Beneath The Storm (Completed)

Chapter-57: A Cry in the Flames

Three days had passed since that fateful evening, but the ache in Atharv’s heart remained as fresh as ever.

He drowned himself in work, burying his pain beneath piles of files and never-ending meetings.

But no matter how much he busied himself, the nights were his undoing.

Each time he closed his eyes, memories of Inaara came rushing back, haunting him like a ghost he could never outrun.

And when exhaustion finally forced him into sleep, silent tears slipped from the corners of his eyes—tears he never let anyone see.

That afternoon, as he was engrossed in reviewing a contract, his phone rang.

He glanced at the screen—Mihir.

He sighed and answered.

"Hey, Atharv! Are you busy?" Mihir’s lively voice came from the other end.

Atharv leaned back in his chair, pressing his fingers against his temple. "No, Mihir. Tell me."

"Great! Tomorrow, you and Bhabhi are coming over for dinner at my place. No excuses this time!" Mihir declared enthusiastically.

Atharv stiffened, the pen in his hand freezing mid-air.

The casual mention of Inaara’s name felt like a dagger twisting inside him.

He swallowed the lump in his throat before answering, his voice measured.

"Inaara... can't come. She’s a little busy. But I’ll come."

There was a pause. Then Mihir scoffed. "Stop lying, Atharv. Last time you said the same thing, but Bhabhi still came. No more excuses! Either you bring her, or I’ll call her myself and invite her."

Panic flashed in Atharv’s eyes. "No! Don’t call her."

His voice was sharper than he intended. He took a deep breath, lowering his tone.

"I’ll talk to her... but I can’t promise anything."

"Good. See you tomorrow." Mihir hung up cheerfully, oblivious to the turmoil he had just ignited within his friend.

Atharv let out a heavy sigh, rubbing his temples.

He didn't want to bother Inaara over a mere dinner.

But knowing Mihir, he couldn’t trust him not to call her directly.

And that was something Atharv wasn’t ready for.

For the first time in three days, he picked up his phone and dialed her number.

---

Inaara was at her office, reviewing some interior design sketches, when her phone vibrated beside her.

She glanced at the screen—Atharv.

Her fingers hovered over the phone as a conflict raged inside her.

Why was he calling her now?