Fateful Contract

Wear And Tear

Guys sorry for late update.

It was my birthday, I went out with the family.
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Kunal punched in Aneri's number, only to be met with a vexed voice on the other end.

"Now what?" 

"Let's breakup." Kunal said it much more rudely than her.

"What?" Aneri was taken aback.

Even though she'd been insisting on a breakup for days, she knew he'd never willingly let her go. When he finally conceded to separate, she felt like the ground had been yanked from beneath her.

"What's the matter? Are you shaken?" Kunal asked, stationed in the second-floor corridor, and shot Aneri a concerned look at the first-floor lobby.

"Of course not. Why would I be shaken? I've been wanting this for a long time. It's clear now that parting ways is the best choice for both of us," Aneri said, her eyes welling up with tears.

'Wow, what an adorably awful liar,' Kunal mused, casting a smirk her way as he casually slipped his left hand into his pocket.

Every action of hers was under his keen observation and enjoyment. The moment he brought up the breakup, her brisk steps suddenly halted. She stood there, dazed and motionless.

"Sure thing, let's convene with all the exchanged gifts."

"Gifts, for what?"

Seeing Aneri's bewildered face, Kunal couldn't contain his excitement. 'Tejasswi was absolutely right; she needed a jolt.'

"Get my gifts back to me. I have no interest in holding onto any of your belongings, and I certainly don't want a stranger to have my things."

Aneri's heart hurt. Kunal was never so ruthless before. She never thought he would act so stingy after splitting apart from her.

'While this breakup is painful for me too, it's a realization I've come to accept in life. Teju is in another league, and I can't keep up. If I tried, it would only lead to pain for myself, you, and even her. It's best that I devote my life to serving her.'

'I thought the beautiful memories in the form of your gifts would help me overcome the pain.' Aneri thought while shedding tears, and Kunal was observing her from afar.

She sniffled, brushing away her tears, and Kunal couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. 'I'm sorry, Aneri. I have to do this.'

"I have a lot on my plate and don't have the time to go through the trouble of finding and returning your gifts. I'm sorry, but I can't do it," Aneri replied curtly.

"Is it bothersome or painful to get rid of those things? Do you want to keep it as my souvenir?" Kunal asked, and his lips curled into an evil smirk.

"Don't be absurd; there's no such thing," Aneri said, trying to sound stern.

"Alright, then make sure to bring my belongings when you visit Tejasswi at the hospital tomorrow."

"I have other artists to take care of, so I am not going to see her. She will be fine on her own."

L"Well, I have to go to your place then."

Aneri was grappling with the effort to not lose those items, and Kunal picked up on her weak spot.

"Why are you rushing things all of a sudden? It seems like you're more eager to end things between us, isn't it?"
Aneri couldn't help but chide, her frustration evident.

Kunal's smirk grew wider, seeing her writhing over the fact that she had to let go of him.

"Uff, what can I say? I love you too much to let any of your desires go unmet. If a breakup is what you want, then let's go through with it."