The distance between us (Impossible Love #1)✔️

chapter 8

ANANYA

The decorations were breathtaking. The hall had been transformed into a dreamlike setting with delicate orchid flowers cascading from every surface, intertwined with soft fairy lights that twinkled like stars. Tables were arranged meticulously for the guests, each adorned with elegant centerpieces, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

"Wow, it's so beautiful!" Georgia exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. I smiled at her, sharing her amazement. The bride's family and the guests hadn't arrived yet, so the only people around were our close family members, wandering about, finalizing last-minute details.

As I scanned the room, I noticed my brother standing still, his gaze fixated on something-or rather, someone. Following his line of sight, I realized he was staring at Georgia, who was blissfully unaware beside me. A mischievous grin spread across my face as I teased, "I told you my brother wouldn't be able to keep his eyes off you."

Georgia blushed instantly, a rosy tint coloring her cheeks. I chuckled, enjoying the moment. Everyone seemed to be present except for Aakash. His friends were all here, but there was no sign of him. Should I ask where he is? That might be awkward, I thought, hesitating. Just as I was debating with myself, I caught sight of him descending the staircase.

Aakash was dressed in an Indo-Western navy blue kurta, his hair styled perfectly with a touch of gel. He looked incredibly handsome, and I felt a strange flutter in my chest. Realizing I was staring, I quickly tore my gaze away, forcing myself to focus on something-anything-else. To distract myself, I joined my cousins in conversation, trying to push thoughts of Aakash from my mind.

I have a large extended family-four cousins on my father's side and two on my mother's. My father has two brothers: my eldest uncle has two daughters who are both married with children, while my other uncle has two sons. One of his sons is already married and has a child, and the other, the one getting engaged today, is my cousin brother. Despite the busy atmosphere, I couldn't help but feel a pang of affection for my family, knowing that I was the youngest on both sides.

The bride's family finally arrived, and the elders moved forward to greet them warmly. I was eager to meet my soon-to-be sister-in-law, curious about the woman who would be joining our family. I had only heard her name before today, but nothing else about her.

As I approached, I saw her sitting gracefully beside my cousin brother. She was beautiful, her pink lehenga shimmering under the lights, and there was something about her that radiated warmth. But as they say, you should never judge a book by its cover.

With a smile, I introduced myself. "Hi, I'm Ananya, Arjun bhai's youngest sister."

Her face lit up, and she responded cheerfully, "Hi! I've heard so much about you, and now I finally get to meet you in person."

"I hope all good things," I replied with a laugh, and she joined in, easing any tension between us. We chatted for a few minutes, finding common ground and starting to build a connection.

Soon after, the ring ceremony began. The couple exchanged rings, their faces glowing with happiness, and the room erupted in applause. It was a beautiful moment, filled with love and excitement.

As the ceremony concluded, everyone moved towards the dining area to start dinner. The air was filled with the aroma of delicious food, and the buzz of conversation filled the hall. But as I looked around, I realized that two people were conspicuously absent-my brother and Aakash.

A sense of unease crept in as I began searching for them, weaving through the crowd. But no matter where I looked, they were nowhere to be found.

"Where the hell did they go?" I muttered under my breath, growing more anxious by the minute. Suddenly, it hit me-I hadn't checked my brother's room yet. I hurried towards his door, the noise of my footsteps muffled by the thick carpet, and was just about to open it when I heard raised voices from the other side.

"Listen, I understand how important this project is for you, but just calm down," Aakash's voice was tense but controlled, trying to soothe whoever was on the other end.

"How the hell am I supposed to calm down when we haven't been able to retrieve the software from him?" Prateek's frustration was palpable, each word laced with anger.

"Relax. We'll find a way, okay?" Aakash replied, but the strain in his voice was evident. My hand froze on the doorknob, my curiosity piqued. I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but something in their tone made me feel like I needed to understand what was going on.

"We need a good, trustworthy hacker-someone who won't raise any suspicion," Aakash said, the tension in his voice replaced with determination.

"There are plenty of good hackers in this world, but I can't promise the trustworthy part," my brother responded, his voice heavy with frustration. Whatever they were dealing with, it was clearly serious, and Prateek was taking it hard. It pained me to hear him like this-so angry, so defeated. He wasn't the cheerful brother I knew and loved.

As I listened to their conversation, an idea suddenly clicked in my mind. Jesus! I could help them. I wasn't a pro at hacking, but I knew enough to get by. With Prateek's guidance, we could probably retrieve the data. Without wasting another second, I burst into the room.

"I'll help you with the hacking," I announced, my voice firm and resolute. Both Prateek and Aakash looked at me in shock, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief. But before they could respond, I pressed on. "I'm not a genius at hacking, but I can definitely try. And with your help, I'm sure we can get back your stolen software. Plus, I'm trustworthy, and no one would suspect me."

Prateek's face darkened. "Ananya, were you eavesdropping on our conversation? Seriously?" His voice was sharp, anger flashing in his eyes.

"I didn't mean to!" I protested, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I was just looking for you and overheard by mistake."

"I don't care about that, Anu," he snapped. "And don't stick your nose into my business. This is not something you should be involved in." His words cut deep, and I couldn't believe he was talking to me like this.

"If she can help, then let her help, Prateek," Aakash interjected, his tone calmer, but his gaze unwavering.

"No, never," Prateek responded, his voice hard as stone. "She will not be part of this plan. I'll find another way."

"What's the problem?" Aakash challenged. "She just needs to retrieve the software-that's all."

"I don't want my sister getting involved with this. You know these are dangerous people. Don't drag her into it, Aakash!" Prateek's voice was thick with worry, his anger more protective than hostile.

Dangerous people? The thought made my heart race, but not out of fear. The idea of someone stealing my brother's hard work infuriated me. Even if these people were mafia leaders or worse, I didn't care. They needed to pay for what they had done.

I opened my mouth to argue, but Prateek cut me off. "Ananya, please, stay out of it. I'm asking you-no, I'm begging you."

His words left me speechless. I sighed, the fight leaving my body. "Fine, Bhai. I'll pretend I never heard anything," I said softly, and without another word, I turned and left the room, feeling a mixture of frustration and helplessness.

By the time I reached downstairs, the guests had already left, and the house had settled into a quieter rhythm. My aunts and uncles were chatting in the garden, while my cousins lounged in the living room. I joined them, trying to shake off the unease that had settled over me.

"Ananya, could you lend me your phone for a minute?" Georgia asked, her voice impatient. "My battery's dead, and I need to check my email urgently."

"Sure, I'll grab it from my room," I replied, eager for the distraction. But as I entered my room, I froze in shock.

There, sitting on my bed, was someone I never expected to see.

"God, please save me," I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to process what was happening.

What do you think who is the person????

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