When I Met Him Again

All three girls stepped closer to Aanya, determination in their eyes.

"Tell us the truth!" they said in unison.

Aanya backed away slightly, nervous. "Guys, what are you doing? What truth are you talking about?"

"The one you're hiding from us!" Tara shot back.

Aanya fumbled. "There's nothing. You're just overthinking—"

"Really?" Nisha raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you getting jealous?"

"Me? Jealous? No way!" Aanya denied.

"Then why are you acting weird?" Meera added.

Aanya sighed. "This was about Rhea and her friends, right? How did we jump to Mr. Aryan all of a sudden?"

"That's exactly what we want to know!" Tara pressed. "What's going on between you and Mr. Aryan?"

Aanya looked down, cornered. "Nothing!"

"If you don't tell us," Meera warned, "we'll stop talking to you!"

Just as the trio began to walk away dramatically, Aanya called out, "Stop!"

They turned, arms crossed.

"I'll tell you the truth," she said, blushing.

They leaned in. "We're listening."

"Mr. Aryan… he's not my cousin."

"Then who is he?" Nisha asked.

"We're not related. His father and mine were just close friends."

"Hmm..." Tara nodded, suspicious.

Aanya hesitated. "Actually… I like Mr. Aryan."

"WHAT?!" they all shouted.

"Shhh! Quiet!"

"Since when?" Tara asked.

"How?" Meera added.

"Did you tell him?" Nisha finished.

"I've had a crush on him… for five years," Aanya admitted shyly.

"FIVE YEARS?!" Meera gasped.

"And now you're telling us?" Tara exclaimed.

"There wasn't anything to say... It's just... he doesn't feel the same way."

"How do you know? Did you tell him?" Nisha asked.

"Propose? Me? Come on! He'll laugh in my face. He might say I'm too young or treat me like a kid. What if he starts avoiding me completely?"

---

Meanwhile at Aryan's Office...

Aryan finished presenting a new project.

Mr. Raichand clapped. "Very good, young man. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I should continue this deal after the last hiccup… but you've impressed me."

Aryan gave a professional smile. "Thank you, sir."

"In fact," Raichand added, "I want to visit your home tomorrow. A businessman's relationship must be both personal and professional."

Aryan blinked, surprised. "Uh… Sure. Let's meet."

As Raichand left, Aryan's secretary stepped in. "Sir, you look tired. Would you like some coffee?"

He remembered Aanya's words — "Coffee? That's boring!"

He smiled faintly. "No need. I'm fine."

---

Back at College...

"I don't think he'll reject you," Tara said.

Aanya blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Last night, he rushed to save you. Who even does that?" Tara asked.

"And this morning, he scolded you out of concern. That says a lot," Meera added.

Aanya nodded slowly. "Sometimes I feel he's so close... and other times like I don't know him at all."

Nisha put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. We're your friends. We'll help you!"

"Yes! Your love story will succeed!" Tara declared.

"Aanya is in love…" Meera teased.

"And Nisha and Tara both like someone. Look at me, the single one!" Meera pouted.

Aanya laughed. "Don't worry, Meera. By the end of the year, love will find you too!"

They all giggled.

Suddenly, Rhea and her friends appeared. Silence fell.

Tara crossed her arms. "Why are you here? Don't you have any shame?"

"Yes. How can you face us?" Meera added.

Rhea stepped forward. "Aanya… I always wanted people to fear and obey me. But you made me realize that being good matters more than being feared. I'm sorry. I made a lot of mistakes. Please forgive me."

Aanya looked surprised as Rhea and her friends left quietly.

---

That Evening...

Aryan sat in his car, waiting. Aanya spotted him from a distance.

As soon as their eyes met, Aryan quickly turned away.

Aanya stood still, staring after him.

---

End of Chapter 13