A Tale Of Hidden Scars ✔️

15~Decision

Ashta's fingers flew across the keyboard, focused on the project. Rohan, her assistant, entered quietly. "Ashta ma'am, Ayan won't be attending the meeting today."

Ashta's gaze lifted."Why?"

Rohan's voice was soft."He's taken the day off. His marriage date is getting fixed today."

Ashta's heart stuttered.A sharp pain pierced her chest.She had expected it, but the truth still hurt.Ashta's eyes dropped, hiding her emotions."Okay, thanks for letting me know."

Rohan lingered, concern etched on his face."Ashta ma'am,are you okay?"

Ashta's mask slipped into place."I'm fine, Rohan. Just focus on the project."

Rohan nodded and exited, leaving Ashta alone.The reality struck hard. Ayan would soon belong to someone else.

Completely.

In every sense.

Ashta's thoughts swirled she still loved him, but she wouldn't stand in his way.She wouldn't ruin his chance at happiness.

Ashta took a deep breath, steeling herself,focus on work to drown the pain.

Meanwhile, Ayan sat in Rhea's living room, startled. Rhea's parents had called unexpectedly, arranging a meeting to fix the wedding date.

Ayan's mind reeled with thoughts he hadn't expected this not yet.

Rhea's smile was radiant."Ayan, aren't you excited?"Ayan forced a smile."Of course."

But doubts crept in was he ready?Was this what he truly wanted Ayan's gaze met Rhea's.He saw happiness and expectation.

Ayan pushed aside his reservations,this was his future.He would make it work.The meeting commenced, discussing dates and details.Ayan's participation was mechanical.

His heart, elsewhere.

Ashta's face lingered in his mind refusing to fade.Ayan's thoughts were a jumbled mess.

The wedding date was already set while he was lost in thought.

Next morning,

Rhea breezed into the office, her bright smile illuminating the space, as she announced, "Everyone, I have amazing news - Ayan and I have finally fixed our wedding date!"

The room erupted in a chorus of congratulations and chatter, with colleagues swarming around Rhea to offer their best wishes.

Ashta's gaze lifted from her screen, a sense of dread settling in the pit of her stomach, her heart racing with every beat.

Rhea approached Ashta's desk, a box of sweets in hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement, saying, "Ashta, sweetie, I brought these to share - try one!"

Ashta forced a warm smile, her voice laced with faux enthusiasm, "Congratulations, Rhea - thanks for the sweets."

Their hands touched briefly as Ashta took the box which Rhea handed to ayan, sending a jolt of electricity through her veins.Rhea didn't notice the subtle exchange, too caught up in her victory.

But Ashta felt it, her senses heightened, her mind racing with thoughts of Ayan.Ayan stood beside Rhea, his brown eyes meeting Ashta's for a fleeting second, their gazes locking in a silent understanding. Ashta searched for happiness in those depths, for joy, for love.

But Ayan's eyes were void, empty, hollow.Isn't he happy? her thoughts whispered, doesn't he love Rhea?

Rhea chirped on, oblivious to the tension, "Ayan's so excited - we're perfect for each other."