𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲. (ON HOLD)

34

Chapter 34 :
A Glimmer Of Hope

In the dimly lit ambiance of the bar, Rishabh leaned in, confiding in his childhood friend Kunal Kumar. "Rishabh, you won't believe what I saw today. Sejal was talking to Nikhil Jain, the heir of that famous restaurant chain."

Rishabh, intrigued, probed for more details, "What were they talking about? Did it seem serious?"

Rishabh, sharing a history of his relationship with Sejal, disclosed, "Nikhil is Sejal's ex-boyfriend. After meeting him on our first date, she distanced herself, using a test as an excuse not to talk to me."

Kunal, absorbing the revelation, found himself surprised at Rishabh's genuine concern for Sejal. "You genuinely care about her, don't you?" he remarked, noting the love in Rishabh's eyes.

Rishabh nodded, a certain vulnerability breaking through his usually composed exterior. "I've never felt this way before, Kunal."

Their bond, forged during their college days in Spain, had seen the changes in their lives. Despite Kunal's overseas projects, Rishabh shared every detail of his blossoming feelings for Sejal.

Kunal, recognizing the transformation in his playboy friend, felt a sense of contentment. "You've changed, Rishabh. I can see it. Go, confront her. Get the answers you need."

As the day at the office concluded, Rishabh, his decision solidified, made his way to the Chavan mansion. The air was thick with anticipation, the silence of his resolve permeating the room.

Seated in the living room, Rishabh's usually expressive eyes now held a silent storm. His psychopathic silence, a manifestation of his profound upset, awaited the confrontation that would unravel the mysteries between him and Sejal.

Time Skip.

In the midst of a seemingly ordinary dinner, Rishabh's taunts echoed through the air, casting a shadow over the table where his brother Mihir and parents, Geeta and Vanraj, were gathered. "Trustworthy, Sejal? I have my doubts," he sneered, the words dripping with accusation.

Sejal, taken aback by the public scrutiny, tried to defend herself amidst the judgmental gazes. "Mr Chavan, I've always been honest with you. Why are you doing this in front of your family?" she pleaded.

"Being honest means not lying, got it? In case it means something else in your vocabulary."Ignoring her defense, Rishabh delivered a cutting insult, leaving the room in tense silence. He abruptly stood up, pushing his chair back, and made his exit, leaving the dinner unfinished.

In the solitude of the mansion's drinking room, Rishabh sought refuge. Pouring himself a glass of whiskey, he gulped it down in an instant, the bitterness of the drink mirroring the strained atmosphere.

Sejal, compelled by concern, entered the room, cautiously asking, "Mr Chavan, what's happening? Why did you fucking react like that at the dinner table?"

Rishabh: "Why did I fucking react? I was saying the truth. The real fucking truth."

Sejal: "I didn't lie to you or anyone. I am honest and I say the truth too."

Rishabh: "You didn't lie? Then why the fuck did you meet Nikhil behind my back? Why the fuck did you lie to me that you were testing me? Why the fuck do you want me to distance myself from you? Do even fucking think or even fucking believe that I like you?"

Sejal: (frustrated and shuts her eyes) "NO"

(looks up at him in guilt and regret.)

Rishabh: "That's it. You don't want to give me a chance. You don't like me at all. You don't think we can have a good relationship or even start something new. You don't like it when I am near you or when I care for you. You don't have feelings for me and that's fucking it."