The Destiny Of Red String

Part20||Lesson

"Biggest victory? Huh? Having her in my life "
~James Arthur~

Austin’s POV

The streets of Paris were alive today. Was it the weather, or was it because she was here? I couldn’t bring myself to admit it, but the world seemed brighter. Walking alongside her, I felt like I was living a life I had never dared to dream.

“So, where to, Miss Chérie?” I asked, a teasing smile playing on my lips.

"Of course, violin lessons! I’m not missing the great opportunity to learn from THE GREAT VIOLINIST AUSTIN KIM, right?" Aanya replied, mirroring my tone with a playful glint in her eye.

"Yes, you could say that, Chérie. Not everyone gets this chance,” I answered, a hint of pride in coloring my voice.

"So tell me, how many girls have you taught violin to?” she asked, curiosity dancing in her voice.

“No women. I’ve never taught violin to anyone," I said simply, watching her closely.

Aanya laughed, a light, melodic sound. "You’re lying, Austin Kim. Come on, tell me the truth. Are you saying I’m the first?"

“Yes. You are the first,” I said, holding her gaze, and added softly, "The first and the last, Aanya Singhania." My voice was almost a whisper, meant only for myself.

“What? Did you say something?” she asked, her brow furrowed with curiosity.

“No, nothing at all. Now, let’s head to the studio for your lesson,” I said, gesturing with my hand toward our destination.

Inside the Studio

The studio, which I called my sanctuary, was silent. It was a place that embodied class and elegance—a mini opera house with a 50-foot ceiling, adorned with a grand chandelier and intricate artwork on the walls. Aanya stood at the entrance, her eyes wide with awe.

“This is... it’s like a creation of God. It’s stunning. Who designed this place?” she asked, her voice hushed with wonder.

I watched her explore, mesmerized by the way her eyes shone with admiration. “James and I designed it,” I said quietly.

Her face lit up, and she took a step closer to me. “Wow, you really have some skills, Mr. Austin,” she said, a teasing edge to her voice.

"Thank you, Chérie," I said, stepping closer until we were only a breath apart.

“What does ‘Chérie’ mean, anyway?” she asked, raising one eyebrow in curiosity.

“It means... ‘a walking trouble,’” I teased, leaning back just enough to see her reaction.

“Walking trouble? Me?” she laughed, suddenly running toward me with playful intent.

I darted away, and before I knew it, the studio filled with our laughter and the sound of our footsteps. She finally caught me, slamming me lightly against the wall, her hands resting on either side of my chest, effectively caging me. We were both breathless, our faces inches apart, feeling the warmth of each other’s breaths.

“Your intentions don’t seem very innocent,” I teased, smirking as she caught her breath.

“It’s nothing like that!” she said, finally stepping back, releasing me from her grip. We both laughed, still trying to catch our breath.

Aanya's POV

As Aanya stepped into the studio, the air was thick with the rich scent of polished wood and the gentle echo of a grand piano somewhere in the distance. The space was both intimidating and inviting. It felt like stepping into a dream, one where she could let go of her nightmares and be immersed in something beautiful.