Love's Redemption♡

CHAPTER - 24

" Tell me Atlas, what is heavier: the world or its people's hearts?"
-- Darshana Suresh
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5 years ago--

Vahni POV:

Suddenly, the flash of torchlights illuminates the dark space, and Vihaan comes into view, looking frantic. But instead of relief, anger courses through my veins at the sight of him. I move back, trying to create distance between us.

"Why did you run away, Vini?" he asks, his voice laced with concern. But I'm not buying it. If I didn't know better, I would have thought he was genuinely worried about me. But now, I can see right through his facade.

"Your parents are so worried," he continues. "They called me up, asking if I knew where you were." I don't bother responding. Of course, my parents had called him - they still think we're best friends.

I look at him, my eyes blazing with anger. "Just go, Vihaan. I'll go back home when I want to." He scoffs, his expression incredulous.

"What? No, I'm not leaving you alone. Do you know how much danger you were in? I thought you were better than this, Vahni. I thought you were mature." He pauses, his chest heaving with exertion. "I've been looking for you for about an hour now. Everyone is worried, and you're not even picking up your phone."

I laugh, a bitter sound. "Yeah, I too thought you were better than betraying me. But, oh well, life is full of disappointments, and there's nothing we can do about that. Stop your act now, Vihaan. You don't care, and I know it. I was too late to realize it, but I've finally realized it. I know you're trying to be the good boy in front of my parents, but you don't have to. Just leave."

Just then, I see Veer running towards us, his face etched with worry. I run towards him, throwing my arms around him. He envelops me in a warm hug, and I start crying, sobbing uncontrollably in his arms.

Veer's soft murmurs calm me down, "Hey, princess, I heard what happened today. I'm so sorry I wasn't there to protect you. I'll take care of everything tomorrow." I cry, unable to form words, feeling a mix of relief and comfort in his presence.

I can feel Vihaan's presence behind me, and I tell Veer loudly, so Vihaan can hear me, "Tell him to leave, V. I'll go back with you. He doesn't get to be the good guy after everything he's done." Veer nods in agreement.

Vihaan speaks up, "Hey, listen..." but I cut him off, my anger boiling over. I turn to face him, my eyes blazing with fury. "Listen, Vihaan, you destroyed us, and there's no us from now on. I don't know you from today. You can go do whatever you want. Don't contact me ever again. Leave."

Vihaan looks at me, hurt visible on his face, but I don't care. He starts his bike and leaves, disappearing into the night.

I stand there with Veer for a few minutes, neither of us speaking. I think to myself, Vihaan has no right to be hurt. He can go to hell. Veer hands me his jacket, and we drive off into the night, leaving the darkness and Vihaan's betrayal behind.

As I return home, my parents' worried expressions come into view. My mother rushes towards me, and I completely break down in front of her. I shake and cry uncontrollably, unable to contain my emotions.

After a few minutes, when my sobs have subsided, my mother asks me softly, "Where had you gone, Vahni? Why did you leave? Do you know how worried we were? You weren't answering your phone."

I look up at her, tears still streaming down my face, and answer honestly, "My phone is dead, Mum. I'm sorry for worrying you guys, but Vihaan... he betrayed me so badly. I loved him so much, and he just... left."

I start crying again, overcome with emotion. My father gently strokes my head, trying to comfort me. My parents lead me inside, and Veer stands there, looking a bit awkward. My dad tells him to come inside with us, and Veer nods, following us up to our house.

Veer and I walk into my room, and we settle down on my bed. He sits silently, allowing me to cry without interruption. The silence is comfortable, and I appreciate his presence.

After a while, I break the silence, apologizing for disturbing him. "Sorry for disturbing you today, Veer. You were already busy with Vyan's recital."

He sits closer and hugs me. "It's okay, Vini. Vyan's recital was already over by the time I found out what happened today. I was busy with the recital, so I didn't check my phone. Next time, please don't run away, Vini. Just come to me, and we'll sort something out."

I cry again, and Veer continues to comfort me. "Hey, whatever they said was a lie. I'm not playing you, princess. You just remind me of my sister."

I look up at him, curious. "Your sister?"

He nods, his expression somber. "Yeah, I had a sister. She died from cancer."

I gasp, sitting up straight. "I'm so sorry, V."

He tightens his grip around me. "It's not your fault, Vini. It's nobody's fault. I was just six then, so I don't remember much. But I just know she was amazing... just like you are."

I smile slightly, feeling a sense of connection with Veer.

"I don't want to go to school tomorrow and face everyone," I say, feeling anxious about the prospect.

Veer nods understandingly. "You don't have to. We'll just go, and I'll announce whatever I have to say. Then we'll leave."

He pauses, then adds, "By the way, Anisha and Shruti were worried about you. They called me a number of times before, so just call them later, okay?"

I nod and find myself drifting away to sleep

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Every girl deserves a Veer in their life.
I have mine🫂