𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Chapter 39 Wedding invitation

N I T I K A

The next morning, I woke up feeling a bit more refreshed after a good cry. I got out of bed and began to get ready for work, opting for a casual outfit. I brushed my hair and applied a light layer of makeup, trying to cover up the dark circles under my eyes.

As I finished getting ready, I headed downstairs to the kitchen to grab some breakfast. My mom was already there, cooking up a storm as usual. The aroma of freshly made parathas and brewing coffee filled the air, making my stomach growl with hunger.

"Good morning, beta," my mom said, smiling at me as I entered the kitchen. "How are you feeling today?"

I forced a smile onto my face, trying to appear more cheerful than I actually was. "I'm fine, Mom."

My mom nodded sympathetically, knowing that I hadn't been sleeping well lately. "Well, eat something and you'll feel better," she said, handing me a plate of parathas and a cup of coffee.

I took a seat at the table, feeling a bit more energized as I took a bite of the warm paratha. My mom sat down beside me, watching me eat.

"Nitika, beta, I know something's bothering you," she said gently. "You can talk to me, you know. I'm here for you."

I looked up at her. I wanted to tell her everything, to confide in her about Avyaan and how much I still loved him. But something held me back. Maybe it was fear of being judged, or maybe it was just fear of facing my own emotions. Whatever it was, I just shook my head.

"I'm fine, Mom," I lied. "Just work stress, that's all."

As I continued eating my breakfast, my phone suddenly rang, displaying Bella's face on the screen. I picked up the call, propping the phone up against a bottle and continuing to eat.

"Good morning, Nitika!" Bella chimed, her voice bright.

I smiled, feeling a genuine warmth towards my friend. "Good morning, Bella!"

Bella's face lit up with excitement. "So I'll get to the point directly, as you know, Karan and I were dating for three years..."

I looked up at the screen, my interest piqued. "Yeah, so?"

Bella giggled. "We're finally getting married!" she screamed.

My face lit up with a genuine smile, and even my mom, who was sitting nearby, couldn't help but smile. "Oh, congratulations!" I exclaimed.

Bella's face turned serious, "Don't just congratulate me, Nitika. You have to come to my wedding. And please, don't come just for the wedding day. Come at least five days before. We'll have so much fun, and Aleena will be there too!"

My heart skipped a beat as I thought about attending the wedding. Avyaan would probably be there too... and the thought of facing him made my stomach twist into knots. I couldn't do it. I just couldn't.

"You know, Bella, I don't get that many days off," I said, trying to sound apologetic. "I can attend your wedding, but I don't think I can come for five days."

Bella's face fell, but she was determined. "Nitika, I don't know what to say. You have to come! Aleena will be there too, and we'll have so much fun."

Just as I was about to refuse again, my mom intervened. "Don't worry, Bella. She'll come."

I looked at my mom in surprise, Part of me was relieved that my mom had taken the decision out of my hands, but another part of me was terrified of facing Avyaan again.

Bella's face lit up with joy. "Thanks, Aunty! I'll talk to you later, Nitika. Bye for now!"

As the call ended, I looked at my mom. What had I just gotten myself into?