Night Changes

CHAPTER 21

"How did you know we were on a date?"

"Er..Jassi told me. That you got drunk during your date and he brought you home,"

"Oh, okay,"

I dialled Jasprit's number as soon as Ritz hung up.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Jasprit. Before you say anything, I'm sorry about last night,"

Silence.

"I didn't mean to- do that. I was so stupid, what if you are committed to someone- it would-"

"I am not."

"Huh?"

"I am not committed,"

"Oh that's...great. No, not great. I mean- ugh! Anyway I'm sorry for what I did and thank you for helping me out,"

"It's okay. I know you weren't in your senses, or you never would've done that.."

I found it tough to believe. His voice beared pain.

"Uh..I- um..thanks for understanding,Jasprit. But I called to ask if you talked to Ritz last night?"

"Yes, I did. When I left you at your flat, you were alone. So I thought I should inform Ritika, she could check on you in the morning. I'm sorry I didn't check on you, I was..too disorientated after whatever happened yesterday,"

"No..it's okay, I understand. You've done a lot for me. I didn't want to disturb you in the early morning but this is important. Did you tell Ritz that we were on a date last night?"

"No. I just told her that you were drunk and were in your flat. I was prepared that she would ask what was I doing with you, but she didn't,"

"Now I get it why Ritz didn't reach the café,"

"Why?"

"Because Trent saw us,"

"But how do you know? "

"Ritz said that our 'date went extreme' but how did she know we were out together? I'm pretty sure Trent told her
we were together in the café and as she thinks we're dating, she thought we were on a date,"

"Yes, it adds up. Remember Trent made a call? Must've been to Ritika who got alert and didn't arrive,"

"We should've been careful,"
I sighed.

"Yeah but now we know it for sure that Trent and Ritz are hiding the fact that they meet,"

"Yeah. Um.. Jasprit?"

"Yeah?"

"You sound...different today,kind of-off,"

"Do I?"

I didn't know what to say, so I let it go.

"Anyway, I gotta go, catch you later,"

"Hmm,"

And he hung up.

I felt heart broken. He sounded so disinterested, so indifferent. Was this because of... what happened between us?

I was super perplexed but I ignored it. It could be anything from his personal life that was bothering him. I might be over thinking, as always.

I wish I could tell Ritz everything. I realised my only best friend,  my boyfriend and my good friend- my relationship with each of them was at stake at the moment. What was happening with me? What was I doing?  I ditched my date and I don't feel anything for my boyfriend. I kissed a friend. I was spying on my own bestfriend. I felt so messed up, this was too much for me to take.

   I decided- that's it.I can't relax untill I tell everything to Ritz. Whatever I'm doing, my intentions might be good but this feels so wrong. I don't care what happens afterwards, I just know I have to talk to her for my own sanity. The guilt of betraying her will kill me. Only she can actually help me figure things out and sort my life. I can't afford to lose her.

  I brought out my black Mercedes and started the ignition. I drove myself to Ritz's place, thinking all the way how was I going to explain the events to her.

  "Aly! What a pleasant surprise! Come in, babe,"

Ritz greeted me happily and it felt like home.

  We sat on the couch and as I played with Sam, she made me coffee.

"So, what's up, Aly?  It's been days since we sat together and shared all the hot gossips over a cup of coffee,"

  "I know right. That's why I'm here. I wanted to talk,"

  "Of course, I'm sure you have a lot of spicy news, so..enlighten me," she winked.

  "Ritz," I began. Though I rehearsed all the way, yet I couldn't bring myself to say anything.

"I'm waiting, miss,"

"I..wanted to say..that.."

I sat and thought. Was I doing this right? I was tired and worn out in my apartment but as my head cooled I could think straight. I might be doing right to Ritz by confessing, but Rohit? Wasn't I deceiving him? Even if I choose to not do this to Ritz, I should at least inform him, shouldn't I?

  "Hello, Miss? Where do you get lost? You can think about your kiss with Jassi later, first answer me,"

I blushed thinking about that day. To my surprise, I wasn't guilty or ashamed about it anymore.

Yikes, Aly. You got drunk and kissed your friend and you aren't even guilty.

  "Look who's blushing, huh?" She held my hand and continued, "I hope you know Aly that you can share everything with me. Don't ever feel alone. I'll be there for you,I've always got your back,"
I felt a wave of emotions in me. Ritz is everything to me, in no way I can hide this. I need to tell her.

  But I can't wrong Rohit either.
What on earth am I supposed to do?
I decided to play the safe side. I'll not assist Rohit and Jasprit in this crime. I won't tell Ritz anything either. I'll just play the role of a mute spectator.

Just then, Ritz's phone rang and she went to take it.

  I heard Sam wake up from her sleep in the other room so I went to comfort her.

And I overheard Ritz,
  "I know, Trent. I know you can't help but meet me today,"
My eyes widened.

  "But Aly is here and I can't leave her,or she'll get suspicious,"

  "Of course meeting you is more important, you know Trent I can't just sit and listen to her life issues when I know you're dying to meet me, it's just that..she'll get suspicious.."

I could hear my heart breaking. Really, Ritz? I was dying out of guilt here and all you did was make me realise how silly you think of me compared to that stupid boyfriend of yours.

  "Okay, let me see how I can make up some excuse...yeah, Let's meet somewhere else..how about Kerrington's coffee club at 4? Yeah I hope we don't run into the love birds again, haha. Okay I'll text you the co ordinates..yeah..see you,"

That's it. Enough of this shit. You might have given me lots of love and support over the years, but you're not the same Ritz who was eager to hear my 'life issues' and solve my problems always. You have changed. You cheated your husband. You've stooped low. And I will expose you Ritz, no matter what.
 
   *drum rolls* Our girl is determined! She has the right to feel bad though, her only best friend said shit about her :(.

  Anyway, on a scale of 10, rate Ritz!

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