Echoes of Love Lost [COMPLETED]

Chapter 6: "The Rekindling"

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Rifan was still with Tiara, but he couldn't shake off the memories of his past with Ditya and the love they once shared. 

Meanwhile, Tiara's mental health had taken a turn for the worse. She had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and Rifan was struggling to cope with her constant mood swings and emotional outbursts. He wanted to be there for her, but he also knew that he couldn't ignore his feelings for Ditya.

Despite his caring for Tiara, however, Rifan couldn't help but feel guilty about the way he was neglecting his relationship with Ditya.

He talked to her whenever he got the chance, but he never told Tiara about their conversations. Rifan began to feel guilty for talking to Ditya behind Tiara's back, but he couldn't resist the temptation to reach out to his first love. They exchanged messages and talked on the phone, reminiscing about their past and catching up on each other's lives.

Rifan couldn't believe how easily he and Ditya fell back into their old routine of talking for hours on end. It was like they had never been apart. Rifan knew he was treading on dangerous ground, but he couldn't help himself. He missed her so much.

Rifan: "Do you remember when we used to stay up all night talking?"

Ditya: "Of course I do. We would talk about everything and anything, and the time just flew by."

Rifan: "I miss those conversations so much. It's like nothing can compare to the connection we had."

Ditya: "I know what you mean. It's like we could read each other's minds and finish each other's sentences."

Rifan: "I wish we could go back to those days. Everything was so much simpler."

Ditya: "I think about it all the time. But we both know we can't go back right now. I have a boyfriend."

Ditya's words hit Rifan like a ton of bricks. He knew she was right - they couldn't go back to the way things were, not when she had a boyfriend. But he couldn't help feeling a pang of jealousy and curiosity at the thought of Ditya with someone else.

"So, who is he?" Rifan asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

Ditya hesitated for a moment before answering. "His name is Aldi. We met during a volunteering project with the Red Cross. He's a medical student and he's really sweet."

Rifan felt a knot form in his stomach at the mention of Aldi's sweetness. He couldn't help but feel like he was losing Ditya to this new guy. "How long have you been with him?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Only a few months," Ditya replied. "But it's been great. He's been so supportive and caring, especially after my breakup with you."

Rifan felt a pang of guilt at the mention of their breakup. He knew he had hurt Ditya deeply, and he couldn't help feeling like he was still paying for it now. "I'm glad you found someone who treats you well," he said softly.

Ditya smiled sadly. "I am too. But sometimes, I can't help but think about what could have been between us."

Rifan's heart skipped a beat at her words. He knew he shouldn't be encouraging this, but he couldn't help feeling hopeful. "What do you mean?" he asked, unable to hide his curiosity.

Ditya sighed. "I mean, sometimes I wonder what would have happened if we had stayed together. But we both know it wasn't meant to be. I love Aldi now, and I don't want to mess that up."

Rifan felt a mixture of emotions wash over him - hope, regret, and jealousy. He couldn't help feeling like he was still in love with Ditya, despite everything that had happened between them. But he knew he couldn't do anything about it now.