Love's Redemption♡

CHAPTER- 16

"As if I haven't found anything to kill myself with, so I loved you"
-- unknown.
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5 years ago--

Vahni POV:

I wake up on Monday morning, feeling a sense of dread wash over me. For the first time, I'm dreading going to school. I don't want to face the world today. I don't want to meet my friends or attend classes. This weekend has been the worst nightmare of my life.

Even when I was sick, I hadn't felt this down. I start thinking about how I can avoid everyone today. I've been away from school for a month, and I know my friends and classmates are excited to see me. They've probably missed me, and I know they'll want to catch up. But I don't match their enthusiasm right now. The thought of putting on a brave face and pretending everything is okay is just too much to bear.

Everything was fine until Saturday... until Vihaan happened. The mere thought of him feels like a dagger to my chest. He knew I was sick, but he didn't even bother to text me once to ask how I was doing. It's not like I was expecting him to nurse me back to health or anything, but a simple "get well soon" would have been nice.

I realize I haven't contacted Anisha and Shruti since Saturday. They had called me a few times when I didn't respond to their texts, but I had eventually switched off my phone and haven't turned it on since.

I glance at the clock on my nightstand and see that I'm 15 minutes late. I throw off the covers and drag myself to the washroom. I turn on the faucet and splash some water on my face, trying to wash away the remnants of last night's tears.

I then begin the mundane process of getting ready for school. I brush my teeth, wash my face, and change into my uniform. The routine is mechanical, and I go through the motions without much thought. I tie my hair into a ponytail, slip on my shoes, and grab my backpack.

As I look at myself in the mirror, I barely recognize the person staring back at me. My eyes are puffy, my skin is pale, and my smile is nonexistent. I take a deep breath, trying to muster up the strength to face the day.

I trudge downstairs, my feet heavy with the weight of my emotions. My parents are having breakfast, chatting and laughing together. My mother's eyes meet mine, and I can tell she's known something is off about me since Saturday. My appetite has vanished, and when I do eat, it's never more than a few bites.

My parents take in my puffy eyes, and their expressions turn concerned. I don't bother sitting down for breakfast; instead, I try to make a quick escape. But my father stops me, his hand on my arm.

"Have something to eat, beta," he says gently, not asking me what's wrong but sensing that something is amiss. "At least have an apple."

I take the apple, feeling a pang of gratitude toward my father. I nod, and then bid them goodbye before walking out the door. I catch my bus and settle into my seat, the apple still clutched in my hand, I  tuck it away in my bag, knowning I won't be able to eat it.

As the bus drops me off in front of my school, I make my way to the back gate, hoping to avoid anyone and everyone. I quickly walk up the stairs and through the corridors, trying to reach my classroom without being noticed.

As I enter the classroom, I let out a sigh of relief, realizing I'd been holding my breath. Thankfully, Anisha and Shruti are in a different section, so I won't have to face them yet.

I take a seat at the end of the classroom, trying to keep a low profile. As the other students start filing in, they ask me how I'm doing, and I respond honestly, still trying to process everything that's happened.

Our class teacher, Mr. Seth, also asks about my well-being, remembering that I'd had an operation. He kindly offers his support, telling me to let him know if I ever have any problems and reminding me to use the elevator if I struggle with climbing the stairs.

Before I know it, the classes are over, and the bell rings, signaling the start of our tiffin break. I'm swamped with pending notes and class work, and I desperately want to avoid people today. So, I decide to head to the library, hoping to find some solace in the quiet surroundings.

As I work peacefully in the library, someone suddenly sits down in front of me. I look up to see Veer, and my expression must give away my surprise. "So, it's true that the great Vahni Sharma is back to school, huh?" he says with a smirk.

"Yeah, I'm back," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.

Veer raises an eyebrow. "Well, well, why are you hiding in the library? Or should I ask, from whom are you hiding?"

I roll my eyes. "What nonsense are you talking, Veer? I'm not hiding. Can't you see I'm catching up on my work?"

Veer chuckles. "Oh, you can tell that random shit to anyone, sweetheart, but you can't fool me. I can see your puffy eyes."

I try to brush it off. "That's due to lack of sleep. Veer, please leave me alone."

He smirks, "Okay, okay, princess. But I've come here to study too. If you're thinking..." He trails off, and I cut him off.

"I don't want to know. Please sit somewhere else and don't disturb me."

Veer shrugs. "I won't disturb you, princess, but I'm afraid the library is full. Unless you consider sitting on the floor an option for me?" He smirks, clearly enjoying my irritation.

I glare at him, trying to shut him up. He puts up his hands in surrender, still grinning. "Your friends were looking for you earlier, by the way. That's how I knew you were back."

"Okay," I say finally, trying to end the conversation. "And don't call me princess. I am not your princess."

He just winks, a mischievous glint in his eye.

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The chapter is a bit too long guysss!

Anyways I hope you ppl don't have a problem with that
HAPPY READINGGGG 🌈🍯