Ranveer leans back. “What happened now?”
I press harder on the gas. “She wants to end things with me,” I grind out. “She says we’re not meant to be. And then there’s the damn thought—the what if. What if some other guy steps in? What if he gets close... and she lets him? What if he takes her away from me—” I cut myself off, my jaw clenching.
Ranveer lets out a low whistle. “Now I see why you look like you’re ready to break something.” Then, he looks at my hand and asks. “Wait… Did you break something?”
I flex my hand, feeling the dull sting from earlier. “The mirror.”
He shakes his head. “Of course you did.” Then his voice turns serious. “Look, man, if she’s really someone who’s got your heart, then you gotta talk to her and sort this mess out. I don’t know why she wants to end things with you, but don’t let her. You fight for what’s yours—no backing down.”
I scoff. “If it were that easy, I wouldn’t be driving to the damn pub to drown my pain in sorrow.”
Ranveer studies me for a moment. “Well, drowning won’t fix shit either. Listen, you’ve got two choices— win her over, or walk away before this destroys you.”
I let out a hollow laugh. “Walk away? You think I can?”
He exhales. “Then, at least stop letting this eat you alive.”
I don’t respond because I can’t. This isn’t something I can control. So, I do the only thing left — I shift my focus to the next problem. “My mom.”
Ranveer raises a brow. “What about her?”
“She’s been going on about me settling down with the ‘perfect’ woman she’s handpicked for me. Also, she’s made it damn clear that Sana isn’t up to their so-called standards to be a part of the family.” I shake my head, my frustration boiling over. “And I know she’s the one who planted this same bullshit in Sana’s head, making her believe she doesn’t belong in my life. That’s why Sana’s pushing me away.”
Ranveer lets out a low hum. “That’s rough.”
I nod slowly. “It is.”
He sighs. “Look, man. I know you’re caught between two women driving you insane. One’s pushing you away, and the other’s pushing you towards something you’re not ready for.”
I let out a dry laugh. “Yeah, sounds about right.”
“Relax. Let’s drown a glass or two, then we’ll figure something out.”
I finally loosen my grip on the wheel. “Yeah… I need help here before I lose my mind.”
“That’s what I’m here for, man. Now, let’s get that drink before you actually lose it,” he says just as I pull up in front of our usual bar. I kill the engine, but before I can move, my phone buzzes in my pocket. My heart jumps as I pull it out, praying—hoping—for Sana’s name to flash on the screen.
But it isn’t.It’s my mom.
I exhale sharply, disappointment curling in my chest.
Ranveer glances at me, immediately catching on. “Not her?”
I shake my head, stuffing down the frustration. “It’s my mom.”
He lets out a low whistle. “You can’t dodge this call.”
I roll my eyes. “Just go inside and get us a table. I’ll be there soon.”
Ranveer pats my shoulder before stepping out. As soon as he disappears into the bar, I lean back against the seat, squeezing my eyes shut for a second before inhaling deeply. Then, finally, I answer the call.
“Yes, Mom.”
“Aditya, are you home?”
I rub my forehead. “No, I’m out.”
“Out where?”
