Intensely Twisted Fate

Chapter : 5

Laranya's POV

After I told my father and Preeti that there was nothing going on between me and Shravan, they dropped the topic for now. I explained that we were both working overtime yesterday and that he happened to be leaving at the same time as I was, so he came to send me off — nothing unusual. In the past, he would often pick me up and drop me off at my house, and I’d do the same for him when needed. It was just convenient, and they seemed to accept that explanation, even if it was only half-true.

That reminds me of the photographs that had left me so stunned. I need answers. If those photos are genuine, it's better to confront them directly. I decided to invite both Sumit and Aparna individually, but arrange to meet them together. With my work done ahead of schedule, I emailed my boss, requesting a day off. There was no need to worry my father about it, so I lied, saying I was going to the office as usual. Catching my regular bus, I got off at a stop near Sumit’s favorite hangout — the one he’s always been too "embarrassed" to bring me to. Yet, I’m almost certain he’s taken Aparna there plenty of times.

Sumit's dad owns the café, and there's always a table reserved for him and his friends, a spot that screams privilege. I moved quietly, avoiding the front entrance, and peered inside through the side window. His familiar group of friends was seated there, laughing at some joke I couldn’t hear. I spotted Sumit, holding a glass of wine, taking a slow sip. And there she was — Aparna — sitting right next to him, her hand casually laced with his. My stomach twisted with disgust.

I didn’t confront them right away; instead, I stepped away and sat down at the nearby bus stop, letting the scene sink in. I decided to call Sumit first, curious to see what excuses he’d come up with. His phone rang endlessly without an answer, which didn’t surprise me. I kept calling, my irritation mounting with each unanswered ring. By the eighth call, he finally picked up, sounding irritated.

“What is it? Who calls this many times?” he snapped.

“Why are you so bothered by my call?” I countered, trying to keep my voice steady. “Where are you? It’s urgent. Can we meet in half an hour?”

“I’m in Matheran with my buddies. Didn’t I tell you?” he lied smoothly, using the same excuse he’d always had in his back pocket. His family owned properties in Matheran, and he’d often escape there with friends, but I knew he wasn’t there now.

“Okay, bye.” I hung up before he could weave more lies. One down, one to go. I dialed Aparna’s number. She picked up almost instantly.

“Hey! What’s up?” she greeted me with fake cheerfulness, like everything was just fine.

“I urgently need to meet you,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Can we meet somewhere nearby?”

“Oh, I’d love to,” she replied quickly, “but I’m at the mall with my dad. He’s heading to America on business, so we’re shopping for some last-minute essentials. Let’s catch up another day?” Her voice was so sweet it was nauseating.

“Okay, then. Bye.” I hung up, my hands shaking with rage. I didn’t care about the lies, not anymore. I wasn’t hurt; I was livid — furious at the sheer audacity of their deceit.

I stood up, feeling the anger boiling inside me, and walked straight back to the café. They were still there, caught up in their little world, oblivious to everything else. I didn’t hesitate. I marched inside, ignoring the few rich-kid patrons scattered around, and slammed my fist down on their table, hard. The sound reverberated through the nearly empty café, making everyone look our way. Sumit and Aparna's heads snapped up, their faces draining of color when they saw me.

They scrambled to move, settling nervously across the table from me. An awkward silence settled between us, the tension so thick it was almost suffocating. I stared at them, saying nothing, and watched Sumit squirm under my gaze. Then my eyes dropped to the mark on his neck — a fresh hickey. It was as clear as daylight, a confirmation of what I already knew. Those photos hadn’t been doctored.