Destiny: Time To Fall In Love

Chapter 23 - The Night of Truths

A month had passed since the night of the fallen chandelier and the blood-stained promises. In that time, the world had seen a shift. Veer and Aryan had moved from rivals to something resembling allies—two powerful men who shared a silent understanding. Veer had masterfully rebuilt his walls, acting as the perfect boss and the perfect friend, burying his feelings so deep that even Aashi believed the "Ice King" had moved on.

But today, the walls were about to be tested.

Veer was focused on his laptop when a light knock sounded. He didn't even need to look up to know the rhythm of that knock.

"Yes, Aashi? Is there something urgent? The office has only just opened," he said, glancing at his wristwatch—the one she had helped him pick, a constant reminder of their day out.

Aashi nodded, her eyes shining with an excitement that made Veer's chest tighten. "Yes, Veer. Here." She stepped forward and placed a heavy, cream-and-gold envelope on his desk.

"What is this?" he asked, though his soul already knew.

"It's my wedding invitation," she said softly. "You're the first person I'm giving it to. You're very special to me, Veer. I'll be so happy if you're there."

For a split second, the world went silent. Veer felt as if someone had reached into his chest and crushed his heart with a gloved hand. He had told himself he was ready. He had told Vikram he could handle it. But looking at the gold-embossed names—Aashi & Aryan—he realized he was a liar.

Before his eyes could betray him, before the first tear could spill, he stood up and pulled her into a quick, firm hug. He buried his face in her shoulder for a second, using the fabric of her dress to discreetly wipe his eyes.

"Congratulations, soon-to-be Mrs. Oberoi," he whispered, his voice thick but steady. He pulled back, forcing a playful smirk. "I wish you a life filled with nothing but happiness. You're going to break a lot of hearts in this office, you know? But don't worry, I'll manage the fallout."

Aashi chuckled, her face lighting up at his joke. "So... you'll come?"

"Of course. How can I miss my best friend's wedding?" He didn't let her see his hands trembling. He gently turned her toward the door, his palm against her back, pushing her lightly. "Now go. Let Vikram and Mahi know before they find out through the grapevine."

He practically pushed her out and clicked the lock the moment the door closed.

The silence of the room was deafening. Veer leaned his back against the door, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

"It's okay, Veer," he whispered to himself, his voice shaking. "You knew this was coming. She was never yours."

He thought of her smile, the way she looked when she spoke about Aryan. He tried to be happy for her, but the pain was a physical weight. His legs gave out, and he sank to his knees in the middle of his grand office.

"Aashi... you taught me how to fall in love," he sobbed, the tears finally flowing freely down his cheeks, staining the expensive carpet. "But why didn't you teach me how to live without you? How am I supposed to live without you?"

Third Person POV

Vikram walked into the cabin, expecting to discuss the morning's meetings, but he froze. Seeing the "Ice King" of the business world on his knees, surrounded by the deafening silence of a broken heart, was a sight he wasn't prepared for.

"Veer! Are you okay?" Vikram rushed to his side, his voice full of alarm.

Veer stood up abruptly, brushing off his trousers and forcing a ghost of a smile. "Of course," he said, though his eyes were red and swollen. He looked at the cream-and-gold envelope on the desk. "Vikram... what should I gift her? The most precious person in my life is getting married. Her gift... it has to be something beyond value."