HEALING A BROKEN HEART...CONTINUED...

HEALING A BROKEN HEART...CONTINUED...
"You have moved on with your life, so have I, and to start with, I have told my parents, and they are looking for my marriage already," Avani's cold words were echoing in Rishabh’s mind.

Rishabh sensed the frostiness in her tone, but her eyes betrayed a different story, He sensed, they struggled to control her emotions. What had happened to his Avani? She had lost all the sparkle in her eyes. What had he done to her?

I will make her eyes twinkle just like before. I have to.’ Determined, he took out his phone and called Smriti.

Smriti picked up and asked, “Did it work?”

“No, but I know she still loves me. I need to take some hard steps to get her confession. Are her parents looking for her marriage? She just said to me,” Rishabh inquired.

“Yes, they are... You need to act fast. I am not sure, if she told you, she is leaving for home after 5 days. It's Anish's wedding next month,” Smriti informed.

"Okay..." Rishabh said.

“And tomorrow’s plan is still on, right?” Smriti asked.

“Yes, it is…” Rishabh confirmed before disconnecting the call.

"I have 5 days to win her heart and gain her trust again. From tomorrow, the countdown begins... It's not a goodbye, sweetheart; it's the fresh beginning..." Rishabh mumbled, gazing at her apartment, visible from the entrance. He smiled and started his car, driving towards his home. After parking, he entered and handed his jacket to the servant before heading straight to the bedroom. It was half an hour before midnight.

And when the clock struck 12, a new chapter was about to unfold...

Lying on the bed, Avani absentmindedly twisted her hair strands, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. The crisp October air seeped through the window, bringing with it a hint of chill. Unexpectedly, her phone rang, displaying an unknown number. She hesitated before answering.

"Hello," Avani said cautiously.

"Hi, sweetheart. Happy Birthday," the voice on the other end greeted her.

It was Rishabh. A strange warmth spread through Avani's heart, despite the pain that still lingered. The assurance that he wasn't married brought an unexpected calmness. Deep inside, she knew he was hiding something, something she needed to uncover.

Clutching her chest with her left hand, a solitary tear escaped from her right eye. "Thank you... you still remember."

"I will always remember, till my last breath," he replied earnestly.

"Please don't say that," she retorted, a hint of anger in her voice.

He chuckled softly. Just then, Smriti knocked on Avani's door and entered, holding a sizable bouquet of red roses. Avani subtly gestured, silently asking her who had sent it. Smriti replied, keeping the bouquet near her.

"The one who's calling you," Smriti said, her eyes on Avani. Smriti hugged her and wished her a happy birthday, holding her phone.

"Thank you for the roses, they're beautiful," Avani said to Rishabh, her fingers gently caressing the soft petals.

"Not as beautiful as you," he responded, eliciting a blush from Avani, momentarily distracting her from the war that raged within her.

"Are you flirting with me…?" Avani teased, trying to regain some control over the situation.

"Do I need a license to do that with you?" Rishabh's voice deepened, sending a sudden shiver through her body.

Avani took a steadying breath, her voice carrying a tinge of sadness. "Rishabh, let me remind you, you broke up with me a year ago."

"I am still yours. I cannot even think of any other girl in my life. I care for you, I love you. Avani, please give me one chance," he pleaded urgently. "I want to meet you tomorrow. It's Saturday, you have the day off. Let's meet for dinner at 8. And I am not taking 'No' as your answer." He spoke.

Avani felt a mix of frustration and surprise. 'Here, Stubborn Rishabh is back,' She thought.

Sighing inwardly. "Okay, I will be there. Text me the address," she said, her voice losing some of its earlier determination.

'Did I just say yes?' Surprised by her own decision, she tapped her phone on her forehead, trying to collect her thoughts.

But, this was her chance to find out the truth. He had to tell her the truth.