INSEPARABLE HEARTS 2

CHAPTER 113

Happy Reading

Later That Night – Caroline’s House

The group has circled around the coffee table, playing a truth-or-dare style card game. Laughter fills the room, but underneath it all, tension simmers.

Keerthi and Angad sit across from each other, exchanging small smirks. Every accidental touch, every stolen glance, burns with something unsaid.

> Caroline (reading a card): “Truth — Who was your last kiss?”

Keerthi freezes slightly.

> “Pass,” she says too quickly, pretending to sip her drink.

Angad chuckles, diverting attention.

> “Come on, give her a break. That’s private.”

Stefan: “Says the guy who turned down his last three dares.”

Everyone laughs, and the moment moves on, but Dharshi notices.

_________________

Dharshi’s POV

As the game plays on, her mind drifts.
To Abeer, grinning at her under the rain.
Their first date.
Their first fight.
And how easily it all fell apart.

She watches Abeer, now laughing at something Caroline said — but his smile isn’t full. Not the way it used to be.

> Dharshi (whispering to herself): “I wish things could go back to how they were.”

Her eyes flick toward Keerthi, then to Damon, who's been quiet.

___________

Damon, Leaning Against the Balcony Door

Elena approaches him slowly, two cups in her hand.

> Elena: “You’re doing it again.”

> Damon (flatly): “Doing what?”

> Elena: “Looking at her like she still belongs to you.”

He doesn't answer. Just sips.

> Elena (a little broken): “She’s not yours, Damon. Maybe she never really was.”

> Damon: “That doesn’t make it easier to forget.”

Elena places her cup down and walks away before the tears in her throat crack her voice.

________________

In the Kitchen

Lights are dim, only the under-glow of fairy lights reflecting on the tiles. Keerthi pulls Angad into the corner.

> Keerthi (whispering, playful): “You were blushing when Caroline asked about the kiss.”

> Angad (grinning): “You were the one who nearly choked on your drink.”