9;💫//Meetup//💫

Hie daisies🌼!

I'm back with the new chapter!!! Hope you like it. Do vote and comment.

~ Happy reading!❤️

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The warm golden rays of the morning sun peeked through the curtains of Saanvi's room, gently waking her up.

She groaned, pulling the blanket over her face, but the chirping of birds outside and the faint sounds of her mother working in the kitchen made it impossible to go back to sleep.

For once, she didn't have any critical surgeries or emergency cases lined up-no rush to the hospital, no frantic calls from the HOD. Today was a rare day off.

Stretching lazily, she sat up, rubbing her eyes and yawning.

Her phone was oddly silent, a rare occurrence considering how chaotic her life usually was.

Deciding to make the most of her morning, she headed to the washroom, taking a long, refreshing shower before slipping into a comfortable oversized T-shirt and pajama pants.

Just as she stepped out, towel-drying her damp hair, her phone rang loudly on the bedside table. She picked it up, frowning at the caller ID.

Anaya Shekhawat.

Saanvi had been so caught up in work and family madness that she hadn't spoken to her best friend in weeks. And knowing Anaya, this call wasn't going to be a sweet, casual chat-it was going to be a full-blown scolding session.

Bracing herself, she answered the call.

"SAANVIIIII!" Anaya's voice screeched through the phone, making Saanvi wince and pull the device away from her ear.

"Uh... good morning?" Saanvi tried, already knowing it wouldn't work.

"Good morning, Meri jooti! Do you even remember you have a best friend? Or did you replace me with your dear hospital and annoying brother?"

Saanvi sighed, sitting down on the bed. "Anaya, I-"

"Shut up! Do you even know how long it has been since we talked properly? A week? No! Two weeks? No! Almost a month, Saanvi! A whole freaking month!"

Saanvi bit her lip. "Okay, fine, I accept my crime. But yaar, hospital was hectic, and then-"

"No excuses! I don't care if you were performing brain surgery or saving the world. I'm in town, and you're meeting me. Today. In an hour. At our café. No arguments."

Saanvi blinked. "Wait, you're in-what? Since when?!"

"Since last night. But did you call to check on me? NO. Because you're a terrible friend."

Saanvi sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. I'll be there. Happy?"

Before Saanvi could further speak, the line went dead.

Sighing, she flopped back onto the bed. She had really neglected Anaya, and knowing how dramatic her best friend was, she would have to make up for it.

As she walked downstairs, she found her family already gathered for breakfast.

Samarth sat at the head of the table, reading his newspaper, while Sakshi moved around the kitchen, pouring tea. Siddharth, as usual, was occupied with his phone, scrolling through emails.

"Ah, the sleeping beauty finally graces us with her presence." Samarth teased, peeking over his glasses.

Saanvi groaned, sliding into a chair. "Papa!"

Siddharth smirked. "Aaj tera hospital finally bandh hai?"

(So your hospital is finally closed today?)

"Ugh, don't start. I actually have a free day, and I plan to enjoy it." Saanvi leaned forward to take a piece of toast.

"Which means sleeping all day?" Sakshi asked, raising an eyebrow.

Saanvi took a bite of toast. "No, I have plans."

Siddharth glanced up, mildly interested. "Oh? Plans? With whom?"

"Anaya." She said dryly.

Siddharth's smirk falters, his fingers gripping his phone just a little tighter. It was almost unnoticeable change- but yet, Saanvi noticed it. She always did.

Samarth and Sakshi were talking, but yet the room felt silent, almost suffocating of the tension growing.

For years, Saanvi had seen the way Siddharth looked at Anaya when no one was watching. The way his usually confident demeanor softened around her. The way he stole glances when he thought no one was paying attention.

Even though these were very simple things she noticed, she somehow felt that her chaotic brother changed when he was in front of her.

She still remembers the day Anaya told to bring Siddharth with her when they were planning to go out because she had some surprise.

And, when she did, Siddharth's face that was glowing at the thought of meeting Anaya almost fell. His face paler, the glow in his eyes, were gone, but the only thing that remained was the smile, which he kept the whole meeting. And Saanvi knew it was a fake smile.

Flashback...

Saanvi is sitting in the living area, while Samarth and Sakshi are out for shopping as Sakshi insisted.

Saanvi had taken a leave, actually Dr. Prakash was handling the paitents today, and she had no work.

Siddharth was in his laptop, going through the emails and the work process of his company, while a coffee cup sat on the table untouched.

All of a sudden, Saanvi's phone rang up, and she glanced at the caller ID,

Anaya

"Anaya.." She muttered.

Only for Siddharth to look up from his laptop,"Phone utha,Saanu." He tried to sound casual.

(Pick up the phone, Saanu.)

She nodded and picked up the call.

"Haan Anu, bol." She put the call in speaker as she was making coffee for herself.

(Yes, Anu speak.)

But, little did we know, Siddharth was not completely focused on his work.

"Saanu! I have good news!!" Anaya's voice came, excited and happy.

"And what's that?"

"Sab abhi bata dungi, toh surprise ka kya Matlab?" Anaya huffed.

(If I tell everything right now then what is the need of surprise?)

"Accha, then-" Anaya interrupted.

"Our favorite café. 5pm." Anaya's voice came from the other side.

"Done-" She was about to hang up when Anaya's voice came out again.

"Saanu! Bring Siddharth, too..."

Siddharth's head jerked up in mere shock, but he composed himself the next second. He knew Saanvi was looking at him, so he just nodded.

🤍

At the Café

Saanvi and Siddharth stepped inside the Café, only for Anaya to run towards Saanvi and pull her into a hug.

"Saanu!!" Anaya hugged her.

"Haa, bhai yahi hoon! I won't disappear!! Let me breathe!!" She said sarcastically, but hugging her back.

(Okay okay, I'm here only! I won't disappear!! Let me breathe!!)

Anaya pulled away and looked at Siddharth with a small smile as she extended her hand.

"Hie, Siddharth." Siddarth smiled back, his eyes glowing as he extended his hand.

"Hi, Cupcake."

Even though they had a 2-year-age gap, that never affected their relation.

Saanvi cleared her throat,"Agr tum log ka Siddharth-cupcake ho gaya ho toh aage badhe?"

(If you both are done with this Siddharth-cupcake thing then shall we go?)

They both chuckled but started walking inside the Café.

All three of them took their seats when Anaya spoke up.

"So, guys..." She sounded more nervous than she was moments ago.

"What's it, Anu...Spill it. The curiosity is eating me!!" Saanvi said excitedly.

Suddenly, a hoarse voice came from behind.

"Anaya, I'm here, Babe..." A tall man moved towards Anaya, snaking his arms around Anaya's waist, not before kissing her cheek.

My eyes widened, but someone's smile fell, his face almost paler. As if he wasn't the same person who was glowing sometime ago.

"Anu...who's this?" Saanvi managed to speak.

"Saanu...meet Revyaan Agrawaal, my boyfriend." The words fell out of her mouth.

Thud.

Everyone's head turned towards the source, it was, Siddharth, whose hands were now bloody, but his smile never faded.

"Bhai..." Saanvi called out in shock as Siddharth looked at her.

"It broke by mistake...I'll pay for it. Saanu, I'll come from the washroom." He said and moved inside the washroom silently.

Saanvi wanted to follow him there but she stopped when Siddharth told her not to.

Flashback ends...

But he never said anything. And now, Anaya had a boyfriend. And maybe even buried his feeling deep down his heart.

Clearing his throat, Siddharth went back to his phone, masking his emotions. "Tell her I said hi," he muttered casually.

Saanvi watched him for a second longer before nodding. "Hmm."

Samarth looked at Saanvi, unaware of the situation,"Tell Anaya to visit sometime. It's been a while."

Saanvi nodded, finishing her breakfast. "I will. Now, I have to leave before Anaya actually follows through on her murder threats."

🤍

The small, cozy café was a place full of memories. Saanvi and Anaya had spent countless afternoons here, talking about everything under the sun.

The café smelled of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon, wrapping Saanvi in a familiar warmth as she entered.

Her eyes landed on Anaya instantly-sitting in their usual booth by the window, arms crossed, looking dramatic as ever.

Saanvi grinned as she slid into the seat. "You look like a villain plotting my downfall."

Anaya, who was already seated at their usual booth, shot her a glare.

"You're two minutes late," she huffed.

Rolling her eyes, Saanvi slid into the seat. "Yes, yes, I'm a terrible friend. But I'm here now. So, what's up?"

Anaya scoffed. "I should plot your downfall. You abandoned me."

"I did not abandon you. I was just busy saving lives, no big deal."

Anaya rolled her eyes. "Oh please, Dr. Saanvi, spare me the humble brag."

Saanvi chuckled. "Fine, let me make it up to you. Order whatever you want. My treat."

Anaya's eyes sparkled. "Oh? Interesting. In that case, I want a brownie. No-two brownies. And a large cappuccino."

Saanvi laughed. "Foodie, Chal tu bhi kya yaad rakhegi."

(Foodie, okay done.)

As they placed their orders, Anaya leaned forward mischievously. "Okay, tell me-how's Mr. Mafia?"

Saanvi blinked. "Mr. what?"

Anaya smirked. "Aniruddh Singh Raghuvanshi. Aka, the man you fight with 24/7."

Saanvi groaned. "Ugh, don't bring him up. He's as annoying as ever. Also, dont you have some other topic to talk about!"

Anaya giggled. "Saanvi, if I didn't know better, I'd say you two have main character energy."

Saanvi made a face. "Ew, no. He's just-UGH."

Anaya hummed. "Mhmm. You're so in denial."

"Anu, I swear-"

"Okay, okay, I'll stop!" Anaya laughed, raising her hands in surrender. "But seriously, how's everything? How's Siddharth?"

Saanvi's smile faltered for a second before she recovered. "He's fine. Busy with work, as usual."

Anaya sighed. "Yeah... he's always been like that. Sometimes, I wish-"

She stopped herself.

Saanvi tilted her head. "Wish what?"

Anaya quickly shook her head. "Nothing. Forget it."

Saanvi frowned, but let it slide. She didn't want to push her further.

Their orders arrived, and they dug into their brownies, laughing about random things.

But as the minutes passed, Anaya's laughter faded. Her shoulders stiffened, and a different kind of silence settled between them.

Saanvi noticed immediately. "Anaya?"

Anaya hesitated before sighing. "It's about Revyaan."

Saanvi's stomach twisted. She never liked that guy,"What about him?"

Anaya played with her spoon, avoiding Saanvi's gaze. "He's... not who I thought he was. He gets angry a lot. He controls everything-who I talk to, what I wear, where I go. If I even text a guy friend, he-he loses it."

Saanvi's grip on her cup tightened. "He loses it how? Anu, talk to me..." Her gaze locked on Anaya's face.

Anaya let out a humorless chuckle. "Sometimes, he yells. Sometimes... he makes me feel like I'm worthless. And the worst part? I believe him."

Saanvi's heart clenched. "Anaya, that's not love. That's abuse."

Anaya exhaled shakily. "I know. But I can't leave him."

"Why not?"

Anaya swallowed. "Because... because I'm scared of being alone."

Saanvi sighed. She extended her palm and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"You are never alone, Anu. You always will have me."

Saanvi looked at her face,"Anaya, you don't need him to tell you your worth... You have us..."

A single tear slipped down Anaya's cheek. "Then why do I feel so weak?"

"Because he made you believe that. But it's not true."

Anaya wiped her tears quickly, forcing a smile. "You sound like a therapist."

Saanvi squeezed her hand. "I sound like a best friend who's not letting you go through this alone."

Anaya nodded, exhaling shakily. "I don't know how to leave him, Saanvi."

Saanvi gave her a small smile,"Will you take my advice for once...?"

Anaya chuckled and nodded.

"Break up with him, I know it's hard for you, but please, for the sake yourself..." Saanvi squeezed her hand.

Anaya nodded, exhaling shakily. "I don't know how to leave him, Saanvi."

"We'll figure it out. Together."

Saanvi looked at Anaya and took a silent oath to protect her and wouldn't let her suffer anymore. Not alone at least.