Love's Redemption♡

CHAPTER - 43

"Do you believe in love? Yes but only for other people"
-- Charles Bukowski
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Present--

Vahni POV:

I wake up feeling tired from the previous night's celebrations. I head downstairs to find my mom sipping coffee in the living room. I ask her where Dad is, and she replies that he's gone to the market. She offers me a cup of coffee, and I sit down beside her.

We chat for a bit, and then she asks me if I'm okay with Vihaan being back. I lie and tell her that I've moved on, that it was a long time ago. But the truth is, the wounds still feel fresh.

My mom seems to sense that I'm not telling the whole truth, but she doesn't push the issue. Instead, she tells me that we're all going to Vishaal's house for a barbecue in their backyard at 11 am. Everyone will be there, she says.

I quickly get up and head upstairs to get dressed. I choose a sundress made of lightweight cotton, with white and yellow floral patterns and a subtle sheen to it. The dress falls just above my knees, and I pair it with a pair of brown sandals that add a warm touch to my overall look.

I head back downstairs to find my parents ready and waiting for me. We pile into the car and drive off. After a 10-minute drive, we arrive at Vishaal's house.

As we pull up to Vishaal's house, I can see that everyone is already there. Vanya and Vishaal are busy setting up the barbecue, while Vyara is lounging on the couch.

I feel a pang of excitement as we get out of the car. My parents and I head over to join the others, and soon we're all chatting and laughing together.

Vanya comes over and gives me a hug. "I'm so glad you're here!" she exclaims. "We're going to have so much fun today."

I smile and hug Vanya back. "I'm glad to be here," I say. "This is going to be a great day."

Vanya nods and smiles, and then I head over to help Vishaal with the barbecue. "You go take a rest, Vanya," I tell her. "We've got this."

Just as I'm about to start helping Vishaal, I hear Vyara getting up to join us. But before she can even take a step, Vanya calls out, "No need, Vyara! Vihaan will go."

I feel a flutter in my chest as I hear Vihaan get up and walk over to us. He offers to help Vishaal with the barbecue, and Vishaal gratefully accepts.

As Vihaan starts helping Vishaal with the barbecue, I try to focus on the task at hand, but I find myself sneaking glances at Vihaan. He's expertly flipping burgers and sausages, his movements confident and efficient.

Vishaal is chatting with him, laughing and joking, and Vihaan is smiling and responding, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He looks relaxed and at ease, and for a moment, I forget about the tension between us.

Vishaal, satisfied that the barbecue is under control, pats Vihaan on the back and says, "Thanks, man. I'm going to go take a quick rest before we eat." He heads off towards the house, leaving Vihaan and me alone by the barbecue.

Vihaan and I stand there in silence for a moment, the only sound the sizzling of the burgers and sausages on the grill. I focus on the food, trying to ignore the tension between us.

Vihaan clears his throat, breaking the silence. "So, Vahni," he says, his voice low and smooth. "How have you been?"

I keep my tone neutral, not wanting to give him any encouragement. "I've been fine, thanks."

Vihaan nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "Good, good. I'm glad to hear that."

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. "Yeah, life's been busy. You know how it is."

Vihaan smiles, a small, enigmatic smile. "I do. But I'm sure it's not all bad. You're doing well, I can tell."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "What makes you say that?"

Vihaan leans against the grill, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I can just tell. You seem... confident. Happy."

I snort, rolling my eyes. "You can tell all that just from looking at me?"

Vihaan chuckles, a low, throaty sound. "Maybe I'm just a good observer."

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "Or maybe you're just trying to make small talk."

Vihaan's smile widens, and he takes a step closer to me. "Maybe a little bit of both," he says, his voice low and husky.

I feel a flutter in my chest as Vihaan takes another step closer to me. His eyes are locked on mine, and I can feel the intensity of his gaze.

Vihaan and I stand there in silence for a moment, the only sound the sizzling of the burgers and sausages on the grill. I focus on the food, trying to ignore the tension between us.

Vihaan clears his throat, breaking the silence. "So, Vahni," he says, his voice low and smooth. "Are you seeing anyone these days?"

I feel a surge of annoyance at his question, but I try to keep my cool. "Yeah, I am," I lie, trying to sound casual. "His name is... Nevaan. We've been dating for a few months now."

Vihaan's eyes narrow slightly, and I can tell he's not sure if I'm telling the truth or not. "Nevaan, huh?" he repeats. "What's he like?"

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. "He's great. We have a lot of fun together."

Vihaan nods, his eyes still narrowed slightly as if he's trying to gauge the truth of my statement. "That's great," he says. "I'm happy for you."

I feel a twinge of guilt for lying to him, but I push it aside. I'm not going to let him get under my skin.

Just then, Vishaal calls out from the house that the food is ready. Vihaan and I both turn to head towards the house, our conversation momentarily forgotten.

As we walk, Vihaan falls into step beside me. "So, Vahni," he says, his voice low and smooth. "Tell me more about Nevaan. What does he do?"

I shoot him a look, my tone cool. "Why do you want to know?" I ask, my voice firm. "You don't even know him."

Vihaan's eyes lock onto mine, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. "Just making conversation, Vahni," he says, his voice smooth as silk. "No need to get defensive."

I feel a flush rise to my cheeks, but I refuse to back down. "I'm not being defensive," I say, my voice even. "I just don't see why you need to know about my personal life."

Vihaan chuckles, a low, throaty sound. "Fair enough," he says. "I guess I just got a little curious."

We reach the house, and Vishaal calls out to us to come and eat. I'm grateful for the interruption, and I quickly move to join the others, leaving Vihaan to follow behind me.

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Finally they are having a normal conversation!

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