Madhu adjusted her dupatta as she nervously stepped into the imposing corporate office of DX Ventures, one of Mumbai's top firms. Her journey from a Senior Manager at her previous job to here had been paved by her colleague Asha’s recommendation. After years of grinding in a low-paying role, this was her big break.
But as Madhu entered the conference room for her first meeting, the air left her lungs. Sitting at the head of the table, orchestrating the discussions, was Divyank Sharma. The boy who had once stolen her teenage heart in school, her first love, her bittersweet memory. His eyes scanned the room, and when they fell on her, they widened slightly before settling into a composed, professional demeanor.
“Madhu?” he said after the meeting, stepping towards her. His voice carried both surprise and disbelief. “What a small world.”
Madhu forced a smile. “Hello, Mr. Sharma. It’s…been a long time.”
The formal address felt strange on her tongue, and for a moment, Divyank looked as though he wanted to say something, but instead, he nodded. “Yes, it has. Welcome to the team.”
And with that, he walked away, leaving Madhu grappling with the whirlwind of memories that came rushing back—shared laughter during lunch breaks, whispered secrets in the school library, and the awkward confession of feelings that had lingered in her heart for years.
Later that day, Asha breezed into the breakroom where Madhu sat sipping coffee.
“Madhu, how was your first day?” Asha asked, her eyes bright with excitement.
Madhu hesitated. “Eventful. I didn’t expect Divyank to be my boss.”
Asha grinned. “Oh, you know Divyank? Of course, you would—it’s a small world. By the way, he’s my cousin! And he’s engaged to Harmeet, one of my closest friends. They’re perfect for each other.”
Madhu’s smile faltered, but she quickly masked it. “Harmeet? Harmeet Singh?”
“Yes! Wait…you know her too?” Asha exclaimed.
Madhu nodded, her voice subdued. “We were best friends in school.”
“Wow, this is like a reunion waiting to happen!” Asha said, oblivious to the storm brewing in Madhu’s heart.
As weeks turned into months, Madhu settled into her new role, but working under Divyank was anything but easy. The past hung between them, unspoken yet palpable. Their interactions were strictly professional, but in quiet moments, their gazes met, and memories flickered in the space between.
One evening, as Madhu was preparing to leave, Divyank approached her.
“Madhu,” he began hesitantly, “how have you been all these years?”
“I’ve been fine,” she replied curtly, unwilling to open old wounds.
“You don’t seem fine,” he said, his tone softening. “You’ve built walls around yourself.”
Madhu looked away. “I moved on, Divyank. We both did.”
Divyank sighed. “Did we? Or did we just lose touch because life got in the way?”
His words struck a chord, but Madhu refused to let her guard down. “It doesn’t matter now. You’re engaged to Harmeet. She’s a wonderful person.”
“She is,” Divyank admitted. “But sometimes, the heart remembers what the mind tries to forget.”
Madhu’s breath caught, but she quickly composed herself. “Divyank, let’s not do this. It’s not fair to Harmeet.”
“You’re right,” he said after a long pause. “It’s not.”
A few weeks later, Divyank invited Madhu to Harmeet’s birthday party, and Asha urged her to attend.
“It’ll be fun!” Asha said. “And you and Harmeet can reconnect.”
Reluctantly, Madhu agreed. The party was a grand affair, filled with laughter and music. When Harmeet saw her, she froze in shock before breaking into a wide smile.
“Madhu! Oh my god, it’s really you!” Harmeet exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace.
“It’s been so long, Harmeet,” Madhu said, her voice thick with emotion.
The two women spent the evening reminiscing about old times, but Madhu couldn’t ignore the tension that lingered in the air. Divyank’s gaze seemed to follow her, and Harmeet noticed.
In the weeks that followed, Harmeet grew increasingly uncomfortable with the growing closeness between Divyank and Madhu. She confronted Divyank one evening.
“I see the way you look at her,” Harmeet said, her voice trembling. “Do you still have feelings for her?”
“Harmeet, you’re imagining things,” Divyank said, though his voice lacked conviction.
“Don’t lie to me, Divyank. I know you. And I know that look,” she said, tears welling up. “You’re slipping away from me.”
“Harmeet, I care about you,” he said, his tone pleading. “But seeing Madhu again…it’s stirred up old feelings I thought I had buried.”
Harmeet’s heart broke at his admission. “So, what am I supposed to do, Divyank? Just stand by and watch as you fall for someone else?”
“No, Harmeet. I’m trying to figure this out. Please, give me time,” he said, his voice filled with anguish.
Meanwhile, Asha noticed the growing tension and decided to intervene, though she still didn’t know the full extent of the situation.
“Madhu, you and Divyank seem…complicated,” Asha said one day. “Is there something I should know?”
Madhu sighed. “It’s a long story, Asha. But trust me, I don’t want to come between Divyank and Harmeet.”
“Well, whatever it is, I hope you find some clarity. You deserve to be happy,” Asha said, her voice filled with genuine concern.
The situation came to a head when Harmeet confronted Madhu directly.
“Madhu, I’ve tried to be patient, but I can’t ignore what’s happening,” Harmeet said, her voice trembling. “Divyank and I are supposed to be getting married, but he’s drifting towards you.”
“Harmeet, I never wanted this,” Madhu said, her voice breaking. “I don’t want to ruin what you have.”
“Then why does it feel like I’m losing him?” Harmeet asked, tears streaming down her face.
“Maybe because something is already broken,” Madhu said quietly.
After weeks of arguments and soul-searching, Divyank made his decision. He chose to stay with Harmeet, but his choice was met with heartbreak.
“Harmeet, I want to make this work,” Divyank said, his voice filled with resolve.
But Harmeet shook her head. “It’s too late, Divyank. You may have chosen me, but your heart belongs to someone else. And I can’t live like this.”
“Harmeet, please—” Divyank began, but she cut him off.
“No, Divyank. I’ve been by your side through everything, but I can’t be second-best. I deserve more,” she said, her voice steady despite her tears.
In the end, fate had its own plans. Divyank was left to grapple with his emotions, while Madhu tried to move forward. Their paths had crossed again, but the road ahead remained uncertain.
The winds of nostalgia had stirred their hearts, but only time would tell where it would lead.
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