As they sat in silence, SouLink detected synchronized breath patterns, stable heart rate alignment and shared emotional stillness.

Anvi takes a deep breath as she feels the pendant emit a gentle, rhythmic pulse. She doesn’t check her phone. She just places her hand over the pendant and stares ahead. The moment was so pure that no words were needed.

She was content in the company she shared. Aahan too, did not utter any word and sat with a relaxed posture.

Anvi checks the notification later.

You experienced a moment of emotional harmony with someone nearby. Now words were exchanged.

When the weekend arrived Aahan was finally at home peacefully. Priyanshi was working on the Vlogs and everything was happening at the back end.

Saksham, Aahan’s brother, stopped him and congratulated him on his success.

“I’ve heard ki kaafi amazing response hai.”

(I’ve heard that the response is amazing.)

Aahan nodded with a wide smile.

“Yup! I just hope ki test ka result achha rhe. Everything depends on it now.”

(I just hope that the test result is good.)

“Don’t worry! Sab achha hi hoga.”

(Everything will be fine.)

Aahan nodded and then Saksham spoke.

“I’m following the episodes. They are all very interesting. Sabki stories kaafi intriguing hai. But one of them is my personal favourite.”

(Everyone’s story is very intriguing.)

“Who? Meher? People are liking her story a lot. I mean being married raises controversies but people are eager to see if she will be able to rekindle with her husband because the spark is returning or she’ll walk out of the marriage and find someone else.”

Aahan said and Saksham nodded.

“Wo bhi but I like someone else’s story more.”

(That too but I like someone else’s story more.)

Aahan frowned and Saksham continued with a mischievous smile.

“I find Anvi’s story really interesting. I mean abhi tak ek wahi hai jiska kisi ko samajh nhi aa raha ki pair kaun hai.”

(I mean it is only her whom no one is able to understand who she paired with.)

Aahan got quiet and looked away. His pendant pulsed at the mention of her name. He subconsciously placed his hand on it and Saksham smirked.

“It pulsed right?”

Aahan looked at him surprised.

“What? Just because other people couldn’t catch it, doesn’t mean even I will not. Bada bhai hu tera. I know you too well and I know when you feel something. And I am sure that you’re down bad for that girl.”

(I am your elder brother.)

Aahan bit his lip looking away and the tips of his ears turned pink.

“She’s cute! And nice. Achhe lagte ho saath mai.”

(You look good together.)

Saksham smiled and chuckled when Aahan grinned sheepishly at the compliment.

Anvi and Aahan were at a cafe. The cameraman had asked for a break because he needed to change the camera rolls and also eat something.

Anvi was trying hard not to blush but his mere presence now affected her immensely. And especially after the realization that they have been paired together.

Initially when she connected the dots, it felt unreal. As if it were a remote possibility. But now, sitting across from him, talking to him, sharing her feelings and thoughts and getting to know his, she felt that it wasn’t something really impossible.

And she noticed the way he gazed at her. The softness of his eyes. The crinkle near his lips as he smiled genuinely and the way he curled his fists as if trying to resist touching her in any way.

“You know…iss weekend…I realised something.”

(…this weekend…)

She started. Her heart thudded heavily in her chest but she knew she needed to say it. Off camera. Aahan raised his eyebrow as he sipped his coffee.

“What?”

“I think I know who I am paired with.”

He almost choked on his coffee but composed himself quickly. He looked at her wide eyed and waited for her to speak.

“It’s you, right?”

She whispered and his heart skipped a beat. He gulped not having any answer. He looked away trying to hide his blush and asked.

“How…how did you figure it out?”

“I looked at all the notifications and the timings. Connected the dots and it was the only conclusion that made sense.”

Aahan did not know what to say. Was she ok with it? Did she too feel something for him? Or was she just surprised?

“Wait! You’re not surprised! You knew!”

She said suddenly and sharply and he closed his eyes.

“I…uh… from day one.”

He confessed and she looked at him, mouth agape with disbelief.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

He turned to her and met her gaze.

“It would have made things awkward, Anvi. We were practically strangers when it started.”

“Isn’t that what your device is supposed to help with?”

She asked and he sighed.

“I also wanted to see what the device would do without any additional triggers. Agar mai bata deta toh shayad uss device se jyada hamare brains aur hormones kaam krte. It would have hampered the credibility of SouLink.”

(Had I told you then maybe our brains and hormones would have worked more than the device.)

She kept looking at him for a few moments.

“So, what do you feel?”

“About what?”

“About me? About us?”

He blushed and avoided eye contact. Anvi raised her eyebrow in amusement seeing his ears turn pink.

“You’re blushing.”

“I’m not!”

He defended quickly and then looked away with flushed cheeks as she giggled. Thankfully, he was saved when the cameraman called saying that the camera was ready for further shooting.

The following weekend was different. Anvi was meeting Aahan. Without the camera or SouLink with them. Now that the two were aware of their pairing, Anvi wanted to see where it took them.

She was attracted towards Aahan and it was no secret. Even the viewers commented about the two and their chemistry in the latest episode. The secret glances and shy smiles did not go unnoticed from their eyes.

Aahan had, although not answered her question about his feelings that day, he was sure about what he felt for her.

He had started to fall in love with her. Amidst all the visits for their shooting and getting to know her, he felt emotionally aligned with her. 

He was waiting by his car, tapping his foot against the floor impatiently. Was he nervous? Very! Was he excited? Too much! Did he feel giddy? A lot!