Day we met

Chapter 14- Journey together

"Is he coming with us?" Aadhya's inquiry was straightforward, revealing her surprise and lack of knowledge regarding Ric. Aaron asked if she had any objections to Ric joining us.

"I don't know him, so why would I have a problem?" Aadhya retorted.

Aaron's gaze shifted towards me, prompting him to ask, "Saakshi, you didn't tell them about Ric?" His question put me on the spot, I found myself hesitating, searching for the right words to explain my omission.

Realizing I couldn't avoid the topic any longer, I decided to come clean. "I happened to find out recently. Remember when I mentioned an anonymous guy who turned out to be my aunt's son?" I directed the explanation towards Dia, who nodded in recognition.

"He's the one," I admitted, feeling regretful for not sharing this information sooner. "I forgot to mention it to you. I'm sorry," I apologized sincerely, recognizing my mistake in not being transparent with Dia and Aadhya.

"I know you have a big heart to forgive me," I pleaded, hoping to mend any rift my secrecy had caused. Dia managed a small smile at my words, hinting that my attempt at reconciliation was somewhat successful.

"Then I'll consider this as your apology accepted," Dia finally responded, her tone softening as she reassured me of her forgiveness.

Meanwhile, I noticed Ric observing the interaction with amusement. His expression hinted at surprise and perhaps amusement at the unfolding drama.

"Bro, if you don't mind, can you please sit back with them? Aadhya will sit in the passenger seat," Aaron murmured to Ric, his voice carrying an undertone of plea.

Ric's response was unexpectedly sharp and dismissive. "How can I sit with them? Try to understand, don't be stupid," he retorted, his irritation evident. His abrupt reaction momentarily surprised us all, leaving an awkward silence in the car.

Aaron, visibly taken aback by Ric's response, seemed to search for words to defuse the tension. He shot Ric a pleading look, silently urging him to reconsider the request. After a moment of hesitation, Ric relented, albeit reluctantly.

"I don't feel like sitting in front. Can you sit there?" Ric turned to Aadhya, redirecting his request to her.

Meanwhile, Dia, not fully aware of the situation, moved towards the front seat, intending to take the passenger seat. I instinctively pulled her back, catching her by surprise.

"Saakshi, what's with you?" Dia winced slightly, clearly puzzled by my sudden action.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to, but I'd like to sit with you. Please come back," I whispered to her, hoping to explain later. Dia sighed in resignation, sensing there was more to the situation than met the eye.

"Since everyone seems reluctant, you can sit in front," I suggested, trying to diffuse any lingering tension.

Aadhya, still unsure about the seating arrangement, voiced her concern to Ric. "Are you sure, Ric? Can you sit with them?" Her words carried an underlying doubt.

"Which era are you living in, Aadhya? It's okay if he sit beside them. They won't eat him alive. Now stop this prattling and sit." Aaron said

Aadhya's reply, however, revealed her deeper apprehensions. "That's what I'm worried about, Aaron. They'll eat him alive. He seems like a righteous person, but I don't trust my friends," she concluded, expressing her skepticism about our group.

As our journey commenced, I found myself awkwardly situated between Dia and Ric in Aaron's car. The seating arrangement didn't feel quite right to me, so I quietly asked Dia if she would switch seats with me, hoping for a change that might alleviate my discomfort. However, Dia shook her head in refusal, clearly intent on staying in her spot.