Hearts Entwined "Where love meets destiny."

Chapter 23: Tanya's Confession

Introduction

Varun and Aanya walked into the conference room together, their hands entwined and their faces glowing with happiness. They were here to meet Tanya Gupta, Varun's childhood friend, who had recently arrived in the US to discuss a significant partnership between her company and Varun's.

Varun had already met Tanya briefly in his office a few days earlier. Their reunion had been filled with nostalgic conversations and laughter, rekindling old memories. Tanya, now managing her father's company's headquarters in Thailand and other branches, was in the US to cement a crucial partnership with Varun's tech firm.

Varun's POV

Varun was excited to introduce Aanya to Tanya. He hoped his two favorite women would get along well. As they walked into the room, he felt a surge of pride and affection for Aanya. She looked stunning as always, her confidence and warmth shining through.

"Tanya, it's great to see you again," Varun said warmly, hugging his old friend.

"Varun! It's wonderful to be here," Tanya replied, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. She then turned to Aanya, her smile widening. "And you must be Aanya. Varun has told me so much about you."

Aanya extended her hand, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Hi Tanya, it's nice to meet you. Varun has shared some great stories about your friendship."

As the three of them sat down to discuss the project, Varun noticed Tanya's eyes flickering towards him and Aanya frequently. He couldn't quite place the emotion behind those glances, but he brushed it off, focusing on the meeting.

Aanya's POV

Aanya felt a bit out of place as Varun and Tanya discussed business intricacies. She watched them interact, noting the ease with which they communicated. Tanya was undeniably charming and competent, and Aanya couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity.

Throughout the meeting, Aanya tried to stay focused, but her thoughts kept drifting back to how little time she had been spending with Varun lately. His attention was often consumed by work, and now with Tanya in the mix, it felt like she was losing him.

After the meeting, Aanya hoped to spend some quality time with Varun. However, he had another discussion lined up with Tanya about the project. Aanya's heart sank as she realized she wouldn't see much of him today either.

Tanya's POV

Tanya couldn't deny the pang of jealousy she felt watching Varun and Aanya together. She had always harbored feelings for Varun, but life had taken them in different directions. Now, seeing him with someone else, those old feelings resurfaced with a vengeance.

As Varun and Aanya left the room, Tanya couldn't shake the image of them holding hands, their connection palpable. She knew she had to focus on the project, but her heart ached with a mix of envy and regret.

Rohit and Riya's Arrival

Meanwhile, Rohit and Riya had just returned from their honeymoon in French Polynesia. They arrived at the company's headquarters in San Francisco, ready to take charge after Rohit's absence. Rohit, having managed the other branches remotely, was eager to resume his position as chairman.

Walking into the bustling office, Rohit felt a sense of responsibility and excitement. Riya, by his side, was equally enthusiastic about supporting him and reconnecting with her friends, especially Aanya.

Tanya's Confession

Later that day, Aanya had to leave for a meeting with another department. Tanya seized the opportunity and asked Varun if they could have a private word.

"Varun, can we talk for a moment?" Tanya asked, her voice a bit shaky.

"Of course, Tanya. What's on your mind?" Varun responded, curious.

They stepped into a quieter corner of the office. Tanya took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Varun, I need to tell you something," she began, her voice trembling. "I've always had feelings for you. Seeing you with Aanya... it's tearing me apart. I can't stand it."

Varun was taken aback, not expecting this confession. He looked at Tanya, seeing the pain in her eyes.

"Tanya, I... I like you too," Varun said slowly. At that moment, Aanya happened to walk past the corner and overheard Varun's words. Her heart shattered into a million pieces.

Unable to hear any more, Aanya turned and fled, tears streaming down her face. She didn't wait to hear Varun's next words.

"But only as a friend," Varun continued, not realizing that Aanya was already gone. "I've always valued our friendship, but Aanya is the one I love."

Aanya's POV

Aanya ran down the hallway, her vision blurred by tears. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Varun liked Tanya? How could he do this to her? She felt betrayed, heartbroken, and utterly devastated.

Finding an empty conference room, she slipped inside and closed the door, leaning against it as sobs wracked her body. She replayed Varun's words in her mind, each time feeling a fresh wave of pain.

How could she have been so blind? She thought they had something special, something unbreakable. But now, it seemed like it was all a lie.

Varun's POV

Varun finished his conversation with Tanya, assuring her that he treasured their friendship but that his heart belonged to Aanya. He felt a sense of relief, hoping that this would clear any misunderstandings and they could focus on their work.

Returning to the office, he looked around for Aanya, eager to share the rest of his day with her. But she was nowhere to be found. He asked a few colleagues, but no one had seen her.

Growing concerned, he pulled out his phone and sent her a text: "Hey, where are you? I need to talk to you."

Tanya's POV

Tanya watched Varun anxiously as he tried to reach out to Aanya. She felt guilty, knowing her confession had caused this turmoil. She hadn't meant to disrupt their relationship, but her emotions had gotten the better of her.

As she saw the worry etched on Varun's face, she realized the depth of his feelings for Aanya. It was clear that Varun truly loved her, and she had to respect that.

"I hope Aanya understands," Tanya thought to herself. "I never meant to hurt anyone."

The Aftermath

Aanya didn't respond to Varun's text. She spent the rest of the day hiding in the office, trying to pull herself together. She knew she couldn't avoid Varun forever, but she needed time to process what she had heard.

Varun, meanwhile, was frantic. He needed to find Aanya and explain what had happened, to make her understand that she was the one he loved, and no one else.

As the day turned into evening, both Varun and Aanya were left with their thoughts, each wondering how to bridge the growing chasm between them.