"The separation from you was like the taste of the sea in my mouth as I drowned
-- Shahrazad al- Khalij
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Present--Vahni POV:
The next morning, the five of us gather in the living room, still rubbing the sleep from our eyes. Vishal, always the energetic one, bursts into the room.
"Morning, guys! Today's the day! Who's up for a hike?" Vishal exclaims.
Vyara stretches, yawning. "I am, but only if there's coffee involved."
Vanya laughs. "Don't worry, Vy, we'll bring a thermos."
Vihaan grins. "And I'll carry it, so you don't have to."
I roll my eyes good-naturedly. "Great, because that's exactly what we need – Vihaan tripping over his own feet."
The group erupts into laughter, and we all agree to head out on the hike.
"Alright, let's get moving!" Vishal exclaims. "We need to pack our bags with snacks, water, and extra layers. Vy, can you grab the energy bars?"
Vyara nods. "Got it."
"Vanya, can you bring the water bottles?" Vishal asks.
Vanya nods, heading to her room.
"Vihaan, you're in charge of the first-aid kit," Vishal says.
Vihaan salutes mockingly. "Yes, sir."
I smile. "And I'll bring the extra layers and sunscreen."
We all head to our respective rooms to pack our bags. Twenty minutes later, we're all set and gather in the living room.
"Ready to conquer the trails?" Vishal asks, grinning.
We all cheer, and head out the door.
As we step out into the crisp Shimla air, I feel invigorated. The sun is shining, and the mountains stretch out before us, a breathtaking sight.
"Wow, look at that view!" Vanya exclaims, snapping a photo with her phone.
Vyara nods, taking a deep breath. "I love the smell of the pines here."
We begin our hike, chatting and laughing as we make our way up the winding trail. Vihaan walks beside me, his arm brushing against mine.
As we walk, the conversation turns to the upcoming wedding. Vishal and Vanya are beaming with excitement, and we're all happy to tease them good-naturedly.
"So, Vishal, are you ready to settle down?" Vihaan asks, grinning.
Vishal rolls his eyes. "Hey, I'm not that old!"
Vyara chimes in. "Yeah, and Vanya's still young enough to run away from you."
Vanya playfully hits Vyara on the arm. "Hey, watch it!"
We all laugh, enjoying the lighthearted banter. As we continue on our hike, I feel grateful for this time with my friends and family.
As we round a bend in the trail, we come across a stunning waterfall. The sunlight catches the mist, creating a beautiful rainbow.
"Whoa, look at that!" Vihaan exclaims, grabbing my hand to pull me closer.
I feel a jolt of electricity at his touch, but I try to play it cool. "Yeah, it's amazing!"
Vishal, ever the adventurer, decides to climb down to the base of the waterfall. Vanya and Vyara follow, laughing and shrieking as they get sprayed by the mist.

YOU ARE READING
Love's Redemption♡
RomanceMy phone rings for the nth time as I try to climb up the stairs as fast as I can, out of all days the elevator had to be out of service TODAY, wearing the heavy lehenga seems to add to the misery, I open the door to the hall and see my whole family...