The next morning, Aaheli awoke to a world that felt colorless and empty. Her once vibrant spirit now dulled by the events of the previous night. Her hair was a tangled mess, mirroring the chaos within her heart. The remnants of dried tears stained her cheeks, a silent testament to the pain she had endured.

As she stared blankly at the ceiling, a profound emptiness settled in her chest, a void that seemed impossible to fill. The weight of betrayal and heartbreak clung to her like a heavy cloak, suffocating any flicker of hope that dared to spark within her.

* Abhishek enters the room with some pancakes in his hands as he almost stumbles over Aaheli's suitcase *

Abhishek: AAAUUU, these suitcases need to be kept awaayyy. Hey, Aaheli, I made some breakfast for you. I have pancakes and orange juice ready. I thought it might help start your day on a better note.

Aaheli (in a low tone): I... I don't really feel like eating right now, Abhishek.

Abhishek: That's okay, Aaheli. I understand. But it's important to take care of yourself, especially during tough times. Maybe just a little bit to keep your strength up?

Aaheli: *silence*

Abhishek: I'm here for you, Aaheli. You don't have to go through this alone. If you ever feel like talking or need anything, I'm just a call away. And remember, it's okay not to be okay.

* Aaheli closes her eyes and smiles as Abhishek wraps her in a warm hug *

Aaheli: Thank you, Abhishek. Thank you for being here for me, especially at this early hour.

Abhishek: Anything for you, my husn pari. I'll always be here for you, no matter what.

Abhishek: *gently feeds Aaheli with his own hand, each bite filled with care and love*

Aaheli is feeling overwhelmed by Abhishek's kindness, tears well up in her eyes as she eats, each bite a bittersweet reminder of the support she has in him

Aaheli: Thank you, Abhishek. Your presence and this gesture mean more to me than words can express.

Abhishek: That son of a witch, how dare he hurt you?

Aaheli: That's okay Abhishek, don't say that. He's your teammate after all.

Abhishek: Well IPL is over. I don't care about anything. Morals are important, more than money more than fame. I'm here for you Heli.

Aaheli: Don't call me that! I mean.. I mean don't remind me of that nickname.

Abhishek: oh okay. Anyway, will you go out with me tonight?

Aaheli: I'll go to my clinic today Abhishek. Please don't force me.

Abhishek: I wouldn't force you. I've been invited to a cafe for some promotion work, if you want to be my plus one, let me know, I'd love to take you along.

Aaheli: (thinking about how Abhishek has been there for him whenever she's felt down) okay Abhishek, I'll go tomorrow.

Abhishek: Okay husn pari. I'll drop you to your clinic now okay?

Aaheli: (smiles in gratitude) let's go.

* Abhishek drops Aaheli at her clinic and both goes on with their work *

𝘈𝘣𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘷 :

I gave Pat a call and made sure to let him know that whatever he has done, Aaheli would never forgive him.

Abhishek: hello Pat, why have you been calling Aaheli non-stop?

Pat: Abhishek! Abhishek.. are you.. are you there with Aaheli? Can you please give her the phone? I really need to talk to her Abhishek. I went to her apartment but she wasn't home.

Abhishek: WHAT THE FUCK?? You went to her apartment? Aaheli literally hates you Pat! She wouldn't want to see your face again. You know trespassing is a crime right?

Pat: what do you mean? I'm her boyfriend!

Abhishek: ahh excuseme? Did I just boyfriend? You're her ex boyfriend Pat. You're no better than Soumyadeep.

Pat: are you literally comparing me to her toxic ex?

Abhishek: oh you think you're any better? You're equally shattered her heart.

I hung up after saying that. I blocked his number. I don't want any cheat to come near me. I don't know why but seeing Aaheli hurt boils my blood. I wish to be there for her, always and forever.

I met with some of my friends. Shubman was one of them. It was a fun hangout and at after a while everyone left. Shubman and I was left. Shubman, who's usually in a fun mood, went serious all of a sudden.

Shubman: Sooo, Mr. Sharma, I've noticed something different lately. You seem really into Aaheli. What's going on?

Abhishek: Oh, it's nothing, just being friendly, you know.

Shubman: Come on, Abhishek. I've seen you flirt with many girls before, but this feels different. Are you serious about Aaheli?

Abhishek: Well, I... um...

Shubman: You've been going out of your way to make Aaheli happy. What's the deal?

Abhishek: I haven't really thought about it much Shubi

Shubman: Abhishek, it's clear to me that your feelings for Aaheli run deeper than just a passing crush. What's really going on?

Abhishek: Shubman, I... I've been trying to figure it out myself. I mean, yes, I've always had a soft spot for Aaheli, but now, it's like every moment I spend with her makes me realize there's something more there.

Shubman: So, are you saying you love her?

Abhishek: *sighs* I think so, Shubman. It's scary to admit it, but the more I try to deny it, the stronger the feeling gets. I find myself wanting to protect her, make her smile, and just be there for her in a way I've never felt before. Okay, fine. I've always had a crush on Aaheli, but now that I think about it, it's more than that. I love her, Shubman. I want to protect her and make her happy forever.

Shubman: That's a big step, Abhishek. Have you talked to Aaheli about your feelings?

Abhishek: No, not yet. I've been so caught up in trying to understand my own emotions that I haven't mustered the courage to tell her. What if she doesn't feel the same way?

Shubman: You won't know until you talk to her, Abhishek. It's better to be honest about your feelings rather than keeping them bottled up. Maybe Aaheli feels the same way about you.

Abhishek: You're right, Shubman. I need to gather my thoughts and talk to Aaheli. It's just a mix of excitement and nervousness all at once.

Shubman: Take your time, Abhishek. When the moment feels right, let her know how you feel. Who knows, this might be the beginning of something beautiful.

The chat with Abhishek made me realise that I should just confess my feelings to Aaheli. All that I've done for her, I have done that out of love. I have never done those things thinking that Aaheli should like me back. It's okay if she doesn't reciprocate the same feelings. I'd still keep loving her.
I slept that night imagining all the possible scenarios that could take place tomorrow when I tell her what I really feel about her.

* The Next Day *

3𝘳𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘷 :

Abhishek was mesmerized when he saw Aaheli in that beautiful black short dress. He couldn't help but feel a rush of admiration for her elegance and beauty. However, Aaheli, feeling that her dress was too plain, expressed her need for something more.
"Yaar Abhishek, this dress feels incomplete. I don't know why but ehh even adding accesories doesn't feel like it could complete the look." Aaheli pouts.

In a spontaneous gesture, Abhishek opened his white shirt and handed it to Aaheli. "Here, try this. You know they call me the best fashion guru of all time hyah" Abhishek joles. As he unbuttoned his shirt, Aaheli was taken aback for a moment, thinking he wasn't wearing anything underneath. Their initial surprise turned into laughter when she realized he had a white tee on.
"Get your mind outta the gutter husn pari." Abhishek chuckles, crossing his arms around his chest that makes Aaheli laugh even harder. "Not my fault you button popper"

Aaheli put on the white shirt, which was quite oversized on her, but she loved it! She felt a sense of comfort and warmth in wearing Abhishek's shirt. Looking at him with a smile, she complimented him, "Abhishek, this shirt looks so good on me, and it smells like you. Thank you for this sweet gesture. You have such a kind heart."

"Indeed you look better in that shirt than I'd have." Abhishek says and he drives her to a cute cafe.

Aaheli's outfit

Abhishek's outfit

As Abhishek takes Aaheli to the charming cafe, he orders her a comforting hot chocolate. Aaheli, touched by his gesture and the support he's providing during her difficult breakup, feels a wave of gratitude and warmth towards him.

In a heartfelt moment, Aaheli looks into Abhishek's eyes, holds his hand gently, and says, "Thank you so much, sunshine. Your kindness means the world to me right now. I truly appreciate you being here for me through this tough time." As she expresses her gratitude, Abhishek's heart skips a beat, feeling a deep connection and a rush of emotions as she held his hand for the first time.

Abhishek, with his heart on his sleeve, finally musters the courage to open up to Aaheli in the enchanting cafe setting. "Aaheli, I need to tell you something. Well I know you're going through a breakup but.."

Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere shatters as the door bursts open, revealing a disheveled and clearly intoxicated Pat stumbling into the cafe. His voice echoes through the room, slurred and emotional, as he tries to reach Aaheli, " Heli, you have to listen to me. I-I need to tell you. You have to listen to my side of the story baby."

The cafe buzzes with a mix of shock, sympathy, and frustration as Pat's dramatic entrance throws a curveball into the moment Abhishek had carefully planned. Abhishek's heart sinks as he watches the scene unfold, his confession overshadowed by the chaotic turn of events caused by Pat's drunken outburst.

Aaheli was caught between conflicting feelings, and the patrons torn between empathy for Pat's vulnerable state and annoyance at his disruptive behavior even though he is the one who has cheated on her. In the midst of the chaos, Pat reaches out and grasps Aaheli's hands tightly, his eyes filled with emotion as he struggles to articulate his thoughts. His words come out as incomprehensible gibberish, a mix of slurred speech and unintelligible sounds. Aaheli looks on, a mix of concern and confusion evident in her expression.
"Pat just leave me alone. Please I don't want to talk to you Pat go just go." Tears streaming down Aaheli's cheeks as she speaks these words. Pat just blankly stares at Aaheli at this moment. What went wrong? Just two days ago Aaheli was craving for Pat's touch but today they are so distant? His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp pull at his collar. Abhishek pulled him by his collar. "Can't you see you're hurting her? Just stay away from my girlfriend." Pat, taken aback by the sudden aggression by Abhishek finds it difficult to say anything. "Your.. your girlfriend? Your girlfriend? Aaheli? You're his girlfriend?" Pat struggles to speak as he's practically breaking down at this point. Aaheli who's still too stunned to speak anything tries to comfort Pat but Abhishek takes her hand and rushes out of the cafe.
"What was that Abhishek?" Aaheli speaks as they were driving back.
"Yeah bro's so weird, he's a stalker at this point." Abhishek replies back.
"I'm not talking about that. Why'd you call me your girlfriend in front of Pat?" Aaheli spoke in a rather serious tone.
"What? You really care about what he thinks of you?" Abhishek laughs a sarcastic laughter.

On the other hand, Pat also leaves the cafe and sits in his car, stunned by the turn of events, his mind races with thoughts like, "my Heli is someone else's girlfriend now. Oh god, I've lost all my chances."

Suddenly, in his distracted state, Pat's car veers off the road, hurtling towards a large tree with a sickening crunch. The impact is jarring, the sound of metal twisting and glass shattering fills the air. The car crumples like a tin can, the front end folding in on itself as the tree's branches sway from the force of the collision.

Inside the car, Pat is thrown forward, the seatbelt digging into his chest as the airbag deploys with a loud whoosh. The smell of burnt rubber and gasoline fills the air as the car comes to a sudden, jolting stop. The world spins around him, the sound of his own heartbeat pounding in his ears as darkness creeps into the edges of his vision, leaving Pat's future uncertain and his world forever changed.