From Heartbreak To Love

Chapter 20 : Meeting Her After Years

Arjun's POV

The air at the airport felt unusually warm as I made my way through the crowded terminal at Kanpur Airport, dragging my suitcase behind. The previous day had been a whirlwind of meetings, work calls, and back-to-back flights. Now, as I checked out, I feel exhausted. Yet, amidst the fatigue, there was an undeniable excitement bubbling inside.

It had been years since I last saw old friends from school, and the one who had been at the back of my mind for so long, Ankita. I hadn't had the courage to reach out to her in all these years. Although I met Smriti 2 years before and we often chatted over phone, basically she was the one to enquire upon me. I was going through so much after my board exams that it took me few years to get back on track. But after these years I couldn't gather courage to call them up and enquire upon them. But I'm glad Smriti looked for me, it's a blessing to have a friend like her. I knew Ankita was in Delhi now, a doctor, Smriti keeps me updated. I hadn’t planned this trip, but Smriti's insistence had been the perfect reason to catch up with everyone, and finally, see Ankita again.

I glanced at my watch. I was running late. The late-night arrival, followed by some much-needed sleep after a long flight, had set me behind schedule. Quickly, I sent Smriti a text, "I’m late. Dozed off for a couple of hours after I got home. I’m seated at the last row." I hit send and enjoyed the events, I think I just missed the singing session, nothing that I cared about I just want to see Ankita now.

As I walked into the dance hall, the loud music hit me first, a mix of bass and cheers echoing from the dance floor.I scanned the crowd, my eyes immediately searching for Smriti and Ankita, she texted me they are coming near the dance floor.I spotted her in the middle of the crowd, laughing, dancing with some others. I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I made my way towards her.

“Smriti!” I called, raising my voice slightly to be heard over the music.

She turned around, her face lighting up with recognition. “Arjun! You made it!” She greeted me with a hug.

“Of course I did,” I replied with a grin, his eyes scanning the room again. "Where's Ankita?"

Smriti looked around briefly. "She was here a while ago... I don’t know, maybe she’s lost in the crowd."

I nodded, my heart pounding a little faster now. I had missed her. A lot. The sound of her name echoed in my mind, and a part of me couldn't shake off the feeling that a lot had changed in these years. As Smriti continued chatting with me and her friends, my eyes instinctively swept the room, looking for her.

And then I saw her—Ankita, in a beautiful white dress, standing across the room, talking to none other than Harsh Dixit. The sight made my stomach twist in knots.

Not him, not again. I thought to himself, clenching my fists. But then, as if on cue, Ankita quickly turned and bolted from the conversation, leaving Harsh standing there, confused.

My protective instincts kicked in. I followed her quietly through the crowd, watching as she found a quiet corner to cry. My heart sank. I understood exactly what had happened. I wasn’t stupid—Ankita still loved him, even after all these years. She must have  probably tried to confess her love, but whatever conversation she had with Harsh had shattered her.

Damn it, Harsh... Arjun thought bitterly. I knew it. He wanted to confront the guy, wanted to make sure he hadn’t hurt her. Although he believed Harsh wasn't now of those guys who would mock a girl or humiliate anyone. I'm not the same Arjun Bansal as before, and if Harsh had truly hurt her, I would make sure he’d regret it.

I stood back for a moment, just watching her cry, knowing she wouldn’t want to be interrupted. I took a deep breath, then made my way towards her, trying my best to mask his sadness.