2800+ words

The apartment was too quite in a way it had never been before. Not peaceful but hollow. Anaya sat on the couch, a mug of untouched coffee cooling in her hands. She made two cups of coffee out of habit. His favorite mug, the deep nevy blue one with a small chip on the handle that he always used to rub absentmindedly while talking to her, still sat on the counter. She glanced at it, then looked away, as if looking at it for too long will let the memory of him crawl back into the room. But The memories didn't need an invitation. They were always there, in the scent of his perfume lingering in the air, on the couch where he used to sit.

Her phone buzzed beside her, she snapped out of her thoughts as she picked her phone. Anaya,"Hello?" Her voice showed the pain and longing she was feeling inside of her. A female voice was heard from the other side of the phone. It was her best friend, Divya.

Divya,"Hello, Anaya. Still holding onto the same person?" Her voice was filled with concern about her best friend. She knows how much involved Anaya was in the relationship and that it's not easy for her to move on just like that. But she also wanted to see her like before. She just wanted to see Anaya smile and happy, like she used to be.

Anaya,"Divya, I just can't let go of it. It's not very easy for me." Anaya understands Divya's concern, but the thought of letting go was just too hard for her. It was like she is stuck in a situation from where escaping is impossible.

Divya heard the pain in her voice and understands what she is going through. Divya,"I know, Anaya. I know what you are feeling, but you have to move on with time. I can't see you being in this situation and not do anything. I am going to a club and I want you to come with me, understood?

Anaya,"A club? Divya, I don't want to go. I am not even ready to go to a club."

Divya,"I know you are not ready, that's why I am going to come to your apartment in one hour to pick you up."

Anaya,"Are you sure about that, Divya? I don't feel like going out."

Divya,"I am sure about it. Your happiness matters to me, Anaya. If you don't do anything about it, then I will. I won't just sit and watch you suffer, you got that?"

Anaya, felt a little happy to see Divya's attempt to help her move on. Now, she can't bring herself to reject the offer of going to the club.

Anaya,"Okay. I'll go to the club with you, happy?"

Divya is relieved to see Anaya taking the first step to move on. Divya,"Yes, I am very happy to finally see you trying to get over him. I'll be there in an hour. Be ready."

Anaya,"Okay, I'll be ready." Anaya ended the call and put her phone beside her, on the couch. Taking a sip of her coffee, she took a deep breath and started to think if she actually ever tried or she just never wanted to move on? Maybe she never really tried, maybe she just wanted to be in this situation, to never let his memories go away.

She looked at the clock, hanging on the opposite side of the wall. It's was 8 p.m. she drank her coffee in one sip and put the mug on the table. She stood up from the couch, went straight to her bedroom to get dressed for the club. She went to her room and opened her wardrobe, she selected her outfit and got dressed. She slipped into a sleek form-fitting black mini dress, the kind that hugged her curves just right. The dress had a plunging neckline that gave it a bold, daring edge. It was balanced with delicate straps that crisscrossed over her back, creative an elegant contrast. Her heels were sky-high black stiletto pumps that added inches to her height. She did a bold makeup but not overdone it. A smoky eye with eyeliner and deep red lipstick that complimented the undertones of her dress. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down her shoulders.

She was now ready for the club and was waiting for Divya to arrive at her apartment. She heard the doorbell rang and went to open the door. She opened the door, reveling Divya standing right in front of her wearing a silver sequin blazer over a black satin camisole, paired with high-waisted distressed black skinny jeans. Knee-high leather boots with chunky heels completed the look. She accessorized with a silver chain necklace, multiple rings, and her makeup was smoky with nude lips. Her hair was styled in loose, tousled waves, giving her a chic yet carefree vibe, perfect for a night out.

Divya,"You look beautiful, Anaya."

Anaya,"Thanks, you look stunning as well."

Divya smiled and her energy is high leveled, ready to enjoy the every moment of this night. Divya,"Let's go. I can't wait to dance my heart out tonight, at the club."

Anaya could sense Divya's anticipation and could already tell how much fun she'll gonna have tonight. Anaya,"Alright. Let's go."

They both went outside from the apartment to the Uber which was parked right in front of her apartment. They sat on the car and the ride started. Divya looked at Anaya, She was looking out from the window.

Divya,"Are you okay, Anaya? You didn't agree to come with me to the club out of pressure, right?"

Anaya turned her attention towards Divya. Anaya,"Of course not. You know how stubborn I can be when you want me to do something I don't want to. I am glad you told me to come with you, it's been a long time since we hung out like that."

Divya smiled at her words and can see Anaya's efforts to push herself further with life.

Divya,"I am really happy to hear that, Anaya. I am sure you'll enjoy the night."

Anaya,"Looking forward for that." She smiled back at her.

They arrived at the club, both got out of the Uber and went inside. The club was alive with energy, bathed in pulsating neon lights that flickered in sync with the thumping bass of the music. The air was thick with the scent of perfume and anticipation, as crowds swayed and danced beneath a massive, glowing disco ball. The walls were lined with sleek, modern décor, and the bar was a hub of activity, with colorful cocktails being served in a blur. The atmosphere was electric, vibrant, and filled with the sense that anything could happen under the low, moody lighting and the constant hum of conversation and laughter.

Divya,"Woah! This place is really something."

Anaya,"You're right. This place in full of vibes. But I think we should find a table first."

Divya,"Yes, absolutely. Let's find a perfect spot to enjoy the vibe of the club."

They both walked, passing the crowd and found a perfect spot to sit and relax while enjoying the vibe of the music.

Divya,"This spot is perfect. You sit here and I'll get us a drink."

Anaya,"Sure." She settled in her seat and puts her phone on the table, watching Divya getting the drinks. After some moments, Divya came back with two glasses of sparkling mocktails– refreshing blend of fresh lime juice, cranberry juice and soda water on her hands. She put the glassed on the table and offer Anaya one glass.

Divya,"Here you go. Enjoy your drink."

Anaya,"Thank you, Divya." She took a sip of her drink and was surprised to know how good it tasted. Anaya,"Wow, this drink tastes amazing."

Divya,"I know, Right? It's one of my favorite drinks."

Anaya took another sip of her drink, admiring Divya's choice in drinks. Anaya,"I have no doubt, it's one of the best drinks I've ever had."

Divya smiled, seeing her friend a little relaxed and happy makes herself relieved. Divya,"Okay, I think I'll go dance now. You wanna join?" She stood up from her seat.

Anaya,"No, no. I'll stay here."

Divya,"Are you sure you don't want to dance?"

Anaya,"Yeah, I'll stay here and enjoy the vibe of this music. You go."

Divya,"Alright, then. I'll go dance the night away." She walked to the platform where the crowd was dancing and joined them.

Anaya finished her drink and was watching the people dancing. Her phone buzzed with a notification, she glanced at the screen of her phone and suddenly the screen gleamed with the the wallpaper of her and Varun, together. It brought back all those memories and thoughts of him again. She stared at the wallpaper for a moment and a tear fell from her eyes, unconsciously. The tear fell on the screen, then she immediately wiped it away, holding herself together. She puts her phone aside and takes a deep breath.

Anaya,"Calm down, Anaya. Calm down." She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down as she was fighting with her inner emotions.

A guy from a distance, sitting at the bar noticed her sitting in the corner and fighting with herself. He didn't know who she is? Or what happened in her life? But he just couldn't see the suffering. She looked a lot different from the carefree souls, dancing on the floor. He stood up and started walking towards her table, leaving his friend group behind. As he approached her, his movement were smooth and confident yet gentle. He observed her for a moment, he wonders what could cause her to suffer like this?

"Hey." He greets her softly, he doesn't want to startle her and hopes that she heard him over this loud music. "Do you mind if I join you?"

Anaya snapped put of her thoughts as she heard a male voice and she looked up at him. "Sure, you can join me." She hopes that he didn't see her like that.

"Thank you." He took a seat in front of her. He glanced at her face, taking in the sad expression she is trying to hide behind her smile. "You seem quite lost. Are you okay?"

Anaya forced a smile. "Yeah, I am okay. I was just a little lost there, but I am really okay."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, picking up the feigning okayness in her response. "Are you sure? You don't seem okay."

Anaya took aback from his observation, but didn't make it obvious. "Yeah, I mean... is it wrong to not be 'okay' sometimes?"

A small sigh escaping his lips, he shakes his head slightly at her question. "There is nothing wrong. We all have out moments, but if something is bothering you, it's might help to talk about it."

Anaya,"I'd rather not. It's... it's complicated." The hesitation and pain was visible in her voice.

He noticed the hesitation and decided not to push her too much. "I get it. Some things are easier to keep to ourselves."

There was a moment to silence between them. "But just so you know that If you want to talk about anything, I am here to listen to you. I mean, If you change your mind. Sometimes sharing can ease the pain and make the things a little easier for us."

Anaya nods, "I know. Thank you."

There was again a silent moment between them, but this time, there was also understanding in the moment. For a while, he sits there in front of her, the music and chatter of the nightclub is creating a comfortable background. After some moment of silence, Anaya speaks with soft voice,"It's just... there was a guy, we've been in a relationship for years. He is not mine... not anymore. He just... fell out of love, suddenly and we broke up."

He looked at her face as she was talking, he listened to her words. He can see the pain in her eyes and longing in her voice.

Anaya,"I thought I could handle it, but the truth is... I can't. And tonight, I am feeling like I am drowning in my own heartache." With each word she utters, he could feel the pain and swelling in his chest. He can sense the raw emotions in her voice.

"I understand." He murmurs softly, his voice was filled with empathetic understanding. "I know it's hard, especially when you've been with someone for so long." He reached out a hand, at first he was hesitating, but then he slowly rested it on her shoulder. "But you deserve someone who lights up your world. You deserve someone who loves you with all their heart."

Anaya,"I know. But sometimes... I feel like even if we were not meant to be, I wanted us to. It's hard to let him go like that, to see him with someone else, it... it hurts, a lot." Her voice cracked as she speaks, the pain was evident in her voice.

"It's tough, loving someone you are not meant to be with. It's like holding onto a dream that might never come true." He understands how difficult it must be to love someone deeply, even when you know it's not meant to be. He paused for a moment, giving her space to absorb his words before continuing, "But you deserve someone who loves you back in the way you love them, you deserve to be happy. Holding onto someone who's already moved on with someone else will only cause you more pain in the long run." He noticed the tear escaping from her eyes and quickly grabs a tissue, he reached and offers her the tissue. She takes it and wipes the tear from her eyes.

"I am sorry you are going through this. Heartbreak is a pain like no other, and I can only imagine how much it hurts." He feels concerned about her, his heart aches at the sight of her tears.

Anaya calmed herself down and tried to maintain her composure. "I am okay. I'll be better with time. It's not like this is my first heartbreak."

"You absolutely will, everyone does. There are people out there who will treat you with love and respect you deserve. Don't worry, you will definitely find someone who will make you feel loved and cared for.

Anaya spoke with a hint to tiredness in her voice,"Out there? If there are angels then, there are also Devils. If there are people out there who will make me feel loved, then there are also people out there to break my heart."

He sensed the frustration and disbelief in her voice, he understands how difficult it can be to maintain the faith when faced with repeated heartbreaks.

"I know sometimes, it feels like the world is filled with both love and pain. But it's important to remember that there are good people out there too. People who genuinely care and want to love and be loved in return. Don't give up on love just because you've experienced heartache. Believe that there is someone out there who will appreciate and cherish you for who you are."

Anaya could sense seriousness in his voice, her expression softens a little but she is still not fully convinced. "I'll believe it when I'll see it." She wants to believe him but after what she's been through, it's hard to believe in what he said.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, he understands her skepticism but didn't want to dismiss her words. "That's fair. Belief often comes with experience, and when you find the person who shows you what true love feels like, I hope then it can change your perception. Until then, remember that your worth doesn't depend on someone else's love. You are valuable and deserving of love, regardless of your relationship status."

Anaya,"Yeah, I'll try to- " She glanced at the dancing floor and noticed Divya, who was wasted, lost her balance and was about to fall. She immediately rushed towards her and called her out.

Anaya,"Divya, careful." She stood behind her just in time before she could fall.

Hey, cuties!

I sincerely hope you all liked the story so far. Please follow me and help me grow. Please, like my story and show your love to this chapter and share your thoughts in the comment section and help me understand your opinion. Have a great day ahead!

Thank you.