Chapter 38: chapter 38

Prakhar had made up my mind to confront Riya about her recent behaviour and the mixed signals she had been sending. As he gathered his thoughts, he dialled her number, hoping for a chance to clear the air and understand the truth behind her strange behaviour. After a few rings, Riya picked up the call, her voice sounding weary but polite."Prakhar, is everything okay?" Riya asked, her tone laced with concern."Riya, I wanted to talk to you about something. I've noticed that things have been a bit off between us lately, and I can't help but feel there's something you're not telling me," Prakhar began, trying to keep his voice steady despite the swirling emotions inside me.There was a brief pause on the other end, and then Riya sighed. "Prakhar, I think you should talk to Vedahi as she is your closest friend, I have some urgent work going on, please don't disturb me!"Her words hit Prakhar with a mix of surprise and bitterness. "Riya, did I say anything wrong, why are you behaving like this with me?""Prakhar stop acting like a friend of mine as we barely know each other," Riya replied, her voice bitter now. "I am in a relationship already and don't want to complicate it any further. It will be better if you don't call me anymore, I hope you understand!" Riya dropped the call.Prakhar was surprised by how rude Riya sounded, "Why did she say to talk to Vedahi, was she also aware of Vedahi's confession? Maybe she was not interested in talking with me because of Vedahi's interest in me."One evening, after a long day of working from home, Prakhar decided to confront the looming questions that had been haunting me. He dialled Vedahi's number, ready to engage in a heartfelt conversation that had been long overdue."Vedahi, we need to talk," Prakhar said, his voice a mix of determination and anxiety.Vedahi, who had been going through an internal turmoil had finally settled to face a discussion with Prakhar and that’s why picked his call.Vedahi was extra cautious yet open to the conversation. "Prakhar, I've been waiting for this. What's on your mind?"Prakhar took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. "I want to discuss your confession, Vedahi. It took me by surprise, and I'm trying to understand what it means for both of us."Vedahi responded with honesty, "I know it's complicated, Prakhar. I didn't intend to create this confusion. I just needed to be truthful about my feelings."Prakhar nodded, his respect for Vedahi unwavering. "I appreciate your honesty, Vedahi, and I value our friendship immensely. I need time to sort through my emotions and figure out what my heart truly wants."Vedahi understood, her voice filled with compassion. "Prakhar, take all the time you need. Our friendship means a lot to me, and I don't want to jeopardize it. I just wanted you to know how I felt.""Vedahi, have you told about your confession to Riya too?"Vedahi was taken aback by that question, did he speak to Riya about her confession?"Why do you ask that Prakhar?" Vedahi tried to poke him more."Please answer me first, have you told Riya that you love me?""No, not all why would I tell her, Prakhar what kind of question is this?""I think, she has figured out this somehow Vedahi, because she feels you are closer to me, she doesn't want to keep any relation with me!"Vedahi was surprised at Prakhar's statement. She could see how her relationship with Prakhar was taking an unwanted turn now. She had never thought Prakhar would fall in love with Riya so badly that he would forget her too in Riya's obsession."Can you tell me something honestly, Prakhar, do you still believe me?" Vedahi trembled as she spoke."I trust you Vedahi, but I think I trust my guts more and it's my gut feeling that Riya has sensed something she shouldn't have!" Prakhar continued to think in a different direction."Forget Riya for a minute, Do you trust me? Remember we were friends before you met Riya, I only introduced you to Riya!""That is my point too, she thinks you are very close to me and we are in a relationship, that is why she is trying to move away from our lives, do you understand Vedahi, she likes me but doesn't want to talk to me!" Prakhar tried to reason his suspicion about Riya's strange behaviour."No, there is nothing like that Prakhar, she is already in a relationship with Animesh and she doesn't want to make any more friends. It's as simple as that, I have not told her anything and she hasn't assumed anything!" Vedahi tried to explain Prakhar."I don't think so Vedahi, maybe she would have overheard some conversations you had with me, and imagined that we both are in love!" Prakhar continued to reason his belief that Riya loved him but because of Vedahi wanted to distance out."Okay, if that is what I think I will call her now and we will sort this out, I cannot take your madness anymore Prakhar!" Vedahi for the first time shouted on Prakhar."Why are you shouting at me, if you are so sure she doesn't love me, why are you getting angry, or all the way it was your play to hurt me like this Vedahi, break my heart when I was trying to come out of my virtual world into real one?" Prakhar's eyes welled up with tears.Vedahi softened, seeing her dear friend crying like a child, she loved Prakhar."Okay, it's my fault Prakhar, I didn't know meeting Riya would be such a turning point for you, I was just introducing two of my close friends to each other, never realised that they both would go away from me when I initiated that relation!" Vedahi's voice was trembling."I don't know what was your intention Vedahi, but I have always loved you as my dear friend but by bringing this sudden emotion in our friendship, I think you have betrayed me!" Prakhar's eyes were still wet."So do you want me to stop calling or talking to you? tell me I will forget about you Prakhar!" The line went silent at Vedahi's side.Vedahi was crying, she never expected this turn of events in her life.~~~~~