From Friends To Something More : The Moment A Simple Hug Sparked A Big Question

Recap

Ashwathy, a civil engineer , learns that her harsh and critical colleague, Aditya, has been in a car accident and is in the ICU. Despite their rocky relationship, she feels compelled to visit him at the hospital, where she bonds with his family, his sister Radhika and mother Mrs. Sharma. This experience softens her perception of Aditya, leading to a more humane understanding of his character.

As Aditya recovers, he returns to work with a changed demeanor, offering Ashwathy a yellow rose and an apology, indicating a desire for friendship. Their relationship evolves from professional to personal as they start having coffee together after work, which leads to office gossip and Ashwathy's subsequent decision to take a step back. However, Aditya confesses his love for her, which catches her off guard, leading to a period of tension and introspection. They decide to be friends and take it slow and decide things will be sweeter when they naturally evolve like a piece of chocolate. Soon, Aditya announces he's moving to the UK for a career opportunity.

Ashwathy feels betrayed by the lack of prior communication, leading to a period of estrangement. Despite her hurt, she misses him deeply, and his departure leaves a void in her life. Aditya, feeling remorse, sends Ashwathy a teddy bear with a heartfelt note, prompting her to acknowledge her feelings for him. They maintain contact through messages, promising to be there for each other without rushing into anything. To know more, read on.

A Hug Changes The Course Of Relationship

The Long-Awaited Reunion

The months that passed had been a mix of longing and anticipation for Ashwathy. The days seemed so long without Aditya around, but now, a rush of emotions filled her heart as she got the news - Aditya was coming back to India from the UK to attend his cousin's wedding. He asked her to meet him at the airport, and she was over the moon.

Ashwathy wanted to look her best; she took hours to get ready, styling herself carefully for what would be the most awaited moment. She stepped out in a simple yet elegant outfit, her excitement building with each passing second. Reaching the airport, her heart raced in anticipation, and her eyes searched the crowd for him.

The Moment Their Eyes Met

And then, there he was. Aditya, standing amidst the hustle of the airport, looked dashing, more handsome than she ever remembered. Her heart skipped a beat. She waved at him, a big smile on her face, her cheeks flushed with excitement. When their eyes met, his face lit up with a warm smile, and he began walking toward her. But as he neared, a group of people appeared from behind him, causing her to pause for a moment. Aditya gave her a helpless look, a little apologetic, as the group moved closer.

Meeting Aditya's Cousins

"Hey, Ashwathy, these are my cousins Anita and Arya, I have to come to attend Arya's wedding and this is my uncle Arun, and my aunt Neelam," Aditya said, introducing the people with a smile. "Everyone, this is Ashwathy, a colleague and a good friend."

Ashwathy smiled brightly, trying to calm the butterflies fluttering in her stomach, and greeted his family warmly. "Nice to meet you all," she said, her voice a little shaky.

Once outside, Aditya whispered in her ear when no one was looking. "I missed you," he said softly.

Ashwathy's heart fluttered again. She blushed, her smile widening. "Me too," she mouthed back, barely containing her excitement.

He then turned to his family and casually asked them to go ahead, but stopped in his tracks, finally focusing on her.

The Unspoken Question

"So, now that it's just us, I have to ask," he said, looking at her with a playful glint in his eyes. "Where do we go from here? I mean, are we still just friends like I told them?" he asked, using inverted commas with his fingers.

Ashwathy felt a sudden rush of nerves. She stared down at the ground, unsure of how to respond. "Your cousins and all are waiting... we'll talk about this later," she said, not wanting to make things awkward with his family.

"They can wait. I can't wait for the answer," he said, a little teasingly but with sincerity in his voice.

She took a deep breath, looking around at his family who were walking ahead. "They will doubt that something's going on. Please go," she said quickly, not wanting to get caught in an uncomfortable situation.

Aditya's Proposal For A Dinner Date

Aditya raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Hmm, okay. But on one condition," he said, his voice low. "We are having a dinner date tonight."

"A dinner date?" Ashwathy blinked, a blush creeping up her neck. "That's for people who date. I didn't say anything yet."

Aditya smiled mischievously, clearly not bothered. "I don't care. I want to have dinner with you tonight. Agreed?"

She let out a shy laugh, rolling her eyes. "Okay, now go, before they come here."

"Thanks for coming to see me, Ashwathy. And just so you know, you're looking absolutely gorgeous today," Aditya said, giving her a lingering look. "Seems like you took a lot of time to doll yourself up just for me."

She blushed profusely. "Nothing like that, I always get ready like this. Please, go!" she said, feeling her cheeks heat up.

He laughed, shaking his head. "See you later," he said, waving goodbye.

The Perfect Outfit For The Evening

Later that evening, Ashwathy stood before her wardrobe, indecisive. She wanted to make a lasting impression tonight. And then it hit her-a sari. She had always wanted to wear one around him, and tonight felt like the perfect moment. She carefully draped the fabric around her, making sure everything was in place. When she caught her reflection in the mirror, she smiled at her reflection-she knew she looked stunning.

The Drive To Dinner

Aditya arrived at her apartment to pick her up, and when he saw her, his breath caught in his throat. He couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Look ahead and drive, please," Ashwathy teased, laughing. "You don't want to get into an accident. Remember, you already got yourself into one before."

"Of course," Aditya said, his tone playful, his gaze still on her. "That's what brought us closer, didn't it?" He winked, and Ashwathy's heart fluttered again.

The drive to the restaurant was filled with light banter, but the atmosphere between them was charged with unspoken emotions. As they entered the restaurant, Aditya held the chair out for her, but instead of sitting, Ashwathy smiled at him, stepped forward, and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

A Hug That Said It All

"I wanted to do this when I saw you at the airport," she whispered, her eyes closed, soaking in the moment.

Aditya was taken aback for a second, but he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. "And I wanted to lift you up in my arms on seeing you", he remarked.

She pulled away slightly, looking up at him with a frown and a soft smile. "So, is this a yes?" he asked, his voice full of anticipation.

The Moment Of Truth

"Yes, for what?" Ashwathy asked, her voice teasing but her heart racing.

He grinned, his eyes full of hope. "Yes, we're more than just friends now, aren't we?"

Ashwathy met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. She gave him a broad, radiant smile, but before she could speak, she felt an overwhelming warmth spread through her.

A Hug Changes The Course Of Relationship

As we celebrate Hug Day, know that a simple embrace can speak volumes. Whether it's comforting a friend, sharing joy with family, or expressing affection to a loved one, a hug has the power to convey everything words cannot. And who knows sometimes, a hug can even change the course of a relationship, just like it did for Ashwathy and Aditya.

So, what will Ashwathy's answer be? Will she take the leap and confess her feelings to Aditya, or will she hesitate, unsure of what lies ahead? Watch this space and keep reading to find out what happens next!

Read more about: valentines day 2025 love romance