Aarya - The Way We Once Were

Chapter 34

Abhi turned to leave, he saw a familiar face sitting in the corner.

"Yash?"

He walked closer and Yash faked a smile as he greeted his college roommate.

"What a surprise"

Abhi continued as he greeted Yash.

"I didn't realize this is your café"

Yash stood up and shook his hand. Aarti stood behind the counter shocked; she didn't realize that they knew each other.

"Not everyone can be a business tycoon"

He joked as Yash stood there uncomfortable. In the back of his head, he couldn't help but think that maybe there's something going on between Aarti and Abhi. But even if there was, that's none of his business anymore. Aarti is free to see whoever she pleases, even if it hurts him.

Aarti spent the rest of the day restless. She knew that nothing was going on between her and Abhi, why did she feel so guilty that Yash thought so? Why did she care so much about Yash's feelings? Maybe deep down she never truly stopped. Aarti sighed as she closed up for the day, as she head outside Abhi was already waiting for her.

"Ready to go?"

He asked and Aarti looked confused.

"The dinner; did you forget already?"

Aarti felt bad for not remembering their plans. She knew that she needed to be more focused now, she needed to get Yash out of her head.

"Of course not"

She forced a smile as he opened the car door for her. The ride to the restaurant was quiet; Aarti stared outside the entire time. Abhi would secretly gaze at her, he felt so attracted to her.

At the restaurant, the waiter came and Abhi ordered a beer. Aarti decided not to drink anything, she needed to be sober and level minded. As the waiter walked away, Aarti froze. To her left she saw Yash dining with a woman; as she looked closer, she realized that it's Arpita.

"Yash is with Arpita? When did this happen?"

She was left speechless.

"Are they back together?"

She couldn't help but wonder, after all Arpita is the perfect match for Yash. She's his mom's first choice after all.

"Aarti?"

She heard her name and snapped out of it. Abhi was looking at her with concern.

"Sorry; what were you saying?"

She asked but couldn't help but look over to Yash and Arpita's table.

"Our Christmas party, we need a theme"

Abhi said and Aarti nodded her head.

"I have a few ideas in mind. I can make a presentation and show you?"

She felt like that was easier than explaining her idea.

"You sound very professional"

Abhi joked and a small smile appeared on her face.

"I used to work in an office"

She looked at him. He was handsome, she must admit but not like her Yash. Speaking of Yash, she looked once more and noticed Arpita's hand was placed on his. Aarti felt a pang of jealousy; she couldn't concentrate any longer. The waiter came back and she ordered a glass of red wine; her heart was already in so much pain. She knew that she had no right over Yash any longer, but it still hurt.