Aarya - The Way We Once Were

Chapter 37

"Yash, I'm glad you came"

Abhi shook his hand

"But why are you alone. Where's Arpita?"

He looked around the room. Aarti looked at him and then at Yash; is it true? Is Yash really back together with Arpita?

"Why would Arpita be here?"

He raised an eyebrow, confused.

"I saw the two of you at the restaurant that night, I just assumed you were back together"

Abhi rubbed the back of his head, feeling silly for misunderstanding.

"We're just friends"

He said, his eyes fixed on Aarti.

"Friends don't post each other on their socials"

She mumbled.

"You said something?"

Abhi asked and she looked up, realizing what she just said. She looked at Yash and the way he stared at her, she knew that he heard her.

"No"

Aarti said quietly as she turned to leave.

"Can we talk?"

She heard Abhi's voice from behind.

"Sure"

She turned back, facing him. Yash looked on; the way Abhi was staring at Aarti all night, he knew that look too well. They both walked towards the other side of the room as Yash glared at them.

"You need to let it be"

He heard Maansi voice and he turned to face her.

"You're right. I should let go but I can't"

He exhaled as he took a sip of his bourbon.

"I don't know how to handle seeing her with someone"

He sighed restlessly.

"Someone that's not me"

He looked at Maansi and she felt so sorry for him.

"Now you know how Aarti felt when she saw you and Arpita together"

Maansi blurted out and his eyes widen, as realization hit him.

"You're both not over each other and that's okay. It'll be hard seeing her be with someone else, but I know you want her to be happy, right?"

Her voice was soft.

"Even if it's not with you"

She continued and Yash nodded his head. Aarti does deserve someone that would worship the ground she walks on, someone that would always believe her no matter what.

"What is it you wanted to talk about?"

Aarti asked as she stared at Abhi. It's been two minutes since they stood there awkwardly and he did not utter a word.

"I"

He stuttered.

"I've wanted to say this to you for a while now, but"

He paused, looking at her.

"Every time I try to get the words out, I get nervous"

He continued as Aarti looked on tensely.

"I really like you, Aarti. I've been attracted to you since the first day we met"

He confessed anxiously; As for Aarti, she stood there frozen.

"I know this is a lot to put on you, but I couldn't keep it in any longer"

He looked at her, trying to read her expression. Aarti finally inhaled as she faced him.

"I'm sorry if I ever gave you the impression that I'm interested in you"

She finally spoke.

"I just got out of a serious relationship. I'm no where ready to date again"

She continued, shattering his heart.

"I'm sorry"

She whispered, feeling terrible for breaking Abhi's heart. He seems like a good man, and maybe that's what she needs in her life, but Aarti could not entertain the idea of being with anyone other that Yash. Yes, she broke up with him, but deep down she was still in love with him.

"You have nothing to be sorry about. I shouldn't have said anything"

His voice was low, almost calm.

"I hope you don't think ill of me"

He said and she nodded her head.

"Of course, not"

She said awkwardly.

"I hope we can still stay friends"

He looked at her and she gave him a friendly nod before walking away. Abhi watched her leave and a grin appeared on his face, just for a second. Aarti wasn't just someone he liked, she had become his obsession. He was sure that with time, she would also fall in love with him.

"Ma'am, I can't find the rest of the appetizers"

One of the staff said nervously. Aarti assured her that it's okay and she'll go get it for her. She headed towards the walk-in freezer, searching for the rest of the appetizers. She found it and was about to leave when she realized that the door accidently closed from outside.

"Anyone there?"

She hit the door frantically. She could feel her body getting colder every second.

"I'm stuck in here. Please open the door"

She shouted louder as she stared to shiver. She realized that everyone might be busy preparing for dinner; no one would come look for her in here. Her vision blurred as she stumbled back and hugged herself to keep warm.

"Someone, anyone, please help me"

She pleaded in a low voice.

"Yash"

She whispered as she collapsed on the floor, losing consciousness.