CHAPTER 17
Two Months Later
Shaurya walked downstairs in a black tuxedo, engrossed in a phone conversation. "Yes, schedule the meeting today," he instructed.
He sat at the dining table, quickly starting on his breakfast. His father sighed, watching him with a mix of concern and regret. Over the past two months, Shaurya had transformed into a complete workaholic. His life revolved around meetings, deals, and deadlines. His father had always wanted him to join the family business, but not like this. Shaurya had become a robot, driven by an unspoken need to escape from his emotions.
Shaurya ended his call and glanced at his mother. "Mom, I’ll be late today. I have an important meeting," he said, quickly finishing a piece of bread and his coffee before leaving.
His mother sighed deeply, her worry evident. "He’s not eating or sleeping properly. Please, talk to him. He’s drowning himself in work and neglecting his health."
"I don’t have the strength to confront him," his father replied, his voice tinged with sorrow. "It’s my fault. I forced Prisha to marry Shaurya. I can’t even face her to apologize. I have decided, I will not interfere in his life. I have lost this right."
Shaurya’s mother felt a pang of guilt. She loved her son deeply but had never shown it openly. She had always wanted to stop him from going to the hostel, but had never mustered the courage to oppose his father. They are responsible for Shaurya's condition and pain. They have lost the right to confront or console him.
Shaurya entered his room, the memory of Prisha’s voice echoing in his mind. "Shaurya, you’re home. I’ll bring you food."
"Prisha, why are you awake? I told you not to wait for me," he had said, removing his shoes.
"I love waiting for you, and I want to eat with you at least once a day," she had replied, leaving to get their dinner.
The servant’s voice jolted him back to reality. "Sir, should I bring your food?"
Shaurya shook his head. He changed his clothes and poured himself a drink. He threw the glass against the wall, frustration boiling over. "Stop thinking about her, Shaurya. She’s a closed chapter now," he muttered, drinking until he passed out.
The next morning, he was getting ready for office. He was wearing his watch when his gaze fell on Prisha's bangles, she loves to wear bangles. She has obsession with bangles, he touched her bangles, he never got the courage to move her belongings from his room. Sighing, he walked out to have breakfast.
Other side,
Prisha was sittingon a park bench, lost in thought. She has been looking for so long, but without success. She needed a job to support her mother, she didn’t want to be a burden. After college, she had tried to work, but Shaurya had refused, insisting she work only for him as his servant. She hated him, he was responsible for all her problems.
She stood up from the bench and walked toward her home. Distracted, she bumped into someone. Looking up, she gasped, "Adi?"
Her mind raced back to high school days. Aditya, her best friend. He moved away with his family, and they had lost touch. He had always been kind, helpful, and incredibly intelligent.
Adityalooked at the girl, his best friend, and his crush or more than the crush...his first love. There was not a single day when he did not miss her. Finally, he came back to the city hoping to find her and confess his feelings to her. The days he used tospend with her in the library were the warmest time in his memory. He never forgets her encouragement and helps and the things she did for him. She is his pillar and support system whenever he needs someone.
Aditya’s face lit up with a gentle, sunny smile. "Why? I can’t be here? There’s no restriction on me entering the city."
She chuckled at his words, "It’s so sudden. I didn’t expect to meet you like this."
His smile softened. "Leave all that. How are you? You look stressed."
She sighed. "I’m looking for a job. How have you been?"
"Not great. I missed you," he murmured under his breath, then louder, "Good. I have good news. I’ve opened a cafe here. You can work with me. I need help."
Hearing him, Prisha got happy and excited. Smile spread across Prisha’s face, she asked for confirmation, "Really?"
He nodded, "Let’s go. I’ll show you our cafe."
After seeing the cafe, Prisha was elated, she praised the interior of the cafe,"This is so nice." Then turning toward him, she thanked him,"Thank you so much, Adi. I’ll never forget this favor." She was happy, so happy. She really need a job and ready to do any work, beside she was excited to work with Aditya.
Aditya grinned. "Just a thank you? I need a treat."
A smile appeared on her face, she said,"Okay, come to my house. I’ll cook for you. Mom will be happy to see you. Are you free now?"
Aditya nodded and said with a big smile,"I’m always free for you. Let’s go. I’m excited to meet Aunty."
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They reached Prisha’s house, and she excitedly called out, "Mom! Mom!"
Her mother emerged from the kitchen, asked"What happened, Prisha? Why are you shouting?"
"Look who’s here," Prisha said, pointing to Aditya.
Her mother looked confused until Prisha explained, "Mom, it’s our Aditya."
Aditya touched her feet respectfully. "Aunty, do you recognize me? I’m your Adi."
Her mother hugged him tightly. "Of course, how can I forget my sweet Adi?"
Prisha told her mother about Aditya’s cafe and her new job. They spent the evening reminiscing over dinner, cherishing the old times.