𝓑𝓻𝓸𝓴𝓮𝓷.

Chapter - 3

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Shivanya ~

"I cannot be selfish once I step inside. They love each other and want to spend their lives together. Radhika deserves to be happy," I reminded myself, pressing the button for the tenth floor in the elevator.

The elevator pinged sooner than expected. As I stepped out and rang the doorbell, a part of me wanted nothing more than to run away. "No, Shivanya. You can do this," I whispered, my resolve strengthening as the door opened to reveal Radhika.

"Hey Di," she greeted me with a bright smile. I returned it, trying to mask my inner turmoil.

"How was your day?" I asked, sighing as I placed my handbag on the couch.

"It was nice, Di. Why don't you freshen up? I'll get us some coffee," she offered, as always, and I nodded, grateful for the reprieve.

"Where is Taran?" I asked, just as he stepped in from the balcony.

"Here," he announced, plopping down beside me.

"I'll be back," I said, excusing myself and locking the bedroom door behind me.

The ache that filled me was almost unbearable, a throbbing pain that coursed through my veins, refusing to ebb away. Tears welled up as I clutched a pillow to my chest, stifling a sob.

"Enough, Shivanya. Taran was never yours," my conscience scolded, making me want to scream. But screaming would only hurt the people I loved most. I took several deep breaths, washing my face before changing into pajamas and heading back to the living room where Radhika and Taran waited.

Okay, let's talk. You dropped a bombshell on me this afternoon, and I still don't know how to process it. So, let's start from the beginning. When did it start?" I asked, my voice trembling as I seated myself opposite them. The couch felt unusually cold, a stark contrast to the warmth of the memories we shared here.

"Two years, Di," Radhika replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked away, her eyes avoiding mine as if the truth was too heavy to face. Taran's gaze followed hers, both of them unable to meet my eyes, the guilt evident in their averted stares.

"Why didn't you tell me? Both of you?" I demanded, feeling a sharp sting as I pinched myself to hold back the tears threatening to spill. The betrayal cut deep, deeper than I had anticipated.

"Trust me, Shivanya, I wanted to tell you so many times but couldn't. I just couldn't admit that I was seeing your younger sister," Taran said, moving closer, his voice filled with a regret that did little to soothe my hurt.

"You both owed me honesty. I deserved that much because you two are my world," I said, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. The raw pain in my voice was undeniable, and I saw it mirrored in their expressions.

"Shivanya, I know you're hurt, but it was never our intention to deceive you. Sometimes, we can't control who we fall for," Taran tried to explain, his voice gentle but firm. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, trying to control the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

"I don't blame you for your feelings. This is about trust. You both broke that, so forgive me if I can't give you my blessings right away," I said, standing up abruptly. I needed to escape, to hide the tears that were now flowing freely. I fled to the kitchen, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Di, you have every right to be mad, but please don't shut me out. You are my world," Radhika pleaded, following me into the kitchen. I quickly wiped my tears away as she turned me around to face her, her eyes wide with concern.