Ahana's POV:
Standing tall in his signature pose that was hands in his pockets. A bright smirk flickered through his face and that gave me butterflies.

"Can I too join you in the frame?" His voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
I nodded.

He walked towards me and stood next to me. I could feel his warmth and his dusky scent went straight up to my heart.

I didn't know what was happening to me but the moment he entered my heart was happy and I couldn't stop smiling.

But I was also thinking of why he didn't come early?!
"Princess! Look in the camera!" He said looking into my eyes and only for me to realize that I was staring at him the whole freaking time.
Upon hearing this, I looked away and then at the camera.

FUCK YOU, BITCH!
I curse every time I do something stupid.

"Bahot he pyaare lag rhe ho sath meh!" Yash almost shouted from behind the camera.

"I know! Hogya?!" Rudransh responded.
She bobbed and came running to me.

The photos she took were phenomenally beautiful.

In one photo I was captured ogling him and that was the best.
Yash got a call and got busy there while Yaan was already busy on a call.

I could hear the buzzing of Rudransh's phone all the time but he wasn't picking it up!

"You should pick it up! It can be important!" I told him while pointing to his pants pocket.
"He is not important?!" He responded while declining the call.

"But he's calling u continuously? The work can be important!" I nudged while telling him to pick up!
"Princess, no phone call is important now!" He uttered while putting his phone on silent and I was blushing again.

Am I important? Or does He have anyone else who is important to him?

"Princess?" I was again snapped out of my thoughts by his voice.
"Hmm?" I nodded.
"Have you had dinner?"
"Yes! I had!"
"But I am hungry! Will give me company?"
"Of course! I'd love to!"

We both went inside and sat on a table. There was no one except us!

Light music was playing and I was sitting with him.

Hayee! That was the best feeling!

"How can I help you?" A server came to take our order.
"What do you wanna have?" Rudransh asked while passing me the menu.
I gently slid the menu back in his hand as I was already full and was craving for dessert.

"I'll have one chocolate chocolate chip Ice cream!" I responded to the server.
"Bas? U'll have only this?" Rudransh asked like he was really confused.

"I told you that I already had my dinner and Ice cream was only left!" I smiled.
Then he ordered for himself and he returned the menu card to the server.

"Why didn't you come early?" I asked the question as it was eating my nerves.
He chuckled and said, "I was a bit caught up with work!"

I nodded looking away.

"Why did you ask? Were you waiting for me?"
My eyes widened, and redness came running to my cheeks.
"No, Who said, I was waiting?" I almost instantly replied to hide my embarrassment feeling that I have been freaking caught off guard!
He chuckled.

"No one! I was just asking!" He smirked and that was evil, his eyes were hooked on my face and then he took a bite.

It was sexy.
The moment was sexy.
Think Straight!

I stomped my feet lightly to get my senses back in me.
I dig myself in my ice cream.

While I was eating my ice cream, Rudransh's hands were on the table. My eyes went straight up to his wrist and I noticed something.

My hairtie. The one I thought I lost this afternoon while rafting.

Why is He wearing it?
From where did he get it?

"This is my hair tie!" I spoke without thinking twice.
"Yes! It is!" He reacted calmly as if it very normal situation for him away.

Although, it was a normal situation for me it wasn't.
He was wearing something which belonged to me. And it mattered it.

"From where do you get it? I thought I lost it?"
"It was in my car. You left it there while leaving for the hotel."
"Really? I don't remember at all!"
"I remembered, it was yours and I wore it!"

The moment he said this my heart did a freaking somersault inside me.

His one smile and I was gone.
"Good! Now will you please gimme back!"
"No, why do you think I'll give you back?"
"Because it is my favourite and of all it is mine!"
"If it's your favorite then it's better that I should keep it close to me. And Princess, I don't let go of things which are close to my people's heart."

My people's heart! MY. PEOPLE.
Am I his person?
I was shocked yet a good giggly feeling spread all over my chest.

My mouth was shut. I was just looking at him in shock. Is this man for real?

"Sir, you want to order anything else? The kitchen is about to close!" The server's voice broke our eye contact and brought us, especially me to earth.
"You, want anything else? Ice-cream?" Rudransh asked me.
I nodded negatively.
I was done because of his sweet words and now they can anytime give me a sugar rush.

"No, we are good! Thank you!" He said to the server and we stood.
I was thinking about how should I ask him. I always go for a trek whenever I come here in the mountains. I always go alone as I like myself alone around the mountain. But this time I wanted him to join me. I wanted him to know my peace.

I gathered all my courage took a deep breath and asked
"Can I ask you something?" The moment these words lurched from my mouth. He stopped. And turned to face me.
"Princess, You don't need to seek permission to ask me anything. Just say."

Ahana! SAY. IT.

"Will you come with me for a hike tomorrow?"
"Of course! I will come anywhere and everywhere with you!"

FUCK! He said Yes! He'll come! Tomorrow will be different! It will be beautiful now I know for sure!

"Thank you! And yes be ready at 6!"
"Sure! Anything else mam?"
"No, sir! Goodnight!"
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Next morning.

I am an early riser. I woke up at 5! Although I wasn't able to sleep the whole night because of excitement that was rippling inside of me constantly.

Firstly, I was going on a trek and Secondly that too with him.

Oh, God. Itni khushiyan!

I quickly took a bath, put on my sportswear did a quick chanting and left the room.

I looked at the time on my phone and it was 5:55.
I smiled looking at it.
It was angel timing.

I was getting a feeling from the moment I woke that something would happen today that would change my life.

I ascended towards the reception and saw Rudransh already sitting there. His back was facing me.

Everything will be good!

I assured myself and went towards him.

RUDRANSH's POV

I am happy enough that she wanted me to join her for her favourite thing.
I didn't sleep all night!

For the time in my life of 27 years, I was excited.

I was feeling like all my teenage hormones were acting up now.

Whenever I look at her I see a woman who is fearless, strong and self-made.
I love her passion for things she loves. I love how she is protective of the people she loves or cares about.

She is an independent woman.

That made me fall more! I love the way she smiles and reacts to my touch.

I loved to see her go all shocked when she saw her hair tied on my wrist.
I didn't know it was her favourite. I just knew it was hers.

In short, I love her all.
I was more than early as my thoughts were just racing and I wanted the time to run.

I sat down in the reception and started fidgeting with my phone.
Then suddenly I heard footsteps.
She was here.
Her strawberry scent was already in the air and I was already melted in it.

"Hey! Am I late?" She rushed towards me.
"Hi! Calm down! You are not late. I am early!" I assured her and she smiled.

We both went to the parking lot and she told me the location and we drove off.

I had already told my guards to follow us because wherever I am present danger follows me.

We reached there and stood at the starting point.

"Are we ready?" An enthusiastic Ahana shouted in delight.
"Aye! Aye! Captain!" I reacted with the same and we started.

Other people were trekking.
We both were climbing together. I was amazed by the kind of knowledge she clasped about nature, plants and the environment.
She made me touch every single plant on our way and also taught me its uses.

"Should I tell you something? It's  a secret by the way?" She said out of the blue.
"If you want to. Then yes!" I wanted to know.
"So, It's like not a secret exactly. But tabh bhi. I happen to own a restaurant which is basically dog friendly!" The moment she said I knew what she was talking about. I guessed.

"Really! Wow! What is the name?"
"You might have heard it! Its name is Joy's Love." I knew it.
One of the biggest talks of the town and now of the country. Her restaurant was also under Forbes 30 under 30.
"That is yours! I have been there several times with Yash. It's amazing!"
"You have?"
"Yes! I have been there, Princess. And It is awesome."
"Thank you!" She squinted hers and made an aww face and happiness flushed all over her.
"I'm proud of you! Of what you are! How strong, independent and fearless woman you are!" I said it out. I wanted her to know.

All of it. She needs to be appreciated. And I did it.
I could see a sense of pride glittering on her face.
She gave me one of the brightest smiles and I melted.

Hayeee!! This smile will take me down.
We were climbing and climbing and climbing now we were about to reach it end point.

"Rudransh, Jaldi aao! Look how beautiful it is!" Ahana yelled from a distance.

She ran ahead of me in excitement to see the view from the cliff.
She was not looking even one per cent tired from this long trek.

I was breathing heavily because I don't eat trek for breakfast like she does.

"Aa Raha hun!" I responded while taking small steps towards her.

I noticed a guy going near her. And I don't know how I got the energy I took 3 long strides and I was there.

The moment I reached there.
I took her elbow and pulled her towards me.
She looked towards me and then to the other following my gaze.

I was glaring at that guy dead and that bastard felt my gaze's weight and moved his freaking ass.

"Why are you looking at him? You know him?" She uttered while looking in the same direction as me.

I gently turned her face toward me and said, "Nah, Just a bastard face!"
"What?"
"Princess, it's nothing!"
"Acha! Hold my hand! And close your eyes!" She said while offering me her hand.

That I took in a second in a tight hold.
"Why do eyes close?"
"Trust me nah!"
"Acha!"

I did close my eyes.
She held my hand tightly and took me forward.

"Geera mat dena muje ya hum dono ko!"
"OMG! You are such a nazuk kalli" I heard her laughing while responding.
"Let me open my eyes! And Then I'll tell you who is a kalli."
"Chup rho!" Yes, I like it when she only commands me.

AUTHOR's POV

The moment he opened his eyes he saw a full, breathtaking view of Manali but the one he was drawn to was beside him.
They both sat sharing silence.
The mountains were her peace and she was his.
As Ahana and Rudransh settle down in the serene mountain landscape, a sense of accomplishment washes over Ahana. She takes a deep breath, feeling both exhilarated and exhausted from the strenuous trek they conquered together. The golden hues of the setting sun painted the sky, casting a warm glow on the surroundings. A gentle breeze caressed her face, and she couldn't resist stealing glances at Rudransh beside her. Reminding her of the beauty that comes with pushing her limits.

As their eyes meet, Ahana feels a powerful connection between them. It's a silent understanding that words can't quite capture. Ahana couldn't help but notice Rudransh's strong, chiselled features and the way his eyes sparkled with a mix of passion and admiration. She found herself lost in those eyes, lured by their magnetic pull. She sees the spark of excitement in Rudransh's eyes, matching the rhythm of her own racing heart. It's as if time slows down, allowing them to truly appreciate this magical moment.

The air crackled with a sense of anticipation. Ahana's mind raced, urging her to find the courage to make the first move. She took a deep breath, a delicate blush gracing her cheeks, and turned towards Rudransh. Their eyes locked, and in that moment, an unspoken connection surged between them.
Rudransh, sensing Ahana's vulnerability, gently reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. His touch was gentle yet sent shivers down her spine, and she could feel her heart beating faster with each passing second.
His hand lingered for a moment, cupping her cheek, as he leaned in closer, his eyes flickering from her lips to her eyes, seeking permission.

Ahana's heartbeat quickened, echoing the fluttering of a thousand butterflies within her. With a barely audible whisper, she gave her consent, and time seemed to stand still. As Rudransh closed the remaining distance between them, Ahana closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the indescribable thrill of their impending first kiss.

Their lips met in a tender, hesitating dance, a delicate exploration of uncharted territory. Ahana could taste the bittersweet mixture of adventure and passion as their connection deepened. Each brush of their lips ignited a fire within her, spreading warmth throughout her entire being.

In this enchanting mountain setting, surrounded by the wonders of nature, Ahana and Rudransh share a breathtaking kiss. Their lips meet with a softness that feels like a feather's touch, setting their hearts ablaze with the promise of an incredible journey.

As their lips connect, Ahana loses herself in the moment. Time seems to stand still, allowing her to savour every second as if it were an eternity. The taste of adventure and the vibrancy of the mountains merge with the sweetness of the kiss, creating a symphony of emotions within her. She feels pure joy and excitement, mixed with the vulnerability that comes with allowing herself to be fully seen. Above all, she feels an overwhelming sense of comfort and belonging in Rudransh's embrace.

When they finally break apart, still keeping their eyes closed, Ahana revels in the lingering warmth between them. The world around them gradually comes back to life, as if celebrating their connection. The soothing melody of chirping birds and rustling leaves fills the air, reminding Ahana of the beauty that lies within every moment.

When she opens her eyes, Ahana realizes that this kiss has forever changed her world. She is filled with a deep sense of gratitude for Rudransh and the love they share. On that majestic mountain peak, Ahana knows that their journey together has only just begun. The mountains bear witness to their first kiss, etching it into their memories as a testament to a love that blossomed amidst adventure and serenity.
Rudransh pulled her closer to him and kissed her forehead.
"You're mine!" He muttered under her skin.
He smiled softly under his touch.
"You are my first!" She confessed looking into his eyes.
And
"I intend to be your last!"
~°~°~°~°~°~~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~