Rachana Pradhan and the unexpected Turn in her life
The fateful journey of Rachana Pradhan, who nearly misses disaster on her way to an interview, only to find herself face-to-face with her unexpected savior in the interview room. A chance encounter blossoms into a heartfelt connection as Anant Dhakal and Rachana discover the beauty of living in the moment.
Rachana Pradhan was running late for her interview, barely managing to avoid a disastrous accident on the way. The car in front of her stopped just in time, and as it braked hard, and she felt her pulse quicken—any later, even by a fraction of a second, and her day might have ended very differently.
The driver stepped out, polished and stern in a business suit, nostrils flaring, and began berating her with an array of curses she could barely understand. Rachana said nothing, knowing full well she owed her life to his quick reflexes. After a few tense moments, he cooled off, visibly embarrassed, muttered something unintelligible, and returned to his car.
Later, Rachana sat outside the interview room, steadying herself before her name was called. She entered with a poised smile, her white blouse and grey pants pressed to perfection, and her hair pinned neatly back. But as she glanced at the interview panel, her heart skipped a beat—there, among them, was the same driver, the man who had nearly become her accidental savior.
Anant Dhakal, as he turned out to be, was taken aback. He recognized Rachana instantly and felt his discomfort rise; the memory of his outburst stung. But Rachana’s calm composure didn’t waver; she met his gaze with a polite smile that only seemed to unnerve him further.
The interview wrapped up, and Rachana made her way out, feeling relieved. She slid into a taxi, exhaling deeply as the day’s chaotic events finally sank in.
The next evening, she was invited to a party hosted by her friend Max. Dressed to celebrate life, she arrived in a sleek black dress, her hair cascading loosely over her shoulders, and her red lips shining. Rachana was radiating joy, mingling, laughing, and dancing. Her philosophy was simple: live in the moment, leave the past behind. The demons of her past lurked but remained at bay, and tonight, she was all about celebrating survival.
Anant arrived at the party later, dressed down and feeling out of place. As he scanned the room, he saw Rachana dancing in the center, carefree and vibrant. Their eyes met, and with a grin boosted by a glass of vodka, she walked over.
“Hey! I never really thanked you for saving my life yesterday,” she said with a lighthearted tone, “Sorry for the close call—I suppose I was a bit lost in my own world.”
Anant was surprised, taken aback by her openness. “I… I apologize for how I reacted,” he stammered. “I was stressed, and I took it out on you.”
She laughed, waving it off. “No harm done. Honestly, I’m glad it happened—or else we wouldn’t be here now, would we?” They both chuckled, and the tension melted.
Their conversation was cut short when Max, a bit tipsy, joined them, pulling Rachana onto the dance floor. Anant watched as Max’s hands drifted possessively to her waist while Rachana shifted, trying to maintain a polite distance. Seeing her discomfort, Anant felt a spark of courage and approached them.
“Mind if I cut in?” he asked, looking directly at Rachana Pradhan. She beamed, “I thought you’d never ask.”
They slipped into an effortless rhythm, moving in sync. Anant felt something he hadn’t in a long time—a connection that went beyond the music. The party faded into the background as they lost track of time, and when they finally left the dance floor, Anant took her for a drive. They ended up at Tashi View Point, where they talked through the night, sharing stories, dreams, and laughter. As dawn approached, he dropped her home, and before she stepped out, she reminded him, “Don’t be so serious. Life’s too short for that.”
Anant laughed, calling after her, “Will you teach me how to live?”
With a cheeky smile, she replied, “What’s your budget for the lessons?”
He called back, “How about a lifetime of commitment, to keep you safe and to save myself in the process?”
She turned back, her smile softer this time, and Anant knew, in that moment, Rachana Pradhan was the one.
****
“And that’s the last spoonful, my little lollypop,” Anant cooed, feeding the final bite of breakfast to his giggling eight-year-old daughter.
“Daddy, can you finish telling me how you married Mum tonight at dinner?” she chirped, eyes wide with excitement.
Anant smiled, glancing over at Rachana, who was ironing her work clothes across the room. Catching his gaze, she set down the iron, made sure their daughter was out of sight, and rushed over, wrapping her arms around him and planting a kiss on his lips.
Their story, he thought, was only just beginning.
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