Destined To Love You

CHAPTER 9

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Rithvik's POV

The car engine purred low as I drove through the evening haze, but inside, my thoughts roared louder than the wheels touching the asphalt.

The quiet from the terrace still rang in my ears.

Those words. So politely spoken. So respectfully delivered. Still sharp enough to cut.

My family had split up for the ride back. Ma, Dad, and Bua in one car. The younger ones bundled into another. I had offered to drive alone — though no one asked me why. Maybe they all sensed I needed the silence. Or maybe... they were disappointed too.

But I wasn't sure what exactly I felt. Hurt? Confused? Or just... haunted?

Because now I remembered her.

Sayra Dixit.

The girl from our school farewell. The one who stood in front of a whole crowd and said, "I love you."

And I had looked at her — in her simple peach dress, trembling hands, and hopeful eyes — and said, "Are you joking? Look at you and look at me. Just... leave. And next time, don't embarrass yourself like this."

I'd walked away then.

And today, she had walked away from me.

Destiny's a funny little thing.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles turning pale.

I didn't realize when my fingers moved on their own and dialed her number. 

Raina.

My voice softened at the thought of her.

She picked up within two rings, her voice instantly cheerful.
"Hellooo, my sweet grumpy brother! I was just going to call you! So? How was the girl? Was she pretty? Did you like her? What was her name? Do I get to tease you now? Tell me, bhai, tell me—"

"Raina."

My voice came out sharper than I intended. It made her stop.

"...what happened?"

"Just come home."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Come home. Now."

"Bhai, are you okay—"

Click.

I ended the call.

No explanations. No patience.

I pressed my foot harder on the pedal, and the car surged forward.

Because I needed answers.

And Raina was the only one who might help me figure out why the past — especially the part I had buried — had come walking back into my life wearing a peach suit and a blank expression.

And why that no had started to feel like something I couldn't ignore.

I sat at the edge of my bed, elbows on my knees, head bent, fingers interlaced and tight. The silence in my room was unnaturally loud — like it knew I was waiting for a storm I had summoned myself.