Sanchit walks into the familiar cafe, the bells on the door chiming softly as he enters. He glances around and spots Saanvi sitting at their usual corner table by the window, absorbed in a book. A smile spreads across his face as he makes his way over to her.

Saanvi looks up and beams when she sees Sanchit.

"Hey! Aaj tu jaldi kaise aa gaya?"

She says, closing her book and setting it aside. Sanchit shrugs with a grin.

"Thought I'd surprise you. Plus, I couldn't wait to hear about what all has been happening in your life."

They both order their usual drinks—Sanchit's black coffee and Saanvi's caramel latte—and settle into an easy conversation. The cafe is their safe haven, a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of life and just be themselves.

As they chat, the afternoon sun filters through the window, casting a warm glow over their table. Sanchit can't help but notice how the light catches Saanvi's hair, making her look even more radiant. His heart skips a beat, but he quickly pushes the thought away, reminding himself that they're just friends.

Their laughter and shared stories fill the cozy space, drawing the attention of a few other patrons who smile at their obvious camaraderie. Sanchit feels a sense of contentment, knowing that these moments with Saanvi are what he looks forward to the most.

Little do they know, this perfect harmony is about to be tested with the arrival of someone new in their lives—a catalyst that will change everything.

Sanchit and Saanvi have been friends for years. They meet regularly at a quaint cafe after work to share stories and dreams. Sanchit has always admired Saanvi's zest for life, while she enjoys his calm and composed demeanor.

Little does Saanvi know, Sanchit's feelings for her are slowly growing beyond friendship.

They were meeting for another one of their usual meet–ups.

Sanchit entered the cafe but instead of a book, this time Saanvi was chatting with someone on her phone with a smile on her face.

"Oyee! Kiske saath gutargoo (chatting) kr rhi hai? Aisa kaun hai jo itna smile kr rhi hai?"

He asked, trying to peek into her phone but for the first time she turned her phone away and blushed instead.

"Koi nhi. Colleague hai. Kaam ki baat kr rhe the and he cracked a joke."

Sanchit didn't miss the 'he' part.

"Naam kya hai iss colleague ka?"

He asked, trying to keep his sudden discomfort at bay.

"Aarav Singhal. And stop with that teasing tone haa!"

She whined and he chuckled although her blush made his throat clog. Did she feel something for the Aarav guy?

Sanchit noticed how Saanvi lit up when she talked about her colleague, Aarav. His heart twinged with a feeling he can't quite understand. Why did her talking about someone else with such admiration pinch him?

"He's cute. Helpful bhi hai. Aur gentleman hai."

She said and smiled while taking a sip of her coffee distractedly. Sanchit smiled sadly. Her smile was infectious but at the moment, he wanted to kill that guy who took her attention away from him.

It was meant to be their time. Sanchit and Saanvi time. Not some doofus like Aarav. Maybe he's a good guy. A perfect gentleman but Saanvi was too naive when it came to judging people's intentions.

Still, he didn't call her out. Maybe he was overthinking and it was just a passing crush. Just like every other guy she discussed with him till now.

On their next meet-up, Sanchit was early and Saanvi arrived a little later than him.

"Late hai aaj madam."

He gave her a side-eye. She scowled and said.

"Tu jaldi pahuch gaya. Mai late nhi hu. Tu jaldi kaise pahuch gaya aaj?"

He shrugged and she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Achha wo chhod! Tere liye ek invitation hai."

She said with an excited grin. He too grinned snd leaned colser excitedly to listen to the invitation.

"Mere boss ka birthday hai. He's throwing a grand party and has invited all his employees. Aur sab employees ko ek plus one bhi allowed hai. Tu chal na mere saath."

"Abbe! Uss budhhe ke birthday pr mai kya krunga. Tu jaa!"

He dismissed her with a wave of his hand and she pouted.

"Yaar saare colleagues koi plus one laa rhe hai. Mai akele behwakoof lagungi. Please na. Free ka khaana milega."

Now free food was something an Indian can never deny.

"Kitni der rukna padega? Aur jaana kab hai?"

He asked and she grinned widely while telling him the details.

Sanchit was ready in his suit. He had always felt happy going out with Saanvi but tonight he felt suffocated. The way she had gushed that Aarav was going to be there and she wanted to look the best didn't leave his mind.

He did not like her dressing up for anyone else. He would finally meet this Aarav guy today.

Aarav was charming, successful, and seemingly perfect. Sanchit immediately felt overshadowed by Aarav's presence.

Throughout the night, he watched as Saanvi and Aarav interacted, and it becams evident to him that Saanvi has feelings for Aarav.

This realization hit him hard, but he brushes it off, convincing himself that his feelings for Saanvi are purely platonic. Why did it pinch when she laughed with Aarav then?

Sanchit and Saanvi had greeted almost all of her colleagues. Saanvi clutched Sanchit's arm because her feet had started to hurt. He was about to ask her to sit when they were interrupted his a voice.

"I think you should have a seat. You're in heels. Your feet are going to hurt."

Aarav said with a smile and Saanvi smiled wide and nodded. Sanchit gritted his teeth. He could take care of his best friend. She was his best friend and he knew what she wanted at what time.

Saanvi and Sanchit took a seat and to Sanchit's dismay, Aarav joined them. Saanvi was looking around for something.

"You need something?"

Aarav asked before Sanchit could confirm is she wanted water. Sanchit glared at him unknown to the man.

"Umm...yes. I was looking for water."

"I'll get it."

He went to fetch water and Sanchit clenched his fists. 

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