Chapter 2

Mumbai's energy wasn't just something Ayaan thrived on; it was a part of him. The sprawling city with its relentless pace, the constant hum of activity, and the never-ending quest for success—it all felt natural to him. Raised in the heart of this city, Ayaan had learned early on that if you wanted to make your mark here, you had to stand out. And standing out was something he did effortlessly.

Being the only child of his parents, he was always pampered and given what he wanted. Perhaps that is why he was not used to hearing a no. Despite being pampered, he possessed a kind soul, which reflected in his actions of his regular donations and his efforts to make his area a better place. He was the center of attention wherever he went, even if he didn't want be one at times. His prized possession, his Mustang, was also a trademark of his and he was known amongst a lot of the social circles across Mumbai due to his physical and social qualities.

From a young age, he was taught the importance of being independent and making your own way in the world. Despite being showered by love, he hadn't always gotten the time he wanted with his parents - as they both were often busy in their own work. Initially, he had started to hold it against them, but with age he came to realise that they did this for him, and with age, he came to understand and see their efforts in trying to be parents and entrepreneurs simultaneously and he appreciated the efforts they made.

Ayaan was intrigued by cars, bikes and often spent his weekends on a long drive away from home, lost in the hill stations of Mumbai, away from the hustle and bustle and into a zone where no one recognized him, or no one gawked him. Somewhere, where he could feel himself be one with the nature while being himself, without having to be dragged into the center.

Ayaan was 6 feet of confidence and charisma, a man who seemed to command attention without even trying. His dark hair, always kept just the right amount of tousled, framed a face that could make hearts race—a sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and eyes that seemed to reflect a mix of mischief and mystery. His strong, lean frame spoke of his athleticism, honed through years of playing cricket and football for the university teams. He wasn't built like a bodybuilder, but the muscles he had were sculpted and strong, enough to catch the eye of anyone who appreciated a fit, toned body.

His presence in the university was undeniable. Ayaan was the heartthrob, the guy every girl secretly (and sometimes not-so-secretly) dreamed about. His smile was the kind that could make anyone melt, and his gaze—often playful, sometimes intense—had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room. But despite the attention he got, Ayaan was a man of few words. He didn't need to boast or flaunt his popularity; it came to him naturally, like a crown he never asked for but wore effortlessly.

Ayaan wasn't just popular for his looks. He was respected. His athletic talent was undeniable—he was the star player on the university cricket and football teams, and when he stepped onto the field, he owned it. But what most people didn't see was the focus and determination behind his easy smile. Ayaan wasn't a slacker. He was driven, dedicated, and when it came to what mattered, he was serious. Off the field, he was always surrounded by a group of friends, but there was something about him that made you wonder if he was always just a little distant, always observing more than engaging.

He had a tattoo on his back—something personal, something only a few people knew about. The design was simple but meaningful, a reminder of his roots, of who he was beyond the popular athlete and heartthrob. It was a reminder of his religion, something he had picked up after watching his mother practice it devotionally. Despite a student of Engineering and Science, he wouldn't get into the debate of if God existed or not, because for him, he knew the existence of God. He firmly believed his religion and knew that everyone had a plan. His friends liked to joke about it, but Ayaan rarely talked about it. It was his private thing, the one piece of him that belonged to no one else.

Despite all the attention, Ayaan wasn't the type to jump from one relationship to the next. He wasn't interested in the casual flings or empty gestures of affection that many of his peers indulged in. He had been with a few girls, but none of them had stuck around long enough to make an impact. He wasn't looking for something temporary; he was looking for something real. But the problem was, he hadn't found anyone who could spark his interest the way he wanted.

Until he met her.

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