Happy Readingđź“– đź’•
Shivansh's POV
I should have seen it coming.
From the moment Isha walked downstairs, her face lighting up at the sight of him, I knew this night was going to test my patience. Arav. The long-lost best friend. The one she had been waiting to meet.
I watched as she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him without hesitation. A tight, warm embrace that lasted just a second too long for my liking.
I told myself it was natural. They were childhood friends. Nothing more.
But logic had never done much to silence the unfamiliar feeling settling in my chest.
Even now, as we sat together in the lounge area, I felt out of place. I wasn't a part of this dynamic, this effortless exchange of old memories and inside jokes. I was simply an observer-someone watching from the outside, unable to reach her.
Isha sat beside Arav, laughing at something he said, her body leaning slightly against his. It was nothing. Just an old habit. But knowing that didn't make it any easier to watch.
Arav, on the other hand, was watching her differently. With an intensity I didn't like.
I clenched my jaw as he kept stealing glances at her-his eyes filled with something close to nostalgia. As if he had been waiting to see her like this again. As if he was seeing something in her that I never could.
And she? She didn't even seem to notice.
For the past few hours, Isha had barely spared me a glance. Her attention was solely on him, her laughter the loudest when he spoke. As if nothing else mattered in that moment.
As if I didn't matter.
I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to stay composed. I wasn't going to be affected by this. Not by him. Not by her ignorance.
But when Arav smirked, leaning slightly closer to Isha, his voice dropping to a softer tone just for her, I felt something snap.
"You should've met her years ago," he mused, his voice just loud enough for me to hear. "She was even more adorable back then."
Adorable.
I nearly laughed. He said it so casually, so easily, as if he had been the only one privileged enough to know her like that.
As if Isha was still his to describe.
My grip on the armrest tightened, my fingers pressing into the polished wood. I hated this. This unfamiliar, bitter feeling curling in my chest. I had always been in control-of my emotions, my actions, my life.
But tonight, she was undoing me in ways I didn't even know were possible.
And the worst part? She didn't even realize it.
Suddenly, my mind flashed back to earlier.
To the moment before she came downstairs.
"Don't fall in love with me."
I had told her that. I hadn't even thought much of it then. But now, as I sat here watching her, something about those words unsettled me.
Had it really been just to comfort her?
Or was it also a desperate attempt to reassure myself?
I shook my head slightly, pushing the thought away. I wasn't the type to overthink. Not until her.
A sudden movement caught my eye-Juhi.
She had been sitting across from me, silent for most of the night. But now, as she noticed Isha's attention was elsewhere, she shifted closer.
"Shiva," she murmured, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You look so serious tonight. Is something bothering you?"
Her voice was smooth, practiced. She knew exactly what she was doing.
I didn't bother answering, but that didn't stop her.
She leaned in just enough for it to be noticeable, her fingers lightly brushing against my arm. "You should relax. It's just a casual gathering, isn't it?"
I knew what she was trying to do. Take advantage of the fact that Isha wasn't looking at me.
And maybe, for a second, I considered letting her.
I barely heard the others talking anymore. thoughts were drowning in the weight of my own frustration-until suddenly, a shift in the conversation snapped me back.
But before I could react, prisha's voice broke through the air.
"We should leave. It's getting late."
I blinked, my gaze shifting back to Isha. She was standing too, brushing her hair back as she glanced at Arav.
So this was it.
The night was over.
And just like that, she had spent it with him.
Not me.
Not the person she was engaged to.
"I'll drop you," I said, stepping toward her.
But before Isha could even respond, Arav beat me to it.
"I'll take her home, I am also going to stay there with them." he said smoothly, smiling at her.
Isha turned to me, her expression calm. "You can go. I'll be fine with Arav and ishika."
Fine.
The word settled in my chest like a stone.
I clenched my jaw and slipped my hands into my pockets to keep them from tightening into fists.
She didn't even hesitate.
And for the first time in my life, I wasn't the one she was choosing.
And I didn't know how to handle that.
I clenched my jaw, my patience hanging by a thread.
Isha didn't even hesitate. Didn't even look at me.
Instead, she just smiled at Arav and nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
As if it was the most natural thing in the world.
As if I wasn't standing right there.
I should've let it go. I should've told myself it didn't matter. That it didn't make a difference whether she left with him or with me.
But it did.
And I hated how much it did.
Juhi must have sensed it-the tension simmering beneath my calm exterior-because she suddenly stepped forward, placing a hand on my arm.
"Shivansh," she said, her voice laced with something almost... victorious. "Why don't we go together? You shouldn't leave alone."
I turned my head slightly, my eyes cold as they met hers.
She was enjoying this.
She thought she had won.
That if Isha wasn't looking at me, I might just turn to her instead.
But Juhi had made one mistake.
I wasn't like her.
Without a word, I pulled my arm away, slipping my hands into my pockets as I walked past them. Past her.
"Shivansh?" Juhi called again, trying to keep her voice soft, coaxing. "You can drop me, right? Why leave alone?"
I didn't stop.
Didn't look back.
Didn't bother explaining.
Instead, I stepped into my car, shut the door with more force than necessary, and started the engine.
From the rearview mirror, I caught a glimpse of them-Isha standing close to Arav, laughing at something he said.
She didn't even turn to see if I was still there.
She didn't care.
A muscle in my jaw ticked as I slammed my foot against the accelerator.
The tires screeched against the pavement as I pulled away from the venue, my grip on the steering wheel impossibly tight.
I didn't know where I was driving.
I just knew I needed to get away.
Away from the sight of her with someone else.
Away from the remder that for the first time, I wasn't the one she was choosing.
I gripped the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white. The silence in the car was deafening, broken only by the occasional honk from a passing vehicle. But my mind? It wasn't silent at all. It was chaos.
Isha hadn't even looked at me. She had walked right past me, her eyes refusing to acknowledge my presence, as if I were nothing but a stranger in her life. And then she left. With him. Arav.
A bitter chuckle escaped me as I took a sharp turn. Isn't this what you wanted, Shivansh? I had told her to stay away, to stop thinking about me, to not cry over me. And yet, now that she was doing exactly that, it felt like someone had carved a hole in my chest and left it bleeding.
I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temple. Damn it. I should be relieved, shouldn't I? She wasn't chasing after me, wasn't demanding answers, wasn't clinging to me like a fool. She was just... moving on.
But then why did it feel like I was the one losing something?
My own words from the terrace echoed in my mind-cold, distant, cruel.
"Don't fall in love with me Isha."
I had thought I was doing her a favor by pushing her away, by making things easier. But now, with her absence weighing heavier than her presence ever did, I wasn't sure anymore.
I pulled up to the palace, but I didn't get out immediately. Instead, I rested my forehead against the steering wheel, jaw clenched.
Somewhere inside her house or in the car, she was probably laughing with him, talking freely, unaware of the storm brewing within me.
And I? I was just sitting here, losing a battle I didn't even know I was fighting.
Before I could even gather myself, I heard the commotion behind me. The doors of another car slammed shut, and hurried footsteps followed.
"Shivansh!" Dhruv's voice cut through the night air as he approached. "What the hell was that? Why did you leave like that?"
Avi and juhi were right behind him, their expressions mixed with concern and confusion.
"You are left alone, we are standing there!" dhruv added. "What's gotten into you?"
I clenched my jaw, gripping the steering wheel harder. "Nothing. I just wanted to leave," I muttered, pushing open the car door.
"Nothing?" Dhruv scoffed. "You stormed off like a damn jealous ex, and you're telling us it's nothing?"
I shot him a glare, but he didn't back down.
Avi folded his arms, stepping closer. "You know, if you're this pissed about Isha ignoring you, maybe you should ask yourself why you care so much."
My teeth clenched at his words, but I didn't answer. Because I didn't have one.
Instead, I simply turned away, striding into the palace, leaving them behind-just as she had left me.
Author's POV
The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting golden streaks across the room. Isha was curled up under the warm blankets, lost in a deep, peaceful slumber. The exhaustion from the previous night's events-her engagement, the overwhelming emotions, the lingering tension with Shivansh-had drained her completely. She had barely stirred since falling asleep.
Across the room, Arav was sprawled on the couch, one arm hanging lazily over the edge while the other covered his face. He had crashed at Isha's house last night, unwilling to leave after the long celebrations. Ishika, too, was asleep in her usual corner, her soft breathing the only sound in the quiet morning.
It was a rare moment of peace.
And of course, Arav had to ruin it.
A mischievous grin spread across his face as he slowly sat up, stretching his arms. His gaze flickered toward Isha and Ishika, both fast asleep. A perfect opportunity.
With silent steps, he grabbed a pillow from the couch, took a deep breath-
"RISE AND SHINE, SLEEPING BEAUTIES!"
And with that, he smacked both of them with the pillow.
"Agh! Arav, you idiot!" Isha groaned, trying to bury herself deeper under the covers.
Ishika, on the other hand, let out a dramatic yelp. "I swear, if you don't stop, I'll throw you out of this house!"
With a wicked smirk, Arav clapped his hands loudly. "Wake up, sleepyheads! The sun is up, and so should you be!"
Isha groaned, pulling the blanket over her face. "Go away, Arav..."
Ishika grumbled from her chair. "Five more minutes..."
Arav, of course, had no intention of letting them sleep in. He grabbed a pillow and smacked Isha with it, earning a sharp yelp from her. Before she could retaliate, he was already at Ishika's side, shaking her awake.
Arav laughed, dodging as Ishika tried to grab another pillow to attack him. "Come on, wake up already! I am here guys after years, and you guys are wasting the morning sleeping!"
Isha peeked out from under the blanket, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "So what? You were snoring louder than a truck a few hours ago!"
Arav placed a hand over his chest in a mock offense. "Excuse me? I do not snore."
Ishika snorted. "Tell that to the walls that were vibrating last night."
"Whatever," Arav dismissed, waving his hand. "Anyway, I have a plan. Let's go out-maybe a café or somewhere fun. We need to actually enjoy this trip, not just sleep through it."
Isha groaned, but a small part of her agreed. Staying in bed all day wasn't the best way to make memories.
She sighed, stretching her arms. "Fine, fine. But first, food."
Within minutes, they were out of bed and heading toward the dining area where isha parents are already their. Breakfast was a quick affair-sandwich, fruit, chai, juice and coffee-eaten with occasional bickering between Ishika and Arav over who got the last bite of pastry.
As they were finishing up, Ishika's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and frowned. "Ugh, I have to go to the hospital. There's something urgent."
Isha looked at her in concern. "Are you sure you'll be okay? You didn't even get a proper break."
Ishika shrugged, grabbing her bag. "It's fine. I'll try to finish up quickly and join you guys later."
With that, she hurried off, leaving Isha and Arav behind.
Arav leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table. "So, just us two then?"
Isha rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately."
He smirked. "Oh, come on. You love my company."
"More like tolerate it."
Arav dramatically placed a hand over his heart. "That hurts, Isha. That truly hurts."
She just laughed, shaking her head. "Fine, fine. Let's go. But if this turns into one of your chaotic plans, I'm leaving you behind."
After telling her parents, she also left with arav to have fun.
The café they chose was a quaint little place, tucked in a quiet corner of the city. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries, a comforting mix that instantly made Isha feel at ease.
They settled by a window, the soft morning light making the wooden table glow.
Arav took a sip of his coffee before casually saying, "So, you never told me why."
Isha looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Why what?"
"Why did you say yes to Shivansh." His tone was casual, but there was an edge of curiosity. "After everything you've told me about him... I didn't expect you to agree so easily."
She hesitated, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. The spoon clinked softly against the cup
"I had my reasons," she finally said, her voice quieter now. "It wasn't easy, Arav. But sometimes, we don't get choices. Sometimes, things are bigger than us."
Aarav leaned forward, resting his elbows on the café table, his sharp gaze fixed on Isha. The warm aroma of coffee swirled around them, but the conversation had taken a heavier turn.
"Isha," he said, his voice quieter now, more serious. "Do you love him?"
Isha's fingers tightened around her coffee cup. The words hung between them, heavy, suffocating.
She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Her throat felt dry. The question had caught her off guard, even though she had known, deep down, that it was bound to come.
Aarav didn't push. He simply waited, giving her time, his eyes searching hers for an answer.
"No," she finally said, but the word felt foreign on her tongue, hesitant, almost unconvincing.
Aarav raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
Isha forced a laugh, shaking her head. "Of course, I am," she said, trying to sound firm, but even to her own ears, it sounded weak.
But the truth was-it wasn't that simple. She wanted to believe she didn't love Shivansh. She wanted to deny the way her heart raced whenever he was near, the way her eyes always searched for him in a crowd, the way her entire world seemed to tilt whenever he so much as looked at her.
But then, she remembered-
"Don't fall in love with me."
His words from the engagement night echoed in her mind, sharp and cold.
She had no right to have feelings for him. She had no right to expect anything.
So, she held onto the lie.
Aarav watched her carefully, reading the turmoil in her eyes. But instead of pressing further, he simply leaned back with a knowing smirk.
"If you say so," he said lightly, sipping his coffee. But the way he said it told her that he didn't believe her.
And the worst part?
Neither did she.
Aarav exhaled, shaking his head lightly. "You never have to do anything alone, Isha. You know that, right?"
Isha's lips curled into a small smile.
"I know."
Aarav leaned forward, his voice firm but gentle.
"I love you, Isha."
She didn't flinch.
"I've always been here for you, and I always will be."
Isha's heart warmed, her eyes softening.
"I love you too, Aarav."
A love. A bond not built on romance, but something just as unbreakable.
She reached across the table and gave his hand a small squeeze.
"No matter what, we'll always be family."
Aarav smiled. "Always."
Arav frowned, sensing the weight in her words. "Isha-"
Before he could press further, Isha pulled out her phone and dialed Prisha.
"Hey, are you at work?"
Prisha's groggy voice came through. "Ugh, no. Why?"
"Take a leave today."
There was a pause. "What? Why?"
"Because I gave my entire firm a holiday today." Isha shrugged, sipping her coffee. "Might as well enjoy it."
Prisha sighed. "You're impossible. But fine, I'll join you later."
As Isha hung up, Arav gave her an amused look. "You shut down your entire firm for the day just because you felt like it?"
She smirked. "Being the boss has its perks."
Arav shook his head, laughing. "You're unbelievable."
What they didn't realize was that someone had been watching them the entire time.
Juhi sat a few tables away, her face hidden behind oversized sunglasses. She had positioned herself carefully, her phone strategically angled to record their conversation.
Her fingers tightened around her cup as she listened.
"Sometimes, things are bigger than us."
Juhi smirked.
This was perfect.
She made sure to capture every word, every glance exchanged between them. A recording wasn't enough-she needed something stronger.
With expert precision, she zoomed in and snapped a picture of Isha and Arav sitting together, their postures relaxed, their conversation seemingly intimate. The way Isha leaned slightly forward, the way Arav smirked at her-it could all be misinterpreted.
And she was about to make sure it was misinterpreted.
As Isha and Arav finished their coffee and stood up to leave, Juhi quickly checked her phone. The recording was crystal clear.
She replayed it, a victorious smile curling on her lips.
"Let's see how Shivansh reacts to this."
She had seen the way his eyes burned with jealousy last night. And if there was one thing she knew, it was that Shivansh Raghuvanshi did not like losing.
And now, she was about to make sure he felt like he was.
After finishing their coffee, Isha and Arav stepped out of the café, unaware that their conversation had been recorded by someone lurking in the shadows. Their words, their emotions-everything had been captured, waiting to be used at the right moment.
But for now, they remain blissfully unaware.
Just as they were about to part ways, Ishika called Isha.
"Where are you both?" Ishika's voice came through the speaker.
"Just leaving the café. Why?" Isha asked.
"Perfect! Let's do something fun today. It's been ages since we've gone to an amusement park. Let's relive the old days!" Ishika suggested excitedly.
Arav grinned, nudging Isha. "Sounds like a good idea. We've been too serious lately. A little fun won't hurt."
Isha thought for a moment and then smiled. "Alright, let's go!"
With that, they made their way to the amusement park, just like they used to when they were younger. The moment they stepped inside, nostalgia hit them hard. The bright lights, the sound of laughter, the smell of caramel popcorn-it was all so familiar.
They decided to try everything-roller coasters, bumper cars, and haunted houses. They laughed until their stomachs hurt, screamed on the rides, and took silly pictures at the photo booths. It felt like a carefree escape, away from all the complications of life.
After a few rides, they sat on a bench, catching their breath. Arav turned to Isha, his expression more serious now.
"Isha, tell me something," he started.
She raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Do you love him?"
Her heart skipped a beat. She wasn't expecting this question, not here, not now.
Ishika, sipping on her cold drink, leaned in with interest. "Oh, good question! Let's hear it, Isha!"
Isha hesitated. The answer had always been there, buried deep beneath her pride, her fears, and her stubbornness. But now, sitting here, laughing, feeling the warmth of friendship around her-she didn't want to run from the truth anymore.
Taking a deep breath, she whispered, "Yes."
The moment the word left her lips, her mind betrayed her, dragging her back to the previous night.
"Don't fall for me, Isha."
Shivansh's voice echoed in her mind. She could still see his piercing gaze, the way his voice had been laced with warning rather than arrogance. He had told her to stay away. He had told her not to fall.
And yet, she had.
She clenched her fists slightly, forcing herself to push the memory aside. Maybe she should stay away, maybe she should be careful-but if she didn't tell him now, would she regret it?
She met Arav's gaze, determination replacing her doubts. "Yes, I love him," she repeated, this time with more conviction.
Arav smiled knowingly. "Then before it's too late, go and confess to him."
Isha blinked, startled. "Confess?"
"Yes. You guys are engaged, and soon you'll be married. But that doesn't mean you have to wait forever to tell him. Be the first to say it, Isha. It's not about who confesses first-it's about making sure you don't leave things unsaid."
She bit her lip, considering his words. He wasn't wrong. She had spent so much time resisting her own feelings, afraid of what they meant. Maybe it was time to be honest-with Shivansh and with herself.
But then she grinned. "I'll do it... but tomorrow. Today, we enjoyed it!"
Arav chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine, fine. But don't forget tomorrow!"
And with that, they ran off to another ride, the tension fading into the background. It was a day of fun, laughter, and unexpected realizations-one that Isha would remember forever.
But little did she know, someone else had already planned to turn this day of joy into a storm of chaos.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
How was the Chapter??
Aage kya hoga? Hmm?
Share your thoughts and don't forget to click on the star button below.
And follow me on Instagram for spoilers.
đź”—link in bio.
Love you all, bye
Ishđź’—