Three days passed quietly after the family visit, though nothing about the quiet felt ordinary.
Kavya noticed it first in the way her mornings shifted. She still woke early, still swept the library’s tiny reading nook, still arranged the donated books by genre—but every time the door opened, something in her paused.
Ridiculous, she told herself. Expecting him is exactly how you get disappointed.
And yet, the little bell on the door felt louder than usual.
By late afternoon, she found herself dusting the same shelf twice, her thoughts looping back to the backyard conversation—the hints, the teasing, the look in his eyes when he said now I’m sure.
What had he been sure about? That it was her? Or that he wanted this?
The distinction mattered. She hated that it mattered so much.
She shook the thought off and returned another stack of books when the bell chimed again.
Her breath caught before she even turned.
Arjun walked in with the easy confidence she now recognized—a quiet self-assurance that didn’t announce itself, only settled into the room naturally. He wasn’t in formal clothes this time. A grey T-shirt, rolled sleeves, and the same comfortable warmth that had always marked his presence here long before she knew his surname.
“Hi,” he said, stopping a few steps away.
His tone was casual, but his eyes searched for hers in that gentle, deliberate way—checking if she’d allow him into her space today.
“Hi,” she replied, grateful her voice didn’t betray her pulse. “You’re early today.”
“Had some field visits in this area,” he said lightly. “Thought I’d drop by.”
She arched a brow. “Coincidentally?”
“If that helps you sleep at night,” he quipped.
Her lips betrayed her, forming the smallest smile. “You’re impossible.”
“I’ve heard,” he said. “But I’m working on it.”
They stood there for a beat—long enough for the air between them to change. Not uncomfortable. Just aware.
Arjun gestured to the books she was arranging. “Need a hand?”
“Yes,” she admitted before she could overthink. “Actually… I do.”
He stepped beside her, picking up the next stack. Their arms brushed lightly—barely a touch—but it sent a clear message neither of them named.
After a minute, he asked, “How have things been at home? After the… meeting.”
Kavya felt heat creep up her neck. “Um… normal. Except for my mother grinning every time I walk into a room.”
His laugh was soft, genuine. “My parents haven’t recovered yet either. They keep acting like I brought home a gold medal.”
“Did you correct them?”
“Absolutely not. When will I ever get this level of appreciation again?”
She tried not to laugh and failed spectacularly.
Just then, the back door swung open and Rishi arrived with a crate of fresh baked goods. Spotting Arjun, he grinned like he’d been waiting all day for this.
“Oh ho,” he said loudly. “Look who’s here for field visits.”
Arjun pinched the bridge of his nose. “Can you not?”
“No,” Rishi declared proudly. “Embarrassing both of you is the only reason I came.”
Kavya groaned. “Rishi, go arrange the muffins.”
“Only if lover boy helps,” he shot back.
Arjun didn’t miss a beat. “Fine. Lead the way.”
Rishi, clearly delighted, carried the crate inside. But just before disappearing behind the counter, he leaned in and whispered to Kavya, “You’re smiling too much.”
“Shut up,” she hissed.
But she didn’t stop smiling.
As Arjun returned to her side, brushing crumbs off his hands, something softened in her chest. He wasn’t avoiding her. He wasn’t pretending the meeting meant nothing. He wasn’t stepping back like so many men did when things became real.
He was simply… here.
Steady. Consistent. Easy to talk to.
And, without saying it outright, choosing her in small, unmistakable ways.
“Kavya,” he said, turning to her carefully, “I know things are… new. And I know we’re not supposed to rush. But if you’re comfortable… maybe we could get coffee tomorrow? Neutral ground. No parents. No Rishi.”
She blinked. “Rishi isn’t neutral ground?”
“He’s a disaster,” Arjun said instantly.
Her smile grew—not shy, not overwhelmed, but real.
“Okay,” she said. “Tomorrow works.”
They both pretended to return to their tasks, but the quiet between them changed. It wasn’t tentative anymore.
It was open.Beginning to mean something neither of them wanted to name too early.
Outside, the evening sun dipped lower, softening into the golden hour.
Inside the little library café, something else softened too. A future—not guaranteed, not forced—simply unfolding, one quiet day at a time.
YOU ARE READING
Before I Knew His Name
RomanceI met him before I knew his name. Before the kindness. Before the chaos he walked into my life with. And before I realised I wasn't ready for someone like him... But he came anyway. Meet Kavya - in a world built of quiet dreams, books, and moments t...
