When Aarav answered Ruhani's call, she had excused herself from her family, citing a nighttime stroll, and slipped away to the terrace. She sought solitude, ensuring their conversation remained private.
As Ruhani's voice trembled, she asked Aarav, "Do you love her?"
The weight of her emotions hung in the balance, awaiting his response.
Aarav paused, the silence stretching like an eternity. Finally, his words cut through the night air, "I don't."
Flash back ends
Evening time, at Kaushal Bhavan
As Aakriti and Ruhani's conversation flowed, their tea had long been finished. Time slipped away, and Aakriti's phone had been buzzing with calls from her mother for a while now.
Aakriti finally answered, "Mom, I'm at Ruhani's place. I'll leave soon, just give me a few more minutes."
She disconnected the call and turned to Ruhani, "It's getting really late, I should head out."
Ruhani protested, "So soon?"
Aakriti's eyes widened in surprise as she rose from the bed, "Madam, first, you were supposed to come to my place. And second, I've been out since two pm."
As Aakriti grabbed her bag, she continued, "And now it's seven pm. If Dad calls, I'm done for."
Ruhani's face fell, and she pleaded, "Stay a bit longer. I'll ask Dad to drop you home."
Aakriti's resolve softened at Ruhani's despair. She sat back down, smiling, "Okay, fine. But just for a little while. I didn't tell my family I was meeting you, so they must be worried."
As Aakriti stayed longer, Ruhani grasped her hand, smiling warmly. Aakriti's heart swelled, and she gently pinched Ruhani's cheek, saying, "Keep smiling like that."
Ruhani's radiant smile was a rare sight, a testament to the cathartic release she'd experienced in Aakriti's embrace.
Aakriti reminded Ruhani, "Next time, you're coming to my place, okay? You've neglected me for far too long." Ruhani nodded, her eyes sparkling.
Ruhani's expression turned somber once more, and she thanked Aakriti, "Thanks for meeting me, Aakriti. I guess I needed this therapy session."
Aakriti teased, "Don't get sentimental again! No thank-yous between friends!"
Ruhani began to respond, but Aakriti playfully interrupted, "By the way, this session wasn't free. How do you plan to pay?"
Ruhani raised an eyebrow, thinking, then grinned mischievously, "Momos from Chang's!"
They burst into laughter, Aakriti's heart overflowing with joy.
She realized her concern had touched Ruhani's heart, and the change was palpable. Aakriti clasped Ruhani's hands, her voice sincere, "I just want to see you happy like this. I miss you so much."
Aakriti hugged Ruhani tightly, her voice filled with emotion, "I can't have fun alone, can't travel, can't go shopping, or even enjoy Chang's momos without you. I need you by my side, Ruhani. I want my old Ruhani back, my best friend back."
Ruhani smiled, but the scars of the past still lingered. Her heart was broken, and mending it wouldn't be easy. Yet, she couldn't bear to see her best friend sorrowful because of her.
Ruhani made a silent vow to try and regain her former self, ensuring those who cared for her wouldn't suffer.
With a playful glint in her eye, Ruhani teased Aakriti, "Your intentions seem suspicious! I think I should inform Aunty you're now interested in girls."
Aakriti laughed, "Shut up!" They both dissolved into laughter.
Ruhani's expression turned thoughtful, "Aakriti, when are you free?"
Aakriti's curiosity was piqued, "What's up, tell me?"
Ruhani suggested, "Shall we plan for drinks?"
Aakriti's eyes widened in surprise, "Are you serious?! Ask me again."
Aakriti was taken aback by Ruhani's suggestion because, since her breakup with Aarav, Ruhani had avoided drinking, fearing she'd break down in public thinking about Aarav.
Aakriti enthusiastically agreed, "Let's plan it! When were you thinking?"
Ruhani hesitated before suggesting, "Tomorrow?"
Aakriti swiftly finalized the plan, eager to prevent Ruhani from changing her mind. After all, Ruhani had taken the initiative to socialize after a long time.
Aakriti reassured Ruhani, "We'll be fine! We won't drink that much, and if we do, we can always take a leave the next day. One day off won't bring down the company!"
Ruhani chuckled, calling Aakriti a "drunkard."
Aakriti playfully retaliated, "Hey, I'm not as bad as you!"
They both burst into laughter, high-fiving each other.
*******
What happens next?
As Ruhani and Aakriti's drinking plan unfolds, will it herald a return to Ruhani's care free days?
Will this new found step towards healing help Ruhani reclaim her lost joy?
And what secrets lay hidden behind Aarav's enigmatic words?
Let me know in the comments and likes below!
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'Chat By Fate' exclusively on Web Novel.
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