Will Die In Love

Chapter 77

“What?” Paro asked over the phone, clearly shocked from what she heard. 

“Are you sure?” she asked again, frowning deeper as she listened to the voice on the other end.

Her feet slowed in the middle of the cafe, not really bothering about the eyes on her. Whatever she just heard was clearly unsettling.

A moment later, her eyes landed on Rishabh, who was now frowning slightly, watching her from the corner table.

“Okay. I’ll contact you later. Just… don’t call me again unless I say so,” Paro said softly, trying to keep her tone neutral. She ended the call and tucked her phone into her bag, taking a deep breath before forcing a smile onto her face and walking toward him.

“Hey! I know I’m really late. I hope you don’t mind. It’s been such a hectic day,” she said, her voice returning to its usual cheerful tone.

“It’s fine. Take your seat,” Rishabh replied with a smile, gesturing to the chair across from him.

“Where’s your girl?” Paro asked with a teasing grin, raising an eyebrow at him.

Rishabh looked a little shy for a moment, glancing toward the restroom. “She’s inside. Said she’ll be back in two minutes.”

Paro chuckled. “Hmm hmm..,” she teased, leaning back in her chair. “By the way, thanks for the sandwich. It was delicious.”

A light, girly voice came from behind. “Well, I deserve that thanks, Paro, cause I made it.”

Paro turned with a smile just as Nammy walked over and beamed at her. Paro stood and gave her a warm hug.

“I didn’t know you were such a great cook. Thank you so much,” she said genuinely.

Nammy giggled and waved it off playfully. “Let’s order something now,” Rishabh said, calling for the waiter.

Paro looked at Rishabh, and for a second, she just watched. His eyes sparkled every time Nammy spoke. It was their third date, and Nammy had insisted Paro join them. Throughout the dinner, Nammy did most of the talking, laughing at her own stories, her voice looked so lively and full of life. 

Nammy was hardly twenty four… young, innocent, and lively. Something about her reminded Paro of herself during her teenage years, before life got complicated.

Paro and Rishabh barely talked. Mostly, they listened to Nammy and smiled at her energy.

Paro checked the time. She needed to head back. After a long, exhausting day, all she craved was silence and rest.

“Okay, guys. I’ll take my leave now,” she said, picking up her bag.

Rishabh’s attention snapped to her. “Wait! I’ll drop you,” he offered quickly.

Paro shook her head. “No, no. I’ll take a cab. You two carry on. I don’t want to be the third wheel.”

“What? No, you aren’t!” Nammy protested. “I asked you to come, didn’t I? Let Rishabh drop you.”

Paro smiled and waved her hand. “Relax. I’m good. Please don’t bother. I can manage,” she said while getting up.

After exchanging a few more words and a quick goodbye, she walked toward the door. Just before stepping out, she looked back.

Nammy was talking again and Rishabh was smiling….the kind that reached his eyes and made his whole face light up.

Paro couldn’t remember the last time she had seen him like that. And for the first time in a long while, she felt at peace. No, she wasn’t wrong. Her decision had been right all along.