INSEPARABLE HEARTS 2

Chapter 137

Happy Reading

The courtyard was decorated in vibrant marigolds, the scent of turmeric and sandalwood drifting through the air. Laughter echoed as music played, and women bustled around in yellow suits and floral jewelry. It was supposed to be a joyful day.

But Keerthi's heart was heavier than her dupatta.

She spotted Angad near the side entrance, away from the celebration. She walked over, her anklets chiming softly.

Keerthi (gently): “Hey… before it all begins, I just wanted to say something.”

Angad turned to her, a soft smile already on his face. “You look—”

Keerthi (cutting him off): “I forgive you, Angad. For the breakup. Back then. I know you’ll never admit why you did it. So… don’t lie. Just let it go. I’m done asking.”

The words weren’t meant to sting, but they hit harder than a slap.

Angad’s smile vanished. His face turned blank, then shockingly twisted into something Keerthi had never seen before.

He kicked the nearby table, sending a bowl of rose petals scattering onto the ground.

Angad (shouting, low but fierce): “I never lied to you. Never. You think I’m hiding something now? After everything?”

Keerthi took a step back. She’d seen him hurt, she'd seen him silent… but angry? Never at her.

“Angad ”

“You said you forgive me. But you don’t even trust me.”

He turned and walked off, shoulders tight, leaving Keerthi staring after him, stunned.

For a moment, all the colors around her blurred.

What do I do? Who do I believe?

Her thoughts were interrupted by one of the aunties calling her name.

“Keerthi! Come, it’s time for the haldi!”

She took a shaky breath and forced a smile, walking toward the others. Her feet moved, but her heart stayed frozen.

---

Dharshi was laughing with Elena near the poolside setup, when Nick appeared beside her, casually sipping coconut water.

Nick (softly, nudging her): “What’s this I heard? Abeer was telling the girls yesterday that he’s single?”

Dharshi just froze.

Dharshi (blinking): “What?”

Nick (shrugging): “Just what I overheard. Weird, right? I thought you two were back together… unless you’re keeping it secret.”

His tone was cool, too casual, too offhanded. But before Dharshi could respond, Noah, who had been standing near the refreshments, frowned slightly. She had been watching the exchange, not missing a beat.

Something’s weird about this guy, Noah thought. Why does he care so much?

Dharshi forced a chuckle, brushing off Nick’s comment. “We’re fine. Don’t listen to dumb gossip.”

But inside, a seed of doubt had been planted.

________

Noah watched Nick walk away with an unreadable expression. She walked over to Dharshi and offered her a sweet from the platter.

Noah (gently): “Everything okay?”

Dharshi (half-smiling): “I don’t know. Is it weird that I’m suddenly doubting everything again?”

Noah didn’t reply immediately. She looked in the direction Nick had gone.

Noah: “Sometimes, people don’t lie outright. They just say enough to make you doubt the truth.”

Dharshi met her eyes and nodded. “I’ll talk to Abeer.”

Because love doesn’t survive on whispers and what-ifs. It survives on truth even the uncomfortable kind.

---

The voices from inside the house echoed in bursts of laughter and music. The haldi celebration had begun, but Keerthi was still shaken. She stepped outside for some air, where she found Nick standing near the back porch, fixing his cufflinks and looking every bit the polished older brother.

He smiled when he saw her.

Nick: “You okay? You look… not like someone about to smear turmeric on people.”

Keerthi (softly, eyes distant): “Yeah… no. Not really okay.”

Nick’s smile faded into concern.

Nick: “What happened?”

Keerthi hesitated. But he was Nick her brother, her constant since forever.

Keerthi (finally letting it out): “Angad yelled at me. Not just yelled  like, really yelled. Kicked a table and everything.”

Nick’s eyebrows rose sharply. “Angad? Seriously?”

Keerthi (nodding): “I brought up the past… the breakup. I told him I forgave him but didn’t want to talk about it anymore. He just snapped.”

Nick (calmly): “That doesn’t sound like him.”

Keerthi: “I know. That’s why I’m so confused. And I don’t know who to believe anymore.”

Nick gave a slow, calculated nod.

Nick (quietly): “Sometimes people hide behind love, Keerthi. Pretending it’s for your good when it’s just about control.”

Keerthi frowned slightly.

Nick: “I told you before… I never asked him to leave you. But maybe... maybe he did it because he wanted to, and blaming me was easier.”

Her expression clouded. She had believed Angad when he said it was Nick’s influence. But now...

From a few feet away, Noah stood at the hallway entrance, out of their line of sight but close enough to hear.

She narrowed her eyes, her lips parting in realization.

He’s twisting her. One word at a time.

Nick gently touched Keerthi’s shoulder.

Nick: “Look, I just want you happy. If Angad makes you second-guess that, maybe it’s time to rethink a few things.”

Keerthi gave him a faint nod, but her eyes were troubled.

________

Noah watched Nick walk away, confidently adjusting his collar like he hadn’t just dropped a subtle emotional grenade.

She stepped out slowly, finding Keerthi still standing there.

Noah (softly): “You okay?”

Keerthi blinked at her, surprised. “Yeah. I… think so.”

Noah didn’t push. But her gaze followed the direction Nick had gone.

That guy’s playing chess while everyone else is stuck in checkers, she thought.

And she had a feeling… the game had only just begun.

To be continued