Zivah's POV

I put down the pen and yawned opening my mouth full. I stretched my hands in the air and looked at the Cody sleeping on the bed.

I didn't even know when it was 9. I smiled widely as I got up to get ready for the day. I took out the clothes from the cupboard and made my way towards the washroom.

I purposely woke up at 4 in the morning to write the thing I had on my mind for days. I would get back home late and sleep right away, finally getting up very late. So instead of staying awake through the night, I thought I should start my day on a good note with my most favorite thing.

So I brushed my teeth, tied my hairs, made myself a dark coffee, and sat on the balcony floor of my room. I started typing on my typewriter right away. The dawn was looking so beautiful. It was so silent around with the occasional chirping of the birds and sound of crickets. The perfect environment I want to write something close to my heart.

I was pretty happy with my work till now. It wasn't much but it made me feel good. I filled my pages with few poetries and wrote down my days so far in my diary. Surprisingly I didn't even know when the sun was up and the chaos started around. But I felt content today for taking out time for writing.

I got out of the washroom after a long hot shower. I changed into a comfortable loose t-shirt and pants. I let my long wet hairs dry with the dryer.

I finally got seated on the bed taking my mobile and putting on my specs, ready to call Ved right away. My heart felt sadness as I stopped at his name. It's his send-off party in just two days!!! It's over finally. It's about time to go back.

I shrugged those thoughts away for now as I dialed his number and looked at the clock. It's 11 so I'm hoping he is up by now. The ring was completed and the call got cut. I frowned but it was replaced by a smile right away when I saw his number flashing on my mobile.

"Where the hell were you?" I started shouting. "Anyway, I'm coming over," I said the next sentence without even hearing him out.

"I'm not at home, Zivah." He said making me frown again.

"Where are you?" I asked again.

"Umm..." He sounded reluctant as he stopped for some time, "There is something that came..." I narrowed my eyes hearing him. Not quite getting anything.

"I mean with Parth." He said further, "So..." I widened my eyes and without letting him finish, I started off.

"What? Is he okay? What happened? Should I come?" I asked firing questions one after another being anxious. I heard Ved chuckle.

My heart felt at ease with that gesture, to be honest.

"No, that's fine I guess," He said, "I mean he is okay. Don't worry."

"Alright, just be with him." I said with a small smile getting a little sad all over again but that's fine, "I'll see you later then."

I waited for a good few seconds waiting for him to reply but as if his focus was somewhere else.

"Umm..." I heard him after a moment of silence, "Just come here."

"No, that's fine," I said shaking my head.

"Parth is asking you to come." Ved said again, "So that's fine. Just come over."

"Um... Okay?" I said not being sure if I should go or not, "But Ved, go a little aside." I said in a low voice.

"Wait." I heard him say, followed with noise. He didn't speak for all the while.

"Yeah, say." He said finally I'm hoping after coming to the side.

"It's okay, really," I said letting out a sigh. "I can meet you at another time. I mean he is in trouble and needs you. I don't wanna make an unnecessary..." I continued.

"Zivah..." Ved said cutting me in between, "I am going back in the next 3 days. There won't be some other time for us." He continued making my heart sink. I don't want to hear that even when I know everything, "Anyway just come here directly, and please bring the car." Ved finished making me smile wide.

"I took a cab in the morning as my car was not starting. I mean I didn't give it much try as I was in a hurry because... Anyway just come soon." He said letting out a sigh. I let out a laugh hearing him.

"Coming right away for your rescue, Prince Charming," I said smiling widely. I heard Ved chuckle and I could imagine him shaking his head in disappointment.

"Okay, see ya then." He said.

"Yup!" I said with a shrug and cut the call.

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

Ved was already outside talking on his phone when I got out of the car. He walked towards me keeping the phone in his jeans pocket.

I gave him a smile which he returned.

"You came early?" He said stopping right in front of me.

"Early?" I gave him a look, "It took me almost 1 hour." I finished putting off the goggle as he smiled at me.

"What's going on?" I asked with uncertainty as Ved let out a sigh.

"Family matter," Ved said shrugging his shoulders, "Hear it from them."

"Okay." I nodded at him in understanding with a smile. Ved gestured me with his eyes and turned around in his tracks with me following him inside the house.

"At last!" Parth said getting up from his seat as he hugged me. I smiled as I hugged him back.

"Sit." He said pulling away and pointing at the couch. I got seated with Ved beside me as Parth seated adjacent to us with Laksh on his side who I didn't notice till now.

"I'm sorry keeping him here today. But I asked him to join you which he denied." Parth said again with a small smile. But there was a difference. It wasn't the smile I am so used to seeing. Something was different with it like he is sad.

"I would have expected the same from him," I said with a genuine smile as I looked at Ved who smiled a little at me.

I moved my gaze back to Parth, "What's the matter?"

Parth looked at Laksh who has no expressions on his face which were so unlike him. I saw his body getting tensed as he looked at the ground below.

"Well, umm..." Parth started looking back at me, "My sister apparently got to know about my..."

He was reluctant as he was searching for some words. Everyone else was quiet, sitting in their own seats.

"My partner." Finally Parth said, "So there has been huge drama going on."

"She said, she won't tell anything in the home as it will create some big problems and more drama." He said with a sad smile. I saw his eyes getting moist but he blinked the tears away.

"I told you about my family right?" He asked in a low voice looking at me.

I nodded at him without any expressions so he went on, "Well those are kind of known people in the literature world so she thinks I will bring them down. Which might be true as people aren't exactly ready to accept the reality even today?" He said further letting out a sad laugh. I saw Laksh didn't move an inch from his place. His posture was the same even now.

Ved was silent looking carefully at Parth.

"I don't get it." I said with uncertainty, "What reality?" I looked at Ved who was looking at Parth. I then moved my gaze to Parth with questioning expression.

"Why can't they accept whoever you love?" I asked again not getting a thing. "I mean if you love her then they should give her a chance, right?" I asked with a shrug.

Those three boys again exchanged looks as Laksh finally looked up with some expressions. I didn't quite get them but they were somewhere between anger, hurt, and annoyance.

"Well, you didn't tell her the main part and went on with all the other story. Of course, she will be confused, no?" Laksh said refusing to move his glare from Parth. I haven't seen him like this. He has always been the fun guy I'm used to seeing.

"Zivah..." I heard Parth as I looked at him, "It's not her..." He said looking around uncomfortably. "It's him..." He said settling his gaze at me, "Who I love."

I kept looking at him for some time trying to understand what he said. I mean it's not something unusual but if someone tells you out of nowhere then it will surely take you off guard.

"Well that's the reason they won't accept it," Parth said letting out a sigh.

"Shit, I didn't know," I said almost immediately once I was done with registering things in my brain. "I mean I didn't think about it," I said again without realizing I was loud.

"Relax it's okay," Ved said holding my arm in a low voice. I widened my eyes at the realization and gave him a sorry look.

I looked at Parth who was quite looking everywhere else but me.

"Parth," I called as he looked at me. "It's not a big deal, really." I said giving him a small understanding smile, "I don't judge people just like that." Parth gave me a nod.

"So what about him?" I asked looking at Parth, "Did he know... Everything is happening?" Parth let out a sigh and a gentle nod.

"Yes, of course, I know," Laksh said in a loud voice jerking me hard. He eased out his gesture when I looked at him.

Oh okay... So Parth and Laksh are a couple?!

"I don't believe this..." I said shaking my head not understanding what's going on. I mean these are the same people I have to know for like over a month now.

And they are telling me now that they are dating? I would have been equally surprised if Laksh was a girl, that didn't mean anything. But I wouldn't blame them for hiding this considering the stigma around the LGBTQ community in India. Especially because they are famous musicians of India, the Rockstars, the hot boys who have crazy girl fan following. It would create a big controversy and result in a negative impact on their band if it comes out. Their secretiveness is totally justified.

"I mean not this. I mean I don't believe I didn't know anything." I said being frustrated with everyone. I heard Ved let out a chuckle. I gave him a glare.

"That's because we didn't let you know," Laksh said smiling for the first time since I got here.

I guess he thought I would take it negativity. I don't know why though. I never judge people just like that. Everyone has the right to live their life as they want. They have an equal right to love whoever they want.

"Look we are sorry." Parth said again and looked at Ved and back at me, "And don't be angry on him. He just couldn't tell because of us."

"Of course I do understand." I said genuinely, "And I don't blame anyone. In fact it made me happy that you guys think of me as your own to tell me something this big even when the future is uncertain." I said smiling widely. Those three let out a chuckle shaking their heads

"And I'm so happy for you both. Actually I adored your bond without knowing anything so now I can adore you both even more." I said further putting my hands over the cheek.

Ved let out a laugh shaking his head. Parth and Laksh looked at each other with a smile.

"I told you guys," Ved said.

"Told you what?" I asked frowning.

"Actually I was reluctant if you can understand us," Laksh said giving me a guilty smile.

"Of course, I understand, Laksh." I said with an assuring smile, "Don't worry about anything. I hope your family understands as well." I said further. They nodded hearing me.

"So you guys are like in live-in?" I asked for further.

"Yes and no," Laksh said.

"Meaning?" I asked being confused.

"I don't live here as I don't want people to think anything," Laksh said giving a sad smile.

"Well, someone keeps telling me to ignore people." I said eyeing the guys at my side, "Didn't he tell the same to you?"

I saw Ved shake his head a little. I gave him a sarcastic smile.

"It's not easy," Laksh said again.

"But you guys love each other," I said, "As long as you both don't leave each other it will be fine?"

"I won't leave him, that I know," Parth said with a shrug.

"So you think I will leave?" Laksh asked getting offended. I and Ved chuckled at them.

"I'm just saying it, Laksh." Parth said defending himself, "We are there for each other."

"Yes, we are," Laksh said giving him a smile as he put his hand over Parth's.

"I envy you both," I said folding my hands over my chest with a frown. Parth and Laksh eyed Ved.

"Alright..." Ved said shaking his head, "I don't understand why it always has to fire back at me?"

"Because you are a jerk, Ved Kashyap. Just know that." Laksh said smirking. Ved rolled his eye and showed him the middle finger.

I and Parth made a face and Laksh started laughing.

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

Parth and Laksh got busy discussing something like some people who I don't remember seeing showed up to the house.

There was a girl maybe in her early thirties, kind of arguing with Parth with one man to her side. Laksh was sitting quiet.

I made my way to the outside garden where I won't be able to be seen or hear anything. It seems personal so it's better to give them some space.

I let out a sigh looking ahead as I heard door creak. I looked back to see Ved enter shutting the sliding door behind.

"We should take them somewhere once she is gone. Just to lit up the mood." I said moving my gaze along with Ved. He got seated opposite me on wooden sofa.

"I guess." Ved said shaking his head, "That would be good."

I gave him a full smile and he returned it back.

"She is his sister." He said after some time.

"I thought so," I said with a nod, "But..."

Ved gave me a questioning look raising his eyebrows.

"Aren't siblings supposed to be understanding and protective?" I asked with reluctance looking at the door and back at him in a low voice.

"She might not be as cool as you?" Ved said with a smile.

"That I know." I said chuckling as I got up from the seat. Ved followed my move as I moved his hands to the side and got seated on his lap, resting my back on his chest. I put his hands around me holding them in mine.

"People are still in the house." Ved said. I rolled my eyes hearing him.

"Thanks." I said sarcastically, "But I know that very well and I don't care." I finished with a shrug. I heard Ved chuckle but he didn't move. He rested his head against mine.

"It feels good be like this." I said as the moments passed, "But someone is just..." I stopped with a frown and let out a sigh.

"Anyway leave that." I said shaking my head as it's of no use anyway.

"Seriously?" Ved asked tilting his head.

"Hmm..." I said playing with his hand.

"That's new." He said further letting out a small laugh.

"So..." I said moving a little so that I could see him, "I just want to say you can call me anytime you remember me."

Ved didn't say anything and stayed quiet as he looked everywhere else but me. I let out a sigh.

"You will miss me right?" I asked and again I was greeted with silence. Can't he just agree with me just to make me feel better?

"Don't flirt too much." I said again and stopped. A tear unknowingly left my eye and traveled through my cheek.

"Zivah..." Ved said as he put a strand of my hair at back.

"Let me be." I said chuckling to hide the tears, "Just feel bad. Because I'm in pain."

Ved didn't say anything and kept looking down at me as I brushed the tears from my cheek. I looked up at him once I was done and gave him a smile. He smiled back at little and kissed on my head holding me tight. I rested my head on his chest.

"Anyway, about them..." I said changing the topic as I drew circles on his t-shirt with my fingers.

Ved held my flowing hairs with his hand to make them halt at one place. He put his chin over my head. I smiled through it.

"Since when they have been together?" I asked.

"For some years now." Ved said.

"So everyone knows?" I asked looking up at him.

"Yup." He said with a shake of his head.

"Mishka?" I asked raising my eyebrows.

"I'm not sure but I think she will know soon enough." He said letting out a sigh.

"I feel bad for them." I said resting my head back on his chest, "Why can't they just go and stay somewhere far?"

"Is that possible?" He said, "They are public figures."

I nodded in understanding. They can't hide unless they buy some island for their own and go away for good. But that's not the way. They still have a family.

"I may be wrong but..." I said, "I felt Laksh a bit reluctant."

Ved let out a sigh again as his chest moved up as my head move with it.

"He is a little." He said, "He fears what will happen next."

"What about his family?" I asked as I remembered I actually didn't know anything much. I just know about Parth, Ved and Renee amongst everyone.

"I haven't met or seen them yet." Ved said with a shrug, "I don't know much but he is from North I suppose. He never spoke much about them," he said further, "Nor did they visit him... Well at least when I was around." He finished specifying the face.

"Then I should ask someone else." I said getting up and looking at him. "Maybe him directly?" I asked narrowing my eyes. Ved chuckled.

"That's sounds better." He said nodding in understanding.

We heard the door beside us move as we moved our gazes to the side.

"Guys!" Parth came out followed by Laksh. "They left..." He said further as they both got seat opposite to us. I looked at Ved and moved to the side a little.

"You both okay?" Ved asked. They both just nodded with nothing on their faces. They were just blank. My heart sank looking at them.

"Let's go somewhere." I said cheering up the mood though I doubt it will happen.

"You both go..." Parth said. Laksh just looked at us but didn't say anything.

"Just come," Ved said, "I'll be leaving guys. No one of us will annoy you later." He said giving me reality check yet again. Just why?

"That's right." I said with a pout. Parth and Laksh exchanged looks before looking back at us.

"Alright, I'll just change." Parth said getting up with a small smile which I can tell just by looking didn't come from his heart.

***********

I insisted that we should take one car to which they resisted as it would be pain for me to drop them as well as Ved but I don't mind honestly. It's good the more time I get to spend with them.

It was silent most of the ride with just Ved telling me the way as he sat beside me on the passenger seat.

It took us around 1 hour to be precise to reach the location. Hauz Khas Village. It was of course Ved's idea as he has roamed and found many of these places where there would be less to no crowd considering the status the two people with us hold.

Parth and Laksh anyway were wearing mask and hoodies gaining some attention from the people but thankfully they glared and got back to what they were doing not recognizing them.

We walked a little to the place where there were less to no people around and got seated.

Parth and Laksh kept on looking around them being uncomfortable and reluctant.

"Guys!" Ved called to get their attention. Parth and Laksh looked at him as he went on, "Just relax as you are gaining more attention by being weird. No one can recognize you if you keep your head a little low and just act normal." Ved said by gesturing. I nodded at them.

"Yes I guess you are right." Parth said letting out a sigh, still being reluctant.

They loose out their postures a bit but were looking at the ground as their gazes wandered around.

"What happened back there?" Ved asked. I glared at him but he didn't notice.

"She is not understanding. They might find some girl for me soon." Parth said shaking his head. Laksh kept his hand on Parth's but kept a distance in between.

"What about you Laksh?" Ved asked again.

"I'm not telling them," Laksh said moving his hand away from Parth's, "They will be broken."

"Broken?" I asked out a loud though it was supposed to stay in my thoughts. Laksh looked at me and back at ground.

"Zivah I come from a rather small town." He started after a long pause. "It was actually a big decision for them to allow me to join the band considering I'm the only responsible child." He said further.

"I might have come far but they still refused to move in Delhi with me." He continued and looked at Parth with a smile.

"I love him." He said, "And I can promise to be with him till the very end. But I also can't hurt them by telling the truth." He finished looking back at me.

"What if they ask you to marry some girl?" Ved asked the obvious question which I had on my mind.

"Will you be happy like that?" Ved asked further looking carefully at Laksh. Parth was quite. Laksh closed his eyes and shook his head in with hurt, guilt, and what not flashing through his face.

"No," He said in a little loud voice, "I won't do that."

"And what will you tell them? Why?" Ved asked again.

"I don't know," He said looking hopeless and helpless, "I haven't thought."

"Laksh, you need to take a stand." I said finally, "I'm not asking you to hurt them but you have to make them understand that you love him. That's the only way." I continued with a small assuring smile, "If they could give you a chance to go and live your life as you want then I'm pretty sure they will understand this as well." He looked uncertain. Parth was calm.

"They love you a lot you know that, right?" I asked. Laksh gave me a small smile as he relaxed a bit.

"Yes, I guess I should give it a try but not now." He said. "I need some time." He said looking back at Parth. Parth gave him an assuring smile.

"You got all." He said tapping in his hand. Ved smiled as he looked back at me. He gestured a small thank you with his eyes to which I replied with a big smile being proud of myself.

"Alright now cheer up the mood." I said clapping my hands in front with excitement, "Enough of being senti."

"That's right," Laksh said letting out a sigh, "I need some beer."

"We can't have that here, Laksh." Parth said.

"So what are we supposed to do?" Laksh asked again looking at me with confusion. I rolled my eyes.

"Let's play some game?" I said raising my eyebrows with a smile.

"What?" All the three boys shouted in disbelief. I rolled my eyes again.

"Yes, it will be fun." I said, "Come on. Let's play..." I said remembering the games.

"Dumb charades!" Laksh shouted like a child making me laugh. Finally he is back. I don't think I would get used to seeing him as a serious dude.

"I don't want to be with Zivah." Ved said with crooked eyebrows. I looked at him immediately with anger.

"What? Why not?" I asked deepening my frown.

"Because you are more into book?" He said stating the facts. I rolled my eyes.

"I watch movies, Ved." I said making a face. He just gave a plain look. "You are such a jerk." I said and moved my gaze ahead with the same frown as I folded my hands over chest, "Even I don't wanna be with you."

"Okay I'll have Zivah and Ved you can have Parth." Laksh said chuckling.

"Sounds good." I said and glared at Ved who was unaffected.

"Ved, I guess we have put kids in one group." Parth said letting out a laugh, looking at me and Laksh.

"I can't disagree." Ved said laughing and shaking his head as they gave high-five to each other.

I frown beside Laksh. Laksh and I exchanged looks.

"Laksh." I said.

"Yes, I'm listening." He said with the same frown as mine.

"Let's go, Zee!" He said looking confident, "It's showtime." He extended his hand towards me as I took it.

"Yes, come on!" Ved and Parth said with a challenging tone.

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

Ved is a terrible, terrible actor. And we were half already laughing our asses out.

Ved stood there doing koi mil gaya song step from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai while I and Laksh were rolling on the ground, laughing.

Parth was trying hard to contain the laughter but he was failing miserably. And I had a doubt that he purposely kept away from saying the name of the movie just to see weird dance by Ved.

But he finally said it when Laksh started the countdown holding his stomach with one hand and wiping the tears with the other.

Ved gave us an irritated look as we still kept on laughing long after that was done. He sat there with the frown but that didn't bother us. Finally as we were done with laughter Laksh stood for his turn.

I looked carefully to understand what he was doing.

"3 words," I said carefully, adjusting my specs. Laksh nodded and gave a thumbs up.

"Bollywood movie?" I asked. He gestured yes and started acting like a maniac.

"What?" I asked confused. He stopped and hinted at something yet again.

"What are you doing?" I asked. Ved and Parth were chuckling and whispering something.

"Crazy?" I asked again and Laksh gave me an annoyed look jumping here and there.

I still gave him a confused look as Ved and Parth started laughing.

Laksh said gestured again, "Big, small?" I asked and he threw an irritated look at me. I frowned at him.

"Laksh, I'm not understanding," I said being annoyed by myself.

"Dance maybe as it's Bollywood?" I suggested but nope he started thinking and gestured at his brain.

"Small brain?" I asked confused as hell. He let out a frustrated sigh.

"Some steps," I suggested again but nothing. He whispered something but they caught him right away. Of course!!!

"That was cheating!" Parth and Ved shouted pointing at Laksh who threw his hands in the air.

"Cheating..." Some more shouting. I just sat with a frown.

"Fine..." Laksh shouted back, "Koi Mil Gaya? I was acting as Hrithik who was a child basically with the brain." He said yelling at me.

"What?" I gave a confused look.

"Yes," He said clapping his hands.

"Laksh, you were pretty bad," Parth said laughing.

"And someone was laughing at me," Ved said smiling from ear to ear.

"You were hilarious, brother," Laksh said laughing again remembering Ved's dance.

"At least he could understand what I was doing," Ved said defending himself. Laksh gave him a challenging look.

"Couldn't you do some steps from songs?" I asked getting up from my seat gaining the attention of all three, "Like... Like..."

"Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala?" I said dancing like Hrithik. They gave me curious glances but I wasn't bothered.

"Or maybe..." I said again. "Kaccha nahi kuch bhi pakka nahi..." I danced yet again making them chuckle and laugh.

"You could have done better?" I said shouting at Laksh.

"Well, I haven't seen that childish movie." He said shrugging his shoulders. Well, he did not!!! No one has the right to make fun of my Hrithik. I repeat, no one.

"Do not disrespect my Hrithik and his movies," I said gritting my teeth as I gave a glare to Laksh.

"You have got tough competition Ved," Laksh said winking at Ved making him roll his eyes.

"Alright stop, stop." Parth came for the rescue before things get out of hands, "Everyone was great. Cheers to that." He said clapping and looking at us with a happy smile.

"Yeah whatever." I said giving Laksh a disgusted look. He just chuckled as I made my way to the other side walking away looking around.

I just kept on walking as the wind blew my hair away. I looked back to see Parth and Laksh laughing and chatting as Ved walked towards me.

"What?" He asked looking at me and following my gaze.

"I wish they would stay just like that forever," I said with a smile and looked at Ved who smiled looking at them with a nod.

"I wish that as well." He said looking back at me.

"And thanks for today." He said giving me his beautiful smile. I smiled back at him.

"No worries, Kashyap," I said holding him by waist, "I enjoyed..."

I said smiling playfully. Ved looked down at me with a small smile. I made a face and started laughing loudly.

"Your dance was hilarious, though," I said in between the laughter. Ved gave me an irritated look.

"I'm not talking to you." He said with a big frown and turned around.

"Alright, sorry..." I said holding him back with hand and making him stop, "Sorry." I said again.

"It's getting dark." Ved said looking around and back at me, "We better get back."

"No." I said shouting and frowning.

"Yes." He said glaring.

"Fine, we are having dinner together," I said pouting.

"Okay." He said nodding.

"Let me message Ali," I said typing the message on my mobile and putting it back in the pocket.

I followed Ved almost running to match his speed.

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

We had dinner as we laughed out loud on the silliest jokes. The people around gave us weird looks but we were in our own world without bothering.

"Seriously?" I asked holding my stomach and trying to contain the laughter.

"Yes." Ved said holding the laugh as he said further, "It was hilarious seeing the look on Rupath's face."

"I could even now imagine that," Laksh said grabbing his beer, "Priceless. When that girl shouted out his name loudly in a weird voice."

I laughed hard just looking at their faces. I could imagine the whole scene of embarrassment already.

"Those were the days," Parth said looking at all of us with a smile. Laksh and Ved nodded happily.

"I am gonna miss you buddy and you too my love," Parth said looking at Ved and me. He extended his hand for me to hold. Laksh chuckled from beside him.

"Aww..." I said giving it to him as he pecked on it quickly, "Just think about what will happen with me. I am going to be all alone." I said frowning, taking back my hand.

"Back to hell," I said shaking my head.

"Focus on work. Everything will be fine." Ved said drinking his beer.

"Yup, that's the plan," I said letting out a sigh

"I envy you bro," Laksh said. "Out for months... roaming." He said again dreamily. I smiled a little.

"Dude, I'm going for work," Ved said making all of us roll our eyes.

"Come on," Laksh said making a face, "It will be like..."

"Are you done Laksh?" I asked cutting the topic in the middle as I know what he will say. Laksh and Parth gave me a look. Ved tilted his eyes to look at me with amusement.

"No? Then shut your freaking mouth and bother to eat?" I said gritting my teeth with a look.

Laksh and Parth started laughing as Ved chuckled shaking his head a little. I felt stupid.

"Don't worry, he is all into you." Laksh said winking at me, "He wouldn't look anywhere else." I giggled looking down as I heard Parth chuckled.

"And I wasn't envying for having girls anyway." Laksh said still smiling, "You know the reason very well." He finished with a wink and looked at Parth who chuckled at him. I looked at them adoring.

"But yes roaming in different cities?" Laksh said further, "Cool."

"When you will be coming back?" Parth asked taking a bite from fried noodles.

"I don't know," Ved said with a shrug.

"Antarctica for a few months then let's see." He said further.

Parth and Laksh nodded their heads as they got into chatting and finishing their plates.

I stayed quiet looking down at my plate and finishing the noodles. I could sense Ved's eyes on me but he didn't say anything.

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

I dropped Ved at his house after dropping my new favorite couple to their house. It was sad to even watch him walk away to his house. I don't know how I'm gonna handle myself when he actually leaves, forever from my life. I like to be optimistic and hope that he'll reach out and we'll stay in touch and will meet and all that but I don't think that's going to happen. Reality is so different from all this. I know for a fact that once he boards that plane to Antarctica, that's the end of us. Just that thought broke my heart. But I'm trying to be more cheerful and make the most of the moments I get to spend with him before he leaves.

I reached my house and stopped the car on the front porch and handed the keys to the watchman to park the car. I saw Ahil's car parked outside which was so unusual.

Did something happen? Some emergency? But they would have called me to let me know if there's something serious.

I made my way inside as all lights were on. I felt something was off and walked in to hear feeble voices from the second living room. I walked in as I stood stunned there. My whole happiness of the entire day was long gone.

Alizeh gave me a concerned look. I cannot believe he actually came all the way here.

Vihaan stood from his seat as he looked at me with a smile. Ahil, Alizeh, Dadu, and Dadi just sat there without giving away any emotions. They looked worried for me. Cody was standing next to Vihaan wagging his tail rapidly stating his excitement and happiness seeing his Papa.

"Zee." Vihaan said coming towards me with a happy smile. I felt anger, annoyance, irritation building inside me.

I want to slap that smile off. How can he act like everything is well between us? Like he could surprise me. Doesn't he know that he is pissing me off right at the moment?

Vihaan moved his feet fast closing the distance between us. He opened his arms and came forward to hug me and I almost let him hug me as I was too stunned to even move or register things. But as soon as I felt his touch, I pushed him away in a swift moment that Vihaan was taken aback. I took a step back looking at him with pure rage.

"Did you think that I can be happily smiling into your arms the moment I see you?" I shouted in anger. Alizeh came to my side running. Vihaan was taken aback by my outburst. I honestly don't know what he was expecting in the first place.

"How can you act like everything is well, Vihaan?" I asked with utter annoyance and anger. My eyes and cheeks were wet by now. Alizeh held me tightly from the side.

"We are over. I told you already," I said shouting again, "How can you smile like that?"

Vihaan shook his head as he looked sad. He tried to hold me but I jerked hard which made him stumbled back. Ahil came forward to stop the drama going on.

But he stopped looking with concern at me.

"Don't you feel any shame?" I asked crying. Alizeh held my head and arm tight.

"It's okay." She said in a low voice.

Vihaan was trying to say something when Ahil held his arm gestured to not speak anything further.

I felt a hand over my shoulder. I looked to see Dadi. She gave me a small smile moving her hand over my head.

"Alizeh takes her to her room," Dadi said looking at Alizeh and then at me, "Let her rest."

"Yes," Alizeh said.

Dadu patted on my back while Ahil gave me a gentle understanding smile. I don't know where Chachu and Chachi were but I'm so glad they aren't around to see this drama. They don't know anything and I'm not in a state to explain anything to anyone.

Alizeh shut the door once we were inside. I sat on the bed throwing my specs on it as I started crying again. Alizeh gave me a concerned look as I saw her shading tears with me as well.

"Why is he here, Ali?" I asked crying. Alizeh wiped her own tears as she sat with me. She shook her head gesturing me not to cry.

I looked at the bed and suddenly stopped crying as I remembered him.

"Ved..." I said in a low voice and started crying again, "I'm already... I can't anymore..." I said shaking my head as tears flowed through my eyes freely.

"Shhh," Alizeh hugged me tightly, "It's okay. It's going to be fine." She said putting her hand over my head.

"Everything is going to be fine." She said sobbing herself, "Just hold on there. I'm sure my Zee is strong." She pulled away and gave me a big smile through her tearful eyes.

I put my head over her shoulders and let myself cry until all the tears were out of my eyes.

I don't know why life is playing such cruel jokes on me. Ved's about to leave in just three days' time and I'm trying to cope with that pain just when Vihaan has to show up like everything is perfectly fine between us. I wasn't ready to face Vihaan this soon. My all attention was on Ved and these few days that we have left.

Now that Vihaan suddenly showed up, I didn't know how to react. I wasn't fully in my sense. I was overwhelmed and stunned. My heart is still beating rapidly. I can't seem to calm it down. I myself can't seem to be in control. I felt lost once again.

It was with difficulty, I recovered from that mail he sent me. It took me a lot of mental struggle and pain to reach a clear picture. I'm still clear about things regarding Vihaan but it doesn't make it easy for me to confront him. Especially with Ved around. I can't waste any moment I get to spend with him. I won't waste our time, that might be the only memory that will be left for us.

I don't know what awaits me in the future but these three days are precious to me and I'm not wasting it on anyone. Not Vihaan, not anyone. It's only for my Ved. And I'll face any other things after I face the end of our story. Ved and my story.

_____________________________

✨Author's Note✨

So that was all for now. Vihaan has officially entered the story. There will be loads of him in coming chapters. ☺️

Tell us what you think about this one.

VOTE by pressing that ⭐

An early update as we are already done with writing the whole book so no worries. 🥳

Zivah will be back on Tuesday again with a new update.

Till then, bye.

Loads of love. ❤️