Chapter 40: chapter 40

One evening, I received an unexpected message from Riya. Her tone sounded strained, a sharp contrast to her usual cheerful demeanour. "Prakhar, can we have a call? I need to talk to someone, and you're the only one I trust right now."Days had turned into weeks, and my relationship with Riya remained distant. I couldn't shake off the memory of our last bitter conversation, her words still echoing in my ears, "Prakhar, stop acting like a friend of mine as we barely know each other!"I wondered if I had misread everything if it was all just a figment of my imagination. But that evening, Riya's message rekindled my memories of her. Why was she suddenly trusting me? I was no one to her until now, so why this sudden change in her attitude towards me?Also, over the last few weeks, I had come to realize that although Vedahi was my very good friend, something about Riya attracted me more, and I developed feelings for her. It might have been one-sided, but I couldn't shake it off.So when she messaged, I couldn't be rude to her. Instead, I messaged her back, assuring her that we could connect over a call.Surprised by the sudden urgency in her message and the concern etched in my mind, we spoke, "Riya, what's wrong? You seem distressed.""Prakhar, I don't know how to say this, but I need your support," Riya's voice quivered, her tone reflecting a vulnerability I had never seen before."What's wrong, Riya? You seem troubled. You know you can talk to me about anything. Is there a problem with Vedahi?" I assured her, my heart softening.Riya took a deep breath, her words tumbling out in a rush as she revealed a secret that shattered the fragile mask of stability I had managed to maintain."Prakhar, Animesh has been seeing someone else. I never expected this duplicity, and I don't know how to cope with the pain."Her words hit me like a flash of lightning, leaving me speechless and grappling with the unexpected turn of events. Animesh, her best friend whom she chose over me, had chosen to betray her trust, leaving Riya adrift in a sea of despair. I think I was happy hearing that, I never trusted that person though I didn't know him very well, but he was a banker and I somehow believed that he was a gambler rather than being serious. Still concealing my smile and joy I continued to soothe Riya."I had no idea, Riya. I'm so sorry you're going through this," I whispered, my voice laced with empathy as I struggled to comprehend the gravity of her situation.Riya's voice grew heavy, and in that moment, I saw her vulnerability and the fragility of her heart. The walls she had meticulously built around herself crumbled, and I imagined myself embracing her in a comforting embrace, offering solace in her moment of profound pain.As the evening unfolded, Riya confided in me, sharing the intricate details of the betrayal that had shattered her world."It was the weekend I was in Delhi, where Animesh stays, and I wanted to meet Animesh, but he ignored my call! Then I messaged him that I was in Delhi and we could connect, but still, there was no response from him. I waited for a few days, and one of the days he called me!" Riya continued to tell her story."How are you, Riya? I have been busy with some work. Great to know you are in Delhi. Can we meet?" Animesh's voice held a tinge of hesitation."Sure, Animesh. Let's meet at our old coffee place, Bean Delhi?" I suggested, a sense of curiosity and apprehension rising within me.We agreed to meet at our favourite cafe. As I walked into the cosy coffee shop, I spotted Animesh sitting at a corner table. He looked pensive, and his eyes met mine as I approached."Animesh, what's going on?" I asked, sitting down across from him.He took a deep breath and finally spoke, "Riya, there's something I need to tell you. It's about you."I leaned in and teased him. "What about me? I thought you were too busy to talk to me! I was waiting to get an appointment with this busy best friend!"Animesh hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I've fallen in love with someone, Riya."His words hit me like a bolt of lightning. Animesh was in love? That revelation was like a cruel twist of fate. "Who is it, Animesh?"You know, Prakhar, that's when I realized I loved him. It was just not a good friendship relationship we were carrying; I was in love with him!Animesh looked down, unable to meet my gaze as he spoke. "It's a recent person who has come into my life. We've been seeing each other for a while now, and my feelings for her have grown stronger."“I sat back, stunned. When did all this happen? I was losing my best friend. I didn't know how to react, and I realized at that moment how difficult it would have been for you when I treated you badly!” Riya sounded low.I had been listening to Riya patiently, and when she said she realized how she had hurt me, I felt it was the calling of Karma that was bringing her back to me.The situation seemed unreal, like a plot from a tragic love story. My mind raced with questions, trying to make sense of the tangled web of emotions that had entwined her.Riya bared her soul, revealing the raw emotions that had remained hidden beneath her bold face. It was a moment of vulnerability and trust, and I found myself standing by her side, offering unwavering support and a listening ear.I asked her, "So what do you want to do now, Riya?""I don't know, Prakhar. I know I have hurt Vedahi and ignored you, and now I feel I am subjected to the same pain that I might have given you. What should I do now? I have lost everyone!" Riya's voice trembled, and I could feel her sense of guilt in her words."You are not alone, Riya. I am with you," I tried to calm her down over the call, but I also wanted to be physically with her during this time. Could I replace Animesh in her heart? I didn't know, but I was sure I loved her more than I loved myself.But currently, Riya's state of mind was, who did Animesh find more intriguing than her? And will she ever, get her best friend back?~~~~~