Blueprints of Love

2. A Tense Conversation

The restaurant was alive with chatter and laughter, filled with the scent of spices and fresh naan from the tandoor oven. Savi sat stiffly at the long table, surrounded by familiar faces but unable to relax.

The flicker of candles reflected off the glasses of wine and whiskey scattered across the table. Plates of appetisers—paneer tikka, seekh kebabs, and crisp papads—were passed around. The others were engaged in easy conversation, but all of Savi's attention was drawn to Rajat, sitting across from her, too close for comfort. He looked annoyingly comfortable, laughing at something Aryan had said, his sharp jawline catching the dim light just right.

She hated it—how effortlessly he slipped back into her life, as if the years between them didn't exist.

"Okay, so... What's everyone drinking?" Aryan asked, raising his whiskey glass. "Let's get this night started right!"

"I'll have wine," Savi said quietly, not really interested but needing something to occupy her hands.

"Same here," added a friend beside her, lifting the menu to glance at the options.

Rajat leaned forward across the table, resting his arms casually. "Still a wine person, huh, Savi? Some things never change."

Savi's hand tensed around her glass. She forced a polite smile. "Unlike you, I guess. Still as irritating as ever."

Aryan let out a bark of laughter. "Oh man, I missed this dynamic! It's like college all over again."

Rajat smirked. "Some things do improve with time." He gave her a teasing look, his dark eyes sparkling. "Though your ability to throw insults could use some work."

Savi met his gaze, her eyes narrowing. "Don't tempt me."

The table erupted in laughter again, everyone thoroughly entertained by the sparks flying between them. But for Savi, it was anything but amusing. The warmth of the group's camaraderie felt suffocating. She was hyper-aware of Rajat's presence, every glance, every casual shift in his seat. It was as if her emotions were wound too tightly, and with every word exchanged, the tension between them stretched thinner.

The waiter returned with drinks, distributing wine glasses and whiskey tumblers across the table. The clinking of glassware followed as Aryan raised his drink high.

"Here's to friendships that survive the years and reunions that feel just right," Aryan declared grandly.

"To old friends," Rajat added, raising his glass toward Savi. His voice was soft but deliberate, a hint of something personal behind the words.

Savi held his gaze for a moment, the intensity in his eyes stirring something unwelcome inside her. She reluctantly clinked her glass against his. "To new beginnings," she said, trying to keep her voice light.

They all took a sip, but Savi barely tasted the wine. Her heart was pounding, her skin too warm. Rajat's presence was throwing her off balance, and she hated how easily he could get under her skin—just like in college.

The others kept talking, pulling Rajat into easy conversations about his life in Paris. Savi tried to tune them out, focusing instead on her wine. She swirled the glass, watching the deep red liquid ripple and wondering why fate had to throw Rajat back into her life.

"So, Rajat," Aryan said, leaning back in his chair with a grin. "How long are you in Mumbai this time?"

"A few months, maybe longer," Rajat replied, glancing casually toward Savi. "Depends on how things go."

Savi felt his words like a jab—what things was he referring to? And why did he have to look at her like that, as if she was part of his plans? She refused to take the bait.

"Still working on your fancy architectural projects?" Aryan asked, clearly eager to catch up.

Rajat nodded. "Yeah, a few things in the pipeline. But I'm thinking of exploring some projects here in Mumbai, too."

"Oh, that's perfect!" Aryan said with a laugh. "Maybe Savi can hire you for one of her eco-projects. You two could be the dream team."

Savi's head snapped toward Aryan. "Not happening," she said flatly, before she could stop herself.

Aryan blinked in surprise, then burst into laughter. "Wow, still as blunt as ever!"

Rajat chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I wouldn't mind working with Savi. Always liked a challenge."

Savi shot him a sharp look. "Don't hold your breath."

Their friends exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the dynamic between the two. To them, it was harmless banter—a throwback to their college days. But to Savi, it felt like walking a tightrope. Every word exchanged was laced with old memories and unresolved feelings.

At one point during the meal, Rajat leaned closer, his voice low so only Savi could hear. "You've changed."

Savi stiffened but kept her gaze fixed on her plate. "So have you."

"Not completely," he murmured, a teasing glint in his eyes. "I still know how to get under your skin."

Savi looked up, her eyes hard. "And I still know how to ignore you."

Rajat smiled, unbothered by her sharp tone. "You're not doing a very good job of it."

Savi felt her pulse quicken, and she hated how easily he affected her. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed. "What do you want, Rajat?"

His smile softened, and for a moment, the playful mask slipped. "I don't know yet," he admitted quietly.

Savi stared at him, caught off guard by the honesty in his voice. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from Rajat, and it unsettled her more than his teasing ever could.

The night wore on, and the conversation around the table continued, flowing from one topic to another. But Savi was only half-listening. Her mind kept drifting back to Rajat, to the way he seemed so comfortable, so familiar.

At one point, as the group burst into laughter over a shared joke, Rajat glanced at Savi again. This time, there was no teasing smile—just a quiet, thoughtful look that made her chest tighten.

She quickly looked away, her heart racing. Being around Rajat was dangerous, she realized. He had the power to unearth emotions she thought she'd buried long ago.

When the dinner finally came to an end, the group stood to leave, gathering coats and bags. Savi slipped out quietly, eager to escape the emotional minefield of the evening. But before she could make it to the exit, Rajat caught up to her.

"Leaving without saying goodbye?" he asked, falling into step beside her.

Savi sighed, her shoulders tense. "Goodbye, Rajat."

He smiled, undeterred. "Still avoiding me, I see."

"I'm not avoiding you," she said sharply. "I just have nothing to say to you."

Rajat chuckled softly. "You've said plenty tonight."

Savi turned to him, her eyes flashing. "What do you want from me, Rajat?"

He looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Maybe I just wanted to see if we could be friends again."

Savi stared at him, her heart aching with emotions she didn't want to feel. "We were never just friends," she whispered.

For once, Rajat didn't have a clever reply. He just stood there, watching as Savi walked away into the night.

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