Aarya - The Way We Once Were

Chapter 33

A few days later, Aarti was discharged from the hospital. Aman and Maansi offered her old bedroom back to her but Aarti declined. She needed a fresh start from everything, including her old room. She saw an apartment for rent online; the price was decent. It was small, just one bedroom but Aarti felt hopeful after a long time. She paid the deposit and moved in that same day. The apartment was empty, no furniture, no beds but she knew she would make it work, she has to. The next couple of days, Aarti began looking for jobs. She found a help wanted sign outside of a café, she went inside to inquire. After spending an hour being interviewed, she got the job.

As she sat in her tiny balcony, Aarti felt overwhelmed by everything that has happen the past couple of weeks. She held on to her stomach as she quietly wept; she was so excited to become a mom and have someone to love her forever. She was broken inside, no one understood her pain. She thought about Yash every single day, she so badly wanted to reach out to him a couple of times but then stopped herself. She knew it would've been a bad idea, after all they were never meant to be together in the long run.

Yash on the other hand didn't know how to cope with losing Aarti again; how to handle heartache for the second time. His mom tried reaching out to him but he ended all ties with her. He sent her one last message telling her that he's dead to her, before blocking her. He wished that he had the balls to do it sooner, maybe then Aarti would've still been in his life. Maansi kept checking in on him, she was worried about his mental health. From Maansi, he learnt that Aarti found an apartment and she was working. He was happy for her; she deserved happiness even if it didn't come from him anymore.

Aarti was working behind the counter when a tall man walked in, he was wearing a suit. Aarti froze for a moment as she recalled Yash, his dressing sense was always so chic. She quickly snapped out of her thoughts as she looked up, greeting the man.

"Hello sir. How may I help you?"

She tried to force a smile.

"Hi, you must be Aarti"

The man said leaving Aarti puzzled.

"How do you know my name?"

Her voice was shaky.

"Where are my manners. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Abhi. I own his café"

He watched as her face went from shocked to embarrassed.

"You're my boss? I'm so sorry, I didn't realize"

She apologized.

"It's okay. I just wanted to check in with you and make sure that all inventories are in order"

He said as he stared at her; he felt an attraction towards her the moment he stepped into the store.

"Everything is in order"

She said softly as she continued to display pastries on the counter.

"Alright then. I guess my work here is done"

He rubbed the back of his head and Aarti nodded awkwardly. Just then a costumer walked into the store and Aarti excused herself as she took her order. Abhi lingered around the café for a while before finally leaving. Aarti sighed in relief after he left, she felt uncomfortable being around him all alone. He seemed like a nice guy but Aarti had no interest in anyone anymore, she just wanted to focus on herself.

Yash became a workaholic, that was the only way to keep him busy and not think about Aarti. But even then, he was still haunted by her existence, her thoughts. He got a call from his assistance informing him that the investor was available to videochat right now or else he would have to wait for another week. Yash sighed in frustration; he was still 20 minutes away from his office. He looked around and spotted a café. "Perfect" he mumbled as he grabbed his laptop, they should have WIFI in there so he could easily get his work done. Yash entered the café and instantly felt Aarti's presence; he quickly brushed that feeling away as he sat found a corner table and opened his laptop.

Within minutes, the investor was on videocall and Yash began to chat with him.

"How can I help you, sir?"

He paused as he heard a familiar voice, one he thought he'd never hear again. Yash quickly looked up and saw Aarti standing there, with her notepad. Aarti finally looked at the customer and she froze completely. The last person she expected to see right now was Yash. She finally managed to compose herself; she had to be professional. She wondered if he knew she worked here, that's why he's here.

"Aarti? You work here?"

He was genuinely shocked, making Aarti more confused. From his expression it really seems like he really didn't know.

"What can I get you?"

She asked.

"I'll take a coffee, make it black and"

"Two creamers, no sugar"

She blurted out, finishing his order for him.

"You remembered"

He gave her a small smile while Aarti felt mortified; why did she say that out loud?

"It's a common order"

She said before turning to leave.

"Are you okay?"

She heard his voice and a part of her just wanted to throw herself in his arm; she didn't think she'd miss him this much.

"Your order will be ready soon"

She said, before walking away. Yash stood there, watching her leave. He wanted to embrace her, tell her how much he missed her. He wanted to apologize again, tell her that he never stopped loving her.

"Mr. Yash, are you still there?"

The investor voice brought him back to reality.

"Yeah I'm here. Sorry about that"

He said as he continued their conversation.

Aarti needed a minute, she locked herself in the bathroom as she calmed herself. She thought she was coping better but seeing Yash really messed with her head. He looked as handsome as ever, and knowing that he's no longer hers broke her heart. He was thriving without her while her life was falling apart.

"Your coffee sir"

The other waitress brought his coffee and Yash eyes searched for Aarti. He knew that she was not happy to see him, she made it very clear that she wanted nothing to do with him anymore. It hurt him knowing that Aarti hates him now, that he broke her heart so cruelly.

"Thank you"

He took a sip and closed his eyes for a moment. He knew exactly who made the coffee, he could never forget that taste.

"Aarti?"

She heard someone called her name. She looked up from behind the counter to find Abhi standing there.

"Yes sir?"

She said quietly.

"Our annual Christmas party is coming soon and I need your help to plan it. Would you like to go out for dinner later to discuss everything?"

Abhi asked and Aarti looked on. She did not want to say no to her boss, how would that look? Besides, it's work related so she figured that it was okay.

"Sure sir"

She said but she was still unsure

"Perfect. It's a date then"

He said and Aarti paused. Although she wasn't looking at Yash, she could feel his stare. She knew he heard everything; maybe if he thought she moved on, he'd do the same too.