Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 20

In Jaipur, Singh Mansion

Agastya stood at the edge of the rooftop, gazing out at the city skyline as the sun dipped below the horizon. The warm orange glow of the setting sun cast a golden light on his face, but his eyes remained shrouded in darkness.

He clutched the railing, his knuckles white with tension, as the memories of Meera flooded his mind. The sound of her laughter, the scent of her perfume, the feel of her hand in his - every detail haunted him.

The rooftop, once his sanctuary, now felt like a prison. He couldn't escape the echoes of their time together. Agastya's chest constricted, making it hard to breathe. He felt like he was drowning in his own sorrow.

Armaan emerged from the stairwell, his footsteps echoing across the rooftop. "Hey, Bhai, what's up, man?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Agastya didn't respond, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the city lights.

Armaan approached him, his eyes scanning Agastya's face. "Dude, you've been up here for hours. What's going on?"

Agastya shrugged, his shoulders barely moving.

Armaan leaned against the railing beside him. "Listen, I know you're hurting, but you can't keep bottling it up. Talk to me, man."

Agastya's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know, Armaan. I just feel lost."

Armaan placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll get through this together, cuz. You're not alone."

But Agastya just shook his head, his expression unchanging. Armaan's words, though well-intentioned, felt hollow. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he was drowning, and no one could save him.

Armaan sighed, sensing Agastya's emotional walls. "Hey, change of subject. You know how we've been pitching to Eye Wood Company? They've finally agreed to invest in our new project!"

Agastya's expression flickered, a hint of a smile on his lips. "That's great news, Armaan. You've been working hard on this."

But the smile didn't reach his eyes, and Armaan noticed. Still, he pressed on. "Yeah, it's a big deal for us. We need to make sure we deliver."

Agastya nodded, his voice lacking enthusiasm. "You should lead the project, Armaan. You're the best person for the job."

Armaan raised an eyebrow. "You sure? You're the one who's been driving this initiative."

Agastya shrugged. "I'm sure. Tu karlega. Just...take care of it, okay?"
(You'll do it)

Armaan hesitated, sensing Agastya's emotional detachment. "Alright, bhai. But hey, if you're sure..."

Agastya nodded, his gaze drifting back to the cityscape. "I'm positive. Now, can I have some time alone, please?"

Armaan nodded, feeling a pang of concern. "Yeah, sure thing. I'll leave you to it." He paused, then added, "Take care of yourself, Agastya. We need you back."

With that, Armaan headed back down, leaving Agastya to his thoughts. The darkness seemed to close in around Agastya once more, the brief respite from his sorrow gone.

As soon as Armaan disappeared from view, Agastya's facade crumbled. He let out a shuddering breath, and tears began to stream down his face. For the first time in his life, he felt vulnerable, exposed, and helpless.

He thought about his ego, how he had always prided himself on being in control, but Meera had changed that. She had driven him crazy, and he couldn't deny it anymore. He remembered the day they danced, the moment he realized he was in love with her. But fate had other plans, and his life was turned upside down the very next minute.