The Love Algorithm - AdiYa FF

Chapter 6

Zoya leaned against the window rail, smiling. Aditya stopped in front of her. "I didn't call you beautiful just because of how you look. Whatever you looked like, I would've said the same thing. I genuinely appreciate you—for the person you are."

Zoya smiled at him, touched, while the rain poured down behind them.

"I've heard people compliment me for my looks, my dance, my art," Zoya said softly, "But it's the first time someone has praised me for my heart. Thank you."

"Don't thank me," Aditya replied. "Thank yourself for being someone worthy of such an appreciation."

Zoya chuckled, her dimples showing through as her wet hair framed her face. Aditya smiled, watching her.

She really is beautiful, in every way, he thought, but suddenly his eyes widened sensing some movement on the floor.

"Oh my God!" Aditya jumped up onto the table.

"What's wrong?" Zoya asked, startled.

"There!" Aditya pointed, his face twisted in fear. "A rat!"

Zoya turned and spotted the rat scurrying toward her. "Aaaaahhh!!" She shrieked, scrambling onto the table, clutching Aditya's arm as she stared in horror at the tiny creature.

"You're scared of rats too?" Aditya asked, half-laughing. "Come on, I thought you were one of those tough desi girls. Shouldn't you be used to this?"

"Who said that?" Zoya replied in a terrified voice, her eyes locked on the rat's path. "I'm only used to seeing rats in movies. There were no rats in Dubai!"

"Dubai?" Aditya asked, surprised.

Zoya glanced at him. "Yeah, why? I was born there. Lived there for 18 years before moving to India four years ago."

Aditya looked her over, noticing her traditional attire, bangles, and the way she spoke, suddenly curious. "I definitely want to know more about your... anatomy."

"Hello! What?" Zoya recoiled in disgust.

Aditya slapped his forehead. "I meant history! Your history!"

***

The train came to a halt as rain poured heavily, while Yash sat under a platform shade, his cap and jacket shielding him as he focused on his phone.

His phone rang, and he answered.

"You're here? I'm at the station... where are you?" he asked.

"Actually, Yash... I'm really sorry, I had to cancel the plan again. I won't be there for another two days," a girl's voice came from the other side.

Yash stood up, his irritation clear. "This is too much! Why do you keep giving me hope and then ruin it like this?"

"I'm sorry, Yash. Please understand. I promise I'll be there in two days."

"Don't bother. Just stay there," Yash snapped and hung up, frustration boiling over as he walked through the rain.

"Stupid girl... always disappointing me. I came all this way, in this rain, just to pick her up, and now she says she's not coming? Cool as ever. Well, I'm not talking to her when she does come. Let someone else pick her up!"

He approached his car, still fuming, when he suddenly stopped, stunned.

Pooja stood leaning against his car, a wide smile on her face, her hat slightly tilted as the rain dripped off it.

"You actually came!" Yash smiled, his frustration melting away.

"Yes, my hottie!" Pooja exclaimed before rushing to him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Yash hugged her back, his earlier mood forgotten, a grin spreading across his face.