When I Met Him Again

Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Rejected… or Not?



Aanya smiled, holding out her hand. "Friends?" she asked softly.

Aryan stared at her hand for a second, then looked her in the eyes and said flatly, "But I'm not interested in your friendship."

Her smile froze.

Aanya blinked, stunned. "What?"

He nodded calmly, turned around, and walked away. But as he left, he added with a smirk, "By the way… the food was really good."

Then he disappeared into his room, leaving her completely baffled.

Aanya stood there, replaying his words in her head with a mixture of shock and confusion.

"Did he just… compliment my food after rejecting my friendship?"

---

The Next Morning at College

Tara teased her, "Hmm… so, rejected your friendship?"

Nisha laughed, "But also praised your cooking. So… you're a rejected chef?"

Aanya sighed dramatically, "I really don't understand him."

Meera shrugged. "Maybe… he didn't want to be your friend because he wants to be something more."

All three turned to Meera with a what-did-you-just-say look.

Meera defended herself, "I mean, what if he likes you? That's why he's acting so weird."

Aanya rolled her eyes. "Seriously, Meera?"

Tara said, "Okay, ignore Meera. But tell us more about that girl."

"You mean Ankitha?" Aanya asked. "She's beautiful, polite, sweet… and everyone seems to like her. Including Mr. Aryan."

Nisha narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean 'including'?"

"I mean…" Aanya sighed. "They just look so perfect together. They both love reading, listening to podcasts, traveling… everything matches."

Tara scoffed. "Just because two people have the same tastes doesn't mean they're meant to be."

Aanya shrugged sadly. "But look at them. Rich, classy, mature… and look at me. I don't even like reading books unless they're my syllabus. I'm not rich, I'm not classy…"

Nisha interrupted, "But you're beautiful and kind. That matters too."

"But I'm not his type," Aanya said softly. "He always scolds me. Always wants me to behave this way or that. We argue more than we talk."

Meera chimed in, "That's called chemistry, darling. And don't forget — opposites attract!"

Aanya gave her a look. "That happens only in movies, Meera."

Tara said seriously, "No, Aanya. It happens when there's love and understanding. Think about it — even after scolding you, he always apologizes. And you do too. That's not just drama, that's connection."

"I love him," Aanya said quietly, "But I don't think he loves me. I think he likes Ankitha."

"Where did Ankitha come from now?" Nisha groaned. "You're assuming everything just because they talked for a few minutes?"

"Find out the truth," Meera said. "Ask him."

Aanya's eyes widened. "What? Ask him directly? Like — 'Mr. Aryan, do you like Ankitha or not?' He'll freak out!"

Tara smirked, "Then ask him indirectly. Subtle questions. Lead him into it."

Aanya sighed, "Great. So now I have to become Sherlock Holmes in love."

---

That Evening in the Car

Aanya got in, still nervous. She glanced at Aryan, who focused on driving without a word.

She remembered what Tara had said: "Ask him indirectly."

"So… Mr. Aryan," she began, "Is your project with Mr. Raichand confirmed?"

"Yes."

"Oh… have you known Mr. Raichand for a long time?"

"I've known of him. But we met recently for this project."

Aanya hesitated. "So yesterday was the first time you met his family too? Ankitha?"

"Yes. First time," Aryan replied casually.

She mumbled, "Still talked a lot, though…"

"What?"

"Nothing!" she replied quickly. "I was just wondering… you seem to have a good bond with them."

Aryan replied, "I'm a builder. I need to maintain good relationships professionally."

Aanya muttered under her breath, "Except with me…"

"What was that?"

"Nothing!"

She was about to ask more about Ankitha, but thought, No. If I ask too much now, he'll definitely suspect something.

---

Later That Night

Aanya sat in her room, flipping through her empty notebook. "Ugh… Tara forgot to send the notes."

She picked up her phone to call, but the screen flashed: Recharge expired.

"Great. Just perfect," she groaned.

"Wait… Prerna's phone!" she got up, searching for Prerna.

She checked the hall, then the kitchen. Devika aunty was there.

"Aunty, where's Prerna?"

"She went to meet a friend, beta."

"Oh… okay," Aanya said.

"By the way, food is ready. Can you please call Aryan too?"

Aanya froze. Call Aryan? Should I ask him for the phone? But what if he says no again, like the friendship rejection? So embarrassing…

She walked hesitantly to his door, standing there for a second. Should I knock? What if he says no? But if I don't ask, I won't finish the notes in time!

She turned, mustering courage, reached out to knock—when suddenly, the door creaked open on its own.

Aanya gasped.

End of Chapter 16.


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