“I don’t know, Rey. I just love how happy you look eating them, and I wanted to share that with you.”
“If that’s the case, then I won’t ever eat shrimp near you again.” The decision came out instantly, and she stared at me in shock.
“No, Rey. I’ll control myself.”
“I’m not taking that risk, especially when I have to sit here and watch you suffer.” My tone sharpened again, and she looked away quietly.
“I never wanted you to sacrifice anything because of me,” she whispered, and despite the situation, a faint smile tugged at my lips.
Since then, not only during our outings but even at home, I made sure shrimp never showed up on the menu whenever she visited. Eventually, I stopped eating it altogether, even when she wasn’t around.
“Nothing. I just avoid it because she’s allergic,” I cut the conversation short, not wanting to go into deeper details.
“Now that she isn’t here, you can definitely enjoy your favourite food.” She lifts a spoon to serve me, but my gaze shifts restlessly around the table as thoughts collide in my mind. This used to be the highlight of my every meal… but now all I can picture is Amyra scratching her skin till she felt uncomfortable.
“Sorry, but I guess this isn’t my favourite anymore.” I gently push the shrimp aside, catching the flicker of disappointment in her eyes.
“Alright.” Her response is small, quiet. We finish dinner with awkward calmness before heading toward the elevator. As we walk out of the building, a bright voice calls out.
“Aditi!” A chirpy girl in her early twenties appears, and Aditi beams.
“Riya! Oh my God, it’s been forever!” she squeals before introducing us. “This is Riya, my close friend. And this is Reyansh, my boyfriend.” I nod politely while the two fall into fast, excited chatter. I wait, silent, patient, checking the time every so often.
“Sorry, Reyansh! We met after ages, so we got carried away,” she finally says when we step outside.
“It’s fine. Happens,” I reply casually as we pause to part ways.
“I’m just glad you didn’t feel ignored. Thank you for tonight.” She hugs me sideways, but her words stiffen my posture more than her touch. She leaves with a smile, disappears behind the car door, and the taillights fade. But I remain rooted to the spot. Her words keep looping in my mind.
Why wasn’t I upset when she ignored me for almost twenty minutes? Yet earlier today, when Amyra didn't look at me for merely a few seconds… It drove me insane.
Shouldn’t I crave my girlfriend’s attention more than anyone else’s? Then why does it bother me only when it’s Amyra?
Is it just years of friendship… or is there something deeper I’ve been missing?
Chapter 13
Amyra
“Didn’t we just meet last week? Why are you here?” I tease over the phone, earning a dramatic scoff from Sanchi.
“Girl, it’s been ten days since I last saw you. Now hurry up, I’m waiting.” I wipe a hand across my forehead, irritation simmering at the thought of stepping out mid-workday, even if only for a bit.
Sanchi is downstairs, planted outside the B&T Corp entrance, insisting I meet her. I hate abrupt distractions and definitely don’t want anyone thinking the heiress throws around privileges whenever she pleases. I slip out of my cubicle, quickly scanning the floor. A breath of relief escapes when I don’t spot a particular someone. I hurry into the elevator, press ‘0,’ and watch the numbers drop until the doors slide open.
The receptionist greets me when I pass through the lobby; I give her a polite nod before stepping out, where Sanchi is casually leaning against the railing as if she owns the place.
“Hey, San!” I call, making her beam.
“Hey, Amy!”
“What’s with this surprise visit?” The tension in my chest eases the moment I see my best friend, and a genuine smile tugs at my lips.
“I was driving by and thought I’d say hi. Also, I have news.” She arches her brows mischievously.
“Don’t tell me you’re getting married next month.” I poke, knowing exactly how to rile her up. She immediately pinches my arm very hard. “Ow! San!” I hiss, rubbing the spot while she grins smugly.
“Think before you speak nonsense! And no, marriage isn’t happening for at least three years.”
