Our Destiny-: the beauty of love

Part 22

The next day,
in the meeting room,
Aditya suggested,

Aditya-"Let's bring in the event planner."
Shubh-"Sure."

Aarohi entered, and Saloni's gaze narrowed.

Saloni-"Not her again?"

Aditya countered,

Aditya-" Why not? She has the expertise."

Shubh spoke up,

Shubh-"Actually, I met another potential planner yesterday."

Aditya reminded him,

Aditya-"But you agreed our plan was exceptional."

Shubh's expression turned stoic, and he remained silent.

Saloni protested,

Saloni-"This is unfair."

Aditya smirked.

Aditya-"As they say, all's fair in love and war, Miss. What do you think, Mr. Malhotra?"

Shubh stood, his voice firm.

Shubh-"I liked the original plan. We'll proceed with it."

Aditya nodded, satisfied.

Aditya-"Great. We'll meet at the event venue tomorrow."

Shubh confirmed,

Shubh-"I'll be there."

With that, Shubh exited, Saloni trailing behind him.

For the next few days, Aarohi was in control, meticulously planning the event decorations.

On a several day.

Only Shubh, Saloni, Aarohi, Aditya, and Ayush remained after the day went off.
Ayush received an urgent office call and departed with Aditya. Before leaving, Aditya approached Shubh.

Aditya-"I hope I can trust you, Mr. Malhotra,"

Aditya said.

Aditya-"I request you to drop Aarohi home safely, as Ayush and I have urgent work."

Saloni interjected, a sly glint in her eye,

Saloni-"It would be my pleasure."

Shubh nodded.

Shubh-"Of course, I'll ensure her safe return. Let's ask Aarohi."

Aditya approached Aarohi.

Aditya-"Hey, Aarohi, I have to leave with Ayush on urgent business. Would you mind getting a ride home with Shubh?"

Aarohi's surprise was evident.

Aarohi-"What?"

Aditya reassured,

Aditya-"Just a ride, please."

Aarohi reluctantly agreed.

Aarohi-"Okay."

With that, Aditya and Ayush departed, leaving Aarohi with Shubh and Saloni.

Aarohi's unease grew as she walked alongside Shubh and Saloni to their car.
Saloni's sugary tone made Aarohi's skin crawl.

Saloni-"So, Aarohi, I'm sure you're thrilled to be alone with Shubh."

Shubh shot Saloni a warning glance, but Aarohi remained calm.

Aarohi-"Not at all,"

Aarohi replied lightly.

Aarohi-"Just grateful for the ride."

As they reached the car, Shubh opened the door for Aarohi.

Aarohi-"Please, get in,"

Aarohi slid into the backseat, Saloni sat beside Shubh.
The car ride was silent, Shubh ensuring Saloni remained quiet.
As darkness fell, Shubh's attention wavered at the crossing, and he slammed on the brakes.
Aarohi and Saloni lurched forward, but Shubh's swift reflexes saved Saloni from injury. His hand instinctively protected Saloni, but as he turned to check on Aarohi, their eyes met. Aarohi's gaze revealed a flicker of pain, witnessing Shubh's concern for Saloni.
Shubh hastily withdrew his hand.

Shubh-"Are you okay?"

he asked Aarohi.

Aarohi-"Yeah, just drive carefully,"

Aarohi replied curtly, turning away.
Saloni's eyes sparkled with malicious delight, thrilled by the evidence of Shubh's priorities. Shubh refocused on driving, his expression stoic.

Upon arriving at the apartment, Aarohi swiftly exited without a word.
Saloni attempted to follow, intending to rub salt in Aarohi's wounds.
But Shubh grasped Saloni's arm, intuitively sensing her intentions.

Shubh-"Don't,"

he whispered, his eyes warning.
Saloni's pout was hidden by the darkness.

Next day.
Aditya returned from disposing of garbage and halted upon seeing Shubh.

Aditya-"Hello, Mr. Malhotra,"

Aditya said, curiosity piqued.

Shubh nodded.

Shubh-"Hello."
Aditya-"Early morning?"

Shubh's expression turned serious.

Shubh-"I needed to speak with you."
Aditya-"Sure, what's on your mind?"
Shubh-"Is Aarohi really your girlfriend?"

Aditya's brow furrowed.

Aditya-"Why do you doubt it?"

Shubh hesitated.

Shubh-"I just do. Aren't you affected by her past?"

Aditya's tone was resolute.

Aditya-"Not at all. I don't care about her past or her feelings toward you. I just want to protect her from what she doesn't deserve."

Shubh's gaze lingered, then he smiled enigmatically.
Shubh turned to leave.

Shubh-"See you on the event day."

Shubh walked away.

Shubh entered his apartment, finding Aahan in hysterics while watching TV.
He grabbed a cushion and playfully tossed it at Aahan.

Aahan-"What happened?"

Aahan asked, startled.

Shubh-"Don't laugh,"

Shubh said, his expression mock-serious.
Aahan chuckled.

Aahan-"I'm not laughing at your situation, my friend."

Shubh's eyes narrowed.

Shubh-"What do you mean?"

Aahan nodded knowingly.
Shubh picked up another cushion, but Aahan swiftly retreated into Shubh's room.

Shubh-"Hey! Get out of my flat!"

Shubh called out.
Aahan's muffled voice replied,

Aahan-"Let me be, your loving best friend, of course."

Shubh smiled.

Shubh-"Then help me."

Silence.
Shubh grinned.

Shubh-"Stupid."

He settled onto the sofa, awaiting Aahan's emergence.