INSEPARABLE HEARTS 2

CHAPTER 120

Happy Reading

Next Day – At School

Everything felt… normal again.

Angad and Keerthi shared quiet smiles across classrooms, bumped shoulders in hallways, and stole fleeting moments on the stairwell. No labels. No pressure. Just them — in their secret bubble.

During lunch, Keerthi whispered something in his ear and he nearly choked on his juice laughing.
They were figuring it out in their own messed-up, beautiful way.

Across the table, Abeer had Dharshi in his arms — his world anchored around her like it always should have been. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said something that made her blush like a thirteen-year-old with a first crush.

Abeer (smirking): “I swear, I’m never letting you go again. Not even for a second.”

Dharshi (grinning): “Bold of you to assume I’d let you.”

Their eyes met. Quiet. Secure. It felt like the storm had passed — for now.

---

Later That Evening – Caroline’s Place

Caroline’s living room glowed as always — string lights, snacks everywhere, music low. The gang was there. Everyone except Damon.

Until the door opened.

And in walked Damon… with Elena.

They weren’t holding hands, but there was something new about them. Comfortable, easy. They sat close. Laughed together. Damon even poured her a drink without being asked.

Keerthi caught herself smiling — not out of jealousy or nostalgia — but peace.
That chapter was closed.

She leaned against Angad’s shoulder casually and whispered,

Keerthi: “Look at them. It’s... kind of sweet, right?”

Angad (grinning): “You’re not plotting a Damon comeback, are you?”

Keerthi (playful): “Please. I have better taste now.”

He chuckled, giving her thigh a squeeze under the blanket.

---
Balcony – A Little Later

The evening breeze swept gently across the balcony where Dharshi stood, arms crossed, staring down at her phone. Her expression was unreadable. Behind her, the low murmur of laughter and music came from inside Caroline’s living room.

She didn’t look up as Angad stepped beside her, holding two glasses of juice.

  Angad: “You disappeared.”

  Dharshi (quietly): “Just needed a breather.”

He handed her the glass, and she took it silently. For a moment, neither spoke.

Dharshi (finally): “My dad… he texted. He’s seeing someone.”

Angad blinked, surprised. “Oh.”

  Dharshi: “It’s not like I didn’t expect it… but now that it’s real, it feels weird.”

  Angad (nodding): “Yeah. Change does that.”

She gave him a hesitant glance.

  Dharshi: “It feels selfish, I guess. He deserves happiness. But a part of me… I don't know. I just feel like everything’s changing too fast.”

Angad leaned back against the railing, taking a deep breath before speaking.

Angad: “You know… I grew up with both my parents. Not perfectly, not always peacefully, but they were mine. And when things were hard, I saw how easy it is to take your family for granted.”

He turned to her gently.

  Angad: “Just don’t do what Abeer did.”

Dharshi looked confused. “What do you mean?”

  Angad: “For years, he couldn’t accept my mom — his stepmom — just because she wasn’t his. He let pride come before peace. And it cost him so much. Time. Memories. Love.”

His voice softened.

Angad: “If your dad is happy, try not to close the door. At least leave it a little open.”

Dharshi sighed, her shoulders relaxing just slightly.

  Dharshi: “Thanks, Angad. You always know how to say things that… make sense.”

He shrugged with a small smile.

  Angad: “That’s my tragic burden. Wisdom and stunning good looks.”

She laughed — genuinely — and the tension broke between them.

Dharshi (teasing): “Remind me to get you a crown next time.”

Angad: “I prefer subtle admiration, thanks.”

They clinked their juice glasses gently, the stars glittering above.

Back inside, Keerthi was lying across the bean bag, watching everyone laugh, play dumb games, share stories.

She caught Angad's eye from across the room.
He winked. She smiled.

And just like that — for the first time in a while — everything felt exactly as it should be.

To Be continued