Zivah's POV
"I don't believe I just spent my day out in a mall," Vihaan said making a face as he took a seat on Sofa. I was taking out the clothes from the bag and giving a thought about what should I wear.
"What I don't believe even more is that you spent your time in the mall. Shopping." He said being annoyed. I rolled my eyes at seeing his drama.
"Yeah, even I don't believe it," I said letting out a sigh and sat on the couch beside him with a one-piece in my hand.
"But I am short of clothes. I didn't pack much for a two-day business trip. Just my blazer, suits, and two pairs of airport clothes. That's all I have." I said defending myself which was true actually. I didn't know I will run into Ved and we will go out for dinner.
I just thought I will give a presentation and then I will sleep throughout the night and day until I catch my flight.
"You could have worn those then," Vihaan said again. I hit him hard as he gave me an irritated look.
"Yeah! Whatever. We will talk about this thing sometime in the future." I said rolling my eyes.
"Sure," Vihaan said giving me a sarcastic smile. I gave him the same smile back.
"But wow man he has changed a lot." He said further.
"I know right?" I said in a low voice looking at the cloth in hand.
"Yeah, I mean that bun, tan, long beard, wild tattoos." He said further making me chuckle for absolutely no reason. I just remembered that rough tough look again. "I don't think he is that sweet little boy I met at his send-off party anymore," Vihaan said making me frown.
"He wasn't a little boy," I said cocking eyebrows.
"But he was sweet." Vihaan said again, "Now? I don't know. I found him cold." He said dramatically.
"I was actually scared that if he makes a move then I might end up beating him." He said giving me a look. I shook my narrowing my eyes at him.
"Don't dream high, Vihaan. You? Beating him?" I asked with a roll of my eye.
"Why not? If he even touches any part of my body then I will beat him." He said with a smirk.
"That sounds so vulgar," I said making a face. Vihaan let out a laugh.
"Anyway, if you bother then please I need to change," I said finally when Vihaan got comfortable on the couch.
"Your boy said 'see you at 8 in the restaurant'." He said mimicking Ved. I hit him harder this time. He whined rubbing his arm as he gave me an irritated look.
"Vihaan, you asshole," I shouted at him.
"So there is still time." He said unbothered. I let out a sigh and adjusted myself in the seat. I kept looking down, nothing in particular as the thoughts about Ved clouded my mind. Why did he change? What might be the reason?
What's wrong?" I moved my gaze at Vihaan who was looking back at me.
"I don't know. He just has changed a lot. I mean not physically or look wise. But overall..." I said genuinely.
"You know when I first met him?" I asked as a smile formed on my lips remembering those days.
"You never told that story," Vihaan said giving me his attention. He sat straight in his seat.
"It was crazy. He helped me out with my broken car on the roadside." I said chuckling.
"And you trusted a stranger?" Vihaan asked with surprise, raising his eyebrows.
"I didn't have any choice. But that's not the point." I said with a shrug and shook my head a little. "He was sweet, caring, fun, flirty, and just carefree guy," I said.
"And now? He is just..." I said stopping in between trying to find the words. "This cold, rough, serious. It's like he has closed himself in a shell." I said looking back at Vihaan. He let out a sigh.
I couldn't shake that thought off my head since I met him. It's still lingering in my thoughts but I'm trying to focus on the positive side.
"You just met him after what like more than two years. He can't possibly pull you in a hug and act like everything is cool." Vihaan said. I didn't say anything.
"I mean come on, no matter how close people are if you don't stay in touch at all for this long then the awkwardness is gonna be there. He doesn't know a single thing about you and the same goes for you. Give him time to get comfortable." He said as I nodded at him. He was right also. I hope that's the only reason.
"Wow, it's like you know him better," I said with a smile. Vihaan chuckled again.
"I don't know him but I share his species." He said making me laugh.
"But Vihaan..." I said as a thought crossed my mind. Vihaan gave me a confused look.
"What if he is awkward because he has a girlfriend and he shows up with her?" I said with terrifying expressions. Vihaan rolled his eyes at me.
"And what if he is awkward because he thinks that you have a boyfriend?" He asked further. I frowned at him.
"Or better..." He said further clapping his hands in front with dramatic expressions. I gave him an unpleasant look.
"There can be a different reason beyond this?" He finished making a duh face. I rolled my eyes again.
"Anyway, I should get ready as we don't want to be on his bad side. His look freaks me out." Vihaan said getting up.
"I love it. He looks hot." I said giggling. Vihaan gave me a hopeless expression.
"Go now," I said getting up and pushing him away and outside the door.
*******************
The restaurant was on the 11th floor making the view beautiful beyond words. We chose a table in a little cozy area. I chose the seat beside glass so that I can have a look at the view outside when it will get awkward.
Vihaan sat in front of me keeping the seat beside me empty. The waiter handed us the menu cards. I opened it but my mind was focused on the door. I looked in anticipation whenever anyone entered inside.
Vihaan ordered a beer for him as I refused anything at the moment. My nervous gaze kept moving from watch to door over and over again. What if he ditches me?
"Relax, he will come," Vihaan said reading my mind as a small smile played on his lips.
"I don't know. It's already half hour past 8." I said shaking my head a bit.
"Should we order food?" Vihaan asked raising his eyebrows. I shook my head again with plain expressions as I looked down at the table.
"No, I am fine. You can have something and then we will leave." I said giving him a small smile.
Okay! I will admit that I was hurt. If he never wanted to come then he would have said it right away. What was the point of making us wait like this? More than hurt I guess I was angry. He can't do this.
"Zivah. It's okay." Vihaan said with a small smile.
"Yes. I know." I said shaking my head again.
"His girlfriend might be taking long," Vihaan said further chuckling. I let out a laugh.
"Then it's better we should leave before," I said through a smile.
Vihaan smiled and extended his hand keeping on mine assuring me. I gestured him with eyes as I returned a full smile to him.
"Sorry, just got stuck with something." Vihaan and I moved our gazes beside. He stood right there close to me, giving us plain look as his eyes wandered on us. He looked gorgeous with an all-new look. I couldn't contain myself from drooling over him a little.
I gave him a full smile, "It's fine. You are here."
"Alone," Vihaan said winking at me. I widened my eyes at him and looked back at Ved who was still standing and giving me a confused look.
"You can sit," I said gesturing to my side. Ved looked at the empty seat and gave a thought as if he was debating something. But he finally gave in and got seated beside me making me smile wider.
"If you don't mind can we order first? I am hungry." I said making a face and looking at both of them. Ved and Vihaan chuckled. For the first time together.
"Sure," Ved said nodding his head a little. I gave him a full smile as I opened the menu and went through it.
We placed our orders in no time and kept the menu card aside. the awkward silence filled the space again making me uncomfortable.
"You here for how many days?" I asked with some efforts and gaining strength. Ved was sipping water. He put the glass down gulping it.
"For some two weeks, it seems." He said looking back at me with those chocolate brown eyes. I think my heart skipped a beat just drowning into them but he moved his gaze away sooner.
I nodded at him in understanding.
"You are still with Nat?" Vihaan asked and I was thankful. I looked at Ved again.
"Yup." He said with a nod. What is wrong with this guy? Can't he be just cheerful? We are trying our best here. Vihaan nodded again.
"You both were here for work then?" Ved asked. I gave him a smile and a nod.
"We are working on a project together so we had to attend a meeting for the same," I said explaining further. Ved nodded again giving me a smile.
The waiter came with the plates and put everything in front of us. We gave him a small thank you smile as he returned.
"We will be leaving tomorrow night," Vihaan said. Ved nodded but didn't look at him. I frowned at him.
"So the meeting is over then?" Ved asked.
"Yes," I said with a smile taking the spoon to my mouth. "Looking at your face I can safely say it went well," Ved said with a smile as I gave him a surprised look. Finally!!!
I smiled genuinely looking back at him and gave a nod.
"It was amazing. Everyone was quite impressed with me." I said dreamily getting happy all over again, "And we cracked the deal."
Ved just looked at me like how he used to before. But he moved his gaze back to his plate when I looked at him.
"Mom and Dad messaged me a few good words as well. Dadu and Dadi looked proud too. So I am just happy." I said further.
"That's great." He said nodding lightly.
"That's all?" I frowned at him. Ved let out a sigh as he looked up from his dish at me.
"I am happy for you and proud too." He said giving me a small smile.
"How have you been doing?" I asked when he refused to say anything further.
"I have been okay." He said letting out a small laugh. But something about it was off. It made me feel sad looking at him like that. If everything wasn't well then this jackass could have contacted me. Why does he keep making things harder for everyone?
"Career-wise it's going great." He said finally with a shrug. I looked at Vihaan who gave me a worried face.
"And rest?" I asked looking back at Ved with concern in the hope that he would say something.
"Rest is fine too," Ved said without bothering. I let out a sigh.
"What happened after Antarctica?" Vihaan asked. Ved looked at him coldly again. I shook my head in disappointment.
"Just roamed a few more places." Ved said with a shrug, "Rome, Prague, Iceland, Norway, Colorado, and a few more."
"Wow, man. That's cool." Vihaan said with a smile. I saw Ved letting out a small laugh.
"I guess you can go there anytime. What makes me cool?" Ved asked looking back at Vihaan. I don't think this is going to end up well.
"Yes, what I meant was that your work is cool," Vihaan said trying to get his words correct. I felt bad looking at him.
"Come on Vihaan, everyone here knows how much you love your work and besides you must be attending these kinds of conferences around the world as well," Ved said again through a smile as he sipped on his whiskey.
"Chill man. I just said what I thought." Vihaan said controlling the situation. What was I doing? Just sitting there and worrying.
"I am sorry if I said anything wrong," Vihaan said further. I know he must be just trying to control everything for the sake of me. Else Vihaan won't exactly apologize for some mistake he didn't commit. He doesn't even say sorry for the mistakes he commits so this was just too much for me to take.
"You don't have to be Vihaan. You said nothing wrong." I said in a calm voice eyeing Vihaan. He didn't say anything further and let out a sigh. I moved my gaze to Ved who was sitting quite gritting his teeth.
"What happened, Ved?" I asked putting my hand on his but he pulled it back.
"Nothing. I don't think it will matter anyway." He said shaking his head a little and rested his back on the chair.
"It matters, okay," I said with concern.
"Why you are like this? Like..." I said again when he didn't speak and kept looking at his plate.
"Like an asshole?" He completed letting out a laugh.
"Ved..." I said in a low voice.
"This was a pathetic idea I guess." Ved said putting down his fork, "Having dinner together?" He finished with a laugh looking at Vihaan.
"You could have brought your girlfriend if it was uncomfortable," Vihaan said glaring at Ved. Both of them looked pissed.
"Vihaan..." I said making my voice a little louder. He shook his head and looked outside at the view.
"Surprisingly enough, I don't have any at the moment," Ved said through gritted teeth.
"At the moment?" I asked as immediately and unknowingly. Ved looked at me not letting anything show in his eyes.
"I should leave." He said shaking his head.
"Wait, Ved." I held his hand stopping him. He looked at me with some expressions but moved his gaze to Vihaan when we heard him.
"Look I am sorry. Let's just finish the plate." Vihaan said.
"I don't think I need your advice over anything?" Ved said through gritted teeth again. That's it. What the fuck? He is just trying to be nice.
"All I am..." Vihaan was saying when I cut him off.
"Vihaan, no," I said gesturing him by moving my head.
Ved pushed his chair back and walked away throwing the tissue from his hand on the table.
"I will be just back," I said getting up and looking at Vihaan. Vihaan nodded at me with concern. I gave him an assured look as I followed Ved behind.
I walked through the people and stormed out of the door. I looked around in the corridor to see Ved standing at the elevator door. I walked towards him with anger clearly visible on my face. He looked frustrated. I don't know for what though and at the moment I didn't care.
"Ved, we need to talk," I said stopping right beside him. He didn't move his gaze from the lift screen.
"What you want to talk about now?" He asked still not looking at me.
"Vihaan was just trying to talk and make things less awkward. You didn't have to be this rude to him." I said pulling his arm and making him look at me. I was angry and disappointed with him.
I never thought the Ved who asked me to mend things with Vihaan, who shook hands with him with a smile no matter how awkward was it for him, would act like this.
"Oh, I am so sorry if I hurt you," Ved said again gritting his teeth. I just stared at him unable to speak. I was right. Something was off with him and he has changed a lot, a lot more than I expected.
"Do you want me to go to him and apologize?" He asked raising his eyebrows arrogantly. I was honestly taken aback. I never expected him to talk to me like that. And I am still sure he won't do that with me. No matter how angry he is. Something is bothering him.
"What's wrong, Ved?" I asked softening my posture as I held his arm, "Just talk to me."
Ved and I moved aside when some people came for the lift and stood there.
"Talk to you? Why?" Ved asked in a low voice keeping it to ourselves.
"I don't know but you seem to be changed," I said in a low voice looking at him with concern. "What's the matter?" I asked again.
Ved let out a sigh closing his eyes containing himself. He shook his head a little as he smiled.
"Changed..." He said letting out a laugh as he looked at me.
"People change, Zivah." He said further with the same smile. That smile seemed to be mocking. I might be wrong but it gave me those feels. I felt some chills looking at that cold glare he gave me.
I couldn't utter a word and let go of his arm.
"Like how you complain about Vihaan changing but now what?" He said further with a shrug. "You guys are together." He finished as I gave him a glare.
So that was all? Vihaan? He was pretty confident when he let go of me so I can stay happy with Vihaan. What's the matter now?
"What?" I asked him with confusion.
"I told you it will be..." He was saying when I cut him off.
"You were wrong," I said making my voice louder as people around gave us gazes. Ved looked at them and back at me.
"You were so wrong," I said again without letting the pitch of my voice drop.
"Do you understand?" I asked him. He stayed quiet looking down not meeting my gaze. I wanted to read him or what was going inside his head but he was so focused on the ground.
"We are not together." I said finally shaking my head, "I was right all along. And if that's the reason why you were arrogant back there then you should have at least asked me about it." I said again without moving my gaze away from him.
I shook my head in disappointment as I moved a little away from him. I saw the lift opening for 1000th time.
"I am sorry." I heard Ved as I looked back at him. He moved further walking away towards the lift when I held his wrist and made him stop. He looked back at me with confusion.
"Wait, don't go just yet," I said.
"I said sorry, Zivah." He said defending himself with annoyed expressions.
"It's not about saying sorry, Ved," I said moving a little towards him but I didn't let the grip around his wrist loosen even for a moment.
"That's not the only thing that is bothersome, right?" I asked looking right into his eyes. He looked taken aback by my sudden question. Ved moved his gaze away for some reason.
"There is more," I said in a low voice just looking at his face.
"There is nothing more." He said as he finally looked up and right into my eyes. His gaze was hard and I knew at that moment he won't talk anything more. So I thought it's better to let it go.
"Alright, fine," I said shaking my head.
"How is everyone else?" I asked trying to change the topic for good, "Rupath, Parth, Laksh, Kunal..."
"Everyone is fine." He said cutting me but he looked reckless as he moved his gaze around. So is anything wrong in there? Is it related to the group disbanding?
"Sonia didn't call me even once. I am disappointed." I said again in a hope that I might catch him but what I forgot was that it's Ved. He knows how to shut himself completely so that the person in front won't reach inside his mind or heart.
"I asked her not to bother you when you are settling in your life. I just thought it's better not to distract you." He said in a plain voice. I don't know what was making him uncomfortable around me. I am the same, still the same Zivah.
"You always consider everything related to me," I said letting out a sad laugh. Ved let out a sigh and moved away, walking towards the wall-sized window. There weren't people mingling around as everyone was going towards lift after they were done.
The view of London from this 11th floor was magnificent. Only if my mood was good to enjoy it.
"So what's the work?" I asked looking at Ved beside.
"Just showing around... some deep inside into London, the facts and face people don't know yet." He said looking ahead outside.
"That sounds cool," I said genuinely. He looked at me.
"And I mean it really as I have been in London many times but I don't know the deepest secrets," I said chuckling. Ved smiled a little.
"I am sorry, really. It was really pathetic of me to act that way towards him." He said getting serious again.
"That's okay," I said with a shrug.
"I should go." He said the words I never wanted to hear. My smile faded as I looked at him.
"You didn't even eat much, Ved," I said with concern. Ved shook his head with a smile.
"I am fine. Don't worry." He said. Why is he sad? Can't he just share everything at once?
"Bye," I said with a heavy heart. Trying best to put a smile on my face.
"I will be leaving tomorrow night," I said when he turned around. He stopped but didn't bother to look at me.
"I have work for the whole day." He said tilting his head a little to have a look at me. I don't know if I looked hurt but that's how I felt. His posture softened a bit.
"My room number is 1044." He said.
"Thanks," I said with a small smile.
"Bye, Ved," I said further as he gave a nod.
"Good night." He said and walked away once again.
**************
I didn't feel like walking inside again so I just made my way towards the room. I message Vihaan about the same and he said he will be with me after paying.
I let myself fall on the bed as the tears started running out of my eyes one after another. Is it necessary for them to do this?
First, it was Vihaan, and now Ved? Do they think they should change their positioning now as they were bored or something?
I heard a gentle knock on my door followed by Vihaan calling out for me. I rubbed my face to wipe off the tears and opened the door in no time. Vihaan looked at me with pure concern.
"You okay?" He asked as soon as he saw me. The worry was there on his face. I gave him a small smile and turned around making my way inside the room.
"Yeah. Don't worry. After all, I have been trained to handle this." I said letting out a laugh as I got seated on the couch. "But he was still fine," I said.
"What did that jackass say?" Vihaan asked with anger visible in his voice.
"Vihaan, don't call him that. We don't know what he is going through." I said glaring at him. Vihaan let out a sigh.
"That doesn't give him the right to hurt you." He said again. I let out a small laugh again shaking my head a bit. What an irony. The person who has hurt me emotionally for a year saying this. Even though it's a long lost thing, it still won't change the time when I went through hell because of him.
"He didn't hurt me. He did everything in his hands to make sure I get what I want no matter how much it hurt him. He will never hurt me intentionally, Vihaan." I said. I am sure of that. My heart won't lie to me. I feel it.
"Something is going on with him. And the sad part is that I can't help him. I can't be with him because he doesn't want me to." I said looking down at my hands.
"Did you ask him?" Vihaan asked sounding calm now.
"Yes, he didn't say a thing," I said shaking my head a little.
"He thought we are together. Stupid." I said laughing a little. Vihaan didn't say anything and kept looking at me.
"That guy seriously doubted my love for him," I said in a disappointed voice. A tear slid through my eye and I wiped it away.
"It's okay," Vihaan said coming closer to me and putting a hand over mine.
"I thought it will be different when I will meet him again," I said genuinely. Vihaan's grip on my hand tightened as he gave me a concerned look. I stopped for some time. I feared to break but I held it strong inside.
"I never thought of this possibility though. I never thought..." I spoke again breaking at the end.
"Zivah, it's okay," Vihaan said in a low voice pulling me closer. I shed a few more tears being in his arms.
"I am sure, Vihaan." I said sniffing, "He wouldn't attend Ali's wedding nor he will meet me in India. I am hopeless." I said letting out a chuckling and wiping my face. Vihaan still held me close to him, holding me securely as if his grip loosened I'll break into pieces.
"I still had this tiny hope that it will be alright but I was wrong," I said moving away from his arm and sitting straight. No one said anything for some time."But that's all. If he is stubborn then he doesn't yet know me." I said with determination.
"I've shown my love all this time. But if he doesn't value it then let it be. I won't be making any attempt from now on." I said again and looked at Vihaan with a smile. He smiled back at me.
"If he wants me then he needs to come back on his own," I said.
"I hope he does," Vihaan said.
"I am not going to bother about anything related to him until he comes and talk it out," I said with a shrug. I know I will be bothered and I am going to think but I am going to act like I am not bothered for sure.
"You didn't eat anything. Should I order something?" Vihaan asked. I gave him a genuine smile.
"No, I need some sleep, Vihaan," I said feeling tired.
"I haven't slept for like days," I said remembering my perfect day. How amazingly it went down all of sudden.
I was so happy but all the excitement and all the happiness just disappeared in thin air.
"I thought I might sleep peacefully today but it seems to be impossible now," I said with a sad smile.
"Do you want me to stay?" Vihaan asked.
"No. I want to be alone. I will see you tomorrow." I said with a small smile. Vihaan nodded in understanding as he got up making his way out.
"Let's go out in the morning. I need to buy something for Ali." I said again when he reached the doorknob.
"Okay, I am not going to get up early so see you directly at lunch. We will go after that." He said yawning. I gave him a disgusted look and he chuckled making me smile.
"That will do," I said with a nod.
"Good night and call me if anything." He said and opened the door to leave.
"Thank you," I said before he could get out.
"For?" He asked giving me an amused smile. I chuckled looking at him.
"For making an attempt to handle things for me." I said genuinely, "And I am sorry about how Ved behaved." I looked at him with a small smile.
I was truly grateful to him for tonight. Or for all this time. I haven't shown my appreciation for him ever since we broke up. I never truly thanked him for being such a great friend even though he has every reason to not be one. It was not easy on his part to accept Ved or my love for Ved. But still, he worked through it and grew into a mature man. He accepted things, he moved on, he didn't change himself for anyone. I respect him for that and I'll always will.
"That's fine for now." He said giving me a small smile.
"Good night." I smiled a little as he left the room shutting the door behind.
I let out a sigh and rested my head on the couch remembering all of these things. Tears started to gather in my eyes again but I wiped them all with determination about not crying.
You need to get together, Zivah. Crying won't help in any way.
I need to focus on going back to New York and taking care of everything until Wilson's representative comes to sign the deal next week. Then, Alizeh's wedding is coming. I need to prepare for that as well. I have to find some clothes for Cody and take Bua out for shopping. There is so much.
As for Ved... I want to see him smile carelessly again. I don't know yet how am I going to do that or if he will come and talk to me about the same but I am going to make sure to meet Renee or Rupath when I am in India. I won't talk to him if he doesn't want me to but I will talk to those two. Maybe it will make the change.
I'm tired of going out of my way to express my love and chasing him around. I don't want to do that anymore. I've expressed myself clearly regarding my feelings for Ved and if that's still not enough then I've nothing much to do.
I know something is bothering him and something has went wrong that turned him to this cold person. I want to help him fight it, regardless of what the matter is. But I can't help him if he doesn't want me to. It's as simple as that. But it doesn't change the fact that it hurts me seeing him turn into something he's not, shutting people out and suffering alone.
Even if it hurts me to the core, I've learned to respect myself. He taught me that and I can't go back to being that old Zivah who runs behind people. I want him to show some effort and trust me. I want him to let me get close then only I can help him. Until then I can only watch him suffer in silence from a distance and break my own heart in the process.
________________________________
✨Author's Note✨
So that was all for now. Back to back updates because you guys are the best. Thank you for all the amazing comments on last chapter. ❤️
Let us know what you feel about this one.
VOTE by pressing ⭐
Zivah will be back with another update soon.
Till then, Bye.
Loads of love. ❤️