Chapter 33: 31. Rihaan 's crush

As Naira stood in the guest room, her thoughts spiraled into a whirlwind of emotions. Why should I back off? she wondered, frustration coursing through her veins. She had loved Ekansh for as long as she could remember. Their shared memories, laughter, and the bond they had created during childhood lingered in her heart.

It’s Samyuktika who came into his life and changed everything, Naira thought bitterly. She could feel the heat of jealousy rising within her. Why should she be the one to step aside when she had been there for him first?

The realization hit her like a wave. She didn’t just want to be a distant memory in Ekansh’s life; she wanted to reclaim her place. He needs someone who truly understands him, someone who has always been there, she convinced herself. Naira’s heart raced at the thought of driving Samyuktika out of his life.

I won’t let her take him away from me, she resolved, her determination hardening. She thought of all the times she had been there for Ekansh, how they had shared dreams and hopes for the future. To have that stripped away by someone she barely knew felt like an injustice.

Taking a deep breath, Naira stepped back into the living room, her expression poised. She could play the part of the supportive friend while subtly steering things in her favor.

“Is everything okay?” Samyuktika asked, concern etched on her face.

“Absolutely,” Naira replied, forcing a bright smile. “Just needed a moment to collect my thoughts.”

As the three of them continued to chat, Naira felt the flicker of a plan forming in her mind. She would remind Ekansh of their history, of the bond they shared. It was time to show him that Samyuktika didn’t belong in his life, that their connection was stronger than any marriage contract.

I will make him see, Naira vowed silently. And with that thought, she felt a surge of confidence. She wasn’t just going to be a bystander; she was going to fight for the love she had always known was meant to be.

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.

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Ekansh leaned back in his leather chair, a faint smile playing on his lips as he chatted with Rihaan, his best friend from college. The two had shared countless memories, laughter, and late-night study sessions that had forged an unbreakable bond.

“So, how’s Naira doing?” Rihaan asked, a hint of concern threading through his casual tone.

Ekansh raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk forming. “Look at you, acting like a concerned parent. What’s with the sudden interest?”

Rihaan shrugged, trying to play it cool, but Ekansh caught the slight blush creeping onto his friend’s cheeks. “I just want to make sure she’s okay, you know? She’s been through a lot.”

“Uh-huh,” Ekansh replied, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You’ve had a crush on her since college, haven’t you? From the time I introduced her to you,I can see it in the way you light up when her name comes up.”

Rihaan quickly shook his head, but the flustered expression gave him away. “It’s not like that,” he protested, but there was no conviction in his voice. “I just… admire her, that’s all.”

Ekansh chuckled, relishing the banter. “Come on, man. Just admit it! You’re crushing hard. You should ask her out sometime. She’s a great person.”

Rihaan sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Yeah, but she’s your friend, and now she’s… well, complicated. I don’t want to make things awkward, especially with Samyuktika in the picture.”

Ekansh waved a dismissive hand. “Samyuktika is a good person, but you shouldn’t hold back because of her. If you like Naira, you should go for it. You never know how she feels.”

Rihaan shook his head, the doubt evident in his eyes. “What if she doesn’t feel the same? I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”

Ekansh leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Naira deserves to know, Rihaan. Life’s too short to play it safe. Besides, I don’t even know if she’s still into me, especially now that she’s been around Samyuktika.”

Unbeknownst to Ekansh, Naira had just entered their lives again, bringing with her a whirlwind of emotions and unresolved feelings. Little did he know that his best friend’s quiet affection for Naira was about to intertwine with the complicated dynamics of their group.

“Just think about it,” Ekansh said, a teasing smile returning. “But if you’re too chicken to do it, I might just have to set you up with someone else.”

Rihaan rolled his eyes, though a small smile broke through his uncertainty. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As they continued their banter, Ekansh felt a sense of ease, unaware that Naira’s return would soon complicate everything they had built.

Sure! Here’s the continuation where Rihaan expresses his desire to visit Ekansh’s house:

As their conversation flowed, Rihaan’s expression brightened with a new thought. “You know, I’ve been meaning to come over to your place more often. Samyuktika makes some really amazing food. I could go for one of her famous dinners right about now.”

Ekansh chuckled, shaking his head. “You just want an excuse to eat her cooking, don’t you?”

“Can you blame me?” Rihaan replied, grinning. “I mean, she makes the best biryani I’ve ever had. It’s practically a crime not to take advantage of it!”

“Alright, I’ll have her whip up something special the next time you’re over,” Ekansh said, rolling his eyes playfully. “But don’t think you can just come over for the food. You have to tolerate me too.”

Rihaan laughed. “I can manage that. Just make sure you keep Samyuktika in the kitchen; I don’t want to miss out on her cooking!”

As they continued to joke about food and friendship, neither of them realized how soon those dynamics would shift with Naira’s re-entry into their lives.

As they wrapped up their conversation, Ekansh grabbed his jacket, and the two friends headed out of the office. The drive to the mansion was filled with light banter, but Rihaan couldn’t shake the strange feeling that had settled in his chest.

Something big is about to happen, he thought, a sense of foreboding hanging in the air. It was as if the universe was shifting, preparing for a change that he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Rihaan glanced out the window, watching the scenery blur by, lost in his thoughts. He couldn’t help but feel that today was going to be significant—not just because of Samyuktika’s cooking or his growing feelings for Naira, but something deeper, more profound.

When they arrived at the mansion, Rihaan took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unsettling sensation. As he stepped inside, he was greeted by the warm aroma of spices wafting from the kitchen, but the feeling of unease lingered.

Whatever it is, I hope I’m ready for it, he thought, as he followed Ekansh further into the house.