A Surprise Straight Out of a Bollywood Script- Short Romantic Story

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Sunday mornings were meant for leisure, a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy. But today was different. It was Kal Ho Naa Ho’s re-release, and I was bubbling with excitement. The plan was set—just me, my sister, and my friend. A cozy girls’ outing, no drama, no hassle.

Or so I thought.

When my tickets were already booked, I casually called Aarav that evening. I didn’t think he’d be interested in a Bollywood classic. But as the words tumbled out—”I’m going for Kal Ho Naa Ho”—his voice took on that unmistakable tone of disappointment.

“Main bhi aana chah raha tha,” (Even I wanted to come). he said softly.

My heart sank. I immediately tried to book the seat next to mine, fumbling with the app, but he stopped me. “Chhodo, it’s fine,”(Forget it, it’s Fine). he insisted.

For the next two days, I felt guilty, replaying his words over and over. How could I not even ask him? Was I being selfish? But Sunday came, and the three of us girls headed out as planned. I resolved to enjoy the movie, guilt be damned.

We settled into our seats at the theater, me in the middle—my friend on one side, my sister on the other. The lights dimmed, the music began, and I was instantly transported to the world of Naina, Aman, and Rohit.

A few minutes in, my sister nudged me. “Kavya,” she whispered, “can you switch seats with me? I don’t want to sit next to a guy. I’m feeling uncomfortable.”

I sighed but obliged, sliding over without much thought. The movie rolled on, and I was lost in the magic of Shah Rukh Khan’s charm. I texted Aarav occasionally—small updates, silly photos, my way of sharing the experience he missed. But I didn’t once glance at the boy sitting next to me.

And then it happened.

Somewhere in the middle of a poignant moment, a dialogue about Chandigarh popped up on screen. Out of nowhere, the boy sitting next to me leaned in and whispered, “Chandigarh chale?”(Wanna go to Chandigarh with me?)

I froze. The familiarity of the voice sent a jolt down my spine. I turned, heart racing, ready to demand an explanation—and there he was.

Aarav.

Sitting there with a goofy grin, his eyes sparkling in the faint glow of the screen.

Relief, shock, happiness—all of it hit me at once. “You’re here?!” I whispered, unable to keep the grin off my face.

He shrugged, like it was no big deal. “Kaha tha na, main bhi aana chah raha tha.” (I told you even I wanted to come.)

I wanted to scream, laugh, and cry all at once. Instead, I smacked his arm lightly, trying to stifle my giggles. The rest of the movie passed in a blur, the scenes on screen battling with the real-life Bollywood moment happening beside me.

When the lights came on, he turned to me. “Surprise kaisa laga?”(How was the surprise?)

“Tum filmon ke dialogue ki tarah ho,” I teased. “Unexpected, dramatic, aur perfect.”(You are like a movie dialogue- unexpected, dramatic and perfect.)

Final Words

It was a day straight out of a romantic movie—a surprise I’ll remember every time I hear the word “Chandigarh.” It’s funny how life works sometimes. You don’t need grand gestures or elaborate plans to make a memory that stays etched in your heart forever. Sometimes, it’s the small, seemingly random moments that end up being the most special.

A casual Sunday plan to watch a movie. A seat switch. A random dialogue about a city. Who would’ve thought these tiny, inconsequential details would weave together into one of the happiest moments of my life?

It’s moments like these that remind you that love isn’t always about extravagant surprises or picture-perfect dates. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up when it matters, about knowing someone so well that you can turn even the simplest things into something magical. Aarav could’ve just let it go, but instead, he chose to make a memory for both of us.

Now, every time I hear the word “Chandigarh” or catch a glimpse of Kal Ho Naa Ho, I know I’ll smile. Not just because of the movie, but because of how a random scene and a whispered dialogue became something uniquely ours. It wasn’t about the movie anymore—it was about how he made me feel, how he turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.

This is the beauty of life and love: the little things often mean the most. A random movie outing. A stolen glance. A familiar voice when you least expect it. Together, they create a memory so beautiful, it feels like it was plucked straight from a Bollywood script. Because some stories don’t need a script; they write themselves—in the laughter, in the surprises, and in the quiet realization that these are the moments you’ll carry with you forever.