As days melted into weeks, Aara's world grew quietly more intricate. Though she had spent the last three years carving out a space for herself here, something had shifted recently. At twenty-one, she had stumbled into a strange new ability, one she hadn't asked for, yet couldn't ignore. Her visions weren't loud or dramatic, but they came uninvited, and often at the most inconvenient times. She had started seeing fragments of the future. Sometimes they were lovely... a reunion, a success, a moment of laughter. But more often, they were tinged with pain, confusion, or heartbreak.
Still, Aara wasn't the kind of girl who could turn a blind eye. She had always had this quiet ache to help people, to make things a little easier, a little lighter for those around her. And now, as if the universe had placed a quiet mission in her hands, her ability felt like both a blessing and a responsibility. It wasn't just about what she saw, but about what she could do with what she saw.
Of course, her life wasn't just about her visions. The people around her were shaping her story, too. And Ruhaan... well, he was becoming something of a central character. What started as a casual encounter at the café had grown into something steadier. He was no longer just an occasional visitor. Now, as a trustee at the college, he was constantly around. Every meeting with him felt like it held weight, like the pages of her story paused to mark those moments. There was a pull between them, subtle but undeniable. Aara couldn't explain it, but she felt it, a magnetic thread that tugged gently every time he looked at her, every time he smiled that quiet, thoughtful smile.
And yet, life didn't stop moving.
..........
Back at the café, Aara found herself behind the counter, her gaze stuck on a boy sitting quietly in the corner. The buzz of customers and the shuffle of coffee orders faded into the background as her mind replayed what had just happened.
He had come up a few minutes ago, nervously ordering a cake, something sweet for someone even sweeter, his soon-to-be girlfriend. But when their hands touched briefly as he handed her the money, something shifted. A flash. A moment. A scene unfolded in Aara's mind with haunting clarity.
She saw him kneeling, eyes wide with hope, heart trembling as he asked the big question. But before the answer could come, disaster struck. A hot coffee mug fell, scalding the girl. Her expression twisted in pain and confusion. The moment turned messy, the proposal crumbled, and in its place came a slap and a walkout. A beautiful plan ruined by a cruel twist of fate.
Aara's heart clenched. She couldn't bear to watch that happen in real life. Not if she had a chance to change it.
So she waited, watching him from her spot behind the counter, eyes sharp and focused. And soon, the girl arrived. She was radiant, her presence lighting up the café. Their greeting was warm, filled with laughter and ease. It was clear the boy adored her.
When he walked up again, Aara straightened, already planning how to change the future.
"Miss, I'd like to place an order for two lattes and a sandwich, please," he said with a polite smile.
But Aara knew better now. Two lattes were exactly where it had gone wrong.
She smiled awkwardly and said, "Of course, please have a seat. I'll bring your order to your table."
As he walked back, Aara stared at their side for a second longer before she slipped into the kitchen where the usual bustle was in full swing.
"Is that cake ready?" she whispered urgently.
Minnie nodded without looking up. "Yep, all set. It's right over there."
Aara found the cake, gently lifted it, and added a simple yet heartfelt touch... a heart-shaped chocolate piece right in the center. It wasn't grand, but it was meaningful. With steady hands and a racing heart, she balanced the tray and carried it out.
At the table, the couple looked up in surprise as she approached. Aara placed the cake down softly, her smile reassuring, her presence calm.
The boy blinked, confused. "Why is this happening now?"
Aara's smile deepened, warm and knowing. "Good things should never be kept waiting."
Her eyes met his for just a moment, quietly telling him, You've got this. Just trust it.
Then, without another word, she turned and walked back behind the counter, where she could watch from a safe distance. Her heart thudded as she waited... not for a vision this time, but for life itself to take a better turn.
And it did.
The boy, catching the silent encouragement in Aara's eyes, felt a wave of courage wash over him. His nervous hands steadied as he gently pushed his chair back and dropped to one knee. Time seemed to slow down as he held out the small box, his heart thudding like a drum. He looked up at the girl with sincerity written all over his face, his voice trembling slightly but steady enough to carry the weight of his feelings.
The girl's breath hitched. Her eyes sparkled as she brought her hands to her mouth, overwhelmed. Tears rolled down her cheeks, not of sadness, but pure emotion. Then came her answer, a breathless but bright "YES."
The entire café came alive in a wave of applause. Strangers clapped, a few whistled, and someone even raised a toast with their coffee. It was one of those moments people would talk about for weeks... simple, sweet, and unforgettable.
Behind the counter, Aara stayed quietly in her corner. Her lips curled into a soft smile, the kind that reached her eyes. She didn't need a spotlight to feel fulfilled. Knowing she had nudged fate gently in a better direction, that was more than enough.
Having powers doesn't seem bad.
.......
Meanwhile, in another part of town, Officer Arjun was far from satisfied with the puzzle pieces he had. Ever since that night Aara helped Mrs. Roy during the attempted robbery, something about the whole situation had gnawed at him. His instincts whispered that there was more than what met the eye.
Deciding to follow that hunch, he visited the grocery store where it had all happened. The bell above the door jingled softly as he walked in. The store owner recognized him instantly and gave a polite nod.
"I'm here about that incident from a few nights ago," Jack said, wasting no time. "The attempted robbery. A young woman, Aara, stepped in to help the victim."
"Yes, of course, Officer. I remember that evening very clearly."
"I'd like to see the CCTV footage, if you don't mind," Arjun said, his tone firm but courteous.
The owner nodded and led him to the small surveillance room in the back. Together, they reviewed the footage. Arjun's eyes didn't miss a single detail, how Aara helped the elderly lady pick up the groceries, how she lingered a bit after the woman left, her eyes scanning the area, her expression unreadable.
"She waited a moment after the lady left… why?" Arjun murmured under his breath.
Curious, he asked the store owner, "Did she say anything before leaving?"
The man scratched his head, thinking. "Just mentioned she'd come back later to finish her shopping… but she never did."
Arjun nodded slightly, then leaned back. "Do you know her well?"
"Not really, but she's a regular. Works nearby at Aroma Talks. Sweet girl, very polite. She's even helped out here a couple of times when we were overwhelmed."
"Hm," Arjun muttered. "Friendly, kind, helpful… but something about that night doesn't sit right."
He turned to the alley footage next. As he watched, he saw it, Aara standing behind the wall, not moving, not reacting. She'd clearly seen the confrontation begin, yet didn't step in immediately.
Arjun narrowed his eyes.
"Why did she pause?" he muttered, almost to himself.
It was subtle, but noticeable. The hesitation. The watchfulness. Almost like she knew something was about to happen. Like she was waiting for the right moment.
His curiosity turned sharper. There was more to this girl than just kindness and sweet smiles.
He stepped out of the surveillance room, mind racing, instincts on full alert.
"What are you hiding, Ms. Aara?"