at her. If only he could see her with the same eyes as he did during their first meeting, on their thirteenth anniversary today, maybe the magical connection could happen again.

As she neared the deck, she spotted Vihaan leaning against the railing, his profile in view, with