Love Reborn

Chapter 46- uncomfortable Encounter

Sathya's confusion deepened as the girl, Niyasha, pulled Sidh's hand, leading him away.

Sidh turned to Sathya. "Oh, Niyasha, I'm coming." He then introduced, "Sathya, this is Niyasha, my girlfriend."

Sathya's heart skipped a beat. "GF?" she stuttered, startled.

Sidh nodded. "Yes, this is Niyasha. Niyasha, this is Sathya Vishwanath, a leading cardiologist in Canada and my friend from Kerala."

Niyasha's smile faded, her eyes narrowing at Sathya.

Sathya, composing herself, extended her hand for a friendly handshake. "I'm Sathya, nice to meet you."

Niyasha ignored the gesture, tugging Sidh toward her waiting friends.

Sathya felt molested, her heart aching.

Sidh sensed Sathya's discomfort and felt apologetic.

As Niyasha's friends wished Sidh happy birthday, Sathya's eyes welled up with tears. She controlled herself, catching Sidh's gaze.

Sidh smiled weakly, still feeling bad for Sathya.

Their eyes locked in a silent understanding.

Meanwhile, Niyasha's friends bombarded Sidh with questions and attention.

Sathya blended into the background, observing Sidh and Niyasha's dynamics.

Sathya's gaze lingered on Sidh, her heart heavy with emotions. She couldn't believe he was already taken.

Sidh, sensing her unease, excused himself from Niyasha's friends. "I'll be right back," he said, his eyes locked on Sathya.

He approached her, his expression apologetic. "Hey, I'm sorry about that. Niyasha can be a bit... possessive."

Sathya forced a smile. "It's okay. I understand."

Sidh's eyes searched hers. "You're not okay, are you?"

Sathya hesitated before speaking. "I didn't expect you to be in a relationship, Sidh. We used to... talk about everything."

Sidh's expression softened. "I know. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It's complicated."

Niyasha's voice pierced the air. "Sidh, darling! Come on, your friends are waiting!"

Sidh's gaze lingered on Sathya before turning to Niyasha. "Coming!"

As Sidh walked away, Sathya felt a pang of sadness.

George approached Sidh and whispered, "It's time for the cake cutting."

Sidh nodded and handed Sathya's gift to George. "Bro, please put this in my room."

George agreed and headed inside.

Arun took the mic and announced, "Dear friends and staff, today is Sidh's birthday! Please wish him well."

The guests erupted in cheers and applause. "Happy birthday, Sidh!"

Sidh chuckled, his eyes scanning the crowd.

Arun continued, "I welcome Mr. Sidharth Menon, my dear friend Sidh, to the stage to cut the cake. Enjoy this day!"

Sidh laughed, holding Niyasha's hand as they walked toward the stage. Together, they cut the cake.

The crowd sang "Happy Birthday" in unison.

Niyasha fed Sidh a piece of cake, and he reciprocated.

Sathya watched from afar, her smile masking the burning pain inside.

She imagined herself in Niyasha's place.

Snapping back to reality, Sathya saw Niyasha kiss Sidh's cheek.

"Happy birthday, Sidh," Niyasha said.

Sidh kissed her back, and they hugged.

The crowd applauded.

Sathya turned to leave.

"Sathyaaa!" Arun called out.

She stopped and turned.

Arun approached her. "Sathya, are you okay?"

Sathya nodded with a smile.

Arun's expression turned somber. "Sathya, I'm sorry. I was the villain in your story. I destroyed your love."

Sathya's voice was gentle. "No, Arun bhai, it wasn't your fault. I loved someone who didn't love me back."

Arun's eyes filled with regret.

"Are you okay seeing him with Niyasha?" he asked.
Sathya's words spilled out, laced with anguish. "I thought I forgot Sidh, that I healed. But seeing him with her... it's like reopening an old wound. I still love him, Arun bhai. I still love him, but he doesn't love me back."

Arun's face contorted in pain. "Sathya, I had no idea."

Sathya's voice cracked. "Don't tell Sidh, please. He's moved on, and I don't want to ruin his happiness."

Arun promised, "I won't tell him, Sathya. But know this: you deserve love, true love."

Sathya's eyes welled up. "I thought I deserved Sidh's love once, but fate had other plans."

Arun hugged Sathya tightly. "You're strong, Sathya. You'll find your love."

As Arun released Sathya, she noticed Niyasha gazing at Sidh with adoration.

Sathya whispered, "I need to leave."

Arun nodded. "Take care, Sathya."

"Sathya, where's Arunima?" Arun asked.

"She's with me, working as a dermatologist in my hospital," Sathya replied.

Arun's eyes sparkled with hope. "Is she taken?"

Sathya smiled. "No, bhai, she's still single."

Arun's face lit up with relief.

Sathya bid Arun farewell.

"Bye, Sathya," Arun replied.