The Entwined Fates

Chapter 4: 'HE' revealed

I did not have to turn around to see who this HE was!

Even after all these years, I could identify his gaze without needing to look. There was only one person who would make me feel this way.

Dhruva Gokhale.

I tried so hard to keep still, but my body involuntarily reacted to his gaze on me.

I could feel all of their eyes on me for a second before shifting towards him. As he made his way towards our table, the guys went to welcome him, and the girls scooted closer to me and started whispering.

“Are you ok?”

“Should we ask him to change seats?”

“I mean, I knew there was a chance that he would come, but allotting him the same table…..”

“Guys!" I interrupted calmly. “Relax. I am fine. Why would I not be? And why are you so shocked? He was a part of our group. I mean, he still is. So, where else would he sit?  How would they know what happened after?”

“Oh right!”

“And I am happy he is here. It’s good to see him after so long. So bas ab! Act normal!”

With that, both Zia and Aaru got up to hug him.

“Hi girls! Good to see you. You both are looking absolutely gorgeous,” said Dhruva.

“Aww! thank you, Dhruva! You look very handsome too,” replied Aaru.

“Yes! I agree with Aaru. You look great. Navy always looked good on you,” Zia replied while making a feeble glance at me.

Though I did not react, all of us exactly knew what she implied. Ignoring her, I made my way to greet him.

“Hi, Dhruva! It's so good to see you.”

Considering his reaction, I guess this shocked him since he did not expect it. But I wonder why?! I mean, I can understand, but what else was I supposed to do when he was literally sitting at our table? Ignore him? He knows I am not that immature. We were close friends at some point, for god sake!

Coming out of his shock, he replied, “Hi Arya! It's good to see you too. You look breathtakingly gorgeous!”

I took a moment to reply, “Thanks! You look great too.”

We quickly sat down as we saw the servers making their way with refreshments.

“You did not tell us you were coming,” accused Priyank.

“I was supposed to have an important meeting in the evening. So I was unsure if I could make it. But luckily, the client changed the timings last minute and, here I am!”

“Oh! It's good that you are here now. So you will be coming for the retreat too, right?” asked Ved.

“Oh yes! I already applied for leave as soon as the dates were finalised.”

“That’s great! How are you travelling?” enquired Zia.

“Umm, I haven’t decided that yet. Let’s see.”

The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. “You could join us if you want.”

The stunned silence that followed made me realise what I said. “Are you sure?” he asked cautiously.

“Yes, why not! The five of us are already travelling together. Ek Aur Sahi!”

“Ok sure, if it's fine with everyone.”   

After receiving affirmative responses from everyone, they started planning for tomorrow. And judging by their happy faces, I knew I made the right decision. I knew everyone was behaving cautiously around me as if I would explode but, they really didn't need to. Whatever happened between the two of us, was just that, between us. I decided that I would not let it affect their friendship.

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Author's Note:
Hello guys!
I hope you liked it. The party will begin in the next chapter. Stay tuned to know what happens next.
Thanks for reading!
- Mitali