Hate ,Love and Everything In-Between (HLEIB)

Chapter 1: Fate's Unplanned Encounter

Prerna's POV
Parth's eyes locked onto mine as we danced under the stars. The world around us melted away. Our love song filled the night air.

Suddenly, someone shook my shoulder. "Oye!! Uth Jaa!" a voice whispered.
(Hey!! Wake Up!)
I opened my eyes to find my roommate Khushi's face replaced Parth.
I woke up while yawning, stretched my arms.
"Who's the lucky guy?" she said while smirking.
I blushed, realising my dream was still fresh in my mind.

"Kya tune koi accha sapna dekha?" Khushi asked noticing my red face.
(Did you have a good dream?)
I hesitated, unsure if I should share. "Nahi toh." I lied. But who am I lying to?
(Nothing.)

Khushi Rathore, my best friend since childhood. She knew me inside out. My Roommate, became my closest companion.

"Kya time ho raha hain?" I mumbled.
(What time is it?)
"9:00a.m. Humein 10:00 baje tak kaam pe pohochna hoga. Chal bhi, khadi ho!" She emphasized, handing me my clothes. I quickly threw off the blanket and went to take shower first.
(9:00a.m. We have to be at work by 10:00a.m. Come on, stand up!)

While getting ready, she asked me again," So, now tell me! Did you have a good dream?". I smiled, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "Yeah. It was ..... Interesting."
Her curiosity sparked,"Spill the beans. Who was it at this time? Is it him again?"
I blushed, shaking my head while thinking about my crush, "Maybe."

Khushi teased, "Toh, tum dono shaadi kab kar rahe ho?"
(So, when are you two getting married then?)
I playfully rolled my eyes. "Chup Ho jaa! Bas ek sapna hi toh tha."
(Shut up! It's just a dream.)
Khushi grinned. "Filhaal, jo koi bhi tha, tu has rahi hain. Toh accha raha hoga."
(Well, whoever it was, you were definitely smiling. Must've been good.)
I couldn't help but smile again, thinking about the dream.

"Come on, let's hurry! We don't want to be late," Khushi reminded me, handing me my backpack.

We headed out the door when I interrupted Khushi asking,"Big day ahead?"
"Presentation on customer segmentation. And You?", she replied.
I sighed,"Audits all day. Good Luck with your presentation."
Khushi replied happily,"Thank you. I'll send you the reports later."
"Sounds good. See you at the meeting!" I said.

At Office
As Khushi and I reached the office entrance, I heard a familiar voice and my entire body freeze. My gaze slowly moves towards the direction where the voice came from. My footsteps slowed as time seems to stand still.

Khushi, obvious to the sudden tension, continues walking, but notices I'm no longer beside her. She turns around, confusion etched on her face. "Hey Prerna! What's wrong?"she asks, her voice laced with concern.

My heart sinks and my muscles tensed. My gaze becomes fixed on that familiar figure but my mind struggles to process the sudden encounter. And there he is.

Rehan Sharma, my favourite rival- said no one ever. The mere mention of his name made my blood boil and my senses go on high alert.

Rehan's eyes met mine, and a sly smile spreads across his face like a slow burning fire. The air was electric with tension, our rivalry palpable.

"Ms. CA?" he drawled, his voice smoothed. "Long time no see."

"Long time no see, but your lack of progress remains impressive."I replied confidentially.

Rehan replied, "Your insults are like fine wine, Prerna- they only get better with time."
I said, "Well, at least my insults have aged better than your career."

Rehan replied, "Diagnosed with a severe case of jealousy. Prescription: take two insults and call me in the morning."
I said in a sarcastic tone, "At least my ego doesn't need life support like your medical skills do."

Rehan's expression would likely darken, setting the stage for another sharp retort. Just as Rehan was about to retort, Khushi walked into the conversation.

Rehan's smile grew wider as he takes a step closer, "Khushi, stunning as ever. I think you shine brighter than anyone present here." Khushi smiled warmly but didn't respond.

I interrupted, "Rehan, your pickup lines are as outdated as your medical textbooks."
Rehan's expression turned sharp.

I continued in a sarcastic tone, "Don't you have patients to neglect or malpractice insurance to update?"

Khushi's eyes widened, surprised by my interjection.

Rehan asked, "Prerna, always the guardian of virtue. Or is it just jealousy?"
I replied, "Jealousy? Of your outdated pickup lines? I think not."

Just as Rehan opened his mouth to retort, a young handsome man in a tailored blue suit approached the group. "Rehan, I've been looking for you." he said with a charming smile, extending his hand.
"Ah! Parth. Perfect timing."Rehan accepted Parth's handshake and hugged him. Parth's gaze swept the group, lingering on Khushi before settling on me. His piercing eyes locked onto mine, sending a sudden jolt of familiarity. My heart skipped a beat. And why not?

Parth Rajput, the boy who had captured my heart years ago, during our school farewell where he wore a Royal Blue Tuxedo. His chiseled features, strong jawline and captivating smile stirred a deep memory.
I had met Parth many times, but his impact lingered. I recalled everything;- his bright smile and infectious laughter, the way he listened attentively, his kindness and genuine interest in everything he does. Our interactions were brief, but the connection felt real.

Parth's words broke the spell, "Prerna, It's great to see you again. How have you been?" I managed a smile, trying to play it cool.
"Good, thanks..... Just busy with work." I said.

Parth asked Rehan, "Actually Rehan, I need your expertise that's why I called you."
Rehan's expression shifted from narrowed eyes to concern-filled eyes.
Rehan asked with curiosity, "What's the situation by the way?"
Parth's expression turned serious. He said, "Let's discuss this in private. Meet me in my office."

Rehan nodded, his gaze lingering on you for a moment before focusing on Parth again. He replied, "Alright. I'll be there."

As Parth walked away, Rehan's eyes locked onto mine, a sly smile spreads across his face. He told me, "Stay here. I wouldn't want you to get lost in medical terminologies."
I raised an eyebrow at Rehan's teasing comment, familiar with Rehan's games but chose to ignore it.

After Rehan left, Khushi raised an eyebrow, noticing the tension. "Is everything okay?" she asked with her voice soft and inquiring.
I broke the silence, "Yeah, Everything's fine. Just Rehan being Rehan."

Khushi's expression turned thoughtful, "You two have an..... interesting dynamic."

I shrugged, "He's just a pain sometimes." Khushi's expression turned playful, "Oh, poor you, always getting teased by Rehan,"

She teased, her voice laced with amusement, "You're so sensitive."

My expression froze, eyes narrowing into a death stare.

Khushi's grin faltered for a moment before she burst into laughter, "Okay Okay. I take it back. You're not sensitive at all."

I raised an eyebrow, still giving her a piercing look, before softening into a smile.
"Good save", I said while chuckling.

Our conversation continued towards our respective cabins.

To be continued...