[19]

Vidhi and Vidhan were seated in Vidhan's well-appointed room, its muted elegance reflecting his meticulous personality. Vidhan was animatedly recounting his recent business trip, his deep voice filling the quiet space as Vidhi listened attentively.

When he finished, he turned to her with a soft smile. “Tum batao, tumne kya kya kiya in do hafto me,” he asked, a note of curiosity in his tone.

Vidhi leaned back in her chair, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Tumhe yaad,” she replied cryptically, standing up with deliberate grace. Her movements were slow and unhurried as she walked toward the bed where Vidhan was sitting.

Vidhan’s gaze followed her, his brows slightly raised in curiosity. But before he could say anything, Vidhi surprised him. Her unwavering gaze locked with his, and she gracefully lowered herself onto his lap. Vidhan’s eyes widened momentarily, caught off guard by her boldness.

But soon, a knowing smile curved his lips. He wrapped his strong arms around her slender waist, pulling her closer. The warmth of her body against his was comforting, and his heart softened at the vulnerability he saw in her eyes.

“Kya huaa, Vidhi?” he asked gently, his voice laced with concern and affection.

Vidhi didn’t reply immediately. Instead, she slid her arms around his neck, holding him tightly as if afraid he might slip away. Vidhan responded instinctively, tightening his hold, enveloping her in his protective embrace.

For a few moments, they stayed like that, the silence between them speaking volumes. Finally, in a voice barely above a whisper, Vidhi broke the quiet. “Vidhan…”

“Haan,” he murmured, his tone inviting her to continue.

“In these two weeks, I realised how important you have become in my life. Tum nahi the to laga that I have lost an important piece of myself.” Her voice quivered slightly, betraying the depth of her emotions.

Vidhan drew back slightly, just enough to meet her gaze. His expression softened further at her heartfelt confession, his eyes brimming with warmth.

“I love you, Vidhan,” Vidhi said, her voice steady now, as if the weight of her feelings had found their rightful place.

Without waiting for his response, she leaned in, her lips brushing against the corner of his mouth in a tender, hesitant kiss. Vidhan’s eyes fluttered shut at the delicate touch, his heart thudding in his chest.

But just as he began to lean into her touch, Vidhi pulled back abruptly, her cheeks flushed with a mix of shyness and uncertainty.

As Vidhi pulled back, Vidhan’s eyes fluttered open, his expression a blend of surprise and confusion. He looked at her, his gaze intense, a playful pout forming on his lips as he tried to make sense of her sudden retreat.

“Ye kya tha, Vidhi?” Vidhan asked, his voice a mix of teasing and genuine curiosity. His eyes were locked onto hers, as if silently urging her to explain her unexpected action.

Vidhi, flustered and avoiding his gaze, could only offer a teasing smile. “I was returning something,” she replied, her voice light and playful, her eyes darting anywhere but him.

Vidhan’s lips curled into a knowing smirk, his hands firmly gripping her waist as he pulled her closer. Their faces were now mere inches apart, the air between them thick with anticipation.

His gaze lingered on her eyes for a moment, searching for any hint of uncertainty, before it slowly drifted to her lips.

He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her skin as he hovered just before her lips, looking at her as if silently asking, Can I kiss you?

Vidhi blinked, her heart racing at the tenderness and longing in his eyes. The moment stretched in silence, heavy with emotion and unspoken words. Then, without a second thought, Vidhan closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a searing, passionate kiss.

The world around them seemed to dissolve, leaving only the electricity that sparked between them. Vidhan’s hands cradled her face gently, his thumb grazing her soft skin as he deepened the kiss, pulling her closer into the warmth of his embrace. Vidhi responded in kind, her arms sliding around his neck as she melted into him, her pulse quickening with every movement.

Their kiss was slow at first, a tentative exploration of each other, but as the intensity built, so did their need for each other. Vidhan’s lips moved against hers with fervor, as if he were pouring all his emotions into that one kiss. Vidhi’s breath hitched as his hands wandered to her back, pressing her even closer to him, their bodies now completely entwined.

The kiss deepened, becoming more urgent, a fusion of passion and longing. It felt like time had stopped, the world beyond them fading into the background. There was only the heat of their connection, the rhythm of their hearts echoing in the silence.

Eventually, when the need for air became too great to ignore, they pulled away, their foreheads resting against each other as they caught their breath. Their eyes were closed but the smile tugging at the corners of their lips told everything that words couldn't.

Vidhan's hands gently ran through Vidhi’s soft hair, his fingers caressing each strand with care. The motion was soothing, a silent reassurance of his love. After a while, he opened his eyes, his gaze falling on her flushed face.

A tender smile spread across his lips as he leaned forward and placed a delicate kiss on her forehead. The gesture was filled with warmth and affection, leaving Vidhi’s heart fluttering.

“You are my world, my everything, Vidhi. When you are in my arms, I feel like I lack nothing in life. I love you,” Vidhan confessed, his voice soft yet firm, pouring his feelings into every word. As he finished, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms securely wrapping around her waist while hers circled his neck, holding him close.

For a few moments, they stayed entwined, savoring the comfort of each other’s presence. When they finally pulled back, their eyes met again, locking in a silent conversation.

The depth of their connection was palpable, but their moment was abruptly interrupted by a voice echoing through the room.

“Bhai...Vidhi, kaha ho aap dono?” Ved’s voice called out, breaking the spell.

Vidhan sighed, a pout forming on his lips. “Kabab me haddi kahi ka,” he muttered under his breath, clearly annoyed.

Vidhi stifled a laugh, pretending to be serious as she said, “Mere best friend ke baare me kuch mat bolo.” Her faux anger only added to Vidhan’s irritation.

“Woh tumhara best friend aur main?” Vidhan asked, his pout deepening as he looked at her, seeking reassurance.

Vidhi stared at him in disbelief for a second, amused by his childish jealousy. Without uttering a word, she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his in a quick yet affectionate kiss, leaving Vidhan momentarily stunned. She stood up from his lap, her teasing smile never leaving her face.

“Let’s go now,” she said, grabbing his arm and pulling him to his feet. Vidhan, still recovering from her sudden kiss, allowed her to lead him downstairs.

As they descended the stairs and entered the living room, they found Ved waiting impatiently.

“Kya hai? Chilla kyun raha hai?” Vidhan asked, his annoyance still evident as he faced his brother.

"Aap dono ki wajah se main do din se college akele ja raha hoon," Ved said, frustration etched clearly on his face as he crossed his arms.

"Toh usme kya hai?" Vidhan asked casually, leaning back as though Ved’s complaints were of little consequence.

"A girl is stalking me," Ved replied, his voice laced with irritation. His expression clearly showed how much it had been bothering him.

Vidhi and Vidhan exchanged a quick glance before bursting into laughter. Their amusement filled the room, much to Ved’s chagrin.

"Kiska taste itna bura hai?" Vidhan teased, settling down beside Ved with a playful smirk. Vidhi followed suit, sitting on Ved’s other side, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Ved looked at Vidhan, betrayal written all over his face. “Vidhi ka taste bahut bura hai jo aapko pasand kiya,” he retorted, throwing the ball back in Vidhan’s court.

Vidhi couldn’t hold back her laughter, and her chuckles echoed alongside Ved’s words.

Vidhan’s playful demeanor shifted slightly as he glared at Ved and then shot Vidhi a wounded look. “Chup kar tu, aur Vidhi, tum bhi mat haso na,” Vidhan said, lightly smacking Ved on the back of his head.

“Ab main boloon?” Ved asked, rubbing his head dramatically.

“Haan haan, bol. Kaun stalk kar raha hai?” Vidhi asked, her curiosity piqued.

"That... Aarohi Mehta," Ved said after a brief pause to recall the name. “Ab hame kya karna chahiye?” he asked, genuinely seeking advice.

Vidhi’s eyes sparkled with excitement as an idea formed in her mind. “Let’s stalk her to know why she’s stalking you,” she said, grinning.

“Great idea, Vidhi,” Ved agreed enthusiastically before turning to Vidhan with hopeful eyes.

“I am out,” Vidhan declared, raising his hands in refusal. “Ye sab faltu kaam nahi karunga main,” he added, shaking his head.

Vidhi quickly moved beside Vidhan and grabbed his arm. Ved followed suit, grabbing his other arm.

“Please,” they said in unison, their voices filled with exaggerated pleading, their faces forming the most innocent puppy eyes they could muster.

“No means no,” Vidhan said firmly, though his resolve seemed to falter when Vidhi added another soft, “Please.”

His gaze softened as he looked into her eyes.

“Okay,” he finally agreed, letting out a resigned sigh.

“Meri toh koi izzat hi nahi hai,” Ved muttered under his breath, shaking his head at the turn of events.

“But how will I help you in your college?” Vidhan asked, still skeptical.

“College mein hum sambhal lenge. Aap college ke bahar dekh lena,” Ved explained confidently.

Vidhan nodded. “Okay,” he said, and both Vidhi and Ved hugged him tightly in delight.

“You are the best bhai!” Ved exclaimed, pulling away with a grin. However, Vidhi was still clinging to Vidhan’s arm, her smile lingering.

“Mere saamne romance mat kiya karo. Mujhe single feel hota hai,” Ved quipped, turning his head away in mock annoyance.

“Tu bole toh stalker ko teri girlfriend banwa doon,” Vidhan teased, smirking.

“Mujhe girlfriend banane mein koi interest nahi hai abhi,” Ved said, shrugging casually.

“Chahta kya hai bhai?” Vidhan asked, genuinely curious now.

“Main ja raha hoon yaar apne room mein,” Ved replied with a dramatic sigh before heading upstairs, leaving Vidhan and Vidhi behind, laughing at his antics.

********************

Dehradun...

Rishit was in the kitchen, meticulously preparing dinner, his movements precise and practiced. Meanwhile, Vaani perched on the kitchen counter, her eyes following his every move with curiosity and amusement.

As Rishit rolled out a chapati, Vaani broke the silence, “Rishit.”

“Haan,” he replied without looking up, his attention firmly on the dough in his hands.

“Should I try?” she asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.

“Yeh?” Rishit gestured toward the kneaded flour, raising a brow.

“Haan,” she nodded eagerly.

“Okay,” he said, handing her the rolling pin and stepping back to give her space.

Vaani leaned forward, enthusiastically attempting to roll the dough. Rishit stood a short distance away, arms crossed, silently observing her efforts.

When she finally finished, she turned to him with a hopeful smile. Instead of approval, she was met with a baffled expression.

“Yeh kaunse desh ka naksha hai, Vaani?” Rishit asked, his tone deadpan but his lips twitching as if he was holding back laughter.

Vaani’s eyes darted to the misshapen chapati and then back to him. “Aap meri bezzati kar rahe ho, Rishit,” she said, feigning hurt, her tone dramatic.

“Aur nahin toh kya,” Rishit said, his face now serious, though his eyes betrayed amusement.

Annoyed but amused herself, Vaani lightly slapped his arm. “Aap kitne gande ho, Rishit!” she exclaimed, her mock indignation making him chuckle softly.

“Ab aap hi kijiye,” Vaani declared, hopping off the counter and handing him the rolling pin before climbing back up to watch him again.

Rishit resumed his task, his hands deftly smoothing and shaping the dough. As he worked, Vaani spoke again, her voice thoughtful. “Waise, ab mujhe lagne laga hai ki aap mere dost hain.”

“Kyun?” Rishit asked, not looking up.

“Kyunki you’re getting comfortable with me,” she said with a small smile.

Rishit paused briefly, considering her words, before responding with a soft hum. “Hmm, woh toh isliye kyunki aap bahut bolti h.”

Vaani narrowed her eyes. “Aapko lagta hai ki main bahut bolti hoon?”

“Maine wahi bola tha pehle,” he replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

“Aap itne straightforward kyun hain, Rishit?” she asked, crossing her arms as she leaned forward slightly.

“Bas hoon,” he said simply, shrugging his shoulders without offering further explanation.

Vaani studied him for a moment before leaning back. “Waise, aapse ek sawaal puchoon?”

“Haan, pucho,” Rishit replied, glancing at her briefly.

“Can I hug you?” Vaani asked suddenly, her voice soft but curious.

Rishit froze mid-motion, his hands halting as he turned to look at her. His brows furrowed slightly. “Why?” he asked, his tone cautious.

“We’re friends na, and friends can hug each other,” she explained, her smile gentle.

“No,” he said, shaking his head firmly.

“Okay,” Vaani said with a small nod, her tone light and understanding. “Tell me once you’re comfortable.”

Rishit stared at her for a moment, then hummed in acknowledgment. A faint smile tugged at his lips, a rare warmth spreading through him at her considerate nature.

After that, they shared a quiet, pleasant dinner before retreating to their respective rooms, the evening leaving behind a lingering sense of camaraderie and unspoken trust.

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