Zivah's POV

I closed the book and put a bookmark in between the pages as I heard my mobile ring loudly. Cody barked as it made a disturbance between his sleep. I let out a chuckle, adjusting my specs on my nose as I made my way towards the bedside table where my mobile was lying.

My smile vanished immediately as I read the caller ID. I felt a fear surpassing me. I debated whether should I pick up the call or not. But not picking up was out of the question at the moment. I took a few deep breaths to calm my rising heartbeat.

I answered the call and took the phone to my ears, pressing it a little tightly.

"Why did it take so long to answer?" Dad's hard voice said sounding annoyed with a loud voice. I gulped with fear.

"I was in the washroom," I said in a low voice trying to sound calm and composed.

"Do you have any plan to come back or are you going to settle there?" He asked again, this time making his louder tone to normal again.

"I'm thinking of coming back in a couple of months, Dad." I said calmly, "We have already talked about it."

I didn't hear any sound from the other end. I gained courage and spoke again.

"You both agreed to give me 3 months maximum." I finished waiting for him to speak.

"I'm so disappointed in you, Zivah." He said in a low voice after some time. My heart dropped. I didn't expect this kind of response from him.

Tears started to gather in my eyes making the surrounding blur. I stayed quiet.

"I had high expectations but all you did is let me down." He said again when a tear finally dropped from my eye and traveled down my cheek.

Funny how I let him down after going through all of the shit my entire life. I have always listened to what he said. I worked my ass off just for them to be proud of me but... But till today I haven't heard a single word of appreciation from them, which can make me feel better, which can make me feel that I have done enough, I have given my best. Sure! I might be lacking but at least a few good words from them would have given me the strength to try harder.

But I never heard them. All I have always heard was how I have disappointed them. Every damn time. Sometimes, I think I'm the biggest burden of their lives.

"I wonder how Ma and Papa are okay with it," Dad said further. Tears were rolling down my cheeks continuously.

"Dad..." I said with a broken voice, "At least you could have asked how am I doing." I heard a laugh from the other side which sent unpleasant shivers to my entire body.

"You are on vacation so must be enjoying your stay at your grandparent's home." He said sarcastically.

"Still..." I said stubbornly, "It would have been a little better."

I'm going to be a rebel. I'm going to oppose now.

Stay strong, Zivah. You can get through this.

"Did you do anything to make us feel better? To make us feel proud of you?" Dad asked again stating his disappointment further. "All you have done is to have your ways without bothering about people." He said further.

I felt anger and helplessness building inside of me. I've done everything to make them proud, I've lived my entire life according to them, never disobeyed them and still, they say I haven't done enough. The truth is no matter what I do or how much I stay obedient to them, I'll never be enough for them, they will never appreciate me. And still, they blame it on me saying I'm getting things done in my ways, coming to Delhi was the only one thing I did where I went against them. If I wouldn't have done that I would have forever been trapped and I'm happy I decided to do this.

"Why would I bother about them?" I said with anger while my face was a mess with tears.

"I have..." I was trying to say but Dad didn't let me finish as always. I'm so used to this that it didn't even make me feel bad.

"Enough!" He almost shouted. More tears followed. My crying could have been heard in the room. I was sobbing hard. Cody came jumping on the bed as he sat beside me looking carefully at me.

"We provided you everything you ever needed," Dad said making his voice louder so that I could hear even when I'm sobbing hard.

"I just needed your love, Dad." I said shouting back, "Nothing more!"

Dad stayed quiet for a few seconds as I heard him sigh. I was still sobbing as I took off my specs, wiping my eyes and nose with the back of my hand.

"I shouldn't have let you go there. You have lost your mind." He said further. His voice sharp.

"When did you talk to Vihaan last?" He asked again taking a pause in between.

"I don't know," I said shaking my head with a broken voice which didn't affect him. Never have.

My crying wasn't heard by anyone outside my room. Not mom or dad and soon Vihaan joined them as well, going deaf to my cries. I have always been alone.

"I don't think there is any point in talking to you." He said letting out a deep sigh. "So just listen to me." He said further making his voice strict, "You are coming back when I tell you to and not when you want to."

"As for Vihaan..." he continued, "Just clear your head and apologize to him for your rude behavior. Clear the misunderstandings and sort out everything."

I stayed quiet letting the sobs calm down but there was no way this was going to calm down soon. My tears refused to stop no matter how much I wiped my face.

"I hope I'm clear to you," Dad said making his point clear, "Don't even think to disobey me, Zivah. You know me better." I could feel him gritting his teeth hard as he finished. I sniff hard wiping my nose with my pajama.

"I am..." I was saying when he disconnected the line.

All the courage I had gained in the past few days has gone into vain. I was again at square one. Getting strong speeches was of no use. I don't think I can ever stand up to my parents. I don't think I have enough courage to stand for myself.

I can see my future bright and clear now. After all of these days, I'm going to end up where they want me to be. Vihaan was right all along. I'm a big failure.

I shut my eyes hard as I started crying loudly. Today there was no stopping. Cody started licking my face and jumping on the bed trying to make me feel good. But that boy doesn't know what is going inside his Mama's head.

***************

Mom, Dad, and Vihaan surrounded me as I stood there unable to do anything. I wanted to scream, I wanted to run, I wanted to fight back but I just stood there.

They were saying something but I couldn't hear them out, they were laughing but I couldn't figure out. It was like my whole body was paralyzed. I was just crying and crying.

I wanted to get out but it was dark that I couldn't see anything beyond them. I was trembling with fear. My heartbeat was faster. I was sweating.

But then I felt something like someone was calling my name. The voice felt so familiar. Like I have known it for ages. It gave me the courage I needed. I felt I have been saved. I can live again.

I jerked hard as Cody barked loudly. I opened my eyes and closed them again as fast with the exposure to brightness. I rubbed my eyes and tried to open them again.

I was sweating. I wiped my forehead and face with the back of my hand and sat straight. Cody barked again. I threw a confused look at him but then I realized my mobile has been vibrating yet again.

I felt the fear surpassing me again with the mere thought of them calling me again. I don't want to go back. I'm not going to go back.

I gained some courage and took the mobile by leaning forward while still being in bed.

My heartbeat calmed down. My fear, trembling, and everything else was long gone when I looked at his name flashing on my screen. A big smile formed on my face as I wiped the dried tears from my face.

"Ved..." I breathed as soon as I answered the call.

"You were actually waiting for me to call?" Ved said chuckling from the other side.

"I want to meet you now," I said right away, without paying attention to what he said. I was not in that mindset.

"You are pretty straight forward, Zivah," Ved said.

"I'm in no mood to joke around, Ved." I said desperately trying to make him understand, "I want to get out of here. Please." I said in a low voice as a tear left my eye again. I stayed quiet and so did he.

"Alright, what happened?" Ved asked after a few minutes sounding actually concerned which made me feel a little better.

"Nothing happened. I just..." I said and paused, not able to speak further.

"Zivah...?" Ved asked sounding worried, "You okay?"

"I'm not okay..." I said as a sob left my mouth, "I feel like... I want to get out of here."

"Okay, I'm coming..." Ved said without wasting any time.

"No, wait." I said getting up from the bed, "I don't wanna wait until then. Send me your address, I'll be there." I said going towards the cupboard and pulling out whatever my hand touched first.

"You sure?" Ved asked again.

"Yes, please," I said stopping right before the washroom door.

"I'm sending it right away." Ved said and stopped for a brief moment before speaking further, "Don't drive. Take a cab."

"Yes," I said nodding.

"And call me once you are inside the cab." Ved said further, "Alright?"

"Yes, thanks," I said as a smile formed on my lips. It actually feels good when someone is there to look out for you when someone actually cares for you. I have always craved for this the most in my life.

"No need. Just come fast." Ved said. I nodded and cut the call.

*************

I along with Cody sneaked into Ved's flat as soon as he opened the door. He was in his track pants and blue sleeveless T-shirt showing off his tattoo filled arms which I haven't really gotten to see much. I walked further inside the house as it belonged to me like it's my own house. And I felt like that as well. Shamelessly!!!

Ved's house gave me those old and cozy vibes. I can bet looking at the state of this building and the surrounding that this place has been here for some decades now. It sure must be his grandparent's house. I can't explain how exactly I felt being inside but it felt home. That's all I can say.

There was that old wooden sofa set kept in the living room opposite to which was a plasma TV was kept. There was a balcony attached to the living room. Walking further leads you to the kitchen on one side and a bedroom on another side with some kind of passage between. There was another balcony in the bedroom where hung a swing which allowed one person to sit at a time.

There were curtains on doors and windows like a typical Indian house has. There were hanging pots, lights, and the sound of dream catcher hanging on one of the windows filling the silence in the house.

I saw some old pictures hanging on one of the walls which were in between the kitchen and living room as well. It felt good to be here. I smiled taking a deep breath.

"Are you done looking around?" Ved asked as I looked back at him. I gave him a sheepish smile and nodded. He shook his head a little with his arms crossed on his chest.

"I loved this house for some unknown reason." I declared as I looked around the house one more time.

Cody jumped on Ved wagging his tail rapidly. Ved gave a full smile to him as he sat on his knees looking back at him.

Cody licked his face getting all excited as he jumped on his shoulders and ran around him. Ved let out a laugh caressing him as he talked something to him. Ved looked back at me.

"There is nothing much here," Ved said giving me a confused look, "Your room must be bigger."

"It still doesn't make me feel warm," I said letting out a sad smile, "It gives me chills."

I looked at Ved who was just staring back without a word. I let out a sigh before continuing further.

"Anyway it's not about if your house is big or small," I said shrugging my shoulders as I walked towards the balcony stopping at the door, "No matter what, it should make you feel home. Surprisingly mine never did." I finished with a smile as I looked at Ved. His expressions didn't change rather I couldn't read what was he feeling.

"Sit." He said gesturing towards Sofa as he walked towards the kitchen. I followed him inside rather than following his orders. Cody followed us as well but he changed his direction towards the bedroom.

He ran inside and jumped in the bed making himself comfortable for another round of sleep.

"CODY!" I shouted frowning at him, "Bad boy. Come here." Cody woofed from inside the room and came running at the door of the bedroom looking at me and then at Ved.

"Just let him be," Ved said smiling at Cody, "Sleep wherever you want, boy. It's your house." Ved said giving me a look. I let out a sigh. Cody barked again and ran inside the room as he jumped on the bed again. I shook my head a little as I moved towards Ved.

"I guess we both are way too comfortable here," I said.

"I'm glad to hear that," Ved said with a smile.

"I'll make your coffee." He said reaching the counter.

"Okay," I said as I thought of looking around a bit.

"Do I need to ask?" Ved asked taking two mugs out of the cupboard. I looked back at him stopping in my tracks.

"My dad called and..." I said looking out of one of the windows, "I don't know what happened. But it wasn't new. I'm familiar but still..." I said not knowing where to start, what to tell.

"Hearing the things he said made me feel..." I said letting out a sigh as I moved my gaze to the ground.

"You don't have to tell if it's hard," I heard Ved. I looked at him, "Tell me when you want to ease up and clear your mind. I'm always here." He finished not before giving me a gentle smile. His eyes and that smile itself said a lot. I don't even have to ask him whether he is telling the truth because I know he is.

"That's new," I said trying my hands at the back and walking towards the counter.

"What's new?" He asked raising his eyebrows.

"No one said that to me before," I said genuinely, "I have always been alone. Fighting with my fears." I said looking down at the counter.

"Here..." Ved said handing me my coffee mug, "Then you have one person at least now." He finished winking his eye, making the mood light. I let out a laugh, nodding my head at him.

I walked towards the wall which held the memories of his life. Some inside the house, some outside of it.

There were loads of pictures with loads of people in them. It made me feel surprised that I haven't heard anything about his family.

"This is you?" I asked pointing at one kid in the photo frame. He was wearing a loose half pant and a t-shirt standing proudly with one couple.

"Yup!!!" Ved said smiling from beside me.

"I wonder how you recognized." He said tilting his head to look at me, "There are other kids as well." He finished looking back at all of the photographs.

"I don't know how but I just did," I said with a big smile, being proud.

"I know I'm the most good looking out there," Ved said sipping his coffee. I let out a loud laugh which made him smile as well.

"Ved..." I said hitting on his arm lightly. I looked back at the photograph and pointed at the couple beside him.

"Your parents?" I asked and looked back at him. He nodded as he moved a little forward.

"These are my parents," he said pointing at one of the photos and then moved his finger to another one, "And those two my grandparents. Rest are relatives." He said not bothering to explain further.

"Your relatives live in Delhi?" I asked. Ved shrugged his shoulders.

"Yes." He just said that. I nodded absent-mindedly as I took a sip of coffee.

"This house is of my grandparents." He said further after pausing for a brief time.

"I thought that," I said with a smile, "Gave me some good old vibes." I finished smiling at him. Ved smiled back.

"So they were basically from Delhi then?" I asked further taking another sip of the coffee.

"Yes, they were." He said.

"Your mom, dad?" I asked again then stopped looking at him. He raised his eyebrows looking at my face probably.

"Sorry if I'm asking too many questions," I said making a face. Ved shook his head.

"You won't change, will you?" He asked letting out a sigh.

"My parents lived in the same house." He said, "It's small I know for a 5 people family but it's what we could have afforded at that time being in Delhi." He finished looking at the photograph. He didn't say anything further.

"So you didn't think of moving out?" I asked again.

"No." Ved said shaking his head, "Because it's my home." I smiled at hearing from him.

"No other apartment can replace it." He said looking back at me with a gentle smile. I gave him a wide smile and an understanding nod.

"You loved them. Don't you?" I continued further.

"I still do. I really wish, Zivah," He said stopping briefly, "They were here. I just wanted to tell them once what they meant to me. I never got to tell them that." He said stopping as he looked at the ground.

I moved closer to him as I held his arm putting my chin over his shoulder.

"I'm sure they knew," I said in a low voice holding him tightly. I smiled a little as he nodded his head, settling his eyes on the photographs.

************

"You cook?" I asked Ved sitting on a chair inside the kitchen, "That too without looking at YouTube?"

Ved shrugged his shoulders taking the groceries out of the bag.

Yes, he did a quick shopping as I and Cody sat comfortably in his house. I asked him to come along which he refused saying I might faint with the heat and crowd in the area as he was gonna walk around.

I didn't argue but just gave a frown to him which he smiled it off.

"I used to help my Aaji in the kitchen along with my Aaba," Ved said not looking at me. I gave him a confused look.

"Aaji?" I asked raising my eyebrows, "It's Marathi right?" Ved nodded.

"Yes, my Dadi was Marathi who had control over everyone so she insisted that we should know her mother tongue as well." He said letting out a small laugh as he cleaned the chicken and put it in the cooker keeping it on gas.

"So you know Marathi?" I asked for further.

"I know Marathi, Hindi, Punjabi, and Bengali if you talk of Indian languages." He said and I gave him an impressed look.

"Wow, those many?" I asked.

"That's too less." He said looking at me with a plain face, "People in my field know more than that."

I gave him an 'O' expression suddenly remembering that he roams around the world meeting people and knowing their culture so knowing multiple languages won't be a tough task for him.

"Yes, I forgot your profession allows you that," I said. Ved gave me an impressed smile to which I rolled my eyes and he let out the laugh, moving around the whole kitchen picking the necessary ingredients and keeping them on every empty space.

"I just know German," I said again shrugging my shoulders.

"Guten Morgen?" He asked with a smile.

"Wow, you know that as well?!" I asked shaking my head. This guy is superior in everything and anything. I made a face looking at him.

"What are you making anyway?" I asked getting up from my seat and moving ahead stepping right before the counter.

"I'm making Thai Green Curry then..." Ved said looking at the counter and seeing if he has everything needed, "There are some noodles which I'll decide later as to what to do with them."

He finished pointing at the noodles in front of him which he picked out in one utensil, pouring water in them. He then kept it on the gas beside the cooker. I threw a confused look at him. Ved let out a sigh wiping his hands on one cloth.

"I mean to make them Chinese, Italian, or Thai." He said going to the fridge and taking out something from it.

"So everything is of my taste then?" I asked adoring him with a sly smile. Ved rolled his eyes.

"What's there?" I asked again pointing towards another utensil. Ved again didn't bother to look at me and kept on with what he was doing.

I frowned at him to which he just looked up at the thing I was pointing at.

"It's for chicken Manchurian and the that for fried rice." He finished in a plain tone and hurried to take the cooker down.

"Wow, way to cheer up my mood." I said clapping my hands and looking at all of the arrangements, "Thanks, Kashyap."

Ved was cutting some veggies when I thought of disturbing him yet again.

"By the way, where did you learn all of these?" I asked again being curious.

"I live alone, Zivah," Ved said, "I try out everything. I like it that way." He said shrugging his shoulders.

"I would have loved to help but I can't," I said, "Tell me if there is anything I can do for you."

Ved looked up from what he was doing and gave me a sarcastic smile which I returned.

"I have kept that boiled chicken aside for Cody. Give that to him till then." He said pointing at the cooker and then got back to veggies. "Also take the water from Aqua." He said, being engrossed.

"Yes, I forgot that," I said being guilty. I saw Ved shaking his head a little from side. But I didn't argue and hurried to take the chicken to my favorite boy.

***********

I gave a full smile to Ved as I took the last bite.

"It was divine," I said meaning each and every word I spoke. I didn't know this boy had so many qualities. Now I think I get to see a new color of him every day.

"You are just saying that or you actually mean it?" He asked as he got up from his seat taking his plate and mine as well.

"Of course I mean it." I said getting up with some utensils in my hand and following him to the kitchen, "Why would I say anything just to make you feel better."

Ved just smiled as he got back to bring remaining utensils.

"Let me help you with the cleaning of dishes," I said putting the apron on as soon as he came back. He opened his mouth to say something but I cut him off before.

"And I'm gonna help whether you like it or not." I declared tying my hair in a messy bun. Ved didn't say anything.

Cody came from the living room and stopped to look at us.

"Babu, tell me if you need anything," I said as he yawned.

"Go and sleep," I said further, "Let me finish this."

Cody looked at me one more time and made his way inside the bedroom. I let out a chuckle and shook my head a little taking utensil one by one to wash.

"When did you adopt him?" Ved asked wiping the utensil I gave to him by cloth and putting it to the side.

"7 years back," I said.

"Wow that's a long time," He said.

"Yup!" I said shrugging my shoulders as I handed him one dish.

"So you take him everywhere with you?" He asked again.

"Yes, he is my companion in almost everything," I said with a big smile.

"Actually he has been gifted to me..." I said continuing. I stopped before opening my mouth again to speak further, "By my ex-boyfriend."

"So you had been in a relationship with him for 7 years?" Ved asked. I stopped and I closed the tap and looked back at him.

"No..." I said shaking my head a little, "He has been my best friend ever since I went to New York."

"Okay." He just said. No one spoke for some time and we got back to what we were doing, cleaning dishes. There were loads actually and I was glad that I was of any help to him. I can't even imagine him cleaning everything by himself that too because of me.

I handed the last utensil to him and closed the tap. I washed my hands and wiped them on one cloth.

We made our way towards the living room. I sat comfortably on the Sofa and Ved sat opposite me.

"Wasn't it tough?" Ved asked. I gave him a confused look so he continued further, "I mean losing your best friend and boyfriend both?"

I let out a sigh before talking.

"It was," I said, "Anyway I lost both of them months before coming to Delhi. I started feeling distant from him for months now." I said and looked at him. He was looking back as he gave no expressions to me.

"It happens." He said nodding.

"Shit happens," I said as he gave me his gentle smile. I don't know what is in that but it always sent some butterflies in my stomach.

Ved looked away outside as I moved my gaze around the house once again until it stopped at something. My smile grew bigger.

"You have PlayStation?" I asked with a wide smile. Ved threw a confused look at me.

"Yeah!!!" He said looking at me with amusement, "That reaction was pretty unusual." He finished smiling.

"Oh, I do love playing games!" I said and raised my eyebrows asking him silently or rather throwing a challenge in open.

Ved gave another of his amused smile and got up from his seat.

"Let's see then, Princess." Ved said going towards the TV set, "How good you actually are?"

"Bring it on!" I said sitting straight in my seat and getting excited.

We played and laughed our asses out. I was already feeling better as soon as I came to this house but I forgot all of my life problems just sitting with him and laughing like this with him. I don't remember laughing like this in a long time. I actually missed laughing like I've nothing to worry about like I'm free. Laughing the ugly laugh where you don't care how you sound or how stupid you look, the laugh till your stomach hurts. I missed this kind of laugh and I found it back with him.

I was truly happy and I didn't want this to ever end. I want to stay like this with him, being kind and always happy, always laughing. He makes me forget my worries, he makes me think differently about the problems my life holds. He makes me want to love myself.

I shouted victoriously letting my hands in the air as I won the final game. Ved gave me his enchanting smile yet again.

"So what you have to say now, Kashyap?" I said as Ved sat on the ground resting his back against the wall.

"I can just say that you surprise me every day." He said with a smirk.

"Really?" I asked raising my eyebrows at him, "I thought I'm boring."

Ved let out a small chuckle.

"You and boring?" He said, "Don't go well, Princess."

"Okay..." I said and walked closer to him.

"And what does that mean?" I asked sitting beside him as my arm touched his.

"What you want to hear?" He asked tilting his head to look at me.

"Few good things to make me feel better," I said taking his arm and putting it around me as I moved closer to him.

Ved chuckled as he pulled me closer pressing his lips against my forehead.

"You are way too full of yourself, Chandra." He said and I chuckled in his embrace.

He pulled me further towards him that I landed in front of him as he pressed me against his chest. He kissed me on my neck as a soft moan left my mouth. I closed my eyes feeling the touch of his lips on my skin.

I could feel him smile against my skin. Finally, he pulled me even closer keeping his head in the crook of my neck.

His warm breaths were hitting my bare skin sending shivers down my spine.

"You are special, Zivah," Ved said in a low voice. I didn't say anything just feeling that closeness and his touch.

"There is some kind of innocence still left in you which makes you different from the rest." He said after a brief moment.

"You look cute when you are angry or rather I would say jealous." He said further making me chuckle.

"Whatever," I said rolling my eyes. I shifted in my seat making myself comfortable as I rested my head over his shoulder, looking up at him, putting my hands around his neck.

"You left your home to find yourself. You took a chance to complete your dreams by going against your parents." He said moving a strand of my hair which fell on my face.

"You have that courage, Zivah." He said pecking on my cheek and staying there a little longer. A smile made its way on my face.

"You are not a coward like you think you are." He said brushing his lips against my neck.

"You are amazing just the way you are so don't waste your time thinking about what people think about you." He took my hand up to his lips and kissed it gently.

"That's like letting someone else giving the power to judge you." He finished and waited for me to say something.

"I have been in the spotlight all my life, Ved. Being the sweetheart of media." I said letting out a sad laugh. I moved in his grip and looked at him.

"My mom and dad telling me what to do and what to not. How to behave in public, what to wear, how to talk, how to eat, and what not!" I said, keeping my head on his chest. He engulfed me in a tight hug kissing the top of my head.

"Are you the person they are telling you to be?" He asked again.

"No..." I said shaking my head a bit.

"Then don't force yourself," Ved said again looking down at me, "Just be free, Zivah. Don't live your life pleasing others." He said.

"For once..." he said further, "Just for once live like the real Zivah Chandra. Not anyone's daughter, granddaughter, or sister. Just you." I let his words sink in me. It felt good to listen but in reality, it's different. It's difficult and I'm not sure if I'm capable of doing that, not after what happened today morning.

"Just go out there and let your soul free. Let those fears and insecurities get away from you." He finished and I could feel him looking at me.

"But my parents..." I said in a low voice.

"They are your parents. They will understand." He said.

"You don't know them," I said letting out a dry laugh.

"Just try once for your own self," he said, "I'm sure you can."

I didn't say anything so he thought of continuing further.

"Because I have seen that brave girl who is not afraid to stand for herself, for her self respect." He said as I looked at him with a smile.

"Zivah," He said further with a smile, "Don't force yourself just for the sake of those fears. There won't be any regret greater than that." He finished shaking his head a bit. 

Somewhere I knew he was right. But I was still hesitant to accept that. Because once I accept that and then when that thing will sink in my mind, then I won't be having any choice but to face it and act accordingly.

I don't want to regret anything in my life. I have enough things already. If I don't try this out now then I will be in the cage dug by my parents for life long.

But there is no point in pointing at them when I'm following them willingly. Who am I to talk ill about them? When I'm not standing for myself. When I'm the one who is letting them force myself. If I want this to change then I have to change. But...

I looked at Ved letting that but afloat in the middle of my mind. Because I don't think I can ever get rid of my insecurities just by thinking.

Thinking has always been my disadvantage. I just think and think about all the possibilities and then get scared and sit back. I don't know how to change that.

"I will," I said, "I will try, Ved."

"That's like my girl," Ved said pecking my forehead. I let out a chuckle.

"Your girl?" I asked raising my eyebrows refusing to go away from his arms. They felt like I belonged there, safe, and secure.

"Yes, right now as you don't want me to flirt with anyone then I want you to myself as well." He said shrugging his shoulders and pulling me closer. I let out a hearty laugh feeling butterflies in my stomach with his mere words.

"Tell me one thing?" I asked.

"Hmm?" He said raising his eyebrows.

"Why did you help me on the highway that day?" I asked looking at him curiously.

"You looked lost and annoyed," Ved said, "Besides as I said that place wasn't safe."

"That's all?" I asked again narrowing my eyes. I don't know what I was expecting but hearing his answer made me feel good. I smiled widely.

"You want me to say anything else?" He asked being confused.

"No." I said shaking my head, "I was just making sure of your intentions." Ved rolled his eyes as he shook his head in disappointment. I let out a laugh yet again.

"By the way, everyone is already considering us couple," I said tracing my finger on the symbol on his t-shirt.

"That's because they haven't seen me with the same girl for these many days in a pretty long time." He said. I smiled at hearing from him. It felt good for some reason.

"Your jealousy just added to that." He said further. I frowned pulling away from him. I sat straight cocking my eyebrows as I looked back at him.

"Don't blame me," I said deepening my frown, "It was your fault."

"My fault?" Ved asked sitting straight facing me, "How is it my fault?"

"I was just going with my routine." He said defending himself making me roll my eyes.

"How would I know that you would get jealous over it?" He asked.

"I don't share my people, Ved," I said giving him a cold glare. A small smile formed on Ved's face hearing me.

"Okay. I'm not used to the Princess culture yet." He said winking at me.

"Shut up!" I said hitting his arm with the same frown, "Stop calling me that. Because this Princess is going to rebel now." I said as the frown got replaced by a smile, "I'm going to run off that castle. No matter how hard it will be." I said moving ahead as I placed a soft kiss at the edge of his lips.

"I'm sure you will make it." He said holding me closer to him. I smiled widely.

"Promise me one thing, Ved," I said. Ved raised his eyebrows questioning me.

"You'll be there with me like this?" I asked and looked at his face closely. He broke his gaze from mine and looked outside for a brief moment.

"Ved..." I said frowning at him.

"I don't know if I could fulfill that promise." He said looking back at me.

"Why not?" I asked sitting straight.

"Because I'll be leaving soon," he said placing my hair on the back of my ears, "I don't know when I'll be back."

I gave him an angry look pushing him a little away from me but his grip was tight. He didn't let me go.

"Zivah..." He said, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I said frowning, "You don't have to be this straight forward."

"At least promise me that you'll be there whenever we are in the same city," I said looking at him with some anger. He let out a laugh.

"I can promise that." He said nodding. I smiled a little looking at this miserable guy.

I don't know why I am just getting pulled towards him. I shouldn't. It's not good for him and neither for me but I just can't help it.

"But Zivah," he said getting serious. I looked at him and gave a confused look. "I'm allowed to flirt once you will be in New York, right?" He finished containing his laugher. I gave him a dirty look.

"I'll think about it," I said. He bent and placed a gentle kiss on my nose and cheek. I giggled as I placed my hands over his shoulders.

"Don't even think of cheating though. I'll hunt you down to kill you." I said smirking at him.

"I don't cheat. People cheat on me." He said giving me a smile. My smile was replaced by a frown.

"Anyway, what would you like to drink, ma'am?" Ved asked looking at the wall clock.

"Stop thinking about that Mira," I said with pure rage.

"When did I think about her?" Ved asked. I looked at him with anger held in my eyes.

"That was just a reference," Ved said letting out a sigh. I didn't say anything nor moved from my spot.

"Okay. I will," Ved said giving in, "But that frown looks cute." He finished with a smirk. I rolled my eyes without changing my expressions.

"Okay. Sorry." He said pecking on my lips as I finally broke into a smile. Ved chuckled shaking his head.

"What will you drink?" He asked again getting up.

"I don't want to go back," I said throwing my hands in the air at him. He held them and pulled me towards him making me stand on my feet.

"Then stay." He said and turned into his position going into the kitchen. "I'm making coffee as you are basically not telling me anything." He said.

"I'm fine with anything, Ved," I said pouting at him, "I like both."

Cody barked from inside the bedroom and came out as he did his stretching after a nice sleep.

"What do you want Cody?" Ved asked as he barked wagging his tail.

"He likes you," I said looking at Cody and back at Ved.

"If his mom is liking me then, of course, he will too," Ved said winking at me and making me blush a little hard.

The evening went by with him so fast and it was finally the time when he dropped me and Cody home. I didn't want to let him go just yet but I couldn't say anything. So I just said good night and pecked on his lips before getting off the car with Cody. He didn't bother to come in as it was late and vanished at a distance like a dream.

I let out a sigh and made my way in with Cody rushing in before me.

I don't know what's this bond, what's this connection and where it is taking us. But it does scare me, I'm not gonna lie to myself. I've started depending on him too much, I've started feeling too much for him and I can't help it. And it scares me. He's gonna leave soon, even I'm leaving too. What happens after that? Ugh!

I shook my head feeling frustrated with my thoughts. There's no point in overthinking this or trying to make sense of this situation. We only know once we are at that moment, so worrying about it from now is only good at making me anxious.

Focus on the present, Zivah! You are having a good time, you are learning to be strong. Trust yourself and trust this connection that you found in him. There must be a reason... A good reason to have met him.

Things will be fine... I'll be too. I'm only getting stronger and I'll face things, be it my parents or be it the future of this connection with Ved.

I'm going to be optimistic!

___________________________

✨Authors Note✨

Here it is. Another chapter down with our beautiful ZiVed. We hope you liked it.

Enjoy ZiVed until you have them. 😉😏

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Loads of Love. ❤️