Mumbai is a city of dreamers. This is what Naina Parker believes. She's a happy go lucky girl, working as an investigative journalist with the top most news and media agency, The Nation's Front. She owns a house, she has quite a good and exciting job, and two best friends for life. What more does she want? Her life is in the best phase.

It's Naina's home, where she's waiting for her best friends. She's busy packing her stuff. She's going somewhere? Yes! The answer is quick as ever. She's dancing along with the tune that is playing on the music system. Meanwhile, the doorbell rings. She rushes to open the door, and it's her best friends, Ruhana and Samrat. They are coming straight from the office to meet her. Oh, such a sweet gesture it is. Naina is touched every time. And it's a ritual they follow for each other. Like, few days back, when Ruhana wasn't well, Naina and Samrat used to visit her in the evening. Nain would even cook for her. So that's alright and it's amazing to help and care for your best friends.

"How was the day, guys?" she asks as she serves water to them.

"It was good. But I missed you, Nain!" Ruhana says.

Naina smiles. She missed them too. No, she is in good health, but she's going on a holiday. That too alone, all by herself. She recently finished a big project, and so her boss granted her leaves for a month. It is well deserved. Since one year or so, Naina hasn't skipped a single day and has completed seven projects in a row. She led four projects all by herself, while on the other three, it was her team along with Ruhana. And so forth, this dedicated journalist deserves the holiday she has got.

"Are you sure, you're going to do this Nain!" a concerned Ruhana asks.

"Yes Ruu! This solo trip would be exciting. I wish you two could also join me." Naina says looking at her friends.

" I'd like to join you, but that's not possible Nain. Boss says he can't let us go on leaves altogether." Ruhana says.

"Hum log chale gaye toh NF mein kaam kaun karega? Kyunki baaki log kaam karte nahi, ya I must say, karna nahi chahte. Stupid, lazy people. Kaam nahi karna hai lekin salary aur leaves sabko chahiye. " Samrat speaks irritatedly causing Naina and Ruhana to laugh.

"Oh god! Sam, you look like a cute complaining kid." Ruhana laughs.

"what look? He's still a little kid, Ruu!" naina comments suppressing her laughter.

Sam aka Samrat glances at his friends.

"I didn't crack a joke,Okay! NF lacks hardworking people. Aur main complaint nahi karoon toh kya karoon? Boss granted Ruhana's leaves as well. But he's not granting mine." Sam says irritatedly.

That's true. Their boss at Nation's Front is very choosy. For him, Naina, Ruhana and Samrat are the three gems of his office. He can't let the three of them go together. No doubt, these three work really hard and Ruhana and Samrat also deserve the leaves like Naina, but he can't let them go altogether. He asks the other employees to learn from them, but many of the employees envy the three, since the trio are best friends and are equally loved by the boss.

"Oh Sammie, boss will need you. You are an excellent photo journalist." Naina says.

"Haan. Main aur Naina toh investigative journalists hain. Boss can't let you go. You do your job in a better way. Aur tum nahi karoge toh NF ka kaam kaise chalega?" Ruhana asks raising an eyebrow at Samrat.

Naina giggles.

"Right. Aur leaves tumhe bhi mil jayegi. Don't cry, Sammie." Naina says.

"Right! Tum dono ko toh mil gayi na leaves. Nain is going on a trip. Fifteen days later,Ruu, you Will also go." Samrat says half heartedly.

"Ruu won't leave you alone." Naina says while looking at her best friends.

"We'll see. Anyway, What about you? Do you wish to find any special person on the way?" he asked.

"Haha! She'll definitely find one. Maybe, she might find someone as adventurous as she is." Ruhana says clapping her hand with Samrat's.

"Okay! Dhundh lena koi apne jaisa. But yeah, beware of strangers." Samrat says in a concerned tone.

"She can take care of herself, Sammie. After all, she's a karate expert. Koi Naina ko touch bhi nahi kar sakta." Ruhana says.

Naina blushes a little. She has always imagined what it would be like if she goes somewhere and finds someone like her. They'd befriend and have fun. Won't it be exciting? Yes, she feels the excitement. She looks at her friends who are teasing her.

"Nain, if you find someone, let me know haan! I'd be needing all the details,you know." Ruhana says winking at her and it breaks her trance.

"Arey guys, let me go first. Okay? And I'm going to Goa. So I'll be in touch with you two." naina says glancing at her friends.

The three best friends share a laughter and then after having the coffee, they left for the airport. Naina had the flight to Goa at 7:30 pm. Her friends insisted to drop her to the airport and return back to their homes.

After a flight of three hours, Naina reached Goa. She had already booked a hotel near the airport and she checked in the same. Leaving a message to her best friends on the whatsapp group, she freshened up and decided to get a good night sleep, so that she can enjoy the city from the next day.

Next Morning, Naina woke up early. Though, it was 7 AM, her usual time, but she felt refreshed. Maybe, because she was on a leave. She called the room service and ordered an espresso coffee for herself. After that, she went to freshen up. She brushed her teeth and washed her face, and in the meanwhile, there was a knock on the door. Naina was elated to find complimentary breakfast along with her coffee. She asked the waiter about the tourist spot, and he asked her to begin her journey with S. E Cathedral. Naina thanks him for the suggestion and he leaves.

Somewhere, in her heart, Naina chuckled hearing about a cathedral. It's not that she doesn't visit one in Mumbai, but the one she's asked to visit is special. As far as she remembers, her father used to tell her that he met her mother in this very cathedral. Even they took her there after she was born. But she doesn't have any memory. She's excited to visit there and rekindle the past memories. Maybe, she finds her special someone, just like her parents did. Naina chides herself for over thinking and after finishing her breakfast and coffee, she went for a shower.

Within a span of forty minutes, Naina got ready. She was wearing her favorite color, white top, along with denim jeans. She left her hair open and applied kohl and a shimmery lip gloss on her lips. That's perfect, yes it is. She thinks so looking at herself in the full size mirror. Satisfied by her appearance, she picks her clutch and phone locks the door. Tossing the keys in her clutch,she makes her way out of the hotel. The hotel booked a cab for her and she makes her way to the S.E Cathedral.

Naina is always fascinated by churches, and here she is visiting the most famous church in Goa. Within forty minutes, she reached the cathedral. She paid the cab driver and looked at the cathedral. It was a large, white building, elegant on the outside. She's sure, it is beautiful inside as well. She clicked a selfie, in order to keep her friends updated. They'll be relaxed, she knew.

In order to get the cathedral in the picture, Naina was walking ahead and she bumped into someone. Luckily, that someone held her by her waist and saved her from the fall. She opened her eyes and found a handsome guy holding her. He made her stand properly, she mouthed an apology.

"I'm sorry. I didn't see you." Naina apologizes.

"Seems like you're visiting here for the first time. Is it?" he asks.

Naina nods. "Yeah! I came for a holiday. Sorry, I didn't see you while clicking the picture. Anyway, thanks for saving me." she spoke.

He smiles brightly. Naina is amused. He is quite different from other people. Usually, people would get angry if you even touch them, but he was different. She smiles at the man.

" Anyway, I need to get inside. See you later. " she says.

"I'll see you soon. Duniya toh bahut choti hain. We'll meet again." he said glancing in her eyes and walked in the other direction.

Naina stands smiling to herself. He is of a different kind. She watched him until he disappeared from her view and walked inside the church. She's thrilled to see the magnificent interiors. The interiors are painted in white and elegantly decorated. It was the same as Naina thought in her dreams. She was thrilled to enter the church. She felt a calmness as her eyes fell on Jesus's statue. She looked at it and closed her eyes imbibing the beauty of this divine place.

After a while of worshipping and looking around the beautiful church, Naina decides to stroll around in the market. She heard that the Street food in Goa is scrumptious and she's delighted to taste some Goan cuisines. She walks around looking at the Goan culture. There were street vendors selling clothes, jewellary and even delicious food. She was looking around, she purchased some fancy earrings for herself and ruhana. While strolling around, a scrumptious smell of cakes and pastries reached her nostrils. And there, she thought to take a break and have some food. She saw a cafe, se has heard that it's the best cafe in the area she is. She decided to get some food and a cup of coffee.

She entered the cafe and since it was a self service place, Naina placed her order and took a corner seat. She's smiling to herself as she looks at the selfies she took at the cathedral. She sent a few pictures to her friends, when a familiar voice reached her ears. She looked up to find him at the counter. He's the same guy, her savior at the church. She smiled to herself as she remembered his words that he'll see her around, and lo and behold, they're together here in this cafe. Her trance is broken as his deep voice reached her ears.

"See, I said that we'll meet again. And here we are." He said.

Naina looks at him. He was standing near her table and smiling. His smile has a charm, and Naina couldn't agree more with him. This was their second meeting, and they haven't introduced each other. She smiles.

" yeah, You're right. What's your good name?" she asks.

He smiles.

" Asher. My friends call me Ash. What about you?" he replies.

"Naina parker . I came here for the holiday." She replies.

"Aha! You're beautiful, and your name is more beautiful." Asher compliments her.

Naina finds herself blushing. This was the first time she was receiving a compliment from someone. Her friends did compliment her, but this was special.

"Nice to meet you Asher." She says with a smile.

" You can call me, Ash. " Asher replies, eyeing her.

"Won't you feel bad?" Naina asks.

"After all, we will be friends, right?" Asher asks.

Maybe, he likes to make friends. He's all alone here. Is it so? Or is it Naina dreaming that he's asking her to be friends. Asher seems to read her mind.

" I'm alone here too. Seems like you're too, on a solo journey?" he asks.

Naina smiles." How do you know?" she asks.

" I know everything, Naina. And right now, I feel we'll get along well." he says.

Naina stares at him for some good seconds. Before, she could say anything, she was called as her order was ready. Asher followed her as the next number was his. Naina and Asher sat together again. Naina was munching on the chocolate cake. She was drowning in the aroma of chocolate,when Asher took her name. Her chocolaty trance was broken and she looks at him.

"What? Were you saying something?" she asked.

Asher flashes his cute smile at her.

"What's your plan?" he asks.

" I don't know. I mean, I'll need to plan." she replies.

"Would you like to go to the beach? I presume that you love beaches. Don't you?" he asked.

Naina looks at him. She absolutely loves beaches. But how did he know? Is he trained to read minds? But, he's a gentleman. He also seems alone. She looks at him. He's from a good family, and she agrees with it. Her trance was broken by him.

"Where do you get lost? You can trust me, you know. I won't do any bad. "He says holding his hands up in the air.

Naina laughs. He's a nice company. It's no bad in befriending him. She smiles at him.

"Okay, I believe you, Ash. I think we will get along well. Let's go!" She beams with joy.

Ash smiles and they leave the cafe after paying for their meals. The weather was turning cool. Asher and Naina walked around the area until the beach. The sun was setting. Orange hued sky looked beautiful and elegant at the same time. They stood near the beach, water touching their feet. Naina jumps on her toes feeling the cold water.

"This is as perfect as I thought. I wish my friends were here." she says.

"I can be your friend." Asher says standing near her.

Naina smiles. He's a cool and sweet guy. Any girl can fall for him, and Naina isn't any exception. Ruhana would have befreinded him the moment he asked , Naina thinks and lets out a chuckle.

" What ? why are you laughing?" Asher asks, a confused look on his face.

" I was wondering that my best friend would have befriended you instantly. She never thinks before befriending. " Naina says.

"life is too short madame! We shouldn't think hard. We should live life as it comes." Asher says.

Naina looks at him. She didn't expect him to say this. She thought he's a punctual guy, and would be very sophisticated, but her assumptions are going wrong. He's an easy to go guy. He wants to befriend her and he even offered to hang with him. What is it all? Is he being genuine? She hopes this isn't a trap. She's not fearful of anyone, but she doesn't want herself to be taken for granted.

He snips his fingers in front of her. She glances at him and her heart skips a beat as she looks in his intense eyes. His intense gaze sent shivers down her spine. She gazes away from him. To her utter surprise, he held Her hands.

"Do you like boating?" he asks.

"yes! I love it." Naina replies instantly.

Asher smiles and pulls her along with her. Soonish, he got boating passes and they were on the boat. Naina was thrilled to be on the boat after a long time. The smile wasn't leaving her face.

"this is exciting. I'm here after a long time. Thanks Ash." she says gripping on his hand.

"I knew, you're adventurous. You're my kind, Naina!" he says with a bright smile.

"Really? I thought you might be some well behaved, strict businessman." she says.

Asher laughs.
"ofcourse I am, Naina. I'm a businessman and I am very strict. But I love adventures and travelling. And because of that you met me. " he says teasingly.

Naina chuckles. That's right. If she hadn't planned a holiday, he wouldn't have met Asher. Moreover, they met at the church. That's a good coincidence. She comes out of her trance as the cool wind caressed her face. They were in middle of the sea, faraway from the shore. Naina put her hand in the water and chuckled like kids do. Asher laughs seeing her like that.

"Stop staring at me. I'm not a kid, but i can't control my excitement when it comes to beach and water." she says.

Asher laughs but nods positively. They return back to the shore, freeing the boat. After that, Naina bids goodbye to him.

"It was a nice meeting with you, Asher." she says and shook hands with him.

"Where are you staying?" he asks.

"Hotel Grand Hyatt!" she replies.

"Great! What are your plans for tomorrow?"he asks.

Naina shrugs her shoulders. She doesn't know what to answer. She smiles.

"I don't know." she says.

"I'll see you tomorrow. We'll have fun." Asher grins.

Naina doesn't know why, but she agrees to him and they part their ways. All through her way to the hotel, Naina was thinking about Asher. She bumped into him at the church ad then at the cafe. They had their food together and then he asked her to accompany him. She was hesitating but washed it off. He wanted to be her friend but Naina was sceptical, she was doubting him. Maybe that's what our mentality is. She was fearful that he will use her or play witj her and leave her. But Asher is not like that. Now that he has planned something, he will be here again. He himself asked her. If Ruhana was in her place, she would have agreed and would be all happy with him.

Naina was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't know when she arrived at the hotel. The cab driver brought her out of her reverie and naina apologised for being lost. She paid the fare and moved inside the hotel. She was wondering what Asher might have planned. Naina slept off with the memories of the day.

Seven days pass so forth. Naina travelled around Goa along with Asher and they became good friends. It was sunday, and Naina hadn't met Asher since saturday. She was worried for him as he wasn't answering the calls. Naina turned habitual towards Asher, and so she was worried. She had already felt herself falling for him, but now she was sure as she missed him badly. At first, she thought he might have left without telling her. But then, she thought, he won't leave her alone. She knew him well. Since past seven eight days, he has been very caring towards her.

She decided to visit the S. E. Cathedral. She met him there for the first time. She believed that she would find Asher at the church. Booking a cab, she reached the church. She looked around, but she didn't find him. Her heartbeat was pounding as she longed to see Asher who was missing. She just wanted to make sure he was alright. She sighed and moved inside the church to offer prayers. She took a place and sat there, praying. She was praying for Asher and his well being . Suddenly, Asher was very important to her. A deep voice broke her trance.

"Praying for me?" he asked.

Naina looks up and finds Asher standing, smiling at her. Naina smiles.

"Ash!" she walks towards him and touches his face.

Asher laughs at her act.

"I'm fine, Naina. Zinda hoon." he says.

Naina slaps his cheek lightly. Her eyes were teary.

"where were you? If you were busy, you could tell me. How worried I was. Par tumhe chinta nahi hai." Naina says tearily while continually slapping on his chest.

Asher stands smiling. This pretty girl was hell worried. Well, no one was this worried for him actually. Naina scolds him and then finally hugs him tightly.

" Don't ever leave like this. I can't afford to lose you, Ash. Your days of absence made me realise your worth. I love you. " she confesses.

Asher kisses her head. He was elated to hear from her. He was attracted towards her since Day 1 and was falling for her.. But she realised it today. He parts the hug and kisses her forehead. He then goes on his knee.

"I love you Miss Naina. Will you marry me?" he asks.

Naina is touched. He's proposing her and there is no reason she can deny. She makes him stand.

"yes, I will. Afterall, you're my crazy partner for life, now." she says and entangles her lips with his, sharing a kiss full of love.

They had finally found their true love. A new journey has just begun.

**THE END**

It takes less time to fall in love, and more in making it work.

True love dawns when you least expect it. Embrace it with full heart, and life will be beautiful.

Preetx This is for you. I hope you like this. Let me know. Love ya 😘😘❤️