Fury of love

CHAPTER-9 (COFFEE AND CONFESSIONS)

The week had been a whirlwind for Samar and Pihu, working closely together on the high-stakes project. Their interactions had been professional, but the underlying tension from their past still lingered. As they neared the end of the week, Samar decided it was time to address their unresolved issues.

One crisp morning, as they wrapped up a particularly intense meeting, Samar turned to Pihu with a tentative smile. "Hey, Pihu. I was wondering if you'd like to grab a coffee with me later today. Just a chance to unwind and talk outside of work."

Pihu looked up from her laptop, surprised but intrigued. "A coffee? That sounds nice, actually. I could use a break."

Samar's smile widened, though a hint of nervousness lingered. "Great. How about we meet at Café Lumière at 4 PM?"

Pihu nodded. "Sounds good. See you there."

As the afternoon sun began to wane, Samar and Pihu arrived at Café Lumière. The café, with its chic décor and inviting atmosphere, was a perfect spot for their conversation. Samar arrived first, claiming a quiet table near the window where they could have some privacy.

Pihu walked in shortly after, her presence immediately noticeable. She wore a smart, yet casual outfit, her hair pulled back in a relaxed style. Samar stood to greet her, his expression a mix of apprehension and hope.

"Hi, Pihu," he said as she approached.

"Hi, Samar," Pihu replied, smiling politely. She took her seat, and Samar followed suit. They both ordered their drinks—coffee for Samar and a chai latte for Pihu—and settled into a comfortable conversation.

As they sipped their beverages, the initial awkwardness began to dissipate, replaced by a more natural flow of dialogue. The café's ambient noise created a soothing backdrop, allowing them to converse with relative ease.

"So," Samar began, leaning forward slightly, "how have you been finding the project? It's been a hectic week."

Pihu took a thoughtful sip of her latte. "It's been challenging but rewarding. I'm glad we're making progress. It's just... the constant pressure to get everything right can be overwhelming."

Samar nodded in understanding. "I know what you mean. It's been intense, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with you. It's been... eye-opening."

Pihu raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "Eye-opening, huh? In what way?"

Samar chuckled, a hint of nervousness creeping in. "Well, for one, I'm getting to see a different side of you. You're as driven and passionate as ever."

Pihu's expression softened. "And you're not so bad yourself, Samar. I've noticed you've changed a lot since our high school days."

Samar's smile faltered slightly as he recalled their past. "Yeah, I guess we both have. I've been meaning to ask you... about what happened back then. I've been thinking about it a lot lately."

Pihu's gaze turned thoughtful. "It's been a while. What specifically are you wondering about?let bygones be bygones"

Samar hesitated, then spoke with earnestness. "I've been thinking about that day in the café. When I proposed to you and everything went wrong. I want to understand... why you were so hurt."

Pihu's expression grew more seriousher eyes brimming wth tears thinking abot the past her breaths becoming uneven. "I am sorry samar but I don't want to talk about the past.... Its been years since all that happened let the past remain in past it has nothing to do with our present we are just business partners so why too even talk about it"

Samar looked down, guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry, Pihu. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was confused that what had I done back then that you reaced that way. You even mentioned about some kiss back then but I don't know what you were talking about even you change the school to dummy you changed the city number everything you cut all the connecting means. Please just for today I want you to tell me what had happened back then that you reacted in such a way"

Pihu sighed, her the tears which she had in eyes now betrayed her and fell down her eyes. "It's not just about the proposal. It was about how I felt used and discarded. I wish things had been different, but the past...... I still remember. When I saw you kissing maya in the classroom.i was able to see you back and hear maya's moans but the main thing that hurt me was even if I had not proposed you.....you knew what I felt for you by my actions still...even after consoling and composing myself I thought that you must not be interested in me so what's the use but I never broke our precious friendship but when you proposed me I d=felt like hell " and she said while sobbing hardly with uneven breaths

Samar looked up, meeting her gaze with sincerity. "it's not like that Pihu what you are thinking please calm down and listen to me I beg you just listen to me...... I consider maya as my sister I can show you her pictures tying me rakhi since past 9 years........that day what you encountered was completely different it was just that he had a crush on a boy of our school wwho was not taking her seriously she came to me and asked my help then the idea of making him jealous came up to us and what ever you mentioned was not real yeah we were standing close she moaned but we didn't kiss eachother we were few inches apart"

Pihu froze, her expression a mix of relief shock and lingering sadness. "what the hell how's that possible I-"

Samar intervined"wait I will sow you our rakhi pictures and our chats she is till in contact with me and is married to her crush and is having a son who calls me mamu

Pihu started sobbing uncontrollably watching those pictures but somehow samar calmed her down their was not completely comfortable not completely uncomfortable silence spread amongst them

Meanwhile, the Rajwansh brothers, discreetly stationed outside, kept a watchful eye on the café. Their detectives were positioned strategically, ensuring that Pihu was safe while allowing her some privacy. Despite their attempts to blend in, they couldn't help but exchange glances of concern and occasional comments about their sister's well-being.

Back inside, as the evening drew to a close, Samar and Pihu finished their coffees, both feeling a sense of closure and renewal. The conversation had been cathartic, allowing them to address old wounds and move forward with a better understanding of each other.

Samar smiled as they prepared to leave. "Thanks for coming out today, Pihu. I'm glad we had this chance to talk."

Pihu returned his smile, a mix of gratitude and hope in her eyes. "Me too, Samar. It was good to clear the air."

As they stepped out of the café and went their separate ways, the weight of their past seemed a little lighter, and the future appeared a bit brighter. Both were left with a sense of optimism and a newfound appreciation for the journey they had shared. . then samar offered her the lift to which she respectfully shook her head and with a small smile went with her driver