Is't Called Destiny

REVELATION AND RIVALRIES

Part 57: Revelations and Rivalries

Darsh knew he had to clear things up with Somya. The sooner he told her about his marriage, the better it would be for everyone involved. He decided to invite her to dinner at his home, so she could meet Kanishka and understand the reality of his life now.

Darsh called Somya. "Hey, Somya. Are you free this evening? I want to invite you over to my place for dinner."

Somya's voice was cheerful. "Of course, Darsh! I'd love to come. What time?"

"Around 7 PM. I'll text you the address," Darsh replied.

"Perfect. See you then!" Somya said, excitement evident in her tone.

Darsh hung up and sighed. He hoped this dinner would go smoothly. He knew Somya still had feelings for him, but he was committed to making his marriage work.

Later that evening, Darsh informed Kanishka about the dinner plan. "Kanishka, Somya is coming over for dinner tonight. I want her to meet you and know about our marriage."

Kanishka was taken aback. "Why didn't you tell her before?"

"I was in a hurry yesterday and forgot. But tonight, everything will be out in the open," Darsh said, taking her hands in his. "Trust me, it's the right thing to do."

Kanishka nodded, though she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She decided to put her best foot forward, hoping to make a good impression on Somya.

At 7 PM, the doorbell rang, and Darsh opened the door to a radiant Somya. "Hi, Darsh!" she greeted with a wide smile.

"Hi, Somya. Come on in," Darsh said, stepping aside to let her in.

Somya looked around the beautifully decorated living room. "Nice place. You've done well for yourself."

"Thanks. Let me introduce you to my wife," Darsh said, leading her to the dining area.

Kanishka stood up from the dining table, a polite smile on her face. "Hi, I'm Kanishka. It's nice to meet you."

Somya's smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. "Nice to meet you too, Kanishka."

There was a brief, awkward silence before Darsh intervened. "Why don't we all sit down? Dinner will be served soon."

As they sat down, Somya couldn't help but notice the subtle affection between Darsh and Kanishka. She felt a pang of jealousy but managed to keep her emotions in check.

Throughout dinner, Somya tried to engage in polite conversation, but her mind was elsewhere. She kept stealing glances at Darsh, memories of their college days flooding back. She had always hoped they would end up together, but fate had other plans.

Kanishka noticed Somya's lingering gazes and felt a twinge of insecurity. She tried to keep the conversation light and pleasant, but the undercurrent of tension was palpable.

"So, Somya," Kanishka said, trying to steer the conversation, "what did you study in Italy?"

"I did my master's in business administration," Somya replied, her eyes flicking to Darsh. "It was an amazing experience."

"That's impressive," Kanishka said genuinely. "Italy must have been beautiful."

"It was," Somya agreed, but her tone was wistful. "But it's good to be back."

As the evening progressed, Somya couldn't help but try to make Kanishka feel a bit jealous. She brought up stories from college, emphasizing her close bond with Darsh.

"Remember that time we stayed up all night studying for our exams, Darsh?" Somya said with a laugh. "We were so exhausted, but we made it through."

Darsh chuckled. "Yeah, those were some crazy times."

Kanishka smiled politely but felt a pang of insecurity. She knew Darsh had a past, but hearing about his close friendship with Somya made her uneasy.

After dinner, they moved to the living room for coffee. Somya continued to subtly assert her familiarity with Darsh, making Kanishka feel more out of place.

"Darsh, do you remember our favorite coffee place near campus? We used to go there all the time," Somya said, her eyes shining with nostalgia.

"Of course, I remember," Darsh said, smiling. "They had the best coffee."

Kanishka felt like an outsider in her own home. She excused herself to the kitchen, needing a moment to gather her thoughts.

Darsh noticed and decided it was time to clear the air. "Somya, there's something important I need to tell you."

Somya looked at him expectantly. "What is it, Darsh?"

"Kanishka and I got married a few months ago," Darsh said, watching her reaction closely.

Somya's smile froze, and for a moment, her mask slipped. "Oh, I see. Congratulations."

"Thanks," Darsh said, his tone sincere. "I should have told you earlier. I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Somya said, her voice tight. "I just didn't expect it."

Just then, Kanishka returned with the coffee. "Here you go," she said, handing a cup to Somya.

"Thank you," Somya said, forcing a smile.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of strained conversation and forced politeness. When Somya finally left, Kanishka let out a sigh of relief.

"That was... intense," Kanishka said, sinking into the couch.

"Yeah, it was," Darsh agreed, sitting next to her. "But I'm glad it's out in the open now."

Kanishka looked at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Do you think she accepted it?"

"I don't know," Darsh admitted. "But what's important is that she knows. We can only hope for the best."