The Entwined Fates

Chapter 12: The Chance Encounter

Disclaimer: Google translate has been used in this chapter.
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We were already a few months into the new year, but nothing much had changed. Dhruva's reappearance in our lives was sudden, but we were slowly getting used to it.

It's Wednesday, and I had a brunch meeting with Señor Matteo at his favourite restaurant 'La Casa'. He said it reminded him of home.

"Hola, Señora!" He greeted me with a wide smile.

"Hola, Señor. How are you doing today?"

As we were heading to our table, I heard Señor Matteo exclaim, "Pablo?!"
The man named Pablo turned to see who had called him and when he saw Matteo, he got up to greet him.

"Pablo, what are you doing here?"

"I am here for the meeting. You?"

"Same here. I am here for a meeting with Señora Arya."

"Hola Señora" he greeted me, and when I returned his greeting, he turned to Señor Matteo and said, "why don't you both join us?"

"Ok, but just for some time."

After accepting the invitation, we made our way towards his table.

"I hope you don't mind my friends joining us, Dhruva!"

Dhruva??
My Dhruva?
My?
Where did that come from!

My thoughts were confirmed when he turned. He looked surprised to see me as I, him.
"Dhruva, meet my best friend Matteo" they greeted each other.

"This is Señora Arya."

We both replied at the same time, "we know each other".

"Oh really?" "How come?"

"We went to the same school. We've been friends since then."

Matteo and Pablo started chatting as we were seated, while the both of us remained quiet. After a few, Matteo asked me to place an order in Spanish.
This was a test.
I knew that.
And, it's not like I had any other choice.

I called for the server after asking what they wanted.
"¡Perdóne!"
(Excuse me!)

"Si señora, ¿qué le gustaría pedir?"
(Yes ma'am what would you like to order)

"Danos dos café y dos coca-cola, por favor."
(We will have two coffees and two coca-colas, please.)

"Algo más, señora?"
(Anything else, Ma'am?)

"No. Gracias."
(No. Thank you.)

As I turned to look at the three, they looked impressed, especially Dhruva. I saw a bit of pride in Señor Matteo's eyes. He had taken me under his wing when he started teaching me Spanish.

"Eso era buena," replied Senor Matteo.
(That was good)

"Gracias."
(Thank you.)

"Buena? Muy Buena!" added Senor Pablo. (Good? Very good)

"Muchas Gracias!"
(Thank you very much!)

With that, the both of them continued discussing business, when suddenly I got a call from my office. I excused myself to answer it. When I came back, I heard them talking about my team's possible business trip to Spain.

"You will be travelling to Spain?" asked Dhruva.

"We are in talks about it. But no solid plans yet."

Senor Pablo added, "Well if you do, make sure to keep a few days for exploration. I am sure you will love our country."

"Si," I replied.

Just then, our drinks arrived, and when I was about to take the first sip, Dhruva stopped me by exclaiming, "don't drink that!"

The three of us looked at him questioningly.
"It has cinnamon in it, and she is allergic."

Matteo whispered, "just school friends?"

I ignored Senor and replied, "Oh, thanks!"

After the drinks, we shifted to our table. I knew Matteo wanted to ask about Dhruva, but he restrained himself. I was thankful for that. It was a business meeting, after all.

With that, we continued discussing strategies and whatnot while having brunch. It was past noon by the time we were done, and I quickly left for the office.

It was an uneventful day after that. But, only one thought stuck with me for the rest of the day.

How does Dhruva still remember this?

Wasn't he the one who stopped caring?

Who knew, my questions would be answered sooner!

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Author's Note:
Hello guys!
I hope you liked it. Stay tuned to know what exactly happened in the past.
Thanks for reading!
- Mitali