Fates Entwined

Chapter 14: Confessions and Crossroads

The office was unusually quiet, everyone deeply focused on their tasks. Sol and Ashan worked seamlessly on a new project, their teamwork appearing flawless to an outsider. Their communication was smooth, their ideas aligned, and their easy rapport was evident.

But neither had spoken about their feelings for Risha—not to each other, and certainly not to her. Both were hiding their emotions, afraid of complicating things, especially with Risha unknowingly caught in the middle.

Sol, ever professional, tried to keep her personal feelings in check. She cherished her time with Ashan but couldn't shake her thoughts of Risha. The night they shared was constantly on her mind. She remembered almost kissing Risha but hesitating. The warmth of Risha's hug that morning only deepened her confusion.

Ashan, meanwhile, carried a quiet determination since his date with Risha. He liked her—there was no denying that—but he also couldn't ignore how much she seemed to care for Sol. Respecting her space, he hoped for a chance to grow closer.

Risha noticed the subtle changes in their behavior but couldn't piece together what was happening. She was too preoccupied with her own feelings to understand the dynamics between Sol and Ashan.

Miri, ever observant, saw it all. She noticed Risha's distraction and Sol and Ashan's growing closeness. She decided it was time to step in.

Pulling Risha aside during a break, Miri got straight to the point. "You've been acting weird, li'l sis. What's going on?"

Risha sighed. "I'm confused, Miri. Sol and Ashan are different lately, and I don't know how to handle it. I like them both, but I don't know what to do."

Miri raised an eyebrow. "You like both of them?"

Risha blushed. "It's not that simple. Ashan kissed me, and Sol wanted to but stopped. Now, I don't know how I feel."

Miri smirked. "So kiss them both. See who makes you feel more like yourself."

"What? No, Miri! That's ridiculous," Risha protested.

"Why not? You're already stuck in the middle," Miri teased.

Risha crossed her arms. "Love isn't just about kissing and hugging, you know."

"You hugged them?" Miri's eyes softened.

"Only Sol, not Ashan," Risha clarified.

Miri's tone turned gentle. "Damn Rish, you're way ahead of me! LOL, anyways, I just want you to be happy. You've gotta work it out, gal. If you don't figure this out, you'll keep hurting yourself—and them."

Risha hesitated. Miri's words struck a chord.

"Fine," Risha relented. "Maybe you're right, but I'm not rushing into anything. I need to think."

"That's my girl," Miri said with a grin. "Come on, I'll buy you a coffee. You can talk it out."

At the café, the bustling atmosphere was a welcome distraction. Over steaming cups of coffee, Risha opened up about her confusion, her feelings for Sol and Ashan, and her fear of hurting them both.

Miri listened patiently. "It's not going to get easier unless you confront it, Rish. You don't have to decide now, but you can't keep avoiding it."

"I don't want to hurt anyone," Risha murmured.

"You're not a bad person for liking both of them," Miri said gently. "But you need to figure out who you want. Follow your heart, even if it's scary."

Risha sighed, gazing out the window. "I guess I'll have to do something soon."

Miri smiled. "You'll figure it out. I believe in you."

As they sipped their drinks, Risha felt a glimmer of clarity. Miri was almost done with her own task, and maybe it was time for Risha to face hers.

"So," Miri said, breaking the silence, "I've got one more person to help."Risha's eyes widened in surprise, and a sense of relief washed over her. "You mean, you're almost done? Just one more?"Miri grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yeah. Just one more, and I'll have completed my mission. It's kind of wild, right? I thought it'd take longer, but it looks like I'm getting closer."  

"You're so close to finishing, Miri," Risha said, proud of her cousin.

"Yeah! One more step," Miri said with a wink. "And when you're ready, I'll be here for you—always. I promised Aunt Anastasia, after all."

Risha smiled, squeezing Miri's hand. "Thanks, Miri. I'll figure it out. And don't worry—I won't let you break that promise."