Love's Redemption♡

CHAPTER - 51

"I remember, and remembering is like an open wound"
-- Clarice Lispector
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Present--

Vahni POV:

Today we are going to Kufri, a popular hill station near Shimla. We're all excited to explore this new destination, and the scenic drive there is just what we need to get our day started.

As we drive to Kufri, the scenery outside our windows changes from bustling streets to winding roads and picturesque villages. The air grows cooler and fresher, filled with the scent of pine trees.

Vishal, who's sitting in the front seat, turns around and grins at us. "Get ready for some breathtaking views, guys!" he exclaims.

We all nod eagerly, our cameras at the ready. As we round a bend, the valley below comes into view, and we gasp in unison. The snow-capped mountains stretch out as far as the eye can see, their peaks glistening in the sunlight.

"Wow," Vanya breathes. "This is incredible."

Vyara nods, her eyes shining with excitement. "I know, right? I've never seen anything like it."

Vihaan and I exchange a glance, and I can sense a spark of connection between us. We both smile, and for a moment, it feels like old times.

As we continue our drive, the scenery only gets more breathtaking. We stop at a scenic spot to take some photos, and Vihaan offers to take a picture of me with the stunning view behind me.

As he hands me the camera, our fingers touch, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through me. I look up at him, and our eyes meet for a moment.

Then, Vihaan smiles and turns away, breaking the spell. I'm left feeling a little breathless, wondering what just happened.

We spend the rest of the morning exploring Kufri, taking in the stunning views and marveling at the beauty of the Himalayas. We visit the Kufri Fun World, an amusement park with a variety of rides and attractions.
But I can't take off my eyes from Vihaan.

I look up at him, feeling a sense of connection that I haven't felt in a long time. And for a moment, I forget about the past, forget about the pain and the heartache. All I can think about is the present, and the way Vihaan makes me feel.

As the day wears on, we decide to head back to the hotel to rest and freshen up. After a quick nap and a shower, we're all feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the evening.

"We should head to the Mall Road and do some shopping," Vanya suggests, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Vishal agrees, grinning.

We make our way to the Mall Road, which is bustling with activity. We spend the evening browsing through shops, buying souvenirs and trying out local street food.

Vihaan and I wander off on our own, browsing through a small bookstore. We stumble upon a section of old photographs, and Vihaan picks one up, showing it to me.

"Look at this," he says, smiling. "It's a picture of Shimla from the 1950s."

I take the photograph from him, studying it carefully. "Wow, it's amazing how much the town has changed," I say.

Vihaan nods, his eyes lighting up with interest. "I know, right? I love looking at old photographs and imagining what life must have been like back then."

We spend the next hour browsing through the bookstore, chatting and laughing together. It's easy and comfortable, like no time has passed at all.

As the evening draws to a close, we meet up with the others and head back to the hotel, exhausted but happy.

As we say our goodbyes and head to our respective rooms, I feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. Vihaan and I have been growing closer all day, and I can sense the tension between us.

I change into comfortable clothes and brush my teeth, feeling a sense of anticipation. There's a knock on the door, and I know it's Vihaan.

"Come in," I call out, trying to sound casual.

Vihaan enters the room, looking relaxed in his worn jeans and faded T-shirt. "Hey," he says, smiling. "I couldn't sleep. Mind if I keep you company for a bit?"

I shake my head, feeling a sense of excitement. "Not at all."

Vihaan sits down beside me on the bed, and we chat for a while, laughing and joking together. As the conversation flows, our bodies inch closer together, until we're sitting side by side, our legs touching.

Vihaan reaches out and gently brushes a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers graze my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

I look up at him, my heart racing. Vihaan's eyes are locked on mine, filled with a deep intensity.

Without saying a word, Vihaan leans in and gently kisses my jawline, his lips soft and warm against my skin. I feel a rush of excitement, my body melting into his touch.

He kisses me again, his lips tracing a path along my jawline, sending shivers down my spine. I feel like I'm melting into his touch, like I'm losing myself in the moment.

As we sit there, wrapped in each other's arms, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. It's like I've finally found what I've been searching for.

After a while, Vihaan pulls back and looks at me, his eyes filled with a deep emotion. "We should get some sleep," he says, his voice low and husky.

I nod, feeling a sense of reluctance. I don't want this moment to end.

As Vihaan gets up to leave, I catch his arm. "Vihaan?" I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He turns to me, his eyes questioning. "Yeah?"

I take a deep breath. "Do you regret this?" I ask, my heart pounding in my chest.

Vihaan's expression softens, and he reaches out to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. "No, Vahni," he says, his voice filled with conviction. "I don't regret this, and neither did I last time."

Vihaan's expression changes, his eyes clouding over. "Vahni, I..." he starts to say, his voice low and rough. "I said some terrible things that night. I regretted what happened, or at least that's what I told you."

He takes a step closer to me, his eyes filled with a deep emotion. "I was cruel, Vahni. I insulted you, made you feel like you were nothing. And for that, I'm truly sorry."

I feel a pang of hurt and embarrassment at the memory, but Vihaan's words are like a balm to my soul. He's acknowledging his mistakes, taking responsibility for his actions.

"Why are you telling me this now?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Vihaan's eyes lock on mine, filled with a deep sincerity. "Because I want you to know that I'm not that person anymore. I've grown, Vahni. I've learned from my mistakes. And I want to make things right between us."

I nod, unable to form words. Vihaan's eyes search mine, and for a moment, I think he's going to kiss me again. Instead, he gently presses his lips to my forehead. The touch sends shivers down my spine.

He pulls back, his eyes locked on mine. For a moment, it looks like he wants more, like he's struggling to tear himself away. But then he nods, his expression softening.

"I'll see you in the morning, Vahni," he says, his voice low and husky.

I nod, still feeling dazed. Vihaan turns and walks out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I climb into bed, my mind racing with thoughts of Vihaan. I toss and turn, unable to sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see Vihaan's face, his eyes burning with intensity.

I think about the way he kissed me, the way his lips felt against my skin. I think about the way he looked at me, like he could see right through to my soul.

As the night wears on, I become more and more restless. I throw off the covers and pace back and forth across the room, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

But no matter what I do, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life is about to change in ways I never could have imagined.

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Too long? Oops😙