HEARTS ARRANGED, LOVE DISCOVERED

CHAPTER 36: DATE GONE WRONG

The cafe date with Neel was not going as Aaru had hoped. She had tried to engage in conversation, but it seemed they had little in common. Their interests, hobbies, likes, and dislikes were worlds apart. Aaru couldn't help but feel that this date was turning out to be more of a chore than a pleasure.

As the conversation lagged and the awkward silences grew longer, Aaru desperately searched for a way to let Neel down gently. She knew that they were better off as friends, but finding the right words to convey this was proving to be challenging.

Just as she was contemplating how to bring up the subject, a strange feeling washed over her. It was as if someone dear to her was nearby. Aaru's intuition tingled, urging her to follow that sensation.

She turned to Neel and said, "I'll be right back. Don't worry; I won't be long."

Neel nodded, a bit perplexed by her sudden departure. He watched as Aaru gracefully excused herself from the table and made her way out of the cafe.

Once outside, Aaru scanned the area, trying to pinpoint the source of her intuition. Her gaze landed on a man parking his bike nearby. As he dismounted and removed his helmet, Aaru's heart skipped a beat.

It was Abhi.  The realization filled her with warmth, and she couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips.

Aaru knew that her date with Neel was far from perfect, but in that moment, she felt that everything was right in the world.

As Aaru and Abhi stood outside the cafe, she couldn't help but notice the intensity in his eyes. His presence had a magnetic pull on her, and it felt like the universe had conspired to bring them together once more.

Aaru, slightly flustered by the unexpected encounter, asked, "Dr. Abhimanyu, aap yahan? What a coincidence!"

Abhi couldn't help but smile as he replied, "Hello, Dr. Aarohi. Yes, indeed, quite a coincidence. You look absolutely fabulous."

Her cheeks turned a shade of pink as she accepted the compliment with a shy thank you. Aaru then inquired, "What are you doing here?"

"I was passing by and thought I'd grab a coffee," Abhi replied, not revealing the real reason he was there.

Aaru continued, "I'm here on a date."

Abhi's smile faltered for a moment, but he masked his emotions and asked, "Oh, I see. Are you okay?"

Aaru sensed something was amiss but decided not to probe further. "Yes, I'm fine," she replied. "Shall we go inside?"

Abhi agreed, and they made their way back into the cafe. Inside, Aaru introduced Abhi and Neel to each other, and the two men shook hands. Abhi's grip was unusually strong, causing Neel to wince in pain.

Aaru furrowed her brow at this strange interaction but decided to continue her conversation with Neel. She casually mentioned, "You know, Abhi, Neel and I were just discussing how we're better suited as friends. We're quite different, and although he's a nice person, it doesn't seem like we have a romantic connection."

Neel quickly agreed, "Yes, that's right. I think we're better off as friends."

Abhi couldn't hide the relief he felt upon hearing those words. He understood that Aaru was trying to let him down gently and maintain their friendship, and he was grateful for that.

Just then, Neel received an urgent phone call and had to leave abruptly. Aaru was left without a ride, and she glanced around, unsure of her next move.

Seizing the opportunity, Abhi said, "Aaru, I can drop you home if you'd like."

Aaru smiled gratefully and nodded. "Thank you, Abhi. That would be really kind of you."As they left the cafe together, Aaru couldn't help but feel that the universe had indeed conspired to bring them back into each other's lives.