The distance between us (Impossible Love #1)✔️

chapter 48

ANANYA

I could hardly believe it had already been over a month since I started working at Malhotra Tech, and two weeks since I last saw Aakash-well, Mr. Malhotra now. Ever since that moment, seeing him kiss Aurora, I had been avoiding him like the plague. If I needed to submit my weekly reports, I handed them directly to his secretary, who would pass them on to him. The dynamic between Aakash and me had shifted, irreversibly so, but my feelings for him hadn't. I was still hopelessly, madly in love with him, no matter how much I wished otherwise.

I was thankful that Shanaya hadn't questioned my sudden change in behavior. She had been far too absorbed in her own work to notice, and for that, I was grateful. The argument I'd had with Aurora had at least achieved one thing-she had stopped insulting me. That, I could consider a small victory in the midst of everything else crumbling around me.

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the buzzing of my phone. The screen lit up, displaying the name: Arsh. The last time I'd spoken to him was weeks ago when we went clubbing together. Neither of us had reached out since, but I picked up quickly, curious about the sudden call.

"Hello, Arsh," I answered, trying to keep my tone light.

"Hey," he replied, his voice warm. "I hope I'm not calling at a bad time."

"No, not at all. It's almost lunchtime, actually. I was just about to head out," I said, glancing at the clock, realizing I wasn't even hungry anymore.

"Perfect timing then," he chuckled. "I'm calling because... well, it's my birthday today."

I didn't let him finish before interrupting, "Oh, happy birthday, Arsh!"

"Thanks," he said with a laugh. "So, I'm having a small party tonight with a few close friends, and I want you there. And before you even think about it-I won't take no for an answer."

I couldn't help but smile. "I wasn't going to say no," I assured him.

"Good. And don't bother bringing any gifts," he added playfully.

"That's unfair," I teased. "You get to celebrate, but I can't bring you anything?"
He laughed, his voice rich with amusement. "Alright, fine, but nothing too extravagant."

"Deal."

"So, I'll see you and Shanaya tonight, around 8?"

"Yes, we'll be there," I confirmed.
With that, we said our goodbyes, and I hung up the phone. As the excitement for the party crept in, so did an overwhelming sense of anxiety. I knew Aakash would be there. How could he not be? Arsh and Aakash were close friends.

I couldn't avoid him forever, and maybe tonight was the night I'd have to face him-whether I was ready for it or not. With a sigh, I decided to skip lunch, not trusting my appetite to return anytime soon. Instead, I asked Anna to grab me a sandwich so I could power through the rest of my tasks. I needed to finish early. I still had to find the perfect gift for Arsh, and maybe... prepare myself for whatever the evening would bring.

I left the office by 4 o'clock and headed straight to the nearby mall to find a gift for Arsh. Shopping for men had always been tricky-what could possibly strike the right balance between thoughtful and practical? After wandering aimlessly for 45 minutes, I finally settled on a Rolex watch. It was sleek, sophisticated, and perfect for someone like Arsh. Satisfied, I had it gift-wrapped and made my way home.

By the time I reached the apartment, it was close to 6. As I stepped inside, I found Shanaya lounging on the sofa, looking at me expectantly.

"Thank God you made it on time. I was worried you'd be late," she sighed in relief.