Chapter 2: Sweet like sugar, Bitter like fate

The scent of freshly baked bread and warm vanilla wrapped around Aria as she stepped inside the small, familiar bakery.

It was the kind of smell that felt like home, like childhood, like lazy afternoons spent at Rishant's mother's restaurant, stealing bites of cake before they had fully cooled.

She smiled unconsciously, adjusting the bouquet in her arms as the familiar chime signaled her arrival.

Behind the counter, Rishant's mother looked up, her face instantly lighting up with a warm, motherly glow.

"Oh my goodness, Aria! You never forget, do you?" She wiped her flour-covered hands on her apron and rushed over, pulling Aria into a quick, affectionate hug.

"Rishant is lucky to have a friend like you," she added, beaming.

Aria smiled, slightly flustered. "Aunty, it's nothing. We're not just friends, we're family. And you know I'd still come to eat your cakes even if you didn't invite me."

Rishant's mother chuckled, shaking her head fondly. "So sweet! I keep telling Rishant, he should just marry you. I'd love to have you as my daughter-in-law."

The words made Aria's breath hitch—just for a second.

"If only."

But instead, she forced out a small laugh. "No, no, Aunty, it's nothing like that."

And, as if summoned by his mother's words, Rishant emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel.

The first thing anyone ever noticed about Rishant was how soft he looked.

Not just in features, but in presence, in the very way he existed. His light brown hair curled gently at the ends, always slightly tousled, as if he had just woken up.

His face held a certain kindness, a warmth that felt effortless, like the kind of person who was incapable of cruelty.

But Aria knew better.

Because a person didn't have to be cruel to break someone's heart.

"Are you two done gossiping about me?" Rishant teased, leaning against the counter, his usual playful smirk in place.

Aria forced a grin. "Depends. Is the birthday boy ready for his cake?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

They all moved inside, where a small birthday setup awaited. Candles flickered on the cake, casting a warm glow across the room. A few close friends had gathered, clapping as Rishant made his wish and blew out the candles.

Everything felt normal. Until it didn't.

When the guests left and Rishant's mother disappeared to attend to a customer, Aria and Rishant were left alone at the table.

It was just the two of them, and a single remaining piece of cake.

They made eye contact.

Then, at the exact same time, they both reached for it.

Aria was fast.

Rishant was faster.

He snatched the last piece, holding it up triumphantly. "Yeah, I got it, oldie."

Aria scoffed. "No, you don't."

Before he could react, she lunged forward and snatched it right out of his hand.

For a brief second, she grinned, reveling in her victory.

But then—

Rishant leaned over from behind, his arm curling around her as he took the cake straight out of her fingers and popped it into his mouth.

Aria froze.

The room felt too quiet, the space between them too small.

Rishant chewed slowly, deliberately, his lips curling up at the corners. "What happened?" he asked, voice laced with amusement. "Should I have eaten the rest too?"

Aria swallowed hard, willing her heart to calm down.

"Yeah, jerk," she muttered, turning away, trying to ignore the way her skin burned where his breath had brushed against it.

Rishant laughed, pulling out a chair for her. "Sit, sit."

Aria sat, but she was no longer sure what she was feeling.

The playful tension lingered for a moment before Rishant suddenly let out a small, nervous exhale. He tapped his fingers on the table, looking down at his plate.

"See… I wanted to tell you something," he started, voice quieter now.

Aria tilted her head, amused by his sudden change in tone. "Oh? The great Rishant actually nervous about something?"

He chuckled but didn't meet her gaze. "It's just… mmh, you know…"

His fingers curled slightly.

Aria frowned. Why does he look so hesitant?

"Rishant, what is it?" she asked, nudging his foot under the table.

He inhaled deeply and finally looked at her.

"Nancy and I… we're dating."

Silence.

Aria blinked.

For a second, the words didn't register.

Then, the world tilted.

The cake on her fork never made it to her mouth.

She choked, coughing violently, and Rishant immediately handed her a glass of water. "Whoa, you good?"

No.

No, I'm not.

But she forced herself to nod, to push the lump in her throat down, to smile like the words didn't just shatter her from the inside out.

"Congratulations," she whispered.

She didn't know how she managed to say it, but she did.

Rishant grinned, completely oblivious. "Thanks! You know, nobody knows this except you."

Oh.

So that's what she was to him.

Someone he could trust.

Someone who would always be there.

Someone who would never be the one he chose.

Aria felt something in her chest crack.

And yet, she smiled.

Because what else was she supposed to do?

Author’s Note:

And just like that, Aria’s world changed in a single moment. But is this really the end of her story… or just the beginning?

What happens when the person you’ve loved for years sees you as nothing more than a friend? And more importantly—what happens when someone else is watching from the sidelines, noticing every little crack in your heart?

If you’re as curious as I am to see where this journey takes Aria, don’t forget to like and add this book to your library! Your support keeps the story alive, and trust me… things are only getting started.

Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear them!