Haal e dil: The Tale Of Love

➤ chapter 21

Next day, After an exhausting shopping spree of some important things, Aakriti and Malishka finally settled down in a cozy coffee shop, their bags filled with the latest collections and their energy spent.

They exchanged an amused look, both knowing there was only one way to end the day on a high note.

As they waited, sipping their coffees, Aakriti leaned back, stretching her arms.

As they animatedly discussed their favorite fictional characters, their laughter filled the cozy café.

"I swear, if I had to choose, it would definitely be him!" Aakriti gushed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "He's just so hot! I can't help but love him. The way he carries himself, it's like he walks right out of my dreams!"

Malishka leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "And don't even get me started on his backstory! It's tragic but makes him even more attractive. I love a good bad boy with a heart of gold!"

At that moment, Kriyansh and Arjun entered the café, immediately catching the tail end of the conversation.

"What's all this about hot guys?" Arjun asked, amusement dancing in his eyes as he approached the table.

He could easily read the playful banter between the girls, recognizing the light-heartedness of their discussion.

But Kriyansh felt a surge of something much darker—jealousy. The casual way Aakriti spoke, her admiration making him uneasy.

"Who are you two talking about?" he interjected, his voice low and steady, masking the turmoil inside him.

Aakriti turned to him, "Just discussing our favorite book boyfriends!".

His brow furrowed, "Book boyfriends?" he echoed, trying to maintain his composure.

Malishka chimed in, "Yeah! Aakriti loves this character, and she was just saying how hot he is. You should have heard her!".

"Hot, huh?" Kriyansh's voice had an edge to it as he crossed his arms, leaning against the table, eyes locked on her.

"And you really thinking some fictional guy can compare to—"

"Hundred percent," she said and continued to have a talk completely ignoring him.

His expression soured as he crossed his arms, wearing a grumpy face that could rival a toddler denied dessert.

He plopped down on a chair, trying to drown out the conversation around him. Pulling out his phone, he pretended to immerse himself in work, but the words on the screen blurred as his mind raced.

Great. A guy who doesn't even exist. What's next?, He scoffed internally, shaking his head as if that would shake off the ridiculous thoughts.

He muttered to himself under his breath, It's just a fictional character, Kriyansh. Just a bunch of words on a page. A hot, brooding fictional guy.

He glanced over at them, who were giggling over yet another ridiculous detail about their fictional heartthrobs. I mean, seriously? What's so special about a guy who doesn't even have the decency to be real?

He paused, rubbing his temples, realizing he was talking to himself in public. Nice, Kriyansh. Just what you need—people thinking you've lost it.

After finishing their drinks, the four of them stepped outside in the parking lot, the lively ambiance of the coffee shop fading into the background.

But Kriyansh's mood remained as dark and broody as ever, his jaw clenched and eyes narrowed in frustration. He stole a glance at her, hoping she'd notice his annoyance—maybe even ask what was wrong. But she seemed unfazed by his silent turmoil.