[29]

Bangalore

Ved sat in the classroom, flipping through the pages of his book absentmindedly, his mind wandering as the chatter of students filled the air. The mundane rhythm of his actions was interrupted when Aarohi walked into the room, her presence commanding attention without effort.

She wore a yellow short kurti paired with wide-legged jeans, an ensemble that blended simplicity and elegance seamlessly. The sunlight streaming through the windows seemed to accentuate her delicate features, casting a warm glow that added to her natural beauty.

Ved's gaze unintentionally drifted towards her, and for a fleeting moment, he was transfixed. His eyes softened as they scanned her from head to toe, lingering on the way the soft fabric of her kurti moved with her strides. But it was when his eyes reached hers that the world around him seemed to blur into insignificance.

Their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still. The hum of the classroom faded into a distant murmur, leaving only the silent exchange between their gazes. Aarohi’s eyes held a depth that pulled him in, rendering him momentarily speechless.

But just as quickly as the moment came, Ved blinked, pulling himself back to reality. A wave of embarrassment washed over him as he hurriedly redirected his attention to his book. His ears burned crimson, betraying the calm façade he tried to maintain.

Across the room, Aarohi felt her heart flutter, her cheeks warming as she caught his reaction. She bit her lip to suppress a smile and made her way to an empty bench, sitting down with her thoughts hopelessly drawn back to their brief connection.

“Ye kya kar raha hai tu, Ved,” he muttered under his breath, chastising himself. “Why were you looking at her like that?” He shook his head, his tone low but firm as if reprimanding a stubborn part of himself.

Just then, Vidhi entered the classroom, her sharp eyes immediately noticing the subtle tension in Ved's demeanor. She slid into the seat beside him, her brows knitting in curiosity.

“Pagal ho gaya hai kya? Kya burbada raha hai?” she asked, her voice laced with teasing concern.

“Kuch bhi toh nahi,” Ved replied hastily, refusing to meet her gaze.

Vidhi leaned in slightly, her eyes narrowing as she observed him more closely. “Aur ye laal kyu ho raha hai tu?” she teased, her voice dropping to a playful whisper as a knowing smile tugged at her lips. Her gaze flickered to Aarohi, who was equally flustered, and a sly grin spread across her face.

“Chup reh na, wo toh garmi lag rahi hai mujhe,” Ved stammered, his tone defensive as he scrambled for an excuse.

“Accha,” Vidhi replied, her mock understanding only fueling her amusement.

“Haan,” Ved insisted, still refusing to meet her eyes.

Vidhi chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Haan haan, theek h,” she murmured under her breath, her teasing tone carrying a hint of fondness as she watched her brother’s flustered state.

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

Dehradun

Rishit and Vaani had finally returned to the place that had become their sanctuary—a house that once held a collection of bittersweet memories, now transformed into a home where Rishit found new meaning in his life.

The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine as Rishit sat on the balcony. He was lost in thought when Vaani stepped out, carrying a comforting warmth in her presence. She settled beside him on the couch, her smile as soothing as the gentle breeze.

“Where were you?” Rishit asked, his voice tinged with a hint of impatience. “Main kab se intezaar kar raha tha tumhara,” he added, glancing at her with a soft intensity.

“Actually, I was making this for us,” Vaani replied, her wide grin lighting up her face as she held up two cups of coffee.

She handed one to him, her fingers briefly brushing his as he accepted it. Rishit took a sip, letting the warmth of the coffee seep into him.

“Acchi bani hai,” he remarked, the subtle smile on his lips showing he appreciated her effort, even though the coffee wasn’t perfect.

Vaani chuckled softly, taking a sip of her own coffee. She seemed content but a flicker of curiosity glinted in her eyes. After a moment, she placed her cup down and turned toward him.

“Rishit,” she began, her voice soft but serious.

“Hmm?” Rishit responded, looking at her with mild curiosity.

“Is there something I still don’t know?” she asked, her tone steady but probing, her gaze fixed on his face as if searching for an answer.

Rishit paused, his expression unreadable. Then, with mock seriousness, he said, “Haan, Vaani.”

Vaani sighed, her patience thinning. “Then tell me, Rishit, what is it?” she pressed, her voice betraying her curiosity.

Instead of answering, Rishit placed his coffee cup on the table and gently pulled her feet into his lap. His fingers brushed against the delicate silver anklets she wore, creating a soft, rhythmic jingle as he played with them absentmindedly.

“Batao na, Rishit,” Vaani urged, her tone filled with impatience and anticipation.

Rishit’s gaze remained on the anklets for a moment before he finally spoke. “That day, when we kissed in the rain…” he began, his voice trailing off deliberately to keep her guessing.

“That day, what?” Vaani asked, her tone sharp with curiosity as her eyes widened.

“That wasn’t our first kiss,” Rishit revealed, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

“What?!” Vaani exclaimed, her voice rising in shock, her expression a mix of disbelief and intrigue.

“Haan. You kissed me on the reception day after ,” Rishit said, barely suppressing his laughter.

“After?” Vaani questioned, her brows furrowing.

“After confessing your feelings,” Rishit added, his tone turning serious for a moment as he looked into her eyes.

Vaani’s jaw dropped in astonishment. “Aapne mujhe pehle kyun nahi bataya ye sab?” she asked, pulling her feet from his lap and leaning closer. Without waiting for his answer, she playfully slapped his chest, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

But before Vaani could utter another word, Rishit seized her hands, his movements swift yet gentle, and pressed her back against the couch. He leaned over her, his body hovering above hers, creating an electrifying closeness.

Their faces were mere inches apart, the air between them heavy with unspoken words. Their breaths mingled, warm and erratic, as their heartbeats raced in sync.

Rishit leaned in further, his lips brushing the shell of her ear as he whispered in a husky, teasing tone, "Cause I didn’t want you to feel awkward, biwi ji."

The endearment sent a wave of heat coursing through Vaani, and her face turned a deep crimson. Her heart skipped a beat at their undeniable proximity, and she felt her breath hitch.

Rishit pulled back slightly, his dark eyes locking onto hers, their intensity unwavering. “Aap to bas itne mein hi sharma gayi,” he murmured, his voice laced with a flirtatious edge she wasn’t accustomed to hearing from him.

Vaani’s cheeks burned even hotter, her usual composure faltering. For the first time, his tone carried such an intimate playfulness, and it left her utterly speechless.

Without breaking eye contact, Rishit began closing the remaining gap between them, his gaze dropping to her lips. Just as he was about to claim them, Vaani suddenly pushed him back slightly, turning her head as an uncontrollable series of sneezes erupted.

Rishit immediately sat up, his expression shifting from playful to concerned in an instant. “Kya hua, Vaani?” he asked, his voice soft as he helped her sit upright on the couch.

“Woh... cold ho gaya hai,” Vaani replied with a pout, her voice slightly hoarse.

A chuckle escaped Rishit as he stood up, shaking his head at her adorably flustered expression. Without a word, he scooped her up in his arms effortlessly and carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently, adjusting the pillow beneath her head.

“Take care, main abhi aata hoon,” he said, his tone firm yet caring, before leaving the room.

A few minutes later, Rishit returned, a steaming glass of hot water in his hands. He sat beside her, offering it to her. “Ye lo, have some hot water,” he said, his voice gentle.

As Vaani drank, Rishit placed a hand on her forehead, his brows furrowing slightly. “Fever to nahi lag raha,” he remarked, his concern evident in his tone.

Vaani shook her head, reassuring him.

“Theek hai, abhi rest karo. Hum kal hospital jaenge, ” Rishit said firmly.

Vaani nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile as she lay back, her heart fluttering at his care. Rishit sat by her side for a moment longer, his gaze lingering on her, silently vowing to protect her always.

After that, Rishit walked to the cabinet, retrieved the first-aid box, and pulled out the necessary medicine. Sitting beside her, he carefully handed it to her.

“Ye lo, take the medicine,” he said softly, his tone firm yet tender.

To his surprise, Vaani took the medicine.

Rishit stayed by her side, his fingers gently combing through her hair in soothing motions. The quiet rhythm of his touch seemed to melt away the remnants of her discomfort, offering her the solace she didn’t even realize she needed.

After a while, Rishit stood and dimmed the lights, letting a calm glow fill the room. He then laid down beside her, wrapping his arms securely around her. The warmth of his embrace enveloped her like a shield, protecting her from the cold and her weariness.

Vaani nestled closer, her head resting against his chest, the sound of his steady heartbeat lulling her into a deep sense of comfort. Within moments, her breathing evened out, and she fell into a peaceful sleep in his arms, the world outside fading into insignificance.

Rishit held her close throughout the night, his gaze soft as he looked down at her serene face. In that moment, nothing else mattered—only her well-being and the quiet assurance that she was his to care for.

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

The next morning, Vaani and Rishit arrived at the hospital for her checkup.

As they stepped out of the car, the chilly air greeted them, and they walked side by side toward the doctor’s cabin. The hospital's bustling atmosphere surrounded them, but Vaani’s focus was on Rishit.

“Rishit, it was just a cold. Hum hospital kyu aaye hain?” Vaani asked, her tone laced with a hint of complaint, her brows furrowing.

Rishit glanced at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Check-up karwa lete hain na. Better safe than sorry,” he replied, his tone calm yet reassuring.

Vaani sighed but eventually nodded. “Okay,” she murmured, deciding not to argue further.

They entered the doctor’s cabin, where the checkup proceeded efficiently. Rishit stood nearby, his eyes closely observing every step of the consultation. He didn’t miss a word the doctor said, ensuring he had all the information he needed to take care of her.

Once the checkup was complete, they made their way back home. The car ride was quiet, filled with the soothing sound of the road beneath the tires.

As they stepped into the living room, Vaani broke the silence. “Reports kab tak aayengi?” she asked, looking at Rishit as she placed her scarf on the couch.

“Kal subah tak aa jaengi,” Rishit replied, slipping off his jacket and folding it neatly over a chair.

Vaani nodded, a small smile on her lips as she glanced at him. Despite her earlier protests, she couldn’t deny how much she appreciated his care.

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

Bangalore

Ved sat in the classroom, his focus deliberately fixed on the open book in front of him. Despite his efforts, he could feel the weight of a gaze lingering on him, unwavering and persistent.

“Ye sirf mujhe hi kyun dekhti rehti hai hamesha,” Ved muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible but carrying a tinge of frustration.

Vidhi, sitting beside him, caught his words and smirked. She leaned closer, her tone teasing as she said, “Cause she loves you, idiot.”

Ved shot her a glare, his expression a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. “Jyada mat bol,” he retorted sharply, trying to dismiss her with a wave of his hand.

Vidhi chuckled, clearly enjoying his discomfort. “Sach toh keh rahi hoon,” she added, shrugging as if her statement was the most obvious thing in the world.

Ved shook his head, refusing to engage further, but the faint pink creeping up his ears betrayed his composed demeanor. His gaze, however, couldn’t help but flicker toward Aarohi, who was indeed glancing at him, a faint smile playing on her lips.

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Tabiyat kharab h and I was blank because of that so hope you liked the chapter.

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