Beyond borders: When filter coffee met Chai

🌸Hearts Reawakened🌸

Hey everyone!!,

Before you start reading, let me tell you that this part is comparatively longer than the other ones. But I promise that this is the most interesting part as well. The past is unfolding itself slowly. You can find yourself in a whirlwind of emotions in the subsequent parts. Or should I say, the actual story has just begun?
Do read the entire part.

Happy reading!!
With all my heart,
Noogiie

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After five long minutes, Rehaan finally released Nitara from his embrace.

"Are you alright now? I'm so sorry, Rihu... I lost control of my anger and ended up hurting you," Nitara said, her voice filled with regret.

"I'm fine, Nitu... It's just that... Never mind," Rehaan replied, his voice trailing off.

"But why were you crying so hard, Rihu?" Nitara asked gently.

"I can handle the world turning against me... But losing you? That's something I can't bear. At the café today, I genuinely thought I was losing my best friend forever," Rehaan confessed, tears welling up in his eyes once more.

"Shh... I'm sorry, Rihu. I knew I meant a lot to you, but I never realised the extent. I'm truly sorry, and I can never stay angry with you for long. You're my best friend, Rehaan," Nitara said softly, wiping his tears away.

Rehaan hugged her tightly. "Don't ever leave your Rihu alone... Even if you end up with Saket, please remain the same, Nitu."

"What?" Nitara exclaimed, pulling out of the hug. "Who told you I'm going to end up with Saket?" she asked, puzzled.

"I've seen the way you two look at each other. It's obvious you still have feelings for each other," Rehaan said.

"Do you think I've told him the real reason I blocked him?" Nitara asked.

"You haven't?" Rehaan asked, his eyes searching hers.

"I don't want to jeopardise his relationship with that person," Nitara replied.

"Nitu, you should have told him the truth," Rehaan said. "My efforts to reunite you both were in vain then," he continued.

"No... At least we're friends now," Nitara said.

Rehaan just responded with a quiet "Hmm."

"Come, have your dinner. I brought your favourite dishes from the café," Nitara said, taking out the packed food from her bag.

"But... I've already..." Rehaan started, but Nitara interrupted him, "Shut up! Who was the colleague? Don't lie to me, Rihu!" Nitara said.

"You knew I was lying?" Rehaan asked, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"Absolutely. Now eat," Nitara said, feeding him with her hands.

"Food tastes better when you feed me," Rehaan said, his eyes tearing up.

"And you look awful when you cry," Nitara teased.

Rehaan smiled. "Alright, princess. No more crying," he said, giving her a side hug.

Meanwhile, at Saket's place:

"So, how was your date with your ex-girlfriend? Or should I say girlfriend?" Shreya teased Saket.

"Oh, come on, di... It wasn't a date. We just talked and sorted things out. We're no longer in a relationship, so we're just good friends now," Saket replied.