Destiny: Time To Fall In Love

Chapter 22 - The Share of Happiness

Aashi floated through the office corridors, her heart light and a song on her lips. In her excitement, the professional boundaries she usually maintained blurred. She burst into Veer's cabin without a second thought, only to stop dead in her tracks.

Sitting there, looking serious amidst a sea of files, were not just Veer, but Vikram and Mahi as well.

"Oops! I'm really sorry! I forgot to knock," she squeaked, her face flushing. She immediately ducked back out, closed the door, and gave two polite knocks.

"You can come inside," Veer's voice called out, laced with a soft, indulgent smile.

Aashi stepped back in, her eyes dancing. "Hey, bestie! What's with the smile?" she teased Mahi, though her gaze swept over all of them. "Actually... I have news. My engagement date is fixed with Aryan. It's happening this weekend, and I'm here to invite you all!"

The air in the room seemed to get sucked out. The smiles on Mahi and Vikram's faces didn't just fade; they crumbled. Vikram's eyes immediately shot to Veer. He watched his friend's jaw tighten, the way his hand gripped his pen until his knuckles turned white. You're really brave, Veer, Vikram thought, a lump forming in his own throat.

"Congratulations, girl!" Mahi said, breaking the silence as she rushed to hug Aashi. She pointedly poked Vikram with her elbow, jolting him out of his shock.

"Yes... congrats," Vikram added, his voice sounding forced even to his own ears.

Aashi turned to Veer, waiting for his reaction. For a few agonizing seconds, he said nothing. He looked like a man trying to breathe underwater.

"Actually," Aashi said, her voice dropping slightly as she sensed the strange energy in the room, "we're keeping it very private. Just family and very close friends. Since you all are so special to me... I really wanted you there. Will you come?"

Veer finally looked up. The "Ice King" mask was gone, replaced by a look of profound, gentle sadness. "Of course," he said, and this time, his smile was genuine. "How can we miss your special day? You said it yourself—only those close to your heart are invited. How can I deny that, knowing I'm somehow important to you?"

Aashi beamed, finally at peace. Once she and Mahi left the cabin to discuss girl talk, the silence returned, heavier than before.

Vikram leaned against the desk, looking at his best friend. "Will you be able to do it, Veer? Can you stand there and watch her become someone else's? Will you ever manage to forget her?"

Veer didn't look up. He began placing files into his drawer, his movements slow and deliberate. "I don't know, Vikram. I really don't know." He paused, his hand lingering on the drawer where the blue ring box was still hidden. "But I want to fulfill her every wish in my power, even if it hurts me. Some stories... aren't some books just meant to be left incomplete?"

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When Aashi returned home from the office, the first thing that hit her wasn't the silence of the house, but the rich, mouth-watering aroma of spices and sugar. She walked into the dining area to find the table transformed—decorated elegantly and laid out with a feast.

She looked at her mother, raising a questioning eyebrow. Mrs. Malhotra didn't say a word; she just pointed toward the kitchen with a knowing, proud smile.

Just then, Aryan emerged from the kitchen, a steaming bowl in his hands and a smudge of flour on his forearm. He looked up and caught Aashi's gaze. "You're just in time," he said, his eyes crinkling. "Dinner is ready, and so is your favorite gajar ka halwa." He leaned over the bowl, inhaling the sweet scent. "Freshly made."