DIVYA

1 month later...

Finally, I'm done with the painting. It took some time to complete, but now it's finished—a beautiful piece with an even more meaningful story behind it. The painting captures a sunset, a moment in the twilight zone where day transitions into night—a time believed to be magical.

In the painting, a woman is depicted lost in thought, marveling at the beauty around her. She symbolizes the importance of living in the moment, letting go of worries, and simply enjoying life as it unfolds.

After washing my hands, I was about to change clothes when I heard my phone beep. Opening the chat box, I saw a message from Vaani:

"Today we're having drinks at Aakash's place so don't be late."

I'm not fond of drinking, but I really wanted to spend time with my friends. It's been too long since our last get-together. Quickly changing into a cotton blue striped dress and doing a simple makeup, I tied my hair into a ponytail.

Satisfied with my appearance, I headed out. Within 30 minutes, I arrived at Aakash's mansion. I rang the doorbell, and a maid opened the door for me.

Walking into the living room, I found everyone already waiting. Everyone was present except for one—Ananya. Perhaps she was still in the hospital.

After some time, Shanaya entered the room with a smile and remarked, "So a party is going on here?"

"No, we're just having a drink," I replied. She looked at me as if I were an alien. Why was she behaving like this?

"Where is Ananya?" Vaani asked, noticing her absence. Shanaya looked at her with confusion. Something was definitely wrong.

"Why don't you ask Aakash?" Shanaya said, glancing towards him. Aakash appeared uncomfortable, and everyone's attention shifted to him, waiting for an explanation.

"I and Ananya got a divorce," Aakash revealed.

"What? Divorce? Is he joking? How could he do something like this?" Everyone was beyond shocked.

"But why?" Arsh asked, speaking up amidst the stunned silence.

"Because I don't love her," Aakash replied irritably.

"If you don't love her, then why did you marry her?" I asked, bewildered.

"I married her for reasons that I'm not interested in discussing," Aakash retorted.

"Oh, those reasons that led you to ruin my best friend's life," Shanaya shouted angrily. "What are those reasons?" Sakshi asked her.

"He married her because of a bet," Shanaya declared.

"A bet? What is she talking about? I'm so confused," I thought to myself, trying to make sense of it all.

Everyone was taken aback, but Aman suddenly interjected, "You can't be serious, Aakash. We weren't serious about that bet, it was just a joke."

"I don't care if it was a joke or not, but I was dead serious about it," Aakash admitted defiantly. Before anyone could react, Arsh's fist connected with Aakash's jaw.

I couldn't help but feel a hint of satisfaction seeing Arsh punch him. Aakash deserved it for playing with Ananya's emotions over some stupid bet.

Just then, I noticed a girl descending the staircase. When I saw her clearly, I was beyond shocked. "What the hell is she doing here?" I couldn't believe my eyes.

As she entered the room, everyone was shocked to see her. "What is this bitch doing here?" Vaani shouted.

"It seems like you didn't miss me, bestie," Maya replied casually, ignoring the hostility.

"Trust me, Maya, no one missed you," Sakshi retorted angrily.

Arsh was staring at Maya as if he had seen a ghost. "What is going on here?" I asked, looking at Aakash for answers.

Aakash wiped the blood from the corner of his lips and coldly stated, "Maya is my girlfriend."

My eyes widened in disbelief. What did he mean by this? There were rumors in school that Aakash liked Maya, but I never thought they were true. How could Aakash do this? Not only did he toy with Ananya's feelings, but he also betrayed Arsh's trust. I was deeply disappointed in him.

Shanaya didn't say anything and turned to leave. None of us stopped her.

"What's wrong with you, Aakash?" I shouted at him. How could he be in a relationship with Maya after what she did to Arsh? I had been so relieved when she left our lives, and now she was back, causing chaos again.

"Stop overreacting, Divya," Maya said dismissively.

"Don't you dare talk to her like that," Vaani shot back, and Maya just rolled her eyes.

I looked at Aakash, who stood there with a blank expression on his face. "You know what type of girl she is. Why are you dating her?" I implored, hoping to change Aakash's mind. I wanted him to realize his mistake and apologize to Ananya. They had been so happy together until Maya returned to wreak havoc.

"It's useless to change his mind. He's already made his decision; now he has to face the consequences," Arsh said before turning to leave.

Aakash's silence was killing me. Why did I feel he was being forced into this? But then again, who would force Aakash to do something he didn't want to?

I glared at Maya before turning and making my way out of the house. In the garden, I saw Arsh standing, looking disturbed. I had thought he left, but I was wrong.

"Are you okay?" I asked him.

"Yeah, I just didn't expect to see her," he said sadly. I felt so sorry for him. He had loved Maya deeply, but she betrayed him.

"It's okay. Everything will be fine," I reassured him.

"I was thinking of visiting Ananya. What about you?" Arsh asked.

Oh my God, I had completely forgotten about Ananya. She must be so heartbroken. "I was thinking the same. I just hope she doesn't throw us out of her house," I joked, trying to lighten the mood. A smile crept onto his face.

"Okay, bye. See you later," he said, then left in his car.

I had hoped for an amazing get-together, but I was so wrong. I couldn't understand why Maya had come back. Wasn't she happy in her own life? Why did she feel the need to destroy ours?

I shook my head and got into my car. I was exhausted and longed for my comfortable bed. As I stepped into my quiet apartment, a lone tear escaped my eye. I never expected something like this, not even in my wildest dreams.

I felt deeply for Ananya. I knew how it felt to be used and discarded like a used tissue. Though I hadn't spent much time with her, she had become a good friend, and it pained me to see her hurt.

I wished I could do something. No, I couldn't give up like this. I would find out the reason behind Aakash's decision. I wouldn't let my friend's life be destroyed.

I had a gut feeling that Maya was behind all this, and I was determined to find out. Just wait and watch, Maya. I'll uncover the truth and make sure you face the consequences.

***********

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