Rey:
Alright, but what happened suddenly? Are you overworking by continuing office work at home?
Amyra:
Not really. Just feeling exhausted and craving good sleep.
Rey:
Okay, take care. Can we postpone it to tomorrow?
Amyra:
Maybe, yes, we can.
Rey:
That’s a relief. I’ve been missing our little night jog adventures lately.
A bright smile spreads across my lips. I love it when Reyansh misses me; it reassures me that I still occupy his thoughts even when we’re apart. And strangely, that comfort settles deep.
Amyra:
Sure. See you tomorrow at the office.
He replies with a thumbs-up and a red heart emoji, instantly widening my smile.
“Why do you suddenly look so happy?” Karan’s voice pulls me back, and I shake my head lightly, brushing it off. At the same moment, the food arrives, and my eyes widen in surprise.
“You ordered a shrimp dish?” I ask once the waiter leaves.
“Yes. It’s one of the best dishes here, and I didn’t want to miss it,” he says with a sheepish smile. I nod in response, but my mind flashes to Reyansh, how he always avoided shrimp despite loving it, just because of my allergy. People’s choices can be strange… and painfully revealing of how they care.
Not everyone can be Rey!
“So, Amyra, what are your future goals?” he asks.
“Don’t you know? We’ll be working as officials in the company after our internship.”
“I—I mean your personal goals.”
“Like?”
“Relationships… marriage?” he finally ventures, his initial hesitation dissipating. A frown creases my forehead, a whirl of confusion settling in.
“Can you clarify?”
“I mean, being ready to date—”
“No, Karan.” My voice sharpens, each word laced with a rising edge. Heat floods my cheeks as frustration simmers beneath the surface. His intentions become crystal clear, illuminating the fears I had kept at bay for far too long.
“But moving on is necessary—”
“Please don’t preach about my life choices,” I interject firmly, resolute. “Or I might just leave to escape this conversation.”
“No—no. I’m sorry. Please… let’s just have dinner.” I’m not one to issue threats or wield manipulation; the thought repulses me. Yet, I detest debating the intricacies of my personal life, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. Before my temper escalates and I risk inflicting hurtful words on him, I choose to end the discussion right there.
The world has warned me of Karan’s lingering feelings, subtle signs masked as friendship, and now I find myself grapplingwith the aftermath, facing the consequences of my own obliviousness. I regret agreeing to this dinner, but at least I’m clear about my boundaries now. From here on, I’ll be careful to act around him, strictly as a friend. Nothing more.
