The Diamond Code

Rhea wasn’t sure why she had agreed to this.

She had told herself it was because she wanted closure. That she just wanted to hear Aryan’s excuse for walking out on her the first time.

But as she stood outside Celeste, an upscale Italian restaurant in South Mumbai, she couldn’t ignore the uneasy feeling twisting in her stomach.

Is it really about closure? She can't help but question herself.

The evening breeze carried the faint scent of rain, a reminder of Mumbai’s unpredictable monsoon season. Her wavy hair shifted slightly as she checked her watch. 7:58 PM.

Two minutes early. Damn it.

“Perfect. Now I’m the eager one,” she muttered.

I should have made him wait. Instead, I am the one standing here, looking around like I cared.

"Ughh! Khanna, you make me go mad." She said, annoyed, whether at him or herself— she don't know.

Sighing, she reached for her phone.

Maybe I can text Nisha and demand an exit strategy.

But before she could even unlock the screen, a deep voice cut through the soft hum of traffic.

"I didn’t knew I had that much effect on you. Should I be worried or flattered?"

His voice slid through the air, teasing and light-hearted, laced with mischief.

She turned, already rolling her eyes.

Aryan stood there, looking infuriatingly at ease. His sharp black shirt and dark jeans gave him a polished yet effortless look. His hands were casually tucked in his pockets, and that damned smirk played on his lips. He fit in easily with the high-end crowd at Celeste, but there was something about him—something just slightly off—that set him apart.

"Worried. Definitely. If I were you, I wouldn't get my hopes up." She replied, her tone lace with annoyance and sarcasm.

He chuckled softly, the sound low and smooth, rippling through the charged air between them. His gaze locked on hers—calm but with a flicker of something neither could name, before he took slow, deliberate steps, each one measured yet confident. A small smile tugged at his lips as he stopped just a breath away, the space between them felt  electric.

''You actually came,'' he said softly, his voice a blend of warmth, surprise and a hint of knowingness, as if he'd expected this all along.

Rhea's mask of indifference momentarily flattered under his intense gaze before she put on the stern expression.

"Don’t look so surprised. I keep my word."

A knowing smile tugged at his lips as he nodded before a taking a step back

His gaze traveled over her, taking in her simple yet elegant navy-blue dress. It wasn’t anything flashy—just a classic, fitted design with a subtle slit up one leg. Yet, the way he looked at her made her wonder if she’d made a mistake in choosing it.

"You look…" He hesitated for a second, then tilted his head. "Different."

Rhea raised an eyebrow. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"Yeah! Ofcourse, It is. Just a terrible one."

Rhea threw her hands up. "Fantastic. Two minutes in, and I already regret this."

She sighed, crossing her arms as her cheeks puffed out a little.

Cute. He thought.

Aryan chuckled. "Let’s get inside before you change your mind.