Whisper's of destiny

Chapter 22: Introduction?

Ishani sat on her bed, her fingers hovering over her phone as she texted her group chat with Siya and Aarohi.

Ishani: Thinking of introducing Kabir to Sameer and Rahul today. Siya, you in?
Siya quickly replied, Sounds good! Can’t wait to meet them. Aarohi  just added a thumbs-up emoji.

Feeling the need for a bit of reassurance herself, Ishani dialed Sameer. Her heart beat a little faster, knowing how protective he’d always been.
“Hey, Sameer,” she began, “are you free today? I thought it’d be a good time for you and Rahul to meet Kabir."

There was a slight pause on the line. “Sure, Ishani. I’d like to meet the guy,” Sameer replied, his voice even, though she sensed the tension beneath. His heart sank at the thought but he masked it, wanting to meet the guy even if it was difficult.
“Great! See you after college, then. And bring Rahul along,” she said, relieved and hopeful.

When classes wrapped up, Ishani went to Kabir Smiling brightly, she grabbed his hand, her excitement evident. “Come on, I want you to meet my friends—they’re waiting for us,” she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Kabir seemed caught off guard but composed himself quickly, a slightly amused grin crossing his face. “Guess I finally get to meet the inner circle, huh?” he said, following her lead.

They arrived at the cafe where Siya, Aarohi, Sameer, and Rahul were seated, Aarohi already introduced siya to both the guys, they shared casual conversation but kept an eye on the door. When Ishani walked in with Kabir by her side, the room fell silent for a moment. The group exchanged glances, each gauging the new presence in their midst.

As they approached the table, Ishani’s smile widened as she did the introductions. “Everyone, this is Kabir. Kabir, meet my friends—Sameer and Rahul.”

Kabir extended his hand to each of them in turn, a polite smile masking his nerves. Sameer met his gaze, his handshake firm but his face unreadable. Rahul offered a brief nod, a hint of a grin playing on his lips as he looked Kabir up and down.

“Nice to finally meet you,” Sameer said, his tone polite but distant. Siya and Aarohi exchanged quick glances, their suspicions well-concealed behind friendly smiles.

Kabir gave a small chuckle, trying to break the ice. “Feels like I’m meeting the family,” he said, glancing at Ishani for reassurance.

“Something like that,” Rahul replied lightly, though there was a subtle edge to his words. Kabir’s eyes flickered, and Ishani quickly stepped in, hoping to ease the tension.

"Let's order something?" Ishani suggested, her voice bright as she took a seat beside Kabir.

The conversation between everyone stayed light, but there was an undeniable awkwardness that hung in the air. Kabir tried hard to show his affection for Ishani, wrapping an arm around her or making little comments that emphasized how much he cared. But for Sameer and Rahul, his displays felt almost too practiced.

Eventually, after a round of coffee and small talk, Sameer checked his watch, exchanging a quick look with Rahul. “We’d better get going. There’s a meeting back at the office we shouldn’t miss,” he said, with a casual smile directed at Ishani.

Rahul nodded, standing up and grabbing his things. “Yeah, it was good to finally meet you, Kabir,” he said, the words polite, but there was an unspoken reservation in his eyes.