15

                                    

                                          

AUTHOR'S POV
The next few days were a blur for Diyanshi. She avoided speaking to Ayushman, the hurt and confusion still too raw. She didn't know what to say to him, whether to apologize for her outburst or to demand more answers. Ayushman, on his part, kept trying to strike up conversations, each attempt met with silence. He still cooked for her every day, a gesture of care that she found difficult to acknowledge. He drove her to the office, their rides filled with uncomfortable quiet.
One morning, Diyanshi approached her supervisor to request a week off for the wedding. "You'll need to discuss this with Prateek," the supervisor informed her.
Her heart sank. Prateek had been nothing but annoying since day one, and the thought of asking him for a favor was unbearable. She knocked on his office door and entered when he called her in.
Prateek was grinning as usual, his eyes lighting up in a way that made her uncomfortable. "Diyanshi, what a pleasant surprise! To what do I owe this honor?" he said, leaning back in his chair with a smug expression.
"I need to talk to you about a leave request," she said, keeping her tone professional.
"Ah, a leave request. But you just got here," he replied, his grin widening. "Are you trying to get away from me already?"
She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I need to attend a wedding, and I would appreciate a week off."
He looked at her for a moment, then leaned forward, his demeanor shifting slightly. "You look down, Diyanshi. What's going on?"
"I'm just not feeling well," she said curtly, unwilling to share more.
Prateek's expression softened momentarily, but then he returned to his usual self. "Well, we can't have you moping around, can we? I'll approve the leave, but only because I can't stand to see that frown on your pretty face."
She forced a smile. "Thank you, Prateek."
He gave her another one of his infuriating pickup lines, "Anything for you, Diyanshi. If you need anything else, just let me know. I'd hate for you to feel neglected."
She nodded and quickly left his office, feeling a mix of relief and irritation. As she walked back to her desk, she couldn't help but think about how much she needed this time away—not just from the office, but from the tangled mess her personal life had become.
Ayushman suggested taking Diyanshi shopping for her cousin's wedding, hoping to bridge the gap that had formed between them. As they walked through the bustling mall, the silence between them was palpable.
"How long are you not going to talk to me, Diya?" Ayushman finally asked, breaking the silence.
She glanced at him, then quickly looked away, changing the subject. "What are you planning to buy?"
He sighed but didn't push further. "I was thinking of getting a new suit. It's been a while since I attended a wedding."
They walked into a boutique, where Diyanshi picked out a few dresses to try on. As she emerged from the fitting room, Ayushman couldn't help but admire her. "You look beautiful," he said softly.
She didn't respond, but a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of her lips. They continued shopping, Ayushman helping her select accessories and shoes. Despite the tension, there were moments of normalcy, brief glimpses of the connection they once had.
Once they had everything they needed, they headed home. The atmosphere remained strained, but there was a flicker of hope that things might improve.
The next morning, they packed their bags and set off for Aligarh. The drive was long, and the silence between them was filled with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Ayushman tried to engage her in small talk, but Diyanshi's responses were curt and distant.
As they neared Aligarh, Ayushman glanced at Diyanshi. "I hope this trip will give us the chance to talk, Diya. We need to sort things out."
She looked out of the window, her expression unreadable. "We'll see," she said quietly.
They arrived at her cousin's house, where the bustling preparations for the wedding temporarily pushed their personal issues to the background. Family members greeted them warmly, and Diyanshi felt a momentary sense of relief, the familiar chaos of a wedding providing a welcome distraction.
Upon arriving at Ayushman's family home in Aligarh, Diyanshi felt a wave of nostalgia mixed with apprehension. It had been a long time since she had seen Ayushman's parents, and the memories of happier times resurfaced, mingled with the pain of recent events.
Ayushman's parents greeted her warmly. His mother, Mrs. Sharma, hugged her tightly. "Diyanshi, it's been too long," she said, her eyes moist with emotion.
"Yes, it has," Diyanshi replied, managing a smile.
Mr. Sharma joined them, his expression kind but serious. "Diyanshi, we want to apologize for everything that has happened."
Diyanshi shook her head, feeling the weight of their concern. "Please, there's no need to apologize. It's not your fault."
Mrs. Sharma sighed. "Still, we feel responsible. You are like a daughter to us, and we hate seeing you hurt."
Diyanshi felt a lump in her throat. "Thank you. But let's not dwell on the past. We're here for a wedding, and I don't want to bring any negativity into it."
They nodded, respecting her wishes. The conversation turned to lighter topics, and for a moment, Diyanshi felt a semblance of normalcy return. The warmth and familiarity of Ayushman's parents provided a small comfort.
After some time, Mrs. Sharma led them upstairs. "We've prepared your room," she said, opening the door.
Diyanshi froze at the threshold. "Our room?" she asked, glancing at Ayushman in surprise.
He looked slightly uncomfortable but nodded. "Yes, it's how things have always been arranged."
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Upcoming romance?
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