Rikara - FF - Book | ✓

FF #4 || Chapter 5

Gauri greeted Vikas Arora with a handshake. He introduced Priyanka to her, as his fiancée. Gauri smiled and sat on the table. It was weird. She wondered if Priyanka was still mad at her. "So, I am guessing everything is as per plan, discussed earlier?" Vikas asked, starting the conversation.

"Yes, Mr.Vikas Arora. Everything is as per your request. My team had a problem reaching out to a few guests. Uh, here's the list." Gauri spoke fishing out a paper from the file before her. "And, also, there was a little issue with the drinks. The resort has strict rules and doesn't appreciate liquor by the beach. So we may not arrange that. However, we have an alternative of going for the bar by the pool on the first floor of B block of the resort. Here are few pictures for your reference." Gauri handed him the pictures, glancing at Priyanka who had been looking her way.

"This will do fine I guess." He gave a quick response handing the images back to her. "You are a terrific planner I must say. If this goes well, be sure you'll have sole responsibility of our wedding." He grinned and turned towards Priyanka. "Priya? All okay?" He asked when she didn't respond. 

"Yeah!" Priyanka blinked. "Vikas, umm.." Priyanka spoke her throat feeling dry.

Gauri looked from Priyanka to Vikas. "I will give you two some privacy."

"Gauri stay." Priyanka spoke aloud staring in her direction. Vikas looked on puzzled. "She's Ri!" Priyanka spoke glancing at her fiancé. 

His expression changed swiftly and he turned towards Gauri. "Oh, I..I will let you girls catch up." Saying that he gave her hand a squeeze and left. Gauri stared at Priyanka. Evidently she had told Vikas about her.

"It's been three years." Priyanka spoke sitting still. 

"Almost!" Gauri muttered trying hard to put up a smile. 

"And this is how you greet me?" Priyanka's voice was heavy as though she had been holding back a flood of emotions. 

"It's just...weird." Gauri answered lowering her gaze. She couldn't even meet Priyanka's eyes.

"I am sorry, really very sorry!" Priyanka spoke feebly as she tried to hold back her tears but failed. "I said a lot of things that day that I didn't mean. I was unreasonable. But you didn't even say a word back. I was being irrational, and you simply put up with me. Gauri, I am very sorry." Priyanka learned forward her hand reaching out to hold Gauri's.

Gauri smiled. "You weren't wrong Priyanka. I was. Anyways there's no point going back to the past. Congratulations, on your engagement." Gauri smiled.

"It's been a while I haven't been around you. However, I still can make out when you're faking a smile." Priyanka spoke looking at Gauri squarely.

"Priyanka, past is past. Let it be there. There's no need to open old chapters again. It's a new year approaching. We should focus on that. I will see you later." With that Gauri rose from her chair.

Priyanka at once got up and followed her. "Stop running Gauri. You left home,  just like this. Didn't bother to leave behind a number. No address. You just disappeared. That's not how it's supposed to be, Gauri. You..."

"Pri..please let the past be. I have moved on. You have moved on. Why go back now?"

Priyanka stated at her. "But one person is still stuck there Ri, he is still waiting for you to come back." Gauri's eyes flickered and met Priyanka's knowing well who she was referring to. 

"He will move on too." Gauri mumbled looking ahead ready to walk away.

"At least, give me a bear hug. I have missed it " Priyanka's voice stopped her in tracks. She blinked to do away with her tears. She turned and before she could comprehend Priyanka's arms were around her. She was sobbing. Gauri no longer could hold back her tears she let them slip down and hugged her friend back. "I am so sorry Gauri. I feel terrible for what I did to the two of you. God, I hate myself for it."