CHAAHAT: Ek Ehsaas Dosti Se Badhkar

Chapter-15

(I've republished this chapter because the number of reads on it is lower than the next one, which is already published. It’s possible that some readers didn’t get the notification for this chapter earlier. So, I’ve republished it. 👍)

Author's POV-

Aashna woke up feeling drained, the image of Ankur and Suhana smiling together haunting her mind like an unwanted guest.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, letting out a soft sigh as she began her routine.

A splash of cold water did little to wash away the exhaustion that clung to her. She applied her skincare and added a little touch-up, hoping it would make her feel somewhat better.

As she brushed her hair, her phone caught her eye, and for a brief moment, she considered calling Ankur to ask if he'd pick her up for college as usual.

They always went together, it was their thing. But then she tossed the thought away with a scoff, muttering to herself,

"Bhaad me jaye. Mai na kar rahi call. Khud tadpega."

(Let him suffer. I'm not calling him.)

She descended the stairs, trying to mask her inner turmoil with a smile, and joined her family for breakfast. She took her seat quietly, forcing herself to engage in small talk.

Her elder brother, Deepak, noticing the absence of her usual riding companion, casually asked, "Is Ankur not coming to pick you up today?"

Aashna hesitated, not wanting to expose the growing rift between her and Ankur. After a beat, she replied, "Umm... I told him I'll go by myself today."

Her voice was calm, but inside, a storm was brewing. Her brother simply nodded, accepting her answer without further questioning.

After breakfast, Aashna grabbed her keys, mumbled a quick goodbye, and hopped on her scooty.

The ride to college felt longer than usual. Her mind replayed yesterday's events like a broken record.

The photo, the laughter, the warmth between Ankur and Suhana-things that should've been hers to share with him. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling of betrayal.

When she finally arrived at college, her heart sank further.

Ankur and Suhana were already seated together, laughing like they were in their own little world.

They seemed so... happy. Aashna's chest tightened as she stood frozen at the entrance, her grip on the handle of her bag tightening until her knuckles whitened.

It wasn't the fact that they were together-it was how natural it seemed, like her presence didn't matter anymore.

She stood there for what felt like an eternity, her fists clenched, eyes locked on Ankur's carefree smile.

That smile used to be for me, she thought bitterly, her chest aching with each passing second.

How could he not even bother to call her, not even ask if she'd want to come with them?