Zivah's POV

I changed into my comfortable T-shirt and pants once we were downstairs. Everyone left in the night itself so it was just Ved, Rupath, Renee, and I. We had breakfast with Rupath bugging Ved about his future plans about marrying stating his own. Ved looked pure pissed and then, he took it back on Rupath by teasing him about how emotional he got about leaving him.

He blamed it on Renee and got an earful from her making me laugh out loud.

Renee went ahead with how he should be well behaved after their wedding and Rupath just listened to her. I guess I will meet Ved in a few months if they get married and then, they remember to invite me. But I don't know what my future holds so I can't be sure of anything.

But I still have a little tiny hope about Alizeh's wedding if she doesn't get a brilliant idea of marrying offshore. I let out a sigh thinking about my hopelessness.

We sat for some time in the living room as there was still time. Rupath made his point clear to Ved that he won't be letting him go anywhere before lunch.

So he had no other option but to listen. I sat next to Renee as Rupath and Ved were busy discussing something. She was telling me about how she comes to New York often for work or just to visit and shop. I told her about my life there and then we discussed the places we love.

"You won't be going soon, right?" Rupath asked looking at me. I looked at him from my conversation with Renee.

"I don't know." I said shrugging the shoulders, "Vihaan is here and..." I looked at Ved and pointed at him as I went on, "He is going too so I guess it's time for me to leave as well."

Ved didn't say anything as Rupath smile.

"Don't say that. You can come over here." Renee said holding my hand. I gave a genuine big smile to her.

For a reason, I love spending time with this girl. She might be 8-9 years older to me but she still has that nature where she can just mingle with anyone. I didn't even feel this age gap ever while talking to her.

"Of course, I can but it's better if I busied myself in work now," I said. Renee and Rupath nodded their heads.

"Mom and Dad also want me back. I have got a legal notice that if I don't show up until next week then they would take action on me for my irresponsible absence." I went on after taking a sigh.

"Are you serious?" Rupath asked letting out a chuckle and giving me unbelievable expression. Renee had her eyebrows raised as well. Ved smiled looking at their expression along with me.

"Yup," I said nodding.

"But Zee, isn't it like your Dad's company?" Rupath asked again.

"Well, my grandparents made the rules when they formed this company. Those are the same for everyone working inside that company." I said, "No matter whose daughter or son you are, you have to start from the base and follow all the rules. My parents, Alizeh's parents, and even my Bua followed those so us grandchildren have to as well." I finished with a shrug.

"That's cool, actually." Renee said nodding, "It should be same everywhere." Rupath nodded as well.

"I am going to visit you when I will be in New York," Rupath said narrowing his eyes.

"Definitely and my parents wouldn't object seeing the fame you two have," I said letting out a laugh. Those two chuckled shaking their head as well.

"So you are saying I can't come?" Ved said finally raising his eyebrows.

"I would leave everything and come to you, Kashyap. If that's needed anytime." I said dramatically throwing my hands in the air. Rupath and Renee chuckled as I let out a laugh. Ved shook his head giving me a look.

"Awww!" Renee said making a face.

"Someone needs to get a brain check," Rupath said eyeing Ved. He rolled his eyes.

"Alright, it's time to go." He said getting up but Rupath held his hand and pulled him back again.

"Just sit." He said making Ved stumble.

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

Ved and I drove in our respective cars to Ved's house once lunch was done. He said his goodbyes to both of them as he won't be able to see them before going to the airport.

I hugged them as well with this thought that even I might not be able to see them again. I felt my heart heavy. But I still put on a big happy smile as I waved them off.

"Okay, let me just get over with the packing," Ved said as soon as he opened the door to his house. He went in hurriedly looking around.

I closed the door behind and sat on the sofa when his phone which he threw on the sofa started ringing as Mira's name flashed over the screen. I gritted my teeth when Ved shouted from inside asking me to take the call as he was busy searching for something in the cupboard. I let out a sigh and got up from my seat taking his mobile in my hand.

I walked inside the bedroom with the phone still ringing.

"Who is it?" Ved asked with his head still inside the cupboard.

"Your lovely ex-girlfriend," I said in a plain voice. Ved looked back immediately as he moved his gaze to his phone.

He took the phone from my hand and cut the call throwing the phone on bed beside as he got back to what he was doing.

"I am afraid, Ved." I said as Ved looked at me with a confused expression, "She might show up here."

"Don't worry about it, Princess." Ved chuckled and got back to his work. I let out a sigh looking at him carefully. He looked frustrated so yes something was lost.

"What are you doing?" I asked finally not able to take it.

"Searching for my passport." He said messing everything in the cupboard as he shut it off with a loud thud. He looked around the room trying to remember but no luck as he moved his hand through his hair.

"Wow!" I said with an impressed tone getting up from bed, "You sure are well organized." Ved rolled his eyes at me.

"You can taunt me later." He said taking his backpack and opening it, "Just help me."

"Okay, what should I do?" I asked after shaking my head in disappointment.

"Search in that cupboard." Ved said pointing at the cupboard across the room, "I am pretty sure I brought it in this room when I came back from Australia." I nodded at him and walked up to the cupboard, opening it.

"How can you be so irresponsible?" I said taking out one drawer and looking into it carefully.

"I thought you will be happy." He said. I turned to look at him narrowing my eyes.

"I would never pray for something like this to happen," I said frowning at him. He looked up at me and let out a sigh, "No matter how much I want you to stay here. Because I know what that means to you."

I got back to search operation as Ved decided to stay quite. We searched the whole room where I found some paintings and drawing books filled with sketches piled up in a cardboard box. I looked at them admiring the art.

"I didn't know you sketch," I said looking at him who was busy searching through his almirah. He turned back looking at me for a moment and resumed his work.

"I used to. Now I barely get time." He said without looking at me. I just nodded my head as I looked at those sketches and paintings. 

Those were truly beautiful and mesmerizing. Some sketches of animals, people he met in his travel. The paintings of the beautiful places he visited. A smile unknowingly formed on my lips as I looked at them one by one. I didn't know he has this talent as well. He truly is an artist. I got back to searching after taking a little more time admiring his art.

It was then I found photos of young Ved sans the tattoos but with the hair a little longer in one cupboard. He looked terrifying with loose half pants and a t-shirt. He didn't even have a bulky body like now so it was totally terrifying. I started laughing uncontrollably as Ved frowned at me.

"Oh my god!!!" I said through the fits of laughter, "I should frame this."

I showed the photo to him and turned it around to take a look at it again. I started laughing again.

"Give it back!" Ved demanded with a frown.

"No!" I shouted shaking my head controlling my laughter a little but failed anyway, "Let me show this to everyone so we could have a good laugh." Ved's frown deepened as he looked at me.

"It's not that bad." He said folding his arms with crooked eyebrows.

"Oh please." I looked at the picture in hand again carefully. "What is that pose?" I asked containing my laugher again. He was doing overacting to pass as a cool dude.

"It's cool, okay?" He said still frowning.

"Girls used to be after me." He said getting irritated but I didn't stop laughing.

"Unbelievable!" I said and held my stomach as I wiped the tears from eyes, "My stomach hurts." I said controlling my laugh as Ved was giving me glares.

"And my head hurts, alright!" Ved said getting annoyed and throwing his bag on the floor, "Just go and sit outside. I will find on my own." He said clearly being annoyed.

Ved started walking around the room. I stood on the bed fearing that he will take the picture away.

"Aww." I said grabbing him by back, "Don't be angry." I pulled his cheek and he pushed me away gently.

"Go away!" He said with irritation. I pulled him back with force and pecked on his cheek.

"Oh someone knows how to get angry as well then," I said. Ved held my hands and freed himself from the grip.

"You look sho cute, Kashyap with that grim," I said and laughed out loud making him irritated further.

"Give it back." He said frowning.

"Kiss me first," I said with a sly smile.

"Zivah!" He said getting all serious. I rolled my eyes.

"You will miss taking my name so much, no?" I asked and cursed myself when I looked at the smirk formed.

"Eww," I said with a plain face as he let out a sigh and pulled out the picture from my hand so easily. He winked at me when I frowned.

"Whatever. I let you have it. Seeing that crying face of yours." I said refusing to accept my defeat.

"Excuse me?" Ved asked raising his eyebrows. I gave him a shrug.

"I know someone who would actually pass as a crying baby?" He said giving me a challenging smirk. I gasped looking at him.

"How dare you, Kashyap!" I said throwing a pillow at him. He dodged it while laughing.

"Truth is always bitter, Princess." He said shaking his head.

"I found something though," I said putting a sarcastic smile as I showed him his passport. He widened his eyes looking at me.

"Why didn't you say it before?" Ved asked giving me a look of disbelief, "I wasted my whole time." I grinned widely at him.

"Well, now what to do?" I said being dramatic as I moved the passport back and forth.

"You have to say sorry to get this," I said smirking at him. Ved shook his head a little.

"Zivah!" He said sternly. I let out a laugh.

"Yeah, I get it that you are addicted to my name and love me so much so don't keep calling my name over and over again," I said keeping it cool but I lost my shit at the end as I started laughing making Ved laugh a little too. Ved shook his head in disappointment with a grin over his face.

"Okay that's it." He said and jumped on the bed running towards me.

"No. Ved..." I shouted running but he grabbed me as we fell on the bed.

"Come here." He said trying to snatch the passport from my hand as I did every attempt to protect it and get out of his grip.

"What happened? You wanted a kiss right?" Ved said holding me tighter and making me laugh even louder.

"I want an apology now." I shouted, "My self-respect is more important."

"You little..." Ved said and tickled me making me lose it. I started laughing hysterically as he snatched it from my hand and let go of his grip.

I rolled on his bed still laughing as he got up chuckling looking at me.

"You are hopeless." He said looking at me and putting the passport safely in his backpack.

I got up from the bed and wiped the tears.

"Let me make you Chai," I said getting out of bed and walked towards the kitchen adjusting my t-shirt and pants.

"I don't like Chai." Ved frowned at me. I gave him a full smile and walked towards my bag lying on the floor.

"Because you haven't drunk the one made by me." I said putting my specs on by taking it out from my bag, "You'll love Chai, Kashyap."

"Okay," Ved said shrugging.

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

By the time I came to the bedroom with Chai I saw Ved resting his head on bed peacefully with his eyes closed. I didn't feel like waking him up so I was about to turn when I heard his mobile ring again.

Ved jerked opening his eyes and looked at me for a good two seconds.

"Welcome to earth," I said smiling. Ved let out a sigh and searched for his mobile.

He let out a deep sigh yet again after checking the ID and pressed the green button rubbing his face. I walked up to the other side of the bed and placed the two cups gently on the bed.

"WHAT'S UP, BRO!?" I can tell with my eyes closed who that is. Yes, drum rolls for Laksh Reddy.

"You don't have to shout," Ved said taking the cup.

"So everything is done?" Parth asked.

"Yeah almost," Ved said taking a sip as I looked at him anticipating the reaction. I am pretty sure I saw a smile but he didn't let it show.

"You looking red, dude," Randhir said coming closer to the screen and observing Ved.

"I was sleeping peacefully until someone thought of calling," Ved said putting down the cup and moving his hand through his hair.

I was just sitting there without making noise and adoring this boy with a gentle smile.

"Actually it's not exactly my fault that you are feeling tired and sleepy. I mean..." Laksh said and I can hear the sarcasm in his voice. I let out a small chuckle taking a sip of my amazingly delicious Chai.

"No one wants to know what you think, Laksh," Ved shouted at him in irritation as I heard chuckle and laughers from the other side. A blush formed on my cheeks. Ved went on shouting with a grumpy face, "So please shut it off."

"And yes you can talk to her as well." He said putting me on camera. I smiled widely waving at the boys.

"Oh...!!" They all shouted together with big smiles making me let out a loud laugh.

"I wonder what will you do from tomorrow, Zivah," Parth said making a point there.

"I'm having the same thought," I said letting out a dramatic sigh and eyeing Ved. He was taking sip after sip of the Chai.

"You can join us." Randhir said and Parth completed him, "Always."

I chuckled nodding at them.

"Dude, you okay?" Ved asked and we could just guess it might be Randhir as we saw him after a long time.

"I'm good. Don't worry." Randhir said with a genuine smile as he went on, "Just worry for yourself at the moment, Ved."

"I'm going to miss you bro," Laksh said putting a sad face.

"Dude, I'm not going for the first time," Ved said making a face. I shook my head in disappointment.

"I know but I still miss you," Laksh said again.

"What's wrong with these guys?" Ved shouted making us laugh.

"Yes, Laksh control." Randhir said putting a hand on his shoulder, "He is pretty much into the girl next to him." I giggled and Ved shook his head taking the cup to his mouth.

"Is that Coffee made my Zivah? You seem to be enjoying it a bit too much." Laksh teased him yet again and I felt assured as someone also thought that he liked my tea.

"It's tea, you fool!" Ved said in pure annoyance not being able to take the teasing anymore. I let out a chuckle looking at his cute annoyed face. Clearly enjoy it.

"You are drinking tea? Seriously? Since when?" Parth asked giving a shocked expression. The other two had their eyes widened as well. Ved let out a sigh.

"Since now!" He said with annoyance, "You guys called to annoy me?" We chuckled looking at him.

"Yes, though we won't have anyone for months starting tomorrow." Parth said grinning widely, "So yeah why not?" He finished with a shrug.

That's true who will I annoy now? Alizeh? But it's another way around with him. I pouted being in my own thoughts.

"Any way you won't bother to call or even receive our calls," Laksh said making his point. Ved rolled his eyed but didn't bother to say anything.

"I'll return your book in the next few days as I will be going back next week as well," I said changing the topic.

"Any day sweetheart," Parth said.

"We all will dine together." Laksh said and gave Ved a smirk, "Let people go wherever they want."

"Alright guys, I need to finish packing," Ved said getting up from his seat.

"Okay, bye." Parth said, "Take care. And if possible please stay in touch." Ved gave him an understanding node with a genuine smile. So I hope this time will be different actually.

"I don't want to get scared like last time after seeing some weirdest look of yours," Laksh said and Randhir agreed to him as they started discussing with each other about how weird he looked.

I missed that. I want to know as well.

"That wasn't weirdest alright," Ved said frowning. He looked at me as a big smile formed on my lips, "And no Zivah!" He shouted at me.

I started laughing remembering the picture I got a few hours back.

"What?" I heard Parth, Laksh, and Randhir shout but the camera wasn't on me anymore.

"Alright bye see ya." Ved said, "I will call you guys."

"Of course. Bye." Parth said.

"Bye-bye." Laksh said, "Happy journey."

"Bring one penguin for me," Randhir shouted.

"Dude!!" It was Laksh in a disappointing tone.

"What? I like that." Randhir explained to him.

"Okay bye," Parth said as Ved nodded and cut the call throwing the mobile on the bed again.

"So?" I asked raising my eyebrows and getting excited.

"What?" Ved asked walking towards the kitchen to keep his cup.

"How was my Chai?" I asked frowning as I ran after him. Ved shrugged his shoulders.

"It was okay." He said. I didn't say anything and put the cup on the counter waiting for him to finish washing his cup.

He extended his hand to take mine as I moved it backward.

"I can do it myself," I said with crooked eyebrows making Ved let out a laugh.

"It was genuinely the best tea I have ever had." Ved said with a genuine smile, "And I really liked the taste." I smiled widely looking at him.

"I guess I should take tea more often." He said.

"It's not tea. It's Chai." I said making him chuckle. He raised his eyebrows at me questioning as I went ahead, "It feels different."

"Okay, ma'am," Ved said giving me an impressive look as he said, Chai.

"Give me that cup." He said further pulling my cup which I held tightly.

"Just go and finished the packing." I said looking at the living room and back to him, "I'll take care of this." Ved opened his mouth to say something when I pushed him gently.

"Go already," I said pushing it out of the counter and taking my place to do the dishes.

"Fine," Ved said and moved to the living room.

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

I was pleasantly surprised when Alizeh and Ahil video called Ved along with Dadi and Dadu in the frame.

They gave him advice in a fun way and took a promise from him to be present at Ali's wedding on which she didn't look exactly pleased. I will talk to her later about her exact issue.

But yes, most of the time went on pulling my leg and laughing at me. Ahil was only one by my side as always while others had a good laugh. I was frowning most of the time.

"What's wrong with you?" Ved asked sitting on the sofa once the dinner was over.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing." I said dramatically making him laugh.

"Sorry." He said giving me an apologetic look. I looked at him as he gave me a full smile making me frown again, "But it was funny." I shook my head in disappointment.

"I love your family. Truly." He said still smiling widely.

"I was giving you a chance to be part of it but you just..." I said shrugging my shoulders as Ved coughed hard making me laugh.

He looked tired and sleepy with the redness in his eyes and messy hair.

"Just go and sleep for some time," I said looking at him with concern.

"That's fine." Ved said shaking his head a little and looked at me, "I don't want to regret later." I smiled gently at him.

"I can sleep in flight." He said further with a shrug, "Anyway who wants to hear nonsense from Sonia." He said resting his head on the back of the sofa.

"She is sweet," I said getting up from my seat.

"Yeah!" I heard him as I got seated beside him. I kept my head on the back cushion as I looked at him.

"Zivah?" He asked tilting his head to look at me.

"I'm okay," I said in a low voice as I sat straight again letting out a sigh.

I looked at him before speaking again, "I have to be, right?"

Ved didn't say anything and moved his gaze to somewhere else.

"Anyway, you won't listen. So that's the only way." I finished with a shrug. He still stayed quiet with his eyes somewhere else looking at the wall as if he hasn't seen anything more fascinating than that in years.

I shook my head a little.

"And don't worry about me. I will figure out my ways soon enough. I will focus on my career and writing as well." I said putting a smile. Ved looked back at me, finally.

"I will read business stuff from now on. I can proudly say that I knew this girl." He said giving me a grin. I let out a chuckle.

"Yes I hope I won't be in news for smuggling though," I said making him chuckle.

"You can't do that." He said shaking his head.

"What do you mean?" I frowned.

"I mean you are way too pure." He said moving in his seat to sit straight, "You have the purest heart I have met till now."

A gentle smile formed on my lips hearing him. I looked at him with adoration.

"You just speak through your heart without fearing." He went further nodding his head a little. "Just stay like this. Always." He said meeting my gaze.

"Don't let anyone change you. And just don't think much about people. You are perfect the way you are. So just follow your heart always." He said making me chuckle a little. "But don't forget to take advice from your mind in between." He said moving closer to me.

"Hmm..." I said holding his arm and resting my head on his shoulder.

"Ved..." I said in a low voice after some time.

"I know." He said hearing my thoughts.

"It will hurt for a few days but it will be alright." He said putting his hand over mine. "I promise." He finished squeezing my hand.

"I will miss you a lot," I said as a tear rolled down through my eye and rested on his t-shirt.

"Me too." He said gently putting his lips on top of my head.

"Then why are you being a jerk?" I asked moving my head up and facing him. He looked at me with concern as he moved to face me.

"Don't..." He said wiping my tears away.

"I tried hard but there is a limit. My eyes can't take it anymore." I said pouting. Ved gave a sad smile.

"You are a jerk, Kashyap." I said frowning, "You will regret this seeing me with my husband and kids."

"I know that very well," Ved said shaking his head and moved his hands away from my face.

"But at least you'll be happy." He said letting out a sigh. I groaned in frustration.

"Who knows. I might be cursing you as well." I said with irritation. He stayed quiet again so I went on, "I don't want to end up like how my mom and dad are."

"You won't," Ved said without looking at me.

"So you are coming back?" I asked and Ved let out a laugh shaking his head gently, looking down at his hands.

"It's about time." He said looking at the watch on his wrist, gifted by me. He looked back at me, "I should get ready." I didn't say a word as he got up.

"Ved..." I said holding his hand. He looked down at me and bent down getting on his knees.

"Please don't cry." He said holding my face. His eyes held hurt and guilt. I shed a few more tears as he went on, "Not over someone like me. You have so much better waiting for you. Just focus on that." Ved said as if that will cheer me up.

"I was just a part of your life, Zivah. That's all." He said further as a sob left my mouth. "Don't give anyone so much importance that their presence or absence will destroy you." He said.

"But I love you na." I said and he looked helpless. Ved let out a sigh and closed his eyes briefly.

"I don't know if I deserve to hear that from you." He said as I shook my head a little.

"So don't waste that on me. Save it for someone who is worth it." He said putting a small smile. I sniffed hard looking at him.

"You will miss your flight." I said as I rubbed my face and looked back at him again putting a big smile, "Get ready. I won't be fine anytime soon."

Ved's face had worry written all over his face but he didn't say anything and got up to get changed.

***********

We put his bags and stuff at the door. Ved checked everything by walking around the house for one more time.

"Okay. All set." He said looking at the baggage around.

"I'll take a cab. So go home." Ved said grabbing the keys and his jacket from the table beside. I rolled my eyes.

What's with these boys?

"Don't boss me around. I will do as I please." I shouted back at him.

"Okay." Ved said putting his hands in the air, "Whatever makes you happy."

"I have to say bye to Sonia as well," I said throwing a bit attitude. Ved gave a small smile. But it wasn't his regular one. This one held something which he didn't let show.

"Let's go." He said walking past me. My heart started beating rapidly. I can't take it.

I felt my eyes tearing up again as I held his hand tight.

"Zivah?" I heard him say, standing close to me. I looked at him with so many emotions as I pulled him and kissed him gently.

Ved put his hands over my waist as he kissed me back showing the emotions. We deepened the kiss pouring all our passion into it. I want him to remember this last kiss. This goodbye kiss filled with all my love and passion for him. I also felt him reciprocating my feelings through his kiss which he failed to express through his words.

I don't understand this. We love each other then why can't we be together? I just don't understand.

We pulled back breathing heavily as Ved wiped my face giving me a gentle smile. I smiled a little adjusting his hair.

We didn't have much time left as we moved out and locked the door to his house. Quickly loaded his luggage in the car as we drew to the airport.

Sonia and Kunal were already present at the airport waiting for us. Sonia engulfed me in a tight hug as Kunal gave a hug to Ved.

"Don't worry about anything." Sonia said looking at Ved and back at me, "I will keep my eyes open." I chuckled, just chuckled shaking my head a bit.

"You take care of yourself," I said as she gave me a smile and gestured with eyes.

"You too, Zivah." She said and got back at Kunal as he called her asking for something.

Ved walked towards me. I put on a confident smile.

"Take care." He said cupping my face. "And all the best for your future, Princess." He said with a gentle smile.

"I know you'll shine on." He said pressing a kiss on my cheek. I closed my eyes just feeling him as I held his hands tight.

"You also take care," I said holding myself together. I couldn't say anything more. I just can't because I know it will break me.

Ved nodded at me and let go of his hold. He took a few steps back from me.

I waved at Sonia as she along with Ved walked towards the gate. He didn't look back even once. He just walked forward. Forgetting his past. Forgetting me.

I kept on looking out for him but it was of no use. He didn't stop, he didn't turn around even once.

I sniffed hard as I noticed my cheeks were wet with the tears flowing through my eyes. I tried wiping them off but it was of no use.

I felt a hand over my shoulder.

"It's alright," Kunal said holding me tight.

"It's not." I said through sobs, "It was the end. For us..." I said as Kunal engulfed me in a hug.

I cried and cried. Kunal left me home taking my car. I don't know what he did with his and I wasn't in the exact state to ask anything.

He was concerned when he left me to Alizeh. I didn't even thank him or said bye.

I left for my room without bothering anyone. I just shut the door to my room and fell on the bed soaking it with my tears.

I felt like my world is over. It was more painful than I ever anticipated. I just couldn't take it. I felt devastated and helpless. The thought of not seeing him again made my heart break. It was literally the end of us. There's no promise or no hope to meet again and make things right. It's just...

He's gone... He's gone from my life just too soon. I couldn't bear that thought but that's the truth. The bitter truth. I don't know how many days it will take to feel okay but it seemed impossible at this moment. I was literally breaking and crying like my whole world fell apart.

How will I live without him now? How to go on without him? How do I break from my favorite habit just like that? How will I move on? What will I do with all this love? Should I wait or move on?

There were a lot of things going on in my head and my heart was in pieces. I don't know how will I move past this misery. A part of me was lost with him gone. I felt too tired and helpless. But I know I should move past this as well. Even though it's hard and I probably will never get over him. I don't want to. He'll forever be my one true love and I'll happily wait for his return one day. Although I don't know if that's ever going to happen.

But life has to move on, no matter what.

______________________________

✨Authors Note✨

So that was all for now. Ved is gone and we don't know when he will be back. ☺️

Let us know in comments about how you feel about this.

VOTE by pressing that ⭐

Zivah will be back with final chapter of first part on Friday.

Till then, bye.

Loads of love. ❤️