Destiny: Time To Fall In Love

Chapter 26 - The Fragility of Life

"VEER!!"

Aryan stood rooted to the spot, his eyes wide. The exhaustion of his long workday seemed to evaporate, replaced by total disbelief.

"Yes, it's really Veer," Aashi said, her voice bright with a happiness that Aryan hadn't heard in a long time.

The two men stood several feet apart, a five-year gap stretched between them. Then, breaking the tension, Veer stepped forward with a grin. He reached out and pulled Aryan into a firm, brotherly hug.

"How are you, buddy?" Veer asked, clapping him on the back.

Aryan laughed, finally finding his voice as he hugged him back. "Good! I'm good. And you?"

"How do I look?" Veer asked, stepping back and smoothing his expensive suit with a trace of his old arrogance.

"Just fine," Aryan replied with a smirk, though he noticed the subtle sharpness in Veer's eyes—the look of a man who had been through a war.

"You guys catch up," Aashi interrupted, sensing the need for them to talk. "I'll bring some fresh coffee for you."

As she disappeared into the kitchen, the atmosphere shifted. The lightheartedness faded, replaced by the weight of the years. They sat down on the leather couches of the high-rise apartment, the New York skyline glimmering through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind them.

"So, how come you're here?" Aryan asked, leaning forward. "Business?"

"For a meeting with the George Group," Veer said, nodding. "But forget about me—where were you guys? You vanished. No calls, no texts... nothing. It was like you two never existed."

Aryan sighed, looking at his hands. "Yeah, I know. It's just... it was hard, Veer. Managing the transition, starting a new life in a foreign country. We needed to find our own rhythm without the distractions of home. But I'm happy to see you, bro. Truly."

Aryan paused, a small, hopeful smile appearing on his face. "By the way, did you come here alone? Or is your wife at the hotel?"

The silence that followed was heavy. Veer didn't answer immediately. He looked at the coffee table, his expression unreadable. After a long, agonizing moment, he spoke, his voice quiet but steady.

"I didn't get married, Aryan."

The air seemed to leave the room. Aryan's smile faltered, then vanished completely. He looked at Veer, truly looked at him, and realized the truth. While he had been building a life, Veer had been standing exactly where they had left him at the airport five years ago. Aryan was left speechless, the weight of a guilt he thought he had buried suddenly resurfacing.

The friendly atmosphere had evaporated, replaced by the sharp, jagged edges of a confrontation five years in the making.

"Then what about your girlfriend?" Aryan asked, his voice hesitant but hopeful.

"Never had any," Veer replied casually, leaning back as if he weren't dropping a bombshell.

Aryan's posture stiffened. "Dude... don't tell me that you're still in love with my wife." His voice had lost its warmth, turning low and stern—the warning of a man protecting his territory.

Veer met his gaze without flinching. "And what if I say that I am?"

"Then it may cause some problems," Aryan snapped, his eyes flashing with fire. "Because she's my wife. It has been five years, Veer. For God's sake, move on!"

Veer didn't get angry. Instead, a cold, mocking smirk played on his lips. "So, you don't love her anymore? Because it's been five years? Is that how it works, Aryan?"