Echoes Of Destiny | Multicouple ✓

29. FRAGMENTS OF UNREQUITED LOVE

Riddhiya
(Past)

-Loving you was the most exquisite form of self destruction

___________________________

(14 year old Riddhiya Rajput)

"Yes, that's right, no, slightly to the left," I instructed the decorator as we arranged the flower garlands for Arhaan's fifteenth birthday.

The room was adorned with rich, vibrant marigolds and elegant jasmine strings, hanging from the chandeliers and cascading down the walls.

The tables were covered in fine silk cloths, with intricate patterns woven in gold thread.

The whole setup screamed class, elegance, and royalty-just like the Singhanias.

I was giddy with excitement.

Dadi had given me permission to throw a surprise party for Arhaan, and I was determined to make it perfect. Butterflies danced in my stomach every time I thought about him.

My heart would stop and then start racing again, a fluttery rhythm that felt both thrilling and terrifying.

Maybe this is what love was, I thought, arranging the final touches on the centerpiece.

I couldn't wait for the night to come. I wondered how he would react-maybe he would finally notice me.

As the guests gathered, the air filled with laughter and the soft melodies of a live string quartet. It was a scene out of a fairy tale, and I had orchestrated every detail.

"Happy birthday to you, Arhaan," Dadi wished, placing a piece of cake in his mouth. He smiled and accepted it, then moved on to receive wishes from Hridhaan Bhai, Kriti, Vrit Bhai, Myra, and even Abhinav Uncle.

To my surprise, my parents also wished him, and he accepted with a happy smile.

I waited patiently, nerves tingling with anticipation.

He would notice me soon.

He had to.

But before I could even step forward, he turned towards his friends, laughing and talking as if I were invisible.

I hesitated, unsure if I should approach him. Dadi, noticing my dilemma, called out to him, "Arhaan, baccha, guess who arranged this surprise party."

"Who, Dadi?" he asked, flashing that breathtaking smile of his.

For a moment, I was lost in it.

Can I stare at him forever?

"Of course, who else but our dear Riddhiya."

The moment my name was mentioned, his smile vanished, replaced by a scowl that slowly morphed into anger.

I frowned, not understanding what was happening.

Did I do something wrong?

Suddenly, he turned and walked out of the celebration. Everyone called after him, but he didn't look back, not even once.

I stood there, stranded, confused, and heartbroken.

He always ignored my presence, never initiating a conversation.

I thought that maybe, just maybe, arranging a surprise party for him would make him finally notice me.

It's just... I didn't realized he disliked me until that moment.