Chapter 37: chapter 37

At Prakhar’s apartment the days stretched into a repetitive blur, let’s see what was going on with him.~~~~~Each moment was overshadowed by the persistent thoughts of Riya and the elusive understanding I sought. Despite my attempts to reach out to her, Riya remained distant, her responses minimal and devoid of any warmth. It felt like I was trying to grasp onto smoke, with every attempt at connection slipping through my fingers.Vedahi's words echoed in my mind, urging me to decipher the depth of Riya's significance in my life. But the more I tried to unravel my feelings, the more entangled they seemed to become. It was as if a veil of confusion had been draped over my heart, clouding my judgment and leaving me grappling with a myriad of emotions that I couldn't quite comprehend.One evening, as I sat in my apartment, the silence enveloping me like a suffocating shroud, I received a message from Vedahi."Prakhar, can we talk? It's important," the message read.Curiosity mingled with a sense of apprehension as I dialled Vedahi's number, unsure of what to expect. Her voice sounded unusually solemn when she answered."Prakhar, I need to tell you something," Vedahi began, her voice tinged with a hint of hesitation.I listened intently, my mind racing with anticipation. "What is it, Vedahi? Is everything alright?"Vedahi took a deep breath before continuing. "I think I need to be honest with you. I've been carrying these feelings for a while now, and I can't keep them hidden any longer.""What is it Vedahi, please tell me, you know we are each other's support! Go on, what's in your mind, tell me!" I tried to encourage her to open up without any fear!"Prakhar, I love you." Vedahi suddenly spoke.Her words hung in the air, leaving me stunned and speechless. I hadn't expected this confession, not from Vedahi, my closest friend, the one person I had always turned to for guidance and support."Vedahi, I... I don't know what to say," I managed to stammer, my mind reeling with the weight of her revelation."It's okay, Prakhar. I didn't expect you to say anything. I just needed to get it off my chest. I understand you need time to process this," Vedahi replied, her voice a mix of vulnerability and resolve.The line went silent as I tried to grapple with the sudden turn of events. Vedahi's confession had caught me off guard, sending ripples of confusion through my already muddled thoughts. It was as if the ground beneath me had shifted, leaving me struggling to find my balance amidst the tumultuous waves of emotions that threatened to engulf me.As I mulled over Vedahi's confession, I couldn't help but wonder about the complexities of human relationships, and the intricacies of the heart that often defied logic and reason. Love had the power to emerge in the unlikeliest of places.But amidst the chaos of my emotions, one question continued to haunt me. What did this mean for my relationship with Riya,why did Vedahi tell me this now? Is she feeling insecure about my decision for Riya? Does she love me or is it fear of losing me to Riya?I tried to reach out to Vedahi once more, hoping to break through the silence that had settled between us. But she didn't respond. It was as if she had confessed to distance herself, leaving me stranded on the shores of uncertainty, unsure of how to navigate the murky waters that lay ahead.The next few days became horrible for me. In an attempt to distract myself from the whirlwind of emotions, I threw myself into my work, immersing myself in projects and deadlines, hoping that the busyness would serve as a temporary balm for the ache that lingered within me. But no matter how hard I tried to bury my feelings beneath the weight of responsibilities, they continued to resurface, demanding my attention and refusing to be ignored.One evening, as I sat in my apartment, my thoughts swirling in a sea of uncertainty, I received a message from Riya. My heart hopped a beat as I read her name flashing on my screen, hope mingling with apprehension as I opened the message."Prakhar, I apologize for my distant behaviour. I've been dealing with some official matters that have consumed my attention. I hope you understand. - Riya"Relief washed over me as if I had answer to Vedahi's question. I replied, assuring Riya that I understood and that she could always count on my support.But even as I typed out those words, a part of me couldn't shake off the lingering doubts that clouded my mind. Was Riya's distance merely a result of official matters, or was trying to avoid me? But then why she messaged me?I had no one other than Vedahi to talk to about her, but I had lost Vedahi too!I confided in Alex, sharing the latest developments with him, hoping to find some clarity amidst the chaos that seemed to have engulfed my life."Alex, I don't know what to make of Riya's messages. It's like she's there, but not really there. I can't shake off this feeling of unease, also Vedahi proposed to me but I don't know what to tell her, I am not sure if I love her!" I confided, my voice laced with frustration and confusion.Alex listened patiently, his words measured and thoughtful. "Prakhar, sometimes, people have their battles that they need to fight. Maybe Riya is struggling with something that she's not ready to share yet. Give her the space she needs, and in the meantime, focus on what makes you happy, maybe then you will be able to decide whether you love Riya or Vedahi..."His advice resonated with me, offering a glimmer of solace amidst the storm that threatened to consume me.With Alex’s words echoing in my mind, I made a conscious effort to focus on my well-being and to pursue activities that brought me joy and fulfilment. I immersed myself in hobbies, rekindling my passion for photography and exploring the vibrant streets of my city with a renewed sense of wonder and curiosity.But even as I found moments of solace amid my pursuits, the questions that plagued my mind continued to linger, refusing to be silenced. What did the future hold for my relationship with Riya? And where did Vedahi's confession fit into the intricate web of emotions that now entangled my heart?I grappled with these thoughts, trying to find an impression of clarity amidst the uncertainty that seemed to have become a constant companion.But as I navigated through the maze of my emotions, one thing became abundantly clear.I needed to confront the misunderstandings that had taken root, to seek the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface, and to unravel the complexities of the heart that often defied explanation. And so, with a renewed sense of determination, I braced myself for the conversations that lay ahead, knowing that the path to understanding would be challenging.~~~~~