[27]

The rain had finally dwindled to a faint drizzle, leaving the air crisp and cool as Rishit and Vaani sat on a weathered bench near a roadside tea stall. The scent of damp earth mingled with the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafting from the stall. Vaani, adjusting her dupatta slightly, gestured to the vendor with a commanding tone.

“Do chai,” she ordered before settling back beside Rishit.

“I don’t drink tea,” Rishit murmured, his gaze fixed on her.

Vaani turned to him sharply, her piercing eyes locking with his, a silent challenge lingering in her expression.

“Pee lunga,” Rishit conceded softly, the corner of his lips twitching upward. Vaani let out a chuckle, the sound light and teasing, breaking the tension in the air.

Moments later, two steaming cups of chai were placed in front of them. The duo began sipping the hot beverage in comfortable silence until Rishit finally broke it.

“Vaani,” he began, his tone grave and uncertain. “Nandini ke bare me janna chahti ho?”

Vaani nodded eagerly, her curiosity unrestrained. “Haan, kaun thi wo?” she asked softly, leaning closer, her voice a mix of intrigue and caution.

Rishit’s gaze shifted to the horizon as he gathered his thoughts. “Char saal pehle, jab maine Oberoi Industries join kiya tha, tab meri mulaqat Nandini Mathur se hui,” he began, his voice low and steady, his eyes now fixed on the ground.

Vaani listened intently, her expression earnest as Rishit continued.

“Us waqt mujhe laga ki she’s just a normal girl working for an NGO,” he recounted, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Ladna uska shauk tha, aur apne NGO ke bachchon ke liye toh woh kuch bhi kar sakti thi.”

He paused, the smile on his face becoming tender, almost wistful. “Pata hai, woh NGO uska apna tha. Usne woh aanath bachchon ke liye khola tha... kyunki woh unka dard samajhti thi,” he added, his smile now bittersweet.

Vaani furrowed her brows, puzzled. “Matlab?” she prompted gently.

“She lost her parents when she was sixteen,” Rishit explained, his tone laced with sorrow.

“Pata hai, in sab ke bawajood, uske chehre par hamesha muskaan rehti thi,” he continued, his voice softening further. “Usse dekhkar kabhi lagta hi nahi tha ki she’s the heir of Mathur Industries.”

Vaani’s eyes widened in shock as realization dawned. “Toh yeh woh Nandini Mathur hai—the famous writer and CEO of Mathur Industries—jiski maut do saal pehle hui thi?”

Rishit nodded solemnly. “Haan, she is THE NANDINI MATHUR,” he confirmed, his voice steady despite the weight of his words.

“Uss waqt...” Rishit began narrating their story, recounting every detail—from their initial meeting to their shared moments, leaving nothing out. His voice carried the depth of his emotions, painting vivid pictures of a love that once blossomed but met an untimely end.

“...Aur phir hamari kahani uski maut ke saath khatam ho gayi,” he concluded, his voice trembling slightly. “This was our sad ending.”

He told her everything about her but still, their was something, he was still hiding.

Vaani blinked, her gaze unwavering. “So she was your first love?”

Rishit nodded, tears brimming in his eyes.

“Then what is first love for you, Rishit?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes locked on his.

“Something which breaks you when you start believing in forever,” Rishit replied, his voice heavy with pain. A single tear escaped, tracing a silent path down his cheek.

Without hesitation, Vaani leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a comforting embrace.

“I will always be with you,” she murmured, her voice a soothing promise.

Rishit hesitated briefly before encircling her waist with his arms, his tears flowing freely now.

“Sacchi?” he asked, his voice breaking between soft sobs.

“Mucchi,” Vaani assured him with a tender smile, and Rishit buried his face in the crook of her neck, finding solace in her warmth.

After what felt like an eternity, Rishit pulled back, his eyes puffy but his expression calmer.

“Let’s go,” he said softly.

Vaani nodded, slipping her hand into his as they began walking together. The world seemed lighter, the weight of the past easing with each step, their fingers intertwined in quiet solidarity.

“By the way, Rishit,” Vaani spoke, breaking the serene silence.

“Hmm?” Rishit hummed, glancing at her.

“Then what is last love for you?” she asked, her voice gentle yet curious.

Rishit stopped mid-step, turning to look directly into her eyes. A faint smile danced on his lips as he replied, “You.”

His words hung in the air like a sacred promise, leaving Vaani momentarily breathless as they continued their walk, the world around them fading into the background.

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

Ahuja Mansion, Bangalore

The Ahuja Mansion stood tall under the dim lights of the Bangalore skyline. Inside, Vidhan was seated in his spacious, neatly organized room, his restlessness evident as his feet tapped rhythmically against the marble floor. He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair just as the door creaked open.

Vidhi walked in, her calm demeanor contrasting sharply with Vidhan's unease. She paused, her eyes scanning him before moving to sit beside him.

Their eyes met, and Vidhan broke the silence. “Naraz ho mujhse?” he asked softly, his tone tinged with hesitation.

Vidhi intertwined her fingers with his, her touch both reassuring and grounding. “Kyun puch rahe ho?” she countered gently.

Vidhan lowered his gaze. “Maine Rishit ke saath badtameezi ki na,” he admitted, his voice carrying a trace of guilt.

Vidhi tilted her head, her brows furrowing slightly. “So?” she asked, her tone inquisitive.

“He’s your brother, na? Tumhe bura nahi laga?” Vidhan asked, searching her face for a reaction.

Vidhi smiled faintly. “He’s a sister’s husband too. Aur tumhare paas pura haq hai,” she said, her hands caressing his lightly. Then, with a mock sternness, she added, “Lekin agle baar mat karna, warna chhodungi nahi, because I know he will never hurt her.”

Vidhan looked at her, his eyes softening, filled with adoration. Unable to resist, he leaned in, wrapping his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder.

“Why are you so understanding?” he whispered, his voice tender and affectionate.

Vidhi smiled, encircling him with her arms. “Because I love you,” she replied, her words carrying an unspoken promise.

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell echoing through the mansion. They both rose, exchanging a glance, and headed to the living room.

There, Rishit and Vaani stood, their presence lighting up the space. A gentle smile played on their lips as they exchanged glances. Vidhan and Vidhi couldn’t help but smile back.

But Rishit’s sharp eyes landed on the couple. Without a word, he walked toward them, circling them with a calculated, playful scrutiny. Vidhan and Vidhi exchanged nervous looks, unsure of what was coming next.

“So,” Rishit began, stopping in front of them, arms crossed, his expression a mix of mock seriousness and amusement. “Aap hamare jijaji banna chahte hain?”

Vidhan and Vidhi gulped audibly, exchanging a brief, uneasy glance.

“Shaadi karoge meri behen se, ya dono timepass kar rahe ho?” Rishit asked, ruffling Vidhi’s hair playfully.

Vidhan straightened up immediately, his voice firm yet sincere. “Aap bolo toh abhi kar loon,” he said without a moment’s hesitation.

“Shanti, shanti!” Rishit said, raising a hand to calm him down, his lips twitching in amusement. “Mtlb serious ho dono,” he added, his tone teasing.

Vidhan and Vidhi nodded eagerly, their earnestness making Rishit laugh.

“Okay,” Rishit said, his tone turning slightly serious. “Abhi college ka ek mahina bacha hai, phir exams, phir she will focus on her career. Then I will think of marrying off my sister .” He gently grabbed Vidhi’s wrist, pulling her to stand behind him protectively.

Vidhan’s voice broke the silence. “Aap jab chahenge, main tabhi usse shaadi karunga,” he said with unwavering determination.

Rishit’s expression softened, a smile spreading across his face. “Aur waise, aap meri behen ko kabhi hurt nahi karenge na?” Vidhan asked.

“Wada raha,” Rishit said, his voice solemn. “Mar jaunga, par use kabhi hurt nahi karunga.”

Vidhan nodded, a genuine smile finally gracing his face.

The tension dissolved, and they all retreated to their rooms, leaving behind the playful yet heartfelt conversation.

As Rishit ascended the stairs, he called out to Vaani, “Chalo.”

Vaani shook her head slightly. “Aap jao. I’ll be there in a few minutes,” she replied with a small smile. Rishit nodded, disappearing upstairs.

Vaani turned to Vidhan and, without a word, hugged him tightly.

“He does, Bhai,” she said softly, her smile reflecting her gratitude.

Vidhan chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Bahut jaldi badal gayi tu,” he teased, his tone light.

“Shut up,” Vaani retorted with a grin, pulling away.

As she walked toward her room, she turned back, her voice warm and filled with affection. “Good night, Bhai,” she said before disappearing into the corridor.

Vidhan stood there for a moment, a smile playing on his lips as he whispered to himself, “Good night, Vaani.”

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

In the Room

Vaani stepped into the softly lit room, her gaze immediately landing on Rishit, who was casually arranging the couch for the night. His movements were methodical, as though this was his regular routine.

“Why are you sleeping on the couch?” Vaani questioned, locking the door behind her.

“Cause I always do,” Rishit replied, his tone nonchalant as he fluffed a pillow.

Vaani sighed in frustration, walking over to him. “Rishit, you just confessed to me. We love each other. We can sleep together,” she said firmly, her frustration seeping into her voice.

Rishit looked up at her, his expression calm. “Aur toh aur, we just kissed,” Vaani added, crossing her arms.

“Kiss karna is different, but saath mein sona… thoda ajeeb nahi lagta?” Rishit replied, his tone thoughtful.

Vaani groaned, placing her head in her hand. “Theek hai, so jao apne couch par,” she said sharply, retreating to the bed. She flopped down dramatically, pulling the blanket over herself.

Rishit watched her with an amused expression before lying down on the couch, adjusting to find a comfortable position.

Moments later, Vaani’s voice rang out. “Rishit, I’m asking for the last time. Are you coming to the bed?”

“No,” Rishit replied, his voice calm but resolute.

Vaani threw off her blanket with a huff and stomped over to the couch. Without hesitation, she lay down beside Rishit, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

“Arre, aap yaha kyun aayi?” Rishit asked, startled.

“Kyuki aap nahi aa rahe the,” Vaani replied, her lips pressed into a tight smile, her frustration evident.

Rishit sighed, shifting slightly to make room. “But it’s uncomfortable to sleep together on the couch. Let’s not do this,” he said, his voice practical.

“Okay, ja rahi hoon,” Vaani said, exasperated, getting up and returning to the bed. She lay down again, muttering to herself about his stubbornness.

After a while, as she began drifting off, she felt warm arms wrapping gently around her waist. Startled, she turned her head slightly to see Rishit lying beside her, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“I said we’re not sleeping together on the couch. Yaha toh so sakte hain na,” he whispered, his tone playful.

A smile crept onto Vaani’s face as she turned toward him, wrapping her arms around him. She buried her face in his chest, her heart finally at ease.

Rishit chuckled softly, pulling her closer. “Good night,” he murmured, his voice soft and tender.

“Good night,” Vaani whispered back, her smile widening as they drifted into a peaceful slumber, wrapped in each other’s warmth.

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