Pixels And Pistols (HBC) ∆19. Separate Paths

Chapter 19: Separate Paths

Alpha gets up, walks away, leaving Rithika standing there as the rain got heavier.

Inside the car, Regulus sighs, watching the events unfold. He takes an umbrella and walks towards Rithika

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*extends his hand to cover her by the umbrella. Talks softly* He's probably angry at the moment. You can talk to him later after he calms down, my queen. Let's go

Rithika's brain wasn't operating. Everything she had done to bring Alpha closer to her had been flushed down the drain. She got into the car without a word, soaked because of the rain. On the ride back home, she looked at the panda soft toy. Even the toy seemed gloomy.

Upon reaching their mansion, Regulus gets out and opens her door, waiting for Rithika to step out

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

*steps out, walks away towards the garden*

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*follows her* I understand you are upset but you need to get changed first or you will get sick, my queen.

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

*stops walking, turns around to stare at him* If you had cared so much about me, you wouldn't have pulled that stupid stunt!!!

This was expected. He knew she'd get mad at him. Regulus tried to talk to her as rationally as possible, but he knew Rithika's temper was not particularly easy to control.

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

I understand you are angry. But please get changed. You'll catch a cold if you don't. We have important things to do in the upcoming days

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

*laughs sarcastically* Important? Everything that was important to me just fell apart, Regulus!!!! All because you decided it'd be alright to do whatever you want!!!! DID YOU EVER THINK OF ASKING ME!?

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*sighs, looks at her* It was for the best. You couldn't--

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

The Best? Now you will teach me about the best!?? Don't forget that I was the one who picked you up that day!!! How dare you think of operating on your own!? If not for me, you would be long dead Regulus Navarro!!!

The minute Rithika said this aloud, she realised how mean that was. She backed off in guilt, she knew he didn't have fond memories of the past, her comment would only make him sad.

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

I---- I didn't mean it like that-- Reggie I----

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*shakes his head, walks towards her* It's alright my queen, I get it. You were just frustrated. I understand.

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

I did that because Alpha needs to know. You are already hiding so much from him. If you tell him everything at once and later, the damage will be far too big.

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

I don't want you deceiving the person you love, that'll only hurt you and make you guiltier

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

But Now-- *She knew what Regulus said made sense, but seeing Alpha's disappointment, she was really upset*

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

Shh. This can be dealt with later. First get changed. You'll catch a cold

With that, Rithika drags herself off and leaves to get changed and think again

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*mumbles* You both better patch up. Otherwise all that work of me hacking into his computer will go down the drain

—Meanwhile, At Alpha's home—

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*flops on the bed, still thinking of Rithika* huff... this is becoming a nightmare... *dozes off to sleep thinking about her*

The next morning, both of them are lovesick. Terribly lovesick. One misses the other, wanting to apologise. The other has too many questions

They both reach their work places and are distracted, unable to focus on work

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*walks out and stands by the balcony, staring at the scenery* *mumbles* It doesn't look as beautiful as it was from Avian.

Alpha ⟨Alvin Jones⟩

*realises* what am I thinking about... There's no... *sighs and walks back inside*

Rithika was walking around the company with Regulus, who was talking to the other heads about closing the stalls and sending the gifts. They pass by the ice cream machine.

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*looking at the machine* Hm? Why is this still here? *looks back* Ryan, weren't you supposed to send away all the machines? What is-

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

*looks at the machine* This stays. It stays right here.

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*looks at her, raises an eyebrow* Well...

Regulus ⟨Regulus Navarro⟩

*sighs* Very well. Ryan, I want this machine in the main office hall by the end of today.

Rithika ⟨Rialta Flores⟩

*stares at the machine, thinking about the time she had the sundae with Alpha*

Author

For this chapter, I wanted to show Rithika's frustration and also the parallels between the two of them. Something like the song "Little Do You Know" by Alex & Sierra, or maybe "We don't talk anymore" by Charlie Puth, but not quite the heartbreak stage, just the sad and hurt feeling

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To Be Continued...