Zivah's POV

I woke as I heard some loud noise coming. I opened my eyes and blinked them rapidly as the brightness of the sun hit my vision.

I looked around the room registering my whereabouts. The flashes from last night surrounded my mind as I tilted my head to the side.

Ved was sleeping peacefully beside me with his bare chest while sheets covered around him. I smiled a little turning to face him. I kept staring at his face with the smile still on my face. He looked cute with his messy hair. I put my hand on his cheek and moved gently.

"Zivah, you are bothering me." I jerked a little hearing from him.

He opened his eyes a little and gave me a smirk.

"Yes of course, now I'll bother you," I said moving to the side with a frown on my face as I held the sheet closer to me.

"What?" Ved asked letting out a laugh as he got up and sat straight resting his head on the pillow.

"Give me those sheets," I said pulling them towards me but he held them tight as he looked back at me with that smirk refusing to leave his face.

"I need to change," I said in annoyance.

"You are changing into these sheets?" Ved said again as he rolled onto his stomach and came closer to me. I gave him an unpleasant look which he laughed it off as he kissed my hand.

"You are such a dork," I said pushing him away as I broke into a smile. Ved laughed along with me.

He pulled up his body a little and put his one hand on the other side of me as he came right above me. He looked at my lips sending butterflies to my stomach. Next moment he bent down pressing his lips against mine gently. He kissed me softly and my hands traveled through his bare chest as I kissed back him.

He pulled back in just some moments.

"Good Morning, Princess." He said smirking down at me. I smiled a little cupping his face in my hands as I pulled him pressing a kiss on his nose and then cheek.

"Morning, Kashyap," I said.

Ved let his body fall on mine as he hugged me tightly and pressed a kiss on the back on my ear. I giggled in his embrace.

He pulled away and fell on the bed, reaching out to get his shirt lying on the floor.

"Wear this for now. I need to sleep for some time," He said handing over his shirt, "Please?" He looking back at me with his puppy eyes. I narrowed my eyes at him and shook my head.

I took the shirt from him just when he gave a small peck on my hand and another flying kiss in my direction.

I chuckled and he got comfortable under the sheets again closing his eyes.

I shook my head gently and wore his sweatshirt as I got out of the bed to start the day.

It took me more than one hour to come out of the washroom. When I was finally out I saw Ved sitting on the bed half nude as his shirt was with me. He was scrolling through his phone. He gave me a smile as soon as he saw me and got up from his seat coming near me.

"I thought you'll be still sleeping," I said as he pulled me closer by holding my waist.

"That was the plan but then we have been called downstairs to have breakfast." He said pulling me even closer. I chuckled but it vanished as soon as it came.

"Shit, Ved!" I said. Ved let out a laugh.

"Yup," He said nodding. I let out a sigh.

Get ready for another round of teasing.

"Anyway," He said bending down as he kissed my cheek, "I'll get going now."

I made a face looking at him to which he chuckled and kissed my forehead.

"Don't go," I said pulling him back, close to me. Ved shook his head a little with a smile still on.

I hugged him tight refusing to let go.

"I don't mind actually," Ved said putting his one hand on my head while others on my back, "But we got no choice."

I frowned pulling away. He kissed the tip of my nose loosening his grip.

"Get ready we will be leaving right after breakfast." He said putting his hand on my cheek in an understanding tone. I nodded at him while pouting a little.

He chuckled putting a peck on my lips as he turned on his tracks and left the room.

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

The breakfast table was full of nonsense chattering. To my surprise, no one noticed Ved, and I spent the night together. And I couldn't have been thankful enough.

Everyone was there wittiest best expect for one person and that's Randhir. He didn't speak much. I was shocked but didn't ask anything as Renee ask me to stay quiet by gesturing with her face.

Mishka was sitting beside Randhir with her attitude on and didn't bother to talk to anyone much but instead keep stuffing the food in her mouth to keep it busy. I honestly feel bad for Randhir. I don't know anything yet but looking at this I feel he deserves much better.

If somehow he ends up with Mishka then I'm afraid his smile will be lost forever.

"I hope you slept well last night, Zivah," Renee asked with a smile.

"Yes..." I said not meeting her eyes as if I did some crime, "I mean of course."

"When I first came here, the place haunted me," Renee said shaking her head, "I wanted to get back as soon as the moon came up." I let out a chuckle hearing her dramatic explanation.

"Don't be dramatic, Renee," Rupath said eating the sandwich, "You still had me."

"Yes, who won't wake up even if someone murders me," Renee said rolling her eyes. "Literally he sleeps like that," Renee said eating her fruits.

"Come on!" Rupath said making a face.

"That's true though," Ved said taking spoon full of cornflakes to his mouth, "I have spent some good years with you in one house. He would find in the morning about the murder when the prince charming will wake up from his sleep." He said further earning a glare from Rupath.

Ved gave him a smirk as Rupath threw a tissue ball towards him which he dodged, of course.

"Absolutely!" Renee agreed to Ved's statement. "So what are the next plans?" Renee asked further putting the spoon down and resting her chin on her hands.

"Getting back home," I said eating the salad.

"Actually we planned on staying here till the evening but something came up so we have to rush," Renee said making a face.

"No problem," I said shaking my head.

We finished breakfast and came out with our baggage. Parth was standing at some distance looking into mobile with a serious look on his face.

I walked up to him but he didn't notice my presence.

"Parth?" I called him to gain his attention. He looked up from his screen at me with a questioning face but didn't say anything.

I thought of continuing further, "Is everything okay with Randhir?"

Parth gave a thoughtful look. He looked beside at the door may be to check as he looked back at me again.

"No, not exactly." He said shaking his head and letting out a sigh. "Don't worry we will figure things out." He finished giving me a comforting smile. I smiled back at him.

"Figure things out with that witch?" Laksh asked putting his hand around Parth's shoulder.

"Laksh," Parth gave him a tough look, "She is his fiancee."

"Oh, no no no," Laksh said letting out a laugh, "Not fiancee."

"Yes, she is his girlfriend," Kunal said joining us, "You are offending her."

Kunal looked at Laksh as they started laughing. Parth stayed quiet. A chuckle almost escaped my mouth but I controlled it and killed it inside.

"What yaar, Parth?" Laksh said, "This behavior is unacceptable."

"Shut up, Jackass!" Parth said a little aloud. Kunal and Laksh stayed quiet and so did I.

"I'm serious." Parth said looking at both of them, "We still have a little conservative family."

"Dude, forget him," Kunal said putting his hands into his pockets, "What are you gonna do?"

Parth gave a look to Kunal which he understood as the look on his face changed. He gestured a low sorry to him.

"Can we talk about it a little later?" Parth asked gritting his teeth. Kunal nodded at him.

"Yes of course." He said.

"Kunal, Laksh just put those bags in the car," Sonia shouted going towards the car.

"Yes, coming!" Kunal said moving with Laksh on his side.

Laksh patted on Parth's shoulder before leaving.

"Guess everything is not well with you either?" I said with concern. Parth shook his head being reckless.

"Yes, I don't think my family will approve of my choice." He said further letting out a sad laugh at the end.

"They might understand as well. Who knows." I said trying to cheer him up but he didn't listen.

"I will tell you the whole story..." he said moving his hands through his hair, "But just give me some time to open up."

I gave him a gentle smile.

"Don't bother about it. You have got all-time in the world." I said putting a hand over his shoulder. I gave a little smile.

"Okay then." He said coming forward to hug me, "Ved will drop you home." I hugged his back as I nodded at him.

"I and Laksh are going with Randhir as..." He said pulling away.

"It's okay," I said, "I'll see you soon."

"Yes of course." He said and moved away.

I followed him as all the cars were parked together.

Renee was standing by the door with her purse in hand. She gave me a wide smile coming towards me.

"Bye, Zivah." She said engulfing me in a warm tight hug, "See me soon at home." She said pulling away with a pout. I nodded at her with a smile.

"These boys keep coming over but it's you who I'm worried." She said further.

"I'll come," I said assuring her to which she smiled widely.

"Ved is not the entry pass. But your enchanting smile is." Rupath said winking at me. Renee let out a laugh and so did I.

"So come by yourself, alright?" Rupath said giving me a quick hug.

"Yes, I will definitely come over," I said moving away when I saw Sonia coming back from where the car was.

"Bye." She said taking me in a hug.

"Bye, it was nice meeting you," I said, "Hope to meet you soon."

"Same here." She said with a smile. "I'm gonna keep clinging to your boyfriend for some time so yes you are gonna see me and Kunal a lot often," Sonia said further as I let out a laugh. I didn't even bother to correct her for boyfriend thing as I'm damn sure it's of no use anyway.

"Sure." I just said as Kunal came from the side.

"Come here." He said with a smile and gave me a tight hug. I chuckled as I hugged him back.

I waved at them when he pulled away and made their way again at their car. It's strange how I judged him a few days back about not being friendly but he actually turned out to be the fun guy.

"Bye," Randhir said with a half-smile and my heart dropped looking at him.

"Bye Randhir, take care," I said holding his arm for a moment.

"You too." He just said that, nodded, and left.

**********

I shut the car door with a little heavy heart. I don't know how these people got so close to me. I never ever thought that leaving them would make me feel sad but here I am.

Actually it felt nice for a change as basically I never had friends to miss or hang out with. My world used to be so small before with just Vihaan, Alizeh, Ahil, and Cody. I never saw beyond them and never let anyone in as well.

But now, I have people to call as friends, who actually care about me, who don't judge me, who know me and like me for who I am. I feel comfortable with them and accepted by them. My world is expanding and I'm having some amazing people in my life who makes every day a little better and goodbyes a little harder.

It's how that famous quote goes 'How lucky I am to have something that makes goodbye so hard.'

It's true, finally, I've people in my life who I don't want to let go and I'm truly lucky to have them.

Ved got seated on the driver's seat as he put his camera on the backseat.

"You okay?" He asked starting the engine.

"I'm sad," I said genuinely, "I don't want anyone to leave."

Ved chuckled hearing me. I frowned at him.

We got on the highway in no time. I didn't speak anything further and he stayed quiet hearing to google aunty as he didn't want to get lost again.

Ved shut the mobile once he was on some known road.

"Will Randhir be okay?" I asked killing the silence. He looked at me briefly before moving his gaze to the road again.

"I hope he will be." He said.

"But..." I said and stopped. Ved raised his eyebrows.

"Parth is his brother, right?" I asked, "He didn't know about Mishka?"

"He knew that he is with someone but we met her for the first time," Ved said not quite looking at me, "Mishka works in Bangalore."

I nodded my head, "Oh okay."

"Besides, Randhir might be happy looking soul," Ved said after some moments, "But he has had his downs. He hides a lot behind that smile of his." He finished as he took a turn.

"Mishka is just one thing. There are loads." He said further.

"But can't he just say no to his family?" I asked again. "I'm afraid he will get lost somewhere," I said further. Ved didn't say anything for some time.

"Why don't you talk to your family?" He asked looking at me. I stayed quiet and looked out of the window. I got his point. It's easy to spit out advice at someone and making it sound like it's nothing. But that's never the case, only the ones that go through it knows the real struggle and pain.
I know that more than anyone and still I ended up being no different from others.

"Everyone has some or other things, Zivah." He said when I thought of staying quiet because I knew he was saying the truth. I felt ashamed and guilty.

"Nothing is a fairy tale." I heard him say further.

"I wish it was," I said in a low voice and kept looking outside hoping things would turn out well for everyone.

*********

"Okay, Princess," Ved said putting my bags on the floor as Montu kaka took my baggage inside. "I'll see you later." He finished with a smile. I smiled widely at him nodding my head.

"Don't forget that I still have a lot of places to see in Delhi," I said with a sly smile. Ved chuckled.

"I remember that," he said nodding, "Don't worry, we will finish all of them before you go back." He finished winking at me.

I frowned at him. "I don't want to go back," I said.

"Then you can stay with me here," Ved said with a smirk. My face brightened up.

"Sounds like a good idea actually," I said clapping my hands together. Ved shook his head with his ever so bright smile.

"What's a good plan?" We looked back, hearing the voice. Ahil came towards us, "I want to hear."

"Ahil!!" I said squealing as I hugged him tightly. Ahil chuckled returning my hug and looked at Ved as I pulled back.

"What's up, Ved?" He greeted giving Ved a quick hug.

"I'm good," Ved said shaking his head.

"Thanks for taking care of her all this while though. I didn't get to say this." Ahil said.

"That's no problem, really," Ved said.

"Zivi, didn't you invite him inside?" Ahil said looking at me.

"He isn't a guest anymore," I said defending myself. Ved chuckled.

"It's fine," he said, "Anyway I need to get back home."

"Dude, just have some snacks and leave," Ahil said, "It's chai time."

"Well...," Ved was refusing the offer but I cut him off.

"Just come na, Ved," I said going to his side and holding his arm.

"Umm..." He gave me a thoughtful look. I pouted at him and he finally nodded, "Okay."

My face lit up as we made our way inside.

***********

It's been days since Parth's birthday party. I met Ved a couple of times as he took me out in the city.

I saw some more places including, Akshardham and Indira Gandhi museum. We ate paratha, chole bhature, and a few other famous dishes. This time he carried the water bottle with him saying that he is not sure when we need it. I gave him some of my sharp looks which he laughed away.

Besides this, I made some progress in writing as well. I didn't write anything exactly but I know what I want to write. So I made a few notes in my diary regarding it.

I will start once I'm done with the current reads. I wanted to visit Parth for collecting some new books and giving the old ones to him back but he left for Bangalore on the same night we left the farmhouse.

Ved didn't say much about Randhir as he himself was clueless about most of the stuff. I just hope and pray that everything goes well for him and whatever is bothering him will go away.

As Parth still has some time to come back, yesterday finally, I took Alizeh to some nearby bookstore with me and bought a new book for me.

I opened the book and smelled it. It felt divine. This is my most favorite smell on the earth. I looked outside the window as raindrops fell heavily on the ground. It's been raining since morning and honestly, I'm loving it. It's nice weather to snuggle up on the couch and read a good book. I thought of making myself a coffee and pull my comfortable chair to the window and continue reading my new book watching the rain.

But I wasn't able to concentrate on the book. And it's because of that one boy who's thoughts has been haunting me since morning. Actually, my phone didn't ring since morning. There was nothing from Ved which I missed the most. I wonder why. Usually, I get some text or call from him every morning and today was different.

I put the book on the side table unable to concentrate and finally giving up. I took my mobile and dialed his number. The message conveyed to me was that his phone is switched off. A fear crossed my mind but I just ignored that.

It can be anything. His phone is out of battery maybe. He didn't get to charge it or maybe he has put it off for some purpose. What purpose?

It can be anything Zivah. You are thinking way too much. He will call you back in no time.

Alizeh entered my room without bothering to knock. I put the mobile on the side table.

"Mom and Dad are coming." She said sitting beside me on the couch. My face lit up.

"Finally!" I said clapping my hands, "When?" I can't wait to see them.

"Next week I suppose." She said sounding distant. I looked at her with a concerned face.

"Why are you sad?" I asked her by putting my hand over her.

"I'm not sad," she said shaking her head, "But now everyone will bug me with marriage shit again." She said rubbing her face with her hands.

"Ali, you love Ahil." I said tilting my head to look at her, "You both have been in a relationship for some years now. What's the matter?" I asked, being worried.

"It freaks me out." She said looking at me, "The responsibilities, the pressure, the sacrifices. Nothing will be the same again, Zivah." She finished shaking her head.

"Yes, it will be different but it will be good," I said putting a smile. "You both will be together," I said further holding her hands tight in mine.

"You know," She said looking at me, "I won't lie. But..." She stopped debating with herself whether to speak further or not but I assured her by gesturing with my eyes to go ahead.

She took a deep breath before continuing, "Looking at what happened to you and Vihaan..."

"It won't happen with you and Ahil," I said without letting her finish, in a little annoyed tone, "Ahil is different, Ali. How can you say that?" I asked her with a bit of irritation.

Ahil and Vihaan are completely different people. Ahil is a way more mature and understanding person. He knows to handle things well and how to let things not drive him crazy. He's been in business for a long time now and he has made it on his own. And if Alizeh and Ahil can keep their relationship alive through those hard times when Ahil was working his ass off to get a name of his own in the industry then I think they can survive anything together. They have seen worse of each other and still were together. They have been together for a really long time now and above all that I've seen their love for each other. Isn't that enough?

Both of our relationships are completely different and I can say Ali and Ahil have a way stronger, beautiful love, than what I or Vihaan shared in the past.

"I don't want to lose him," she said in a low voice, "That's all."

A tear escaped her eyes making me soft. I wiped it and held her close.

"You won't." I said making her understand, "Stop thinking anything stupid."

"You know you are making your life complicated with Ved." She said looking back at me. I let her go and made my distance.

I didn't say anything at all. Her words made me feel pissed and I don't want to take out anything on her. She is already worried about some useless reason.

"What have you thought about Vihaan?" She asked further as I didn't say anything.

"The doors are closed for him," I said making my part very clear. There is no second thought about it.

"Are you sure?" She asked again.

"Yes," I said in a plain tone.

Alizeh let out a sigh but didn't say anything.

"What?" I asked looking at her worried face.

"I don't know. I'm worried," she said and looked at me, "For you."

"I mean Uncle and Aunt..." She said further moving her gaze to her hands in front, "They won't let this happen so easily, Zivah."

I know this very well. But hearing from her made me worried even more. Alizeh, the ever so confident girl was sitting beside me looking a complete mess.

"I know," I said, "But I won't let them force me into a relationship. It's my choice." I finished containing my anger at just a mere thought.

I felt Alizeh's hand over mine as I looked back at her.

"Just remember that you are not alone," Alizeh said with a smile, "I'm with you." She finished giving me an assuring smile.

"I know." I smiled back at her putting my head over her shoulder.

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

I was scroll through my company mailbox which I didn't open for days now. I thought there won't be anything but to my surprise there were tons.

I went through them one by one as a smile formed on my lips. Those were nothing work-related as I'm basically not assigned anything at the moment.

It was my team who keeps emailing me randomly telling me how much they miss my scolding.

I scrolled again not missing anything. When I saw one particular mail which came just yesterday and that too from my dad actually.

It read like this,

Hello Ms. Chandra,

This is to inform you that you have been absent from the company for over a month now.

Considering you owned some of the important projects with some of the VIP clients it was irresponsible from your side.

You have been granted leave for just 15 days but you kept on extending it for over a month now which is unacceptable.

I hereby am giving you the final 15 days to get back and hold your position else we have to take disciplinary actions against you or even suspend you from your position and this company.

You can contact me directly if you disagree with anything.

Thanks and Regards,
Avinash Chandra
CEO
Trion Tech PVT. LTD.

Anger filled my veins as I finished reading the mail. How can he do that?

I dialed his number without looking at the clock. The rings went on but no one picked up.

I took deep breaths to calm myself down but it was of no use. I dialed his number again and this time he picked up after a few rings.

"Yes?" He started formally. His voice seemed like he just woke from his sleep but I don't care.

"What is that mail?" I asked calming my senses down.

"Mail?" He asked sounding confused but then he let out a sigh.

"You called me in the middle of the night to ask that nonsense?" Dad asked sounding so calm but the people who know him closely can tell the storm which might come after this calm.

"Can't you read it by yourself?" He asked making his voice a bit louder.

"Dad..." I whispered as I gulped a tear hard.

"Do I need to explain pure English to you now?" He asked again. I wiped my tears before they come out.

"I told you that I won't come back until..." I said determinedly.

"And I made it clear that you have to come back whenever I call you." He said shouting from the other side. I jerked hard hearing his loud voice.

"Dad..." I said as a sob left my mouth, "Please. I can't come back now." I said, pleading him.

"And can I know the reason?" He asked in his usual cold tone, "What is more important than your own career?"

I can't utter a word even when I have a lot to say. This has always been the case but I see myself building some courage as the day pass. And I'm going to rebel soon enough.

"I won't let you act as you please just because you are my daughter." He said further. "Rules are the same for everyone." He finished.

"Yes," I said as I got control over my tears. I won't let them flow just like that. He needs to know I have become stronger now. I don't want to sound vulnerable.

"And I'm sorry for breaking them," I said being genuine. I know I'm using my surname for my own good and I can't deny that as well. I know what I did was wrong.

"But..." I said again, "Dad, please... Please just this once." I said further when he didn't speak anything, "Let me live as I want? Just this once." I could hear his breathing but he was quite. For once I felt he understands me, that he will get what I want to say.

"I have listened to you all my life, Dad," I said further nodding my head. "I will in the future as well. But just give me some more time?" I finished and waited for him to say something.

I heard him let out a frustrated sigh. It followed by some noise. It was familiar. The glasses and the bottles. He was drinking again.

"30 days at max." He said finally breaking the silence. I let out a sigh of relief. 30 is better than 15 I guess.

"I can't break company rules for my own daughter no matter what." He said sipping his drink. "Either come back in the next 30 days or else..." He said as I heard the sound of glass put on the surface.

"You will be suspended." He said and cut the call right away without waiting for me to say anything.

I closed my eyes calming my senses again as I put the mobile down. I held my head in both of the hands as the clouds started gathering in my messed up mind yet again.

**********

It was still raining the other day. The sky was dark just like my mind which hasn't recovered since yesterday.

I tried calling Ved again but it's the same. He is unreachable. I don't know where he went. Did he just got over me and cut all the ties? No! He won't do anything like that. I'm just thinking way too much.

Maybe it's just aftereffects of the conversation I had with Dad yesterday. I let out a sigh resting my head against the window.

I heard a knock on the door as the door got open and Dadi entered the room closing the door behind.

I gave her a weak smile. She smiled back as she sat on the couch.

"What's wrong?" I asked looking at her worried face.

"Your mother is here," Dadi said coming straight to the point. It was like someone hit my head with an iron rod. I kept looking at her for some good two minutes until I registered what she said.

"Wh..." I spluttered, "What?"

"Zivah, just listen to me," Dadi said putting her hand over my arm. But I lost it again.

"I already talked to Dad about this," I said yelling as I stand on my two feet. Dadi stood as well. "I'm not going back," I said more to myself. I couldn't control my anger.

I was happening for a long time. I had no control over myself. The anger surpassed me and I was just talking something to myself.

"She is not here to take you back," Dadi said putting her hands over my shoulders trying to calm me down, "She was worried for you."

"Worried?" I asked letting out a laugh, "Where was her worry when I was in New York battling with my own problems?" I asked gritting my teeth. Dadi didn't say anything but kept looking at me with worry all over her face.

"Did she even bother to ask me?" I asked as a tear slid through my eye, "What does she want to prove by putting this drama now? That she cares?" I asked again shouting.

"She does," Dadi said in a low voice. Her grip on my shoulder tightened. The worry was still there as she continued, "They are your parents."

"Parents," I said in a low voice looking down at ground momentarily as I looked up again to continue, "Dadi, you don't know a thing. I have been through hell where..." I said but stopped. I took a deep breath calming myself down.

"Where is she?" I asked in a plain tone.

"Zivah," Dadi said cupping my face, "Calm down. For me?" She asked, "Just talk to her calmly. It will help you to understand her better." She finished with a sympathetic smile.

"I don't want to understand someone who never understood me," I said shaking my head.

"You are still young," She said, "Don't be reckless."

"I will think," I said as I looked at her again. "You said you'll be with me?" I asked her. Her face softens and she gave me a smile.

"I'm always here for you and I won't let anyone hurt you no matter who they are." She said further pecking me on my forehead.

"Not even your parents." She said nodding at me. I tried to smile but couldn't. "But for that, I need you to tell me everything." Dadi finished waiting for me to answer.

"I will. Just let me handle this." I said nodding at her. She smiled rubbing my back as we made our way downstairs.

***********

And there was she. Sitting and laughing and chatting with Alizeh and Dadu as nothing happened. Like she is the ideal mother anyone would want.

She moved her gaze to meet my anger filled eyes. She was taken aback by the fire in my eyes but she contained herself putting the show again.

She got up from her seat as she made her way towards me.

I didn't change my expressions but she was too good with the act. She pulled me in a hug and for the sake of Dadi who squeezed my hand, I let her do what she wanted to.

There was a storm taking place inside me and I knew it might blow anytime if I don't stay quiet. This act was nothing new for me though. It happens every time we are in public, acting as a perfect happy family. I used to go along with it before as I didn't any other choice. But now, things have changed, I've changed. I can't take this shitty acting anymore. It just makes me angry and disgusted.

For once, just once I asked them to let me live my life but NO! But I'm determined not to go back. Not at least for the next 30 days. I've decided that and I'm not changing it for anyone. No matter what happens, what she does, I'll not give her the power to take me back. I won't budge from my decision.

She pulled back placing a hand on my cheek.

"Look at you," she said dramatically, "Dadi seems to have taken care of you well."

I wanted to snap back but I still stayed quiet letting her do what she wants to.

Dadi, Dadu, and Alizeh looked concerned. Concerned looking at me, looking at her and her show.

Alizeh came running to my side, "Chachi, let's sit and have something. You have had a long flight. You both can catch up later?" Alizeh said giving an awkward smile as she looked at us.

"Right." Mom said again with her big smile. Her smile is so charming and sweet that no one would ever second guess if she has an ugly side to her. She was beautiful, poised, and feisty. She naturally comes off as a nice but determined woman and anyone would love her. That's her advantage, she's a good actress, a very good actress who can hide her real colors so well from the entire world.

"Let's go beta." She said in her sweet voice as she looked at me pulling me with her.

I jerked her hand. She was taken aback. Alizeh had the same shocked expression as she probably didn't think I'll do that.

"I will be in my room," I said moving my gaze to Dadi, "If anyone needs me."

I turned in my tracks leaving everyone behind as I made my way towards my room.

I closed my room door behind me as I sat there on the floor, leaning back my head on the door. It didn't take much time before tears started flowing from my eyes.

Few sobs left my mouth as I saw Cody getting up from the bed, waking from his deep slumber. He came rushing to my side and licked off my tears making me chuckle like always.

I hugged him tight as I cried a little harder trying to muffle my sobs. All of a sudden I felt so alone. Nothing felt right and my future looked dark. All the positive things I felt vanished and I only felt more miserable than ever. I felt like I was back in that cold house in New York, where nothing felt like home. Just her mere presence made me feel so weak, so lost and powerless.

At that moment, I just wanted to see Ved. I wanted him to tell me that I'll be fine and he'll be here with me as I fight through this. I got up to pick my phone and call him. But once again his phone was unreachable. I felt broken and betrayed for some reason. I know it's just my mind and situation which is making me think this way but I couldn't help it. I wanted to hear his voice, see his face, feel his touch to feel fine again. But he was gone...

I didn't know how to feel about things anymore. I felt lonely and broken once again. And maybe I'm meant to stay like this...

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✨Authors Note✨

So that's all for now. Where did Ved go? 🤔

Anyway, tell us in comments what you feel about this one.

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Zivah will be back with another update soon.

Till then, bye.

Loads of love. ❤️