Love's Redemption♡

CHAPTER - 42

"You took my heart with you... so how are you? And how's my heart"
-- unknown
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Present--

Vahni POV:

Then we start clicking photos with each and every family member and guest. I pose with my parents, my brother Vishaal, and my sister Vyara, making silly faces and laughing.

Then, Vanya grabs my hand and pulls me in for a photo together. We pose silly, making funny faces and gestures, and I'm surprised by how easy it is to be around her. She's warm and bubbly, and I can see why my brother fell for her.

As we click the photo, Vihaan appears beside us, a smirk on his face. "Let me get one with my sister and her future sister-in-law," he says, putting his arms around us.

I try to shrug him off, but he holds tight, his hand brushing against mine. I feel a spark of electricity at his touch, and I quickly pull my hand away, trying to play it cool.

I give Vihaan a stern look, but he just smiles and pulls me closer for the photo. I try to maintain a neutral expression, but inside, I'm seething. Who does he think he is, touching me like that?

The photographer clicks the photo, and Vihaan releases me, but not before giving my hand a slight squeeze. I pull my hand away, trying not to show any reaction.

Vanya, oblivious to the tension between us, smiles and hugs me. "I'm so glad we're going to be sisters!" she exclaims.

I force a smile onto my face, trying to play along. But inside, I'm still fuming at Vihaan's audacity. He thinks he can just waltz back into my life and touch me like that? Not a chance.

As the photo session continues, I'm surrounded by my family and friends, all of whom are eager to capture memories of this special day. My parents beam with pride as they pose with Vishaal and Vanya, while Vyara and I make silly faces and gestures to try and make each other laugh.

Meanwhile, Vihaan lurks in the background, his eyes never leaving mine. I catch him staring at me a few times, but whenever I meet his gaze, he looks away, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

At one point, as we're posing for a group photo, Vihaan reaches out to adjust my dupatta, his fingers brushing against my skin. I feel a shiver run down my spine, but I quickly push the feeling aside, reminding myself that I'm not going to let him get to me.

As the photo session comes to a close, we all head inside for dinner. The food is delicious, and the conversation is lively, with everyone chatting and laughing together.

But despite the festive atmosphere, I can feel the tension between Vihaan and me, simmering just below the surface. It's like a challenge, a game of cat and mouse, with neither of us willing to back down.

As the night wears on, the elders start to say their goodbyes and head home, exhausted but happy after a day of celebrations. But Vanya, being the energetic and adventurous person she is, suggests that the youngsters should go out and have some ice cream and a long drive.

Vishaal, Vyara, and I exchange skeptical glances, but Vanya's enthusiasm is infectious. Before we know it, we're all piling into Vishaal's car, with Vanya and Vishaal in the front, and Vyara, Vihaan, and I squished into the backseat.

As we drive through the quiet streets, the cool night air blowing through our hair, Vanya starts singing along to the music playing on the radio. Vyara and I join in, laughing and joking together.

But despite the lighthearted atmosphere, I can feel Vihaan's eyes on me, watching me, waiting for me to let my guard down. I try to ignore him, focusing on the music and the conversation, but I can sense his presence, like a shadow lurking just out of sight.

We finally arrive at the ice cream parlor, and Vanya bounces out of the car, excitement radiating from her. "Who's up for some ice cream?" she asks, already knowing the answer.

We all pile out of the car and head into the parlor, where we spend the next 20 minutes debating over flavors and toppings. Vyara and Vanya are giggling and joking, while Vishaal is patiently trying to decide between two flavors.

Vihaan, on the other hand, is standing off to the side, watching me with an intensity that makes my skin prickle. I try to ignore him, focusing on the ice cream menu, but I can feel his eyes on me, burning into my skin.

Finally, we all make our decisions and place our orders. As we wait for our ice cream, Vanya starts telling us stories about her and Vishaal's adventures together. Vyara and I are laughing and oohing and ahhing in all the right places, while Vishaal is smiling proudly, happy to be the center of attention.

Vihaan, however, remains quiet, his eyes never leaving mine. I can sense a tension building between us, a tension that I'm not sure how to diffuse.

As we finish our ice cream, Vanya suggests that we head back home, and everyone agrees. We pile back into Vishaal's car.

As we drive, Vyara starts singing along to the music again, and Vanya joins in. Vishaal is smiling and tapping his hands on the steering wheel, clearly happy to have his fiancée and family around him.

I'm sitting in the backseat, trying to enjoy the music and the company, but I can feel Vihaan's eyes on me again. I try to ignore him, focusing on the passing scenery outside the window.

As we pull up to my house, Vanya leans over and gives me a hug. "Thanks for tonight, Vahni! I had so much fun."

I hug her back, smiling. "I'm so glad you did. Congratulations again, you two!"

Vishaal grins and waves at me as they drop me off at my house. Vyara waves goodbye as well, and I watch as they drive away.

As I turn to head inside, I catch Vihaan's eye, and for a moment, we just stare at each other. Then he looks away, and I'm left standing there, wondering what's going on in that head of his.

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Vihaan is just being him or is it something more?

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