Love's Redemption♡

CHAPTER- 41

"Since you left, home is dark. No lights were broken but hearts were"
-- Shahrazad al- Khalij
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Present--

Vahni POV:

My phone rings for the nth time as I climb up the stairs, the elevator being out of service on this day of all days. Wearing a heavy lehenga doesn't help, and I'm starting to feel the strain.

I push open the door to the hall and see my whole family standing there. Three years have passed, but nothing seems to have changed.

Everything is good until Vyara shouts out loud, "There's my sister!" I feel everyone come to a stop and stare at me, my cheeks reddening at the stunt my sister just pulled. My eyes scan the room, searching for my brother, but they come to a stop when I notice someone else. The world seems to freeze, the people disappear, as he lifts his head to look at me... what is HE doing here?

My heart skips a beat as our eyes meet, and for a moment, it's like time has frozen. The noise of the party, the chatter of my family, everything fades into the background as I stare at him. Vihaan.

I feel like I've been punched in the gut. What is he doing here? I thought he was... I thought he was gone. Out of my life. Forever.

But here he is, standing in front of me, looking as handsome and charming as ever. His eyes seem to bore into mine, and I feel like he can see right through me.

I'm snapped back to reality by Vyara's voice, "Vini, come on! Everyone's waiting!"

I force a smile onto my face and take a step forward, trying to play it cool. But my heart is racing, and my mind is reeling with questions. What is Vihaan doing here? And why does he look like he's been waiting for me?

I whisper-yell to Vyara, my eyes still fixed on Vihaan, "What is he doing here?"

Vyara's expression is sheepish, and she leans in close to whisper, " Vishaal is getting married to his cousin."

My eyes widen in shock, and I glare at Vyara, knowing that she deliberately didn't tell me about Vihaan's presence. "You knew I wouldn't come if I knew he was going to be here," I accuse, my voice low and angry.

Vyara looks guilty, but she tries to defend herself. "I was afraid if I told you, you wouldn't come. And Vishaal needs you here. Besides, Vishaal doesn't know anything about... you know, between you and Vihaan."

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "You expect me to believe that Vishaal has no idea about our past?"

Vyara shakes her head. "I swear, Vini, Vishaal has no clue. And Vihaan hasn't said anything either. Please, just try to get through this, for Vishaal's sake."

As I make my way through the crowd, I'm greeted with warm smiles and hugs from my aunt, uncle, parents, and other cousins. They all ask me about my trip, my job, and my life in general, and I happily share stories and updates with them.

Just as I'm catching up with my family, my brother Vishaal calls out to me, "Vini, come here for a sec!" I make my way over to him, and he introduces me to his bride-to-be, Vanya.

Vanya is beautiful, with a bright smile and sparkling eyes. I tease her a bit, joking about how she's stolen my brother's heart, and Vanya laughs and playfully hits me on the arm.

All the while, I can feel Vihaan's eyes on me, watching me, but I try to ignore him and focus on my brother and his fiancée.

As we chat, Vanya turns to me and says, "Vini, I want you to meet my brother." She gestures to Vihaan, who's standing beside her, looking impossibly handsome and charming.

I act like I've never met Vihaan before, extending my hand and saying, "Hi, I'm Vahni, Vishaal's sister." Vihaan's eyes narrow slightly, but he plays along, shaking my hand and saying, "Nice to meet you, Vahni."

Vanya is oblivious to the tension between us, and she smiles sweetly, saying, "I'm so glad you two are meeting. Vihaan is my cousin more like my real baby brother."

I force a smile onto my face, thinking to myself that Vanya has no idea what a devil her brother can be.

As Vanya continues to chat with me, I can feel Vihaan's eyes on me, boring into my skin. I try to ignore him, but it's hard to shake off the feeling that he's watching my every move.

Vanya, oblivious to the tension between us, starts telling me about her and Vishaal's wedding plans. I listen intently, asking her questions and making supportive noises.

Meanwhile, Vihaan excuses himself and walks away, leaving me feeling both relieved and anxious. I'm not sure what he's going to do next, but I know I need to be prepared.

As the evening wears on, I find myself caught up in the festivities, laughing and chatting with my family and friends. But every so often, I catch a glimpse of Vihaan out of the corner of my eye, and my heart skips a beat.

As the engagement ceremony begins, I'm escorted to the stage, carrying the ring for my brother Vishaal. As the sister, it's my honor to present the ring to Vanya.

The priest begins to chant, and the ceremony starts. I hand the ring to Vishaal, who then places it on Vanya's finger. Vihaan, who is standing beside Vanya, hands her a ring to place on Vishaal's finger.

As the ceremony ends, Vishaal and Vanya are officially engaged. As we congratulate the happy couple, I try to avoid eye contact with Vihaan, but I can sense his presence, looming over me like a shadow.

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