Love's Redemption♡

CHAPTER - 27

"I have something in my heart for you that will only die when I do"
-- unknown
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5 years ago--

Vahni POV:

They say you don't understand something's value until it's gone. Today was our last exam, and it marked the end of an era - our last day at this school. As I walked around the empty corridors, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I've always loved coming to school since childhood, but these last three months have been a different story altogether. I had avoided coming to school for a while, trying to hide from the pain and the memories. But now, as I stood here, I realized how much I would miss this place.

As I walk through the empty corridors, I feel a lump form in my throat. I'm going to miss this place so much. I'm going to miss the familiar sound of the school bell, the smell of the canteen food, and the feel of the sun on my face during recess.

I stop in front of my favorite tree, the one where I used to watch the football sessions. I remember the thrill of seeing Vihaan play, his passion and energy infectious. I remember the way he used to smile at me, the way his eyes used to crinkle at the corners.

I feel a pang in my heart as I think about Vihaan. I haven't seen him since the first exam, and I've been avoiding him. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I'm still hurt, still trying to process my emotions. Maybe it's because I'm scared of what might happen if we talk.

I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the feelings of nostalgia and longing. I know I need to move on...

Just then, I see Shruti and Anisha running towards me, their faces alight with excitement. Veer is laughing behind them, and I can tell he's enjoying the spectacle. I stand my ground, knowing that at this pace, they'll bump into me for sure. And sure enough, they do, taking me down with them as we fall to the ground with a thud. Veer bursts out laughing, and we glare at him, but soon we're all joining in.

As we stand there, brushing ourselves off, Veer grins at us mischievously. "You guys were like a bunch of clumsy elephants!" he teases. We playfully glare at him, but soon we're all laughing together.

Anisha lets out a sigh of relief. "Yeah, finally it's done! I'm so relieved. I couldn't sleep properly for the last month." We all nod in agreement, sharing our own stories of sleepless nights and pre-exam jitters.

As we chat, we start reminiscing about old times. We share memories of our favorite teachers, our craziest school adventures, and our most embarrassing moments. The conversation flows easily, and before we know it, we're making plans to spend our vacations together.

"Shruti, you're going to Europe with your family, right?" Anisha asks. Shruti nods, looking excited. "Yeah, I'll be back in a month. But we'll hang out before I leave, right?" We all agree, making plans for a fun-filled day before Shruti leaves.

We walk through the gates for the last time in our uniforms, feeling a mix of emotions: excitement, nostalgia, and a hint of sadness. We click some pictures with each other in weird poses, trying to capture the memories of our time together in school. Other girls and boys join in, and soon we're surrounded by a crowd of laughing and chattering students.

As I glance around, my eyes scan the crowd, and then I see him - Vihaan. He's standing there with his girlfriend, Kiara, and a group of their friends. Kiara is laughing and chatting with the others, but Vihaan's eyes are fixed on me. For a moment, our gazes lock, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through my body.

I quickly look back at Veer, trying to compose myself, but I can still feel Vihaan's heated gaze on me. I shift uncomfortably, trying to break the tension. Veer notices this and asks, "Hey, what's wrong?" I shake my head and say, "Nothing," trying to brush it off.

I look up again, and this time, I see Vihaan glaring at Veer. I'm taken aback - what's his problem? Veer is also his best friend, or at least, they used to be close. We all used to hang out together, but things changed after Vihaan and I...after everything that happened between us. Veer had always been loyal to me, and I think Vihaan resented him for that. Now, it seems like there's a rift between them, and I'm not sure what to make of it.

Just then, Kiara calls out to Vihaan, "Babe, let's go!" She waves at him, and he reluctantly tears his gaze away from me. But as he turns to Kiara, I notice a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. He forces a smile, but it looks more like a grimace. Kiara doesn't seem to notice, but I do. I see the tension in his body, the way he's clenching his jaw.

As Vihaan turns back to me, our eyes meet again. This time, I see a mix of emotions in his gaze - guilt, regret, and something else...something that looks almost like longing. My heart skips a beat as I try to process what I'm seeing. But before I can react, Vihaan looks away, and Kiara pulls him into a hug, oblivious to the undercurrents between us.

My eyes burn, and a lump forms in my throat as I watch Vihaan with Kiara. I can never get used to him with any other girl. It's like a punch to the gut every time I see them together. I feel a wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm me, but I take a deep breath and control myself. I will not let him ruin my last day at school.

I look away, focusing on my friends instead. Veer is chatting with Anisha, and Shruti is busy taking selfies with her friends. I join in, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that's settled in my stomach. I laugh and joke with my friends, trying to make the most of our last day together. But I can feel Vihaan's eyes on me, and it's like a constant reminder of what could have been.

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Last days are always memorable ones! Ain't it?
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HAPPY READINGGGG 🫂🍀