Chapter 17: Deja Vu and Unfinished Destinies

Aria and Rogers rushed home, their minds clouded by emotion and confusion. Aria was greeted warmly by her mother as soon as she stepped inside.

"You didn't go for this excursion?" her mother asked, surprised.

Aria hesitated for a moment before responding. "No, I... uh... just thought of spending the weekend with you." She forced a smile, but her mother saw through her facade.

She came closer, gently placing a kiss on Aria's forehead. "What happened, my child? You were so cheerful this morning, and now, you look so dull."

Aria lowered her gaze, struggling to put her feelings into words. "Why does it happen that sometimes we get so involved in something that can't stay with us forever?"

Her mother's embrace was warm, comforting. "This might happen for two reasons, my love. Either to teach you a lesson or because something better is waiting for you."

A bittersweet smile formed on Aria's lips. "Maybe you're right," she whispered.

Her mother then changed the topic. "What about your project? You've been working so hard on it."

"It's going well," Aria nodded. "I've finally come to a conclusion."

"That's wonderful, sweetheart. I'm proud of you," her mother said, squeezing her hand.

Meanwhile, Rogers was dealing with an entirely different situation. Kendal, his sister, was puzzled by his behaviour.

"You're acting strange," she said, squinting at him as they sat for dinner.

"Strange? I don't know what you're talking about," Rogers replied, avoiding her gaze.

Kendal raised an eyebrow. "You barely speak these days. You zone out, and I swear, you look like someone who just returned from war."

Rogers let out a chuckle. "If only you knew."

"Know what?" she pressed.

"Nothing," he waved her off. "Let's just eat."

Kendal scoffed. "Fine. But one of these days, I'm getting the truth out of you."

Time passed, and Aria and Rogers gradually returned to their usual routines. They met at university, but something about them had changed. Despite the surreal experiences they had shared, they had to finish their projects and move on with their lives.

The results came, and both passed with flying colours. Aria pursued her dream of becoming a professor by enrolling in a doctoral program while working as an assistant professor. Rogers, on the other hand, concentrated on his business of dealing in antiques and imports. Their shared experience had shaped their futures, and they both promised to use their knowledge wisely.

Five years have passed. Aria, now twenty-six, had completed her doctorate and was a successful professor. Rogers' business had grown, and he had established an empire dealing in rare artefacts. Despite their hectic schedules, they never lost touch, meeting regularly to reminisce about their past.

Rogers hosted a party one night to commemorate a major business achievement: he had successfully exported millions of dollars in antiques. The event was held in a stylish cafe bar that was brimming with energy and laughter. Aria attended, as did many of their old friends. It was the ideal night, full of festivities and joy.

As Rogers stood by the bar, sipping his drink, his eyes locked onto someone across the room. A familiar figure swayed to the music, her movements wild yet elegant. Something about her made his heart stop. He moved closer, his pulse quickening.

The woman turned, her deep brown eyes meeting his. "You're a handsome man," she murmured, her voice sultry.

Rogers swallowed hard. "Leisha?"

She laughed, tilting her head. "It's Liesha."

His breath caught. Could it be? Was it a coincidence, or was fate playing tricks on him? The resemblance was uncanny.

"Dance with me," she whispered.

Without thinking, he pulled her close. Their bodies moved in sync, the music fading into the background. He was captivated, unable to tear his eyes away from her. Hours later, after drinks and whispered conversations, they ended up in his apartment.

The next morning, Rogers woke up to find Liesha still in his arms. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

"Good morning," she smiled.

"Morning," Rogers murmured, still processing everything.

She stretched lazily. "I had fun last night."

He nodded. "Me too."

Liesha propped herself on her elbow. "How about breakfast? And maybe a date?"

Rogers chuckled. "I'd like that."

Later that afternoon, Rogers met Aria for lunch, eager to share what had happened.

"You left your own party," Aria said, raising an eyebrow. "What was so important?"

Rogers leaned forward. "I met her."

Aria frowned. "Met who?"

"Leisha. Well, sort of. Her name is Liesha, but she looks exactly like her."

Aria's eyes widened. "What?"

"She was there, at the party. And I swear it felt like a deja vu. We danced, talked, and... spent the night together."

Aria gasped. "Rogers!"

"I know, I know. But it felt real, Aria."

Aria leaned back in her chair, trying to process the information. "I need to meet her."

Rogers grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that."

Aria and Rogers met Liesha the next evening at a quaint little cafe. The moment Aria saw her, her heart skipped a beat. Though Liesha didn't seem to recognize her, there was a flicker of something in her eyes—a connection, perhaps?

"You seem familiar," Liesha said, studying Aria.

Aria smiled softly. "Maybe we've met before... in another life."

Liesha laughed. "Maybe."

As they chatted, the sense of familiarity grew stronger. Even though Liesha had no memories of the past, something within her responded to Aria's presence.

As they were about to leave, Liesha turned to them. "I'll bring my brother tomorrow. We can plan a trip! It's Saturday tomorrow."

Aria and Rogers exchanged a look. This was just the beginning of another chapter in their extraordinary journey.