CHAPTER- 29

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" I am an unlucky lover, I can't give myself to you and I can't go back to myself"
-- Mahmoud Darwish
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5 years ago--

Vahni POV:

Almost halfway through the movie, Vyan dozes off on my lap. I decide to put him in his room, carefully carrying him upstairs. I gently lay him down on his bed and cover him with a blanket. As I'm about to leave, I see Veer standing in the doorway, a curious expression on his face. I tell him, "He fell asleep."

He just nods, and then asks, "What did Vihaan tell you in the kitchen?" I reply, "Nothing." He looks at me skeptically, and I add, "He was about to say something, but I came back before he could." Veer nods, seeming to accept my explanation. We both head back downstairs, the silence between us comfortable.

As we walk back downstairs, the movie is still playing, but the atmosphere in the room has shifted. Everyone is more subdued, lost in their own thoughts. I sit back down next to Anisha.

Vihaan is sitting on the floor, his eyes fixed on the screen. But I can sense his awareness of me, his consciousness of my presence in the room. It's as if he's waiting for something, watching for an opportunity to...I'm not sure what. I try to focus on the movie, but my mind keeps drifting back to the kitchen, to the moment when Vihaan's eyes locked onto mine. What was he trying to say? And why did he stop?

Aryaan suddenly stops the movie and says, "Let's change this movie. Vyan is asleep now, let's watch a horror movie." I gulp, feeling a surge of anxiety. Veer looks at me amused and says, "Yeah, let's see Conjuring. After all, Vahni is a great fan of horrors."

I glare at Veer, trying to convey my annoyance. "Are you kidding me?" I ask, trying to keep my voice low. "I'm not exactly in the mood for a horror movie." Aryaan looks at me, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Come on, Vahni, it'll be fun! You're always talking about how much you love horror movies." I shoot him a warning look, but he just chuckles.

Vihaan, who had been quiet until now, speaks up. "Actually, I don't think it's a good idea. Vahni doesn't look like she's in the mood." I glance at him, surprised by his intervention. Why is he sticking up for me?

I sit up straight, a confident smile spreading across my face. "No, let's watch Conjuring," I say, my voice firm and decisive. I glance at Vihaan, trying to convey a sense of nonchalance. "I'm not afraid of a little horror movie." Vihaan's eyes narrow slightly, as if he's trying to read my expression. But I keep my face neutral, determined to show him that I'm not intimidated.

Aryaan grins, clearly pleased with himself. "Yes! Let's do it!" Veer chuckles, shaking his head. "You're going to regret this, Vahni." I just smile sweetly at him, trying to hide my growing unease.

The movie starts playing, and at first, it's not too scary. But as the tension builds and the eerie sounds start to creep in, I find myself getting more and more anxious. I try to focus on the screen, but my mind keeps wandering back to Vihaan, who's sitting on the floor, his eyes fixed intently on me. Why isn't he watching the movie? I wonder.

I shift uncomfortably on the couch, trying to break the spell. But Vihaan's gaze only seems to intensify, making me feel like he can see right through me. I start to feel a creeping sense of dread, and I'm not sure if it's the movie or Vihaan's unsettling stare that's causing it.

As the movie reaches its climax, I'm on the edge of my seat, my heart racing with anticipation. But it's not just the movie that's getting to me - it's Vihaan's proximity, his eyes still fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. I try to focus on the screen, but my peripheral vision is all too aware of Vihaan's presence.

Suddenly, a loud bang echoes through the speakers, making me jump. Vihaan's eyes flicker to the screen, and for a moment, his gaze is diverted. I take advantage of the distraction to sneak a glance at him, trying to read his expression. But his face is a mask, revealing nothing.

As the movie ends and the credits start rolling, the room erupts into a chorus of relieved laughter and chatter. But I'm quiet, my mind still reeling from the tension of the movie - and the unsettling awareness of Vihaan's eyes on me.

As the others continue to chat and laugh, I get up from the couch, trying to shake off the lingering unease. "I'm going to get some water," I say, trying to sound casual. Anisha looks up at me, a concerned expression on her face. "Hey, are you okay? You look a bit spooked."

I force a smile, trying to reassure her. "I'm fine, just need some water." Veer, who's been quietly observing the exchange, speaks up. "I'll get it for you." But before he can get up, Vihaan beats him to it. "I'll get it," he says, his eyes locking onto mine for a brief moment before he heads to the kitchen.

Everyone looks at Vihaan in surprise at his sudden interruption. Veer raises an eyebrow, and Anisha looks at him with a questioning expression. Aryaan chuckles and says, "Vihaan, you're so eager to serve Vahni water!"

The room falls silent as we wait for Vihaan to return with the water. When he comes back, everyone looks at him questioningly, still surprised by his sudden offer. Vihaan hands me the glass of water, his expression neutral. I take the glass, feeling a bit awkward under the scrutiny of our friends.

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Vihaan is so mysterious bruh! But I like him😭💅🏻

HAPPY READINGGGG ♧¤

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