Hey there, awesome readers!

Before you dive into this chapter, don't forget to hit that vote button and drop a comment if you're enjoying the story! Your support really helps and motivates me to keep writing more for you. Let's make this chapter a blast together!

Now, let's get into it!

____________________________________________________

अजनबी थे, फिर भी कुछ खास सा था,

पहली मुलाकात में ही, दिल ने पहचान लिया था।

कुछ अनकही सी बातें, आँखों में ही रह गईं,

उस पहली नजर में ही, ये दिल खो गया था।

____________________________________________________

"Arey haan yaar tum logo ne bilkul sahi suna, main race jeet gye. I am the champion of the Chennai Thunder. Tumhe pta h us maverick ki sakal to dekhne layak thi, uske sakal par to dophar ke 3 baje 12 baj rhe the" Adrisha said, laughing out loud as she remembered Eshaanth's face.

(You heard correctly, guys-I won the race. I am the champion of Chennai Thunder. The maverick's face was displaying 12 of the clock in the afternoon at 3 o'clock, as you should have seen.)

"Wah, yaar Aadu tune to kamal kar diya, dhoti faad ke rumaal kar diya," She heard Aarav's voice, making her cringe at his third-grade shayri.

"Eww, Aarav If you do not quit using those third-class shayris, I am going to throw up." The entire group laughed at Adrisha's statement.

"When will you be returning?" Prisha enquired over the phone.

The employee smiled and smiled back as she took her coffee from the counter, saying, "Soon, but before that I want to explore Chennai."

The twins, Aadriti and Anant, yelled at her together, forcing her to take the phone out of her ear. "Of course you cheater, you will enjoy leaving us here."

"Common people, it was you who mentioned that we are busy. I invited everyone to come along," Adrisha defended.

"Well, of course, my dear. You did us a great favor by telling us that you are heading to Chennai in an hour, and we can accompany you if we so choose," sarcastically stated Kaashvi, causing Adrisha to sigh because it was a factual statement.

Adrisha's friend circle included seven vibrant personalities, each bringing their unique flavor to the group dynamics. There was Aarav Sekhawat, known as the king of bad jokes. His humor, often groan-worthy, always managed to lighten the mood and bring smiles to their faces. Then there was Prisha Mehta, affectionately called the mom of the group. Prisha's nurturing nature ensured everyone was cared for, always checking in on their well-being and offering a listening ear.

The group also featured the fun-loving twins, Aadriti and Anant Khanna. Their infectious energy and playful antics kept the group lively and adventurous, always ready to embark on a new escapade or prank. Kaashvi Desai, the sarcasm queen, added a sharp wit to their conversations, her clever remarks and dry humor balancing Aarav's light-hearted jests.

Suhana ~ the social butterfly, was the glue that initially brought them all together. Her outgoing nature and ability to connect with anyone ensured that Adrisha was welcomed into the group with open arms. Despite her initial shyness, Adrisha quickly found her place among them, never once feeling out of place or awkward. Their bond grew stronger with each passing year, and now, in their final year of university, they were unbreakable.

They called their tight-knit group "The Tangled Tribe," a name that reflected their intertwined lives and the complex, yet beautiful, connections they shared. Through thick and thin, they stood by each other, forming a family bound not by blood, but by the strength of their friendship.

With her whole attention fixed on the call, Adrisha muttered, "You know I forgot," as she moved towards the door.

"Obviously, you did," Suhana said over the phone.

Just as Adrisha was walking towards the door, absorbed in her conversation, she collided with someone coming from the opposite direction. Her coffee cup flew from her hand, its contents spilling across the stranger's clothes, while her phone hit the ground with a sharp thud.

Adrisha's immediate reaction was one of irritation; she spun around, ready to unleash her anger. Her eyes narrowed as she prepared to confront whoever had caused the accident. But as she looked up, the familiar face of Eshaanth Raichand came into view. The very same Eshaanth who had been the target of her earlier laughter—the maverick himself.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Adrisha's mouth hung open in shock, her anger melting into disbelief. Eshaanth stood there, his usually impeccable appearance now marred by the spilled coffee.

Eshaanth's clothes, once perfectly tailored, were now stained with the dark liquid, making him appear both out of place and yet strangely out of sync with the moment. Adrisha, still grappling with the surprise of seeing him here, felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment and confusion.

"Seriously? Of all the people," Adrisha muttered under her breath, her initial anger giving way to a mix of frustration and awkwardness. She fumbled to pick up her phone, her movements hurried and clumsy.

Adrisha, still reeling from the encounter, met his gaze with a sheepish grin. "I'm really sorry about that. I didn't see you coming."

Eshaanth had been in a foul mood since yesterday. Losing the race to Adrisha had been a blow to his pride that he couldn't quite reconcile. He had always been on the winning side, and the fact that he had been bested, especially by a girl, was something he found hard to digest. It gnawed at him, an unfamiliar and unwelcome feeling of inadequacy that simmered just below the surface.

He was still seething over the loss. To make matters worse, he didn't even know her real name or what she looked like; her identity remained a mystery, adding to his frustration. Seeking a way to clear his head before an important meeting, he decided to get a coffee. Perhaps the warm beverage would help steady his nerves.

As he entered the coffee shop, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee momentarily distracted him from his brooding thoughts. He ordered his usual and waited, tapping his foot impatiently. Just as he was about to leave with his drink, a young woman, looking barely out of her teens, bumped into him, sending hot coffee splashing all over his expensive Armani suit. The dark stain spread rapidly across the fine fabric, adding another layer of aggravation to his already bad day.

"Do you have those eyes for decor?" Eshaanth said harshly.

"Excuse me?" Adrisha said, taking in his rude behavior.

"You are excused." He muttered in the same tone and attempted to walk away, but she stopped him.

"Hello, mister. Just because I am being courteous does not mean you can say whatever you want to," she said firmly.

"Listen, girl—I am not in a mood. Get out of my way," he growled.

His impolite behavior was getting on her nerves, so Adrisha snapped, "I will pay for the laundry, tell me the price."

He grinned and said, "Rehne do, tumhari itni haisiyat nahi," glancing up and down at her.

(Let it be, you don't have that much status.)

Adrisha was dressed in a style that exuded a relaxed confidence, embodying a tomboyish charm. Her black crop top clung comfortably to her frame, its simplicity understated but stylish. Over it, she wore a loose, button-down shirt, the sleeves casually rolled up to reveal her forearms. The shirt's fabric, slightly wrinkled, added an effortless vibe to her outfit. Her black boyfriend jeans hung low on her hips, their relaxed fit accentuating a laid-back attitude. Tucked into the jeans were black joggers, their soft material contrasting with the denim, giving her look an edge of urban practicality.

Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, strands rebelliously falling out to frame her face. It was an unpolished look, deliberately disheveled, yet it somehow enhanced her natural beauty. Her face was refreshingly free of makeup, save for a touch of chapstick on her lips and a subtle coat of mascara that highlighted her hazel eyes, giving them a soft, glimmering depth. This minimalistic approach to beauty spoke of authenticity and ease. The overall appearance was that of a typical college student: approachable, grounded, and refreshingly unpretentious, with no traces of brand names or designer labels to mark her style.

"What did you say? How dare you?" Her face flushed from her intense rage, she erupted in a fury.

"Truth, I stated the truth. Tumhe pta bhi h is tuxedo ki price kya h?" He stated, his smirk widening as he observed her angry expression.

(Do you know how much this tuxedo costs?)

"Kyu aapko nahi pta; aapne kisi se udhaar li thi?" She muttered, her anger concealed, and smirked at him.

(Why do not you know; perhaps you borrowed it from someone?)

"Kya bola tumne? Tumhe pta bhi h main kaun hu?" He inquired vehemently.

(What did you say? Do you even know who I am?)

"Kyu aapko nahi pta aap kaun ho? Ek kaam kariye apne mummy daddy ko call kijiye aur unse puchh lijiye," she cooed at him.

(Why are you unaware of who you are? Do one thing: call your parents and ask them.)

"How dare you!" Eshaanth, towering over her, yelled as he approached her. His entire demeanor exuded danger, but Adrisha bravely forced herself to ignore her fear and met his eyes.

"Waise aankhe to aapke paas bhi h, and jaha tak mujhe lag rha h koi preparation defect bhi nahi unme. To aapne apni in do ganji aakho ko use kyu nahi kar liya, itni badi ladki aapko dikhai nahi di," she said sarcastically, peering into his eyes without any fear.

(You have eyes too, and as far as I can see, there's no preparation default in them. So why didn't you use your bald eyes? You couldn't see such a big girl?)

Eshaanth stood glaring at the girl who had the audacity to argue with him. His fists clenched tightly, knuckles turning white as he struggled to control his rage. The commotion had drawn the attention of everyone in the café; curious eyes watched the unfolding drama. He could feel the heat of their stares, only adding to his irritation.

Adrisha, unfazed by the hostile energy emanating from him, took a step back and calmly opened her handbag. Eshaanth's eyes narrowed as he watched her rummage through its contents. She pulled out a few crisp 500-rupee notes and, with a serene smile that only served to infuriate him further, stepped closer.

Without a word, she smacked the notes against his chest. The force of the gesture surprised him, and instinctively, he reached up to catch them before they fell to the floor. Her nonchalant expression contrasted sharply with the storm of emotions raging within him.

Eshaanth's mind raced. The girl's audacity was staggering. Not only had she ruined his suit and wasted his time, but now she was trying to placate him with money, as if that could solve everything. His pride bristled at the thought. He glanced down at the money in his hand, then back at her, his jaw set in a hard line.

"Ye lein paise, laundry kra lena, and agar bach jaye, to doctor ke paas bhi ho aana. Wo kya h na mujhe lgta h aapko Alzeimer ki sikayat h tabhi to aap ye bhul jaa rhe ho ki aap ho kaun. Aur agar paise kam padh jaye, to apne daddy se maang lena, aapko to aadat hogi na."

(Here, take this money and get your suit laundered. If there is any left, you might want to see a doctor. You see, I think you have Alzheimer's because you seem to forget who you are. If the money is insufficient, you can ask your daddy for more. After all, you should be accustomed to it by now.)

Adrisha's smile remained, infuriatingly calm and composed. It was as if she was challenging him, daring him to react. The café patrons continued to watch, some whispering among themselves. The weight of their gaze pressed down on him, reminding him that a public scene would only add to his humiliation.

Taking a deep breath, Eshaanth forced himself to unclench his fists, smoothing out the notes before shoving them back into her hand. The gesture was cold and deliberate. His eyes bore into hers, conveying a silent warning that this wasn't over.

Adrisha's smile never faltered, but a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes as she accepted the notes. Eshaanth straightened his tie, ignoring the coffee stain that marred his suit. Without another glance at her, he turned on his heel and strode out of the café, leaving Adrisha standing there, still holding the money.

As he walked away, he could feel the tension slowly ebbing from his body, replaced by a cold determination. This encounter, and the mysterious girl who had so thoroughly disrupted his day, would not be forgotten. Eshaanth Raichand wasn't used to losing or being disrespected, and he intended to ensure it didn't happen again.

Back in his office, he stood in front of the mirror, his reflection showing a man on the brink of losing his composure. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm the fury that threatened to overwhelm him. He needed to focus, to regain control. The race was over, the coffee stain was just a temporary setback, and the meeting was still ahead. He couldn't let these incidents dictate his day.

With renewed determination, he changed into a fresh suit, meticulously ensuring everything was in place. The clock was ticking, and he couldn't afford any more delays. He straightened his tie, adjusted his jacket, and took another deep breath before heading out.

Today might have started poorly, but Eshaanth was resolved not to let it end that way. He was Eshaanth Raichand, a man who thrived on winning, and he wouldn't be defeated by a race, a mysterious opponent, or a spilled cup of coffee.

**************************************

"What was the commotion, Aadu?" Prisha asked, her voice laced with concern. Adrisha had quickly dialed their number again, knowing full well that the abrupt disconnection earlier would have worried her friends.

"Kuch nahi yaar, ek langur aa gya tha," Adrisha muttered, her thoughts drifting back to her unexpected encounter with Eshaanth.

(Nothing, yaar; just an ape.)

"Langur at the cafe?" Anant asked, confusion evident in his voice. He couldn't fathom why Adrisha would be talking about a wild animal in the middle of Chennai.

"Haan, langur, woh bhi ganji aankhon wala," Adrisha muttered, a hint of frustration in her tone as she thought about Eshaanth's piercing gaze.

(Yes, an ape, with grey eyes.)

"What did you say?" Suhana asked, her curiosity piqued by Adrisha's strange description.

"Nothing, guys. I will go and explore now, and I think it's time for your class also," Adrisha said quickly, eager to change the subject and cut the conversation short. She didn't want to delve into the details of her awkward encounter with Eshaanth just yet.

"Are you sure everything's okay, Aadu?" Prisha pressed, still sounding worried.

"Yeah, yeah, don't worry. Just a small misunderstanding. I'll catch up with you all later," Adrisha assured them, trying to sound as casual as possible.

"Alright, but be careful," Anant added, still sounding a bit skeptical.

"Always," Adrisha replied with a small smile, feeling a bit better knowing her friends cared so much.

As she hung up, Adrisha took a deep breath and glanced around the bustling cafe. The memory of Eshaanth's intense eyes lingered in her mind, but she shook it off. There was so much to explore, and she wasn't going to let one strange encounter ruin her day.

With renewed determination, Adrisha stepped out of the cafe and into the vibrant streets of Chennai, ready to take on whatever adventures awaited her next.

Adrisha explored almost every possible place to explore in Chennai, leaving only a few for tomorrow. She visited the bustling Marina Beach, where the sound of waves crashing against the shore brought her a sense of peace. She marveled at the architectural beauty of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the intricate carvings of the Santhome Cathedral Basilica. Adrisha also took a stroll through the lush greenery of the Semmozhi Poonga, a botanical garden that offered a refreshing break from the city's heat. The historic Fort St. George captivated her with its rich history, and the Government Museum provided her with fascinating insights into the region's art and culture.

Leaving these behind for the day, she decided to give her body some rest, feeling the fatigue from her extensive exploration. The whole day, she enjoyed the hospitality of Chennai, sampling local delicacies and interacting with the friendly locals.

Now, she made her way back to her hotel room at The Leela Palace, which was arranged by a Chennai Thunder staff member. The luxurious ambiance of the hotel provided the perfect setting for her to unwind and reflect on her day's adventures. With her flight scheduled for the day after tomorrow, Adrisha looked forward to exploring the remaining sights tomorrow before bidding farewell to the vibrant city of Chennai.

**************************************

"I heard you lost the match to a newcomer and that too a girl," Amaiy teased Eshaanth over the phone, his tone dripping with amusement.

Eshaanth clenched his jaw, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Look, Amaiy, I am not in the mood to listen to your shit. I've had a very bad day. Don't get on my nerves now," he snapped, frustration evident in his voice.

He was driving back to the hotel he was staying at, The Leela Palace, trying to shake off the stress of the day. The meeting at the Chennai branch had been successful, the only silver lining in an otherwise exhausting day. Eshaanth had been bogged down with endless issues and stacks of files, leaving him no time to enjoy the city. He had hoped the Chennai Thunder event would bring a much-needed break, an opportunity to relax and maybe even go scuba diving, but it had turned out to be anything but.

"Kyu bhai, kya ho gaya mood ko?" Amaiy inquired, sensing his friend's foul mood but unable to resist poking fun.

(Why, dude? What became of your disposition?)

"Kuch nahi, bas ek badtameez se mil gaya tha," Eshaanth muttered, the memory of the day's encounter making his blood boil all over again.

(Nothing just came across an impolite brat.)

"Mm-hmm, aur ye badtameez koi ladki thi, hai na?" Amaiy teased, a sly grin spreading across his face as he sat back in his chair.

(Mmm-hmm, that impolite brat was a girl, right?)

"Tujhe kaise pata?" Eshaanth asked, caught off guard by Amaiy's accuracy.

(How do you know?)

"Toh main sahi hoon, ladki thi," Amaiy laughed, clearly enjoying the situation.

(So I am right; it was a girl.)

"Just shut up. I don't want to talk about that girl," Eshaanth yelled, his temper flaring. The sound of Amaiy's laughter on the other end of the line only fueled his anger. With a huff, Eshaanth disconnected the call, throwing his phone onto the passenger seat.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. The image of the girl, Adrisha, flashed in his mind. Her confidence had unnerved him, something he was not used to. He had never lost an argument, especially with a little girl. It was a blow to his ego that he was struggling to swallow.

As he pulled into the hotel's parking lot, he tried to push the day's events to the back of his mind. But he knew it wouldn't be easy. Adrisha had gotten under his skin, and he wasn't sure how to deal with it. For now, he just needed a hot shower and some rest, hoping tomorrow would bring a better day.

**************************************

Adrisha walked towards the lift after her dinner in the dining area of The Leela Palace with a smile on her face, feeling content after a day well spent. She relished the thought of unwinding in her room. However, her peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted when her foot caught on the edge of a rug. Losing her balance, she stumbled forward uncontrollably.

At that precise moment, Eshaanth was heading towards the lift, engrossed in his own thoughts. Adrisha's fall was sudden, and before he could react, she crashed into him. The force sent them both tumbling to the ground. Eshaanth's back hit the plush carpet, cushioning the impact and preventing any injury. Adrisha landed directly on top of him, her face smacking against his chest.

Instinctively, Eshaanth's arms wrapped around her waist, trying to steady her even as they lay on the floor. For a brief, heart-pounding moment, they remained frozen in that position. Adrisha slowly lifted her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and met Eshaanth's gaze.

He was already looking at her, his intense grey eyes locking onto her hazel ones. In that instant, time seemed to stand still. Both their hearts began to beat loudly, each thump resonating in perfect rhythm. They were lost in each other's eyes, the world around them fading away.

Eshaanth couldn't help but notice the way her hazel eyes glowed with a mix of surprise and something he couldn't quite place. Adrisha, on the other hand, found herself captivated by the stormy depths of his grey eyes, which seemed to reveal an unexpected softness.

The connection between them was palpable, an unspoken understanding passing between their gazes. Neither of them moved, both entranced by the unexpected closeness and the electric spark that seemed to ignite between them. For a moment, they forgot about the awkwardness of their fall, lost instead in the strange, magnetic pull they felt towards each other.

Adrisha, gaining her composure, tried to stand up only to stumble and fall on him again, making him snap out of the brief moment where his heart had taken over his mind. He clenched his jaw when she fell on him, and she awkwardly looked at him with flushed cheeks, groaning internally in embarrassment. She stood up and extended her hand to him out of courtesy, which Eshaanth glanced at before royally ignoring, making Adrisha scoff at his attitude.

"Attitude? Listen, mister, I have more attitude than you," she said angrily, but he continued to ignore her, dusting off his clothes with an air of indifference.

"I was helping you because you fell down because of me. Otherwise, I have no interest in helping you, okay?" Adrisha continued, but Eshaanth, without even glancing at her, started walking towards the lift.

"Ooo mister, do you have a hearing defect as well? Can't you listen? I'm talking to you," Adrisha said, her frustration mounting, but he just entered the lift and closed the door without reacting.

Adrisha stood there, staring at the closed lift with a look of disbelief.

"Samajhte kya hain khud ko ye ganji aankho wale langur. Mujhe attitude dikha rahe hain, arrey mere andar toh itna attitude hai jab mummy ki ultrasound hui thi toh doctor tak ko sabse pehle meri middle finger dikhi thi, aur ye mujhe attitude dikha rahe hain, King kong nahi toh," she muttered to herself, her anger boiling over.

(Who does this bald-eyed langur believe he is? Showing attitude to me? I have so much attitude that during my mother's ultrasound the doctor first saw my middle finger and he's showing attitude to me? King kong.)

Adrisha fumed as she recalled the way he had completely ignored her. She couldn't believe the nerve of this man. Here she was, trying to be civil and help him up, and he had the audacity to treat her like she was invisible. It was infuriating. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently.

"I can't believe this guy! Seriously, who does he think he is with those piercing grey eyes? Acting like he's some royal prince or something," she continued to rant, her voice raising slightly. "If only he knew, I have enough attitude to last a lifetime."

As she reached her room, Adrisha took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She couldn't let someone like Eshaanth get under her skin. Yet, a part of her couldn't help but be intrigued by the stormy-eyed man who had managed to rile her up so easily. Shaking her head, she decided to put the encounter behind her and focus on enjoying the rest of her stay in Chennai.

**************************************

Thanks for reading, everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I'd love to know—what was your favorite part? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts! And don't forget to share the story with your friends so they can join in on the fun too.

Can't wait to hear from you!