Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park was at its festive peak, the sprawling fairgrounds adorned with shimmering lights and festive décor. Sara and Kartik bundled up in thick coats, beanies, and scarves, weaved through the sea of holiday goers. The night was brisk, but the atmosphere was electric with excitement as the year drew to a close.

They had already spent hours exploring the magical wonderland. Kartik, with his infectious energy, dragged Sara toward one of the carnival games-knocking over milk bottles. His eyes gleamed with competitive spirit as he attempted to win a prize.

Kartik [seriously]: "I bet I'll knock them all over in one shot"

Sara [raising her brows, folding her arms]: "Oh, really? Let's see, Mr. Aaryan"

With a wink, Kartik hurled the ball with exaggerated confidence, only to miss spectacularly. Sara burst into laughter, her giggles carrying in the crisp winter air.

Kartik [defending himself]: "Wait, wait, that was just a warm-up!"

Flashing his boyish grin he took another shot, and this time-success! The bottles tumbled down, and Kartik proudly handed Sara a giant teddy bear, her eyes lighting up as she hugged it to her chest.

Sara [teasing and nudging him]: "I guess you're not so bad after all"

They continued to walk through the park, her arm brushing against his. The aroma of fresh churros wafted through the air, and they couldn't resist. Kartik insisted on buying a bag, dusted with cinnamon sugar, sharing bites as they wandered toward the rollercoasters. The thrill of the rides pulled them in, and soon enough, they found themselves climbing into a cart on a fast-paced coaster, the neon lights of Winter Wonderland blurring around them.

Sara shrieked as the ride zoomed through twists and turns, her laughter blending with Kartik's as he reached for her hand, squeezing it tight. As the ride came to a stop, they stumbled off, breathless and exhilarated.

Kartik [joking, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face]: "Can't take you anywhere without some adventure, huh?"

With just half an hour left until midnight, they made their way toward the large open area near the Ferris wheel, where a crowd had gathered in anticipation of the new year. As they waited, Kartik spotted an ice rink and immediately convinced Sara to join him.

Kartik [pulling her]: "Come on, it'll be fun!"

Sara [groaning dramatically]: "You know I'm not as graceful on the ice as you think"

Kartik [smirking]: "I'll hold your hand. Promise"

Reluctantly Sara stepped onto the ice wobbling for the first few moments. Kartik true to his word held her hand leading her in slow circles around the rink. As they skated, Sara's initial clumsiness dissolved into laughter especially when Kartik playfully spun her only to nearly fall over himself.

The lights from the park twinkled in the background as they skated side by side their laughter filling the air. By the time they stepped off the ice Sara's cheeks were flushed from both the cold and excitement.

With just minutes to go until midnight they huddled with the rest of the crowd waiting for the countdown to begin. Kartik wrapped an arm around Sara's shoulders pulling her close as they gazed up at the massive Ferris wheel lit up against the night sky.

The countdown started the crowd chanting in unison

"TEN... NINE... EIGHT..."

Sara turned toward Kartik their eyes locking in the dim glow of the lights around them. His hand gently cupped her cheek his touch warm despite the cold air.

"SEVEN... SIX... FIVE..."

They both leaned in slightly their breath visible between them in the frosty night.

"FOUR.. THREE..."

"TWO... ONE... HAPPY NEW YEAR!" the crowd cheered and the night sky exploded in a cascade of colors as fireworks lit up the horizon.

In that moment, without thinking, Kartik gently tilted Sara's chin up and leaned in, pressing his lips against hers. The world seemed to fade around them as they shared the kiss, fireworks reflecting in the background. It was soft at first, delicate until they both leaned into it, deepening the moment. A mix of warmth and electricity coursed through them, drowning out the noise of the cheering crowd.

When they finally pulled apart Sara smiled softly her eyes sparkling with the glow of the fireworks still bursting overhead

Sara [whispering]: "Happy new year, Kartik"

Her voice barely audible over the celebratory chaos around them.

Kartik : "Happy new year sara"

Kartik replied, his voice full of warmth as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

They stood there for a moment longer watching the fireworks paint the sky their hands intertwined as they welcomed the new year together perfectly content in their little bubble amidst the magic of Winter Wonderland.

Here's the next chapter ❤️😁!