Destiny: Time To Fall In Love

Chapter 21 - The Mirror of Two Men

The morning sun streamed through the glass windows of the Maheshwari headquarters, but inside Veer's cabin, the air felt heavy. Veer was on his second cup of coffee, trying to bury his thoughts in spreadsheets, when a soft knock disturbed him.

Aashi walked in, her presence like a burst of light that he wasn't prepared for. "Good morning, Veer!" she chirped, her smile so bright it made his chest ache.

"Good morning to you too," Veer replied, forcing his voice to remain steady. He took a sip of coffee to hide the slight tremor in his hand. "What's the matter, Aashi? You seem to be in a very good mood today."

"Veer, by any chance are you free tomorrow? Or even just for a few hours? I know it's the weekend," she asked hesitantly, her eyes searching his face.

Veer looked at her, confused. He had planned to spend the weekend in a dark room, trying to forget she existed. "Yes... I don't have any urgent work. Just a few meetings I can reschedule. Why do you ask?"

Aashi began to play with her fingers, a nervous habit he had grown to find adorable. "Actually, I need a favor. Will you help me, Veer?"

"Without a doubt," he said, the words coming out instinctively. He would move mountains for her, and she knew it. "Tell me what you need."

Aashi's face lit up, and the joy in her eyes was almost blinding. "Actually, my engagement has been fixed with Aryan. I want to gift him something special before the ceremony. Will you help me choose something for him?"

The world seemed to tilt. Veer felt his heart clench so hard he nearly gasped. He had tried to prepare himself for this—the reality of her belonging to another man—but being asked to shop for his own replacement was a new kind of torture.

"But Aashi... I don't know anything about Aryan," Veer said, his voice sounding hollow to his own ears. "I don't know his likes or dislikes. How can I help?"

"Don't worry about that," Aashi said confidently. "I asked you for a specific reason."

Veer frowned. "And what's that?"

"First, you both have the same physique, so I don't have to worry about sizes. Second... I've noticed that you and Aryan have very similar taste in things. I'm sure whatever you choose, he'll love it. Hashtag, problem solved!"

Veer looked at her, a bitter, tragic irony washing over him. He stared at her beautiful, expectant face.

"You're right about that," Veer mumbled, his voice barely audible. "What I have liked for myself... he has already chosen."

"What did you say?" Aashi asked, leaning in.

"Nothing," Veer said quickly, masking his pain with a professional nod. "Tell me when I should pick you up tomorrow."

"I'll let you know! We should meet outside, though—it's a surprise for him."

Veer forced a broad, fake smile. "Aryan is very lucky to have you in his life, Aashi."

Aashi shook her head, her smile turning soft and dreamy. "No, Veer. It's me who is lucky to have him as a life partner... and lucky to have a friend like you. Thank you for always being there for me. I truly wish you find your happiness too."

With a final wave, she turned and left the cabin. Veer watched her go, the "happiness" she wished for him feeling like a cruel joke. He was going to spend his Saturday picking out a gift for the man who was taking away the only thing he ever wanted.

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The Saturday sun was bright, signaling a day that promised both excitement and, for one man, deep-seated agony. Aashi hurried down the stairs of the Malhotra mansion, her heels clicking rhythmically on the floor. She was dressed in a chic, comfortable outfit, her eyes bright with the mission ahead.