Canvas of Destiny

Chapter twenty-six

Few more chapters to go.

Happy reading.

~~~

Ishika's POV

I take it back. The day wasn't dramatic enough because the real drama is just starting now.

"Oh my God, Jeet. You look amazing! I guess Hyderabad is really working for you, huh?" A woman's voice rings out, dripping with a mix of surprise and sarcasm.

And there she is-my biggest insecurity wrapped in the form of an undeniably beautiful woman, Ritika Jain. His best friend. The only other woman besides me, outside his family, who's that close to him.

"He's not your god," I mumble under my breath as she strides up to Jeet, pulling him into a bone-crushing hug. Perfect.

"Hey, Rits," he says, returning the hug. One arm wraps around her shoulder while the other pats her head affectionately.

Ritika Jain isn't the typical slim figure you'd expect. She's on the chubbier side, standing at about five feet two, but she wears her confidence like a stylish accessory, as if it's part of who she is. She's beautiful, strong, and successful.

But she didn't come into Jeet's life until after I was already out of it. I've never met her before today. I've only seen her in the photos and reels Jeet posts on his professional Instagram account.

When they break apart, she asks, sounding sincere, "How have you really been? It's been almost three months since we last met."

Then, she lowers her voice just enough, her words a whispered dig, "Or talked," loud enough for both of us to hear.

I always knew she had a thing for him. As much as I hate to admit it, I had a feeling they might even be together, judging by how they looked on social media and how he spent almost all his time with her. Professionally, of course.

Her eyes land on me, and she walks over while I stand my ground-neither nervous nor excited. She might be my biggest insecurity, but she's not big enough to shake my trust in Jeet.

"Hey," she says, extending her hand for a handshake. "I'm Riti-"

"Ritika Jain. Jeet's best friend and business partner," I interrupt, shaking her hand, making it clear I know exactly who she is.

They run an online business together, selling portraits, bookmarks, and other art-related items. But Jeet mainly handles portrait orders.

Her lips curl into an amused smile. "And you must be Ishika."

"The one and only."

"It's nice to finally meet you. I've been hearing about you since I met him," she says, her voice dripping with bitterness, revealing just how 'nice' this moment really feels for her-which is, not at all.

I smile back. "Only good things, I hope." I glance at Jeet, who's watching us with curiosity.

"And about how you brutally broke his heart," she adds, not even bothering to hide the disdain in her tone this time.

"Or personal stuff," I reply, my voice turning cold, matching the icy look on my face.

Before she can say anything more, Jeet steps in, coming to my side and sliding his arm around my waist.

"Let the past stay in the past. We had our misunderstandings, and we've worked them out." He looks at me, while I keep my gaze on Ritika, who's now glancing between him and the hand he has around me.

I bet she's burning up inside.

"She's my girlfriend now," he says, his voice firm. "And I wouldn't trade that for the world."