Chapter 36: chapter 36

Riya's decision to ignore Prakhar's message had lingered in her mind as she went about her busy routine. Her days were now consumed by her responsibilities as an army officer due to her recent promotion, and she had also developed a connection with Animesh. She recalled her moment of weakness when she had confided in Vedahi about her feelings of loneliness, which had prompted the sudden push to reconnect with Prakhar."Vedahi can be quite impulsive at times. I've got a busy schedule, and I can't just start chatting with someone I just met and who nags me, now and then over a flop show. Besides, he's in Paris, and I'm in Jaisalmer. What's the point? I already have Animesh to talk with; I don't need another friend now," Riya pondered, contemplating the thought of reconnecting with Prakhar before letting it pass.Several days passed, and both Prakhar and Riya continued with their respective daily routines. Prakhar immersed himself in his work from home, delving into lines of code and virtual meetings. Meanwhile, Riya found herself engrossed in her demanding role as an army officer, with her days brimming with drills, meetings, and duties.Later that evening, Riya received a message from Vedahi. "Hey, Riya, I know you've been busy. I was thinking of connecting after my return. How are things at your end? Can we connect over the weekend, based on your availability?"Riya let out a sigh, feeling a sense of obligation to her old college friend Vedahi. She decided to send a brief response. Her message read, "Hi Vedahi, I saw that you wanted to connect. I'm sorry if I seemed hesitant earlier. I have a pretty busy schedule, but what’s going on? Yes, we can connect over the weekend."Vedahi was delighted to see Riya’s response and looked forward to the weekend. When the time came, they got into a video call."Hello Riya, thanks for responding. I understand you have a busy life. I appreciate your willingness to find some time for me!" Vedahi greeted her warmly."Don’t be formal, Vedahi. Yes, I have been busy because of my new role. But you tell me, how was your journey? Any news?" Riya responded, trying to maintain a casual tone."Nothing new, but I wanted to know what’s going on with Mr. Animesh?" Vedahi inquired, playfully teasing Riya.Riya couldn't help but blush at the mention of Animesh's name."Hey, you are turning red, Riya! I had understood in Hyderabad that you two had a good chemistry!" Vedahi chuckled."Nothing like that, but you are right; we have a good connection with each other. You saw how funny he is during that comedy show too, isn't it!" Riya tried to stay normal without showing any big excitement as she sensed Vedahi was getting curious now."No, I don't believe; it's just a connection. Looks like it's more than that, much deeper!" Vedahi tried to poke Riya more."Hey, leave that topic. I will tell you if we get serious. Right now, I am just enjoying our friendship, nothing more than that." Riya stayed calm, not revealing any more details."Okay, no worries, but I think Prakhar has been trying to talk to you over the last few days, and you seem to have been ignoring him?""Vedahi, you are too much. I don't even know that person. He created a sorry image of himself in front of my unit, and I thought we were just meeting casually. Then why is he so interested in me? Why do I need to talk to him? Can you explain to me?" Riya put a blunt question for Vedahi."Oh, I thought you liked him when we spoke initially, and he got the same feeling that you are so considerate about him. But it seems that was all a wrong impression, is it?" Vedahi was surprised at Riya's response."I mean, it's okay. We met and interacted and would have smiled and encouraged him, but that doesn't mean anything. I was just treating him as a friend of yours. So no special feelings. Moreover, he lives in a different country, and we haven't met in person. How do you think I should feel about him?" Riya was very direct in her response to Vedahi."My mistake, Riya. Maybe I thought you were genuinely interested in him, and we discussed in Hyderabad too, about how well I know him, isn't it?" Vedahi tried to understand Riya better.Riya was surprised by that answer, as she didn't expect that to be a conversation with her college friend."Yes, you told me about him, but he is still your good friend. Why are you bringing me between you and him? We don't have anything in common, and I already have a best friend. Why would I spend more time with a person who is your good friend?" Riya again questioned Vedahi."Now I get it, Riya. I think I was just trying to bring two friends together, but it looks like I wasn't thinking straight maybe!" Vedahi's smile vanished, and she was hurt by Riya's pointed remarks about Prakhar."See, I don't want to bring unnecessary complications into my life, which is already very complex. Please try to understand, Vedahi. I like you; you are my college friend, but that doesn't mean I start liking your friends. And I know that guy is good, but still, he is just another friend like you. Our environments are very different. How do you think we will have a connection ever?" Riya, realizing that her words had been harsh on Vedahi, tried to pacify her."No, it's fine. I have got my answers and thanks for clarifying. Good that we had this conversation today!" Vedahi smiled again.Riya felt light now after putting her point of view and realizing that she had been able to clear some misunderstanding about her and Vedahi’s expectations with Prakhar's connection.Both bid goodbye to each other and were happy to settle this discussion about why Riya wasn't talking to Prakhar. But Vedahi now wanted to understand from Prakhar what his feelings about Riya were, as she knew he was getting serious about the relationship.~~~~~