CHAPTER- 18

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"May be its not about the happy ending, may be its about the story"
--Albert Camus
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5 years ago--

Vahni POV:

As soon as the class ends, I dash out of my seat, grab my books, and leave the room. I practically run down the corridor, eager to escape the chaos and Veer's constant teasing. I hear steps behind me, and suddenly, a hand grabs my arm, spinning me around. I see Veer's smiling face, and my expression turns stern.

"Seriously, what do you want from me, Veer?" I demand, exasperated. "Listen, you enjoy the attention, but I don't. I'm very different from you, Veer. Just leave me alone, please."

Veer's gaze softens, and he says, "Hey, sorry Vahni. I was just having a bit of fun. If you want me to leave you alone, I will. Just don't run, okay? You had an operation a few days back, and it's not good for you. I don't want you getting hurt because of me."

I'm taken aback by Veer's apology and concern. No one, especially not someone like Veer, has ever shown me such kindness. I look at him, surprised, and my expression softens.

Veer continues, "I didn't follow you, by the way. You had left your book back there, princess." He looks at me and smiles sheepishly. I smile at the nickname, not so annoyed now, and nod as I take the book from him.

As I turn to leave, Veer falls into step behind me. As we walk through the gates, he stops me and asks, "How will you get home?"

I reply, "I'll take the bus."

Veer says, "You don't have to, Vahni. I can drop you home on my bike. Your home is on my way."

I don't object, as I love bike rides. Who doesn't? As Veer starts the bike, I hop on, grab the helmet from him, and put it on. "Where's yours?" I ask.

Veer replies, "The one you're wearing is mine. I never let girls get on my bike. Next time, I'll bring two helmets for us."

For some reason, my heart swells up with joy. After a long time, I feel happy. I don't like him that way, but we can be good friends, I think.

I ask Veer, "Then why did you let me sit?"

He replies, "Because you're different."

Just then, I see Vihaan standing with Aryaan and Vikram, looking at us. Aryaan looks bored, and Vihaan is scowling. I don't pay him any notice as Veer rides off the street, the wind rushing past us, and adrenaline coursing through my veins.
After a few minutes of riding through the streets, we finally reach my house. I hop off the bike and hand Veer his helmet, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

Just then, a question strikes me, and I ask, "How do you know my address?"

Veer chuckles, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I've seen you getting on the bus from here before," he says, his voice low and smooth.

I sigh, feeling a bit embarrassed that I hadn't noticed him before. "Oh, okay," I say, trying to play it cool.

Veer looks at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Would you like to come inside?" I ask, feeling a sense of politeness.

Veer grins, his teeth flashing white. "So eager to make me meet your parents, princess?" he teases, raising an eyebrow.

I raise a brow, amused by his joke. "Naah, another day," he says, his expression turning serious. "I have tuition now."

I nod, feeling a sense of relief. "Okay, let me know once you get back," I say, smiling.

Veer looks at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But I don't have your number," he says, his voice low and smooth.

I laugh, feeling a sense of playfulness. "I'll give it to you," I say, taking his phone and typing out my number.

Veer takes the phone from me and
rides off, I turn around and enter the house, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. My mother is standing in the living room, a smile on her face.

"Who is that boy?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I shrug, feeling a sense of nonchalance. "Just a friend, Mum," I say, trying to downplay the situation.

My mother raises an eyebrow, a knowing glint in her eye. "Ohhh, just a friend? Or boy friend?" she teases, her voice low and playful.

I laugh, feeling a sense of embarrassment. "It's nothing like that, Mum," I say, trying to reassure her.

My mother smiles, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Whatever it is, if it makes you happy, I'm okay with it," she says, her voice filled with love and acceptance.

"And it definitely makes you happy"
My mother nods, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Vini beta, you left crying and came back smiling," she says, her voice filled with concern. "Anyway, freshen up, beta. We'll talk later."

I rush upstairs, feeling a mix of emotions: excitement, guilt, and a hint of relief. As I enter my room, I plop down on my bed and turn on my phone. The screen springs to life, and I'm immediately bombarded with notifications.

I feel a pang of regret for how I treated my friends in anger. They didn't tell me about Vihaan's betrayal because they were worried about me, not because they were trying to keep secrets. They're the ones who have always been there for me, no matter what.

I open the chat to see hundreds of texts piling in. Some are from my sister, while others are from Anisha and Shruti. And then, I see one from Vihaan, sent just 10 minutes ago. I raise an eyebrow, wondering what he could be messaging me about.

Just as I'm about to open Vihaan's message, my phone dings again. A new message pops up from an unknown number. My curiosity is piqued, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. Who could be messaging me from an unknown number?

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Veer is a sweetheart isn't he??

HAPPY READINGGGG 🦋☘

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