When I Met Him Again

Aanya turned around—and froze. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw Aryan standing just a few steps away, in the dim glow of the kitchen light.

She almost screamed, but before she could, Aryan quickly stepped forward and placed his hand gently over her mouth.

"Shh... Don't shout," he whispered softly. "Everyone will wake up."

Their eyes locked. For a second, time stood still. Her heart raced—not out of fear, but something else she couldn't understand. His hand lingered for just a moment before he slowly pulled it away.

"What… what are you doing here?" she asked, almost in a whisper. Her voice cracked with emotion.

"I could ask you the same," he replied, leaning against the kitchen counter. "Why are you walking around the house like a midnight thief?"

"I was hungry…" she murmured, looking away, suddenly embarrassed.

Aryan raised a brow. "Hungry? Didn't you say you weren't hungry during dinner?"

"I wasn't then…" she pouted, crossing her arms.

Aryan folded his arms. "Of course you weren't." His tone was teasing, but carried just a trace of concern.

"I'm saying the truth, Mr. Aryan! But now, it looks like there's nothing left. I checked the dining table, even the fridge."

He said "Are you sure you checked the fridge properly?"

She said, "Yes".

He didn't say anything, just walked past her and opened the fridge. He pulled out two boxes of neatly packed food.

Aanya's jaw dropped. "What? Where did that come from?!"

He gave her another one of those looks.

And said, "Do you think I just cooked them magically now?"

"No—I mean—I just checked! It wasn't there, I swear."

"You didn't check properly," he said flatly.

Aanya pouted. "Fine. Maybe I was too tired."

She reached for the food, but he stopped her. "Wait. You're not going to eat it cold, are you?"

She shrugged. "I don't mind."

"I do." He took the boxes from her and walked over to the microwave.

They stood side by side in silence as the microwave hummed. Aanya glanced at him from the corner of her eye. The soft light cast shadows over his face, making him look even more serious—and something about it made her chest flutter.

"By the way, Mr. Aryan, you didn't tell me why you came here."

He didn't look at her. "I was thirsty. There's no water in my room."

She smirked. "Looks like you forgot to drink even after coming all the way."

He gave a small, embarrassed nod. She walked to the counter and handed him a glass of water. He accepted it without a word.

The microwave beeped. She took the food and was about to dig in when he stopped her again.

"Wait. Take a plate."

"I'm fine like this."

"No. Plate." Atleast take this Spoon.

She smiled, Takes, And she started eating, he stood watching her.

"Mr. Aryan, won't you eat?"

"I'm not hungry."

"Still, join me. I feel weird eating alone. Please?" Bring one plate "I will serve she said."

He hesitated, then slowly sat down beside her. They ate quietly.

"What's your favorite food, Mr. Aryan?" she asked, between bites.

"Coffee."

She burst out laughing. "That's a drink, not food! And so boring!"

He raised an eyebrow. She sees and stops laughing. "What about you?"

"Oh, I love everything! Biryani, pani puri, samosas, jalebi, ice cream, pizza—"

"You mean junk food."

"Come on! Everyone loves it. Even you—admit it."

"I hate it."

She frowned. "Well... even I don't eat too much. I'm health conscious, okay?"

He smirked. "Sure."

They finished eating slowly.

she stood up. "Goodnight, Mr. Aryan."

He hesitated. "Wait... Why do you call—

" He stopped himself. "Never mind. Goodnight."

She tilted her head curiously, but let it go.

The next morning, Aryan's mother walked into the kitchen and paused. "Prerna, come here. Something's strange."

Prerna entered. "What happened, mom?"

Aryan's mother pointed at the sink. "Look there. Extra spoons and a plate and these boxes. Where did these come from?"

Prerna blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I mean last night, only you, Aryan, and I ate. Aanya said she wasn't hungry, remember? So how are these here?"

Prerna chuckled. "Maybe you're just imagining things, Mom."

"I'm not," her mother insisted. "And the food I kept in the fridge is also gone.

Prerna looked puzzled. "Maybe a ghost has eaten it? "said and laughs.

"Stop it! I'm serious."

Just then, Aryan walked in.

Aryan ask,"what happened mom you looks tense?"

Right on cue, Aanya walked in, cheerful. "Good morning, Aunty!"

As she sat down,

Aryan's mother said,

"Three of us had dinner, but this morning I find extra utensils in the sink. And the food I kept in the fridge is missing too."

Aanya's smile faltered. She froze, her eyes darting from Aryan to his mother.

Aryan's lips curled into the tiniest smile as he stole a glance at her, clearly enjoying the moment.

To be continued...

End Of Chapter 10.