CHAPTER- 40

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"And if they made me choose, I'd choose to love you once more"
-- unknown
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Present--

Vahni POV:

Its Saturday morning, I zip up my suitcase, feeling a mix of emotions as I prepare to leave. Kriti walks into the room, yawning, and plops down on the bed.

"Hey, sis! I'm going to miss you so much," Kriti says, watching me pack.

"I'll miss you too, Ki," I reply, folding a dress and putting it in my suitcase. "But you're going to have so much fun with Rohan. Two whole months together!"

Kriti grins. "I know, I'm so excited! And you deserve this break, Vahni. You've been working so hard."

I smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Thanks, Ki. I'm really looking forward to this."

As I finish packing, I pick up my phone and send a text to Anisha and Veer in our trio chat.

"Hey guys! I'm coming back!"

I wait for a response, and soon my phone buzzes with messages.

Anisha responds first. "WHAT?! Vahni, is this real life?!"

Veer chimes in, "Yooo, Vahni's back! When do we get to see you?!"

I laugh, feeling happy to be reconnecting with my friends.

"I'm landing today, and I'll be here for a couple of months. My brother's getting engaged, so I'm here for that."

Anisha responds, "Aww, that's so exciting! We need to catch up ASAP. When are you free?"

I think for a moment before responding.

"How about we plan something for next week? I need some time to settle in and attend to some family stuff."

Veer agrees, "Sounds good to me! We'll plan something for next week. Can't wait to see you, Vahni!"

Anisha adds, "Yeah, it's been too long! We have so much to catch up on."

I smile, feeling grateful for my friends.

"I'm looking forward to it, guys. It's going to be great to catch up and hang out again."

As I say goodbye to Kriti and head out the door, I feel a mix of emotions. I'm excited to see my family and friends, but I'm also nervous about what the next few weeks will bring.

I arrive at the airport and head straight to the check-in counter. After dropping off my luggage, I make my way through security and to the gate.

As I wait for my flight to board, I take a deep breath and try to calm my nerves. I've been thinking about this trip for weeks, and it's hard to believe it's finally here.

Before I know it, the flight attendants are calling my row, and I'm boarding the plane. I find my seat, stow my carry-on, and settle in for the long flight ahead.

Three hours later, the pilot's voice comes over the intercom, announcing our descent. I look out the window as the plane begins its slow descent into the city.

As the plane touches down on the runway, I feel a rush of excitement. I'm finally here. I'm finally home.

I grab my luggage and head out of the airport, hailing a cab to take me home. As we drive through the city, I feel a mix of emotions. I'm excited to see my family and friends, but I'm also nervous about the surprise that awaits me.

The cab pulls up to my house, and I pay the driver before grabbing my luggage. I look up at the house, noticing that it's empty. Everyone must already be at the venue.

I remember that our neighbor, Mrs. Jain, has a spare key to our house. I walk over to her house and ring the doorbell. She answers, smiling warmly.

"Vahni, beta! Welcome back! I have the spare key right here."

I take the key from her and thank her before heading back to my house. I unlock the door and step inside, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over me.

I take a deep breath, looking around the empty house. It's quiet and still, a stark contrast to the chaos that awaits me at the venue.

As I step inside the house, I'm hit with a wave of nostalgia. The familiar creak of the wooden floorboards beneath my feet, the smell of old books and fresh air wafting through the windows, it all feels like a warm hug.

I look around the living room, taking in the familiar sights. The old armchair where my dad used to read the newspaper, the coffee table where we had countless family gatherings, the bookshelf where I spent hours getting lost in my favorite novels.

I feel a lump form in my throat as memories come flooding back. Memories of laughter, tears, and countless moments of joy and sorrow. This house has seen me grow up, and now, it feels like I'm coming home.

As I stand there, lost in nostalgia, I suddenly remember the time. I'm late! I glance at my watch and my heart skips a beat. I need to get ready, fast!

I rush to my suitcase, flinging it open and rummaging through it for the lehenga I had packed especially for this occasion. I pull it out, along with the matching blouse and dupatta.

I quickly slip into the lehenga, feeling the soft fabric hug my curves. I adjust the blouse, making sure it's perfectly aligned with the lehenga. Next, I drape the dupatta over my shoulder, feeling the weight of the intricate embroidery.

I rush to the bathroom, where I quickly brush my hair and tie it up into a neat bun. I apply a light layer of makeup, just enough to enhance my features without looking too done-up.

I slip on my heels, feeling the familiar click of the stiletto. I take a deep breath, smoothing out my lehenga and giving myself a once-over in the mirror.

I look... decent. Not perfect, but decent. And I'm running ridiculously late. I grab my clutch and rush out the door, hoping I can make it to the venue without too much of a scene.

I jump into my car and start the engine, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I pull out of the driveway. I make my way to the venue, my heart racing with anticipation.

As I arrive at the venue, I park my car and quickly send a text to my sister, Vyara.

"Hey Vy, just arrived. Where's the party?"

I wait for a response, and a few seconds later, my phone buzzes.

"Vini, omg! The party is on the 3rd floor! Come fast, everyone is waiting!" Vyara responds.

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Omg I am super excited for the next chapterrrr
HAPPY READINGGGG 😙🍩

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