Zivah's POV

I stood outside Ved's room with my backpack and luggage. Vihaan was there beside me. He said he will wait in the lobby but I insisted him to stay with me.

We were ready to leave to the airport but had few hours to spare and Vihaan thought maybe I should say my goodbye to Ved. I agreed with him as I wanted to see him once again. God knows when I'll see him again if I miss this chance.

I adjusted my specs and knocked on the door in the hope that he will be inside. I waited patiently for a good two minutes when the door got opened and Ved came outside. His hair was left open which he tied in a bun as he looked at us. His tough muscles were visible in the loose vest he wore.

The wild tattoos were even more clear as I look at them now. He just stared at us once he was done tieing his hair. He looked surprised as if he didn't expect me to be here at all. I gave him a small smile which he returned.

"Want to come inside?" He said opening the door wide.

"Umm... That's fine I guess." I said with awkwardness. Vihaan is here and I don't want things to get out of hands again.

"If your flight is not anytime soon then, please. I insist." He said taking me by surprise. I looked back at Vihaan who gestured me to go ahead.

"I'll be in the waiting area." He said moving the luggage.

"Vihaan." I heard Ved and looked at him. "The offer was for you as well," Ved said. He looked surprisingly calm this time. I wonder what happened.

"Are you sure?" Vihaan asked raising his eyebrows at him. Ved chuckled. It was the shock of the century. I honestly don't know what is happening.

"Yes, I am pretty sure. Take it as a gesture to say sorry for last night." Ved said with an assuring smile. That's there. My Ved.

I smiled genuinely looking at Ved. He moved his gaze towards me and raised his eyebrows.

"You coming in, right?" He asked again. I cursed beneath my breath for staring at him like that but anyway he is used to my stupidity so that fine with him.

I gave him a lazy smile and moved inside. Followed by Ved and Vihaan.

"Well you won't get your Chai here so have to go with Coffee," Ved said making me chuckle. Wow!!! So he does remember.

I saw Vihaan smiling looking at me. I returned his gesture.

"I'll make coffee if that is fine with you both," Ved said going towards the coffee maker.

"As long as you don't mix any kind of poison in it, I'm fine," Vihaan said casually shrugging his shoulders. Ved chuckled again. No one would believe these two were fighting just yesterday night. It's just been 24 hours since.

"Don't worry about it," Ved said. I was looking at both of them dumbfounded. "Besides I am genuinely sorry for how I behaved yesterday," Ved said again as he looked back at Vihaan from making coffee and got back at it in no time.

"That's fine, bro. I'm sorry too for saying that girlfriend shit and all." Vihaan said nodding a little.

"That's okay," Ved said.

"What do you mean by you don't have any now?" I asked with a frown.

Ved and Vihaan exchanged a look that I didn't understand. They chuckled again looking at me, making me frown even more.

"Means I don't have a girlfriend. As plain as it sounds." Ved said as he picked up two cups and came forward.

"Here you go." He said with a smile handing me my cup and then going at Vihaan with his.

"Thanks," Vihaan said with a smile. Ved went back to the table and brought his cup as he got seated on the chair in front of us.

"So where to next?" Vihaan asked sipping his coffee.

"Maybe Austria," Ved said. So, it's not India. I felt sadness engulfing inside me but I didn't let it show.

"Alizeh's wedding is there so I guess you will give it a miss?" I asked eyeing Ved.

"She is finally getting married?" He asked raising his eyebrows with amusement.

"Yup after loads of efforts," Vihaan said smiling.

"When is it?" Ved asked again.

"Somewhere around next month," I said with a nod.

"I don't think I can make it," Ved said crushing down my every hope. I let out a sigh looking at the coffee in my hand.

"Okay," I said in a low voice without looking at him as I took a sip.

"How have you been doing?" Ved asked after some time. I looked up at him when I felt his eyes on me.

So finally this jackass remembered.

"I'm living the best phase of my life," I said with a shrug as I gave him a smile. Ved smiled a little.

He stared at me for a good few minutes. It surprisingly didn't make me uncomfortable in any way. I just felt a bit conscious as I moved a hand through my hair.

"I like the new look." He said finally. I raised my eyebrows at him.

"Really?" I asked not believing what he said.

"Yup it suits you better." He said further with a smile.

"I like the 2.0 version of you as well," I said genuinely giving him a sly smile. Ved and Vihaan smiled hearing me.

"I didn't expect that," Ved said moving his hand through his beard.

"I love those tattoos. I wish I could have them but my profession won't allow." Vihaan said pointing at Ved's arm. Ved shook his head a little with a smile.

"What's happening with you?" He asked to Vihaan.

I don't know what's happening with Vihaan but I don't understand what is happening in this room. Where is the awkwardness? Where is the grumpy Ved? What happened in these 24 hours? Or he is just being nice as anyway, he won't see me again after this? What the fuck is going on in his head. What is he planning?

"The same old story. I'm still the busy, ignorant dude." Vihaan said.

"So now New York and then India for the wedding?" Ved asked again.

"Yes, we will be going in some two weeks?" Vihaan said and looked at me for clearing his confusion.

"Yes," I said nodding.

"That's cool," Ved said with a small smile.

"When is the flight?" Ved asked again looking at the clock on the wall.

"It's around 3 in the morning right?" Vihaan again looked at me. God this guy. Doesn't know a thing.

"Yes," I said glaring at him through my specs.

"It's already 10, we need to leave," Vihaan said looking at his watch.

I don't want to go anywhere. I want to be with this guy in front of me. Why is it so hard? I felt some deep shit which I don't know how to explain.

"Yeah," I said putting the coffee cup away on the table.

"Sorry, man," Vihaan said getting up from his seat and going up to Ved for a handshake.

"So I hope to see you again?" He said shaking hands with Ved.

Ved just smiled at him and didn't say anything. As I expected. He was just being nice for this thing. Anyway, no one would see Zivah again so let's be nice to her.

"Take care, Zivah." He said stuffing his hands in his track's pockets. I just nodded without any expressions and took the backpack.

"It felt good to see you again and to see you are doing fine," Ved said further.

"But there is a lot going with you," I said.

"I'll be fine. Don't worry." Ved said giving me a genuine smile. I let out a sigh.

"So I won't see you again?" I asked with a tint of hope seeing his changed attitude.

He moved his gaze away at Vihaan. Vihaan let out a sigh.

"That's fine," I said moving towards the door with a heavy heart.

"Bye," I said turning away and looking at him for one final time.

"Bye," Ved said coming to the door.

"Have a safe flight." He said as Vihaan nodded. We made our way towards the lift with our baggage.

I felt myself tearing up a little but I contained it. I can't cry. I won't.

I kept looking down when I heard Vihaan beside me. "Zee? You okay?"

"Hmm..." That's what I could say. I heard him let out a sigh.

"Do you want a hug?" I heard him but didn't look at him.

"I guess I could use that," I said finally looking at him with my eyes filled with tears. Vihaan pouted his lips looking at me and then chuckled as he pulled me in for a hug. I hit him as he was literally making fun of my state.

"I'm sorry," he said still smiling.

I let out a small laugh and he continued, "But I feel you'll meet him again."

I pulled away from the hug and looked at him, questioning his statement.

"I saw love in his eyes for you. And if that's true then he won't let you go this time. I can say that for sure." He simply said shrugging his shoulders as the lift door opened stating we reached the ground floor.

We got off with our luggage ready to leave for the airport. Vihaan's words did calm me down for a bit. I know Ved loves me but I doubt him reaching out and coming for me. Although I hope he does make an effort this time and let me help him. And I hope this won't be the last time I see him.

I really hope and pray for that. But I won't wait around like before, this is a promise I made to myself and I won't break it. I'll go on with my life and live it to the fullest even if I've to bear the pain of his separation.

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

I tried to open my eyes being in my deep slumber when I felt a continuous push on me. I groaned taking the comforts over my head and turned to the side trying to hard continue my sleep but no.

"Get up, Zivu!" Bua shouted pulling the comforts away from me.

"Why? Let me sleep." I said not letting go of my comforts and pulling them back towards me.

"Alizeh has called a few times already," Bua said again making me annoyed further. I am sleep-deprived for weeks now.

"I don't care. I just need some sleep. Why is it so hard for you people to see someone sleep peacefully?" I said letting go of comforts finally but didn't make any efforts to get up. Instead, I curled in bed and slept just like that without comforts.

"It's 2 in the afternoon so eat something and sleep again," Bua said in a plain voice.

"I don't want to eat," I said being sleepy.

"Zivah, I have brought food for you. Get up and brush." Bua said again giving me a gentle push.

"Buaaaa!!" I yelled in irritation.

"Your dad also came asking for you." She said and that got me wide awake. I sat straight in bed in no time.

"What? And?" I asked with anticipation.

"He left when he saw you sleeping," Bua said with a shrug.

"What? Why didn't you wake me up then?" I asked.

"He said not to disturb you. That I should let you sleep for some time." Bua said making me widen my eyes. What the... Why would he say that? I am so touched by that gesture.

"My dad said that?" I asked again not believing.

"Yes. He looked proud." Bua said folding my comforts. I smiled a little hearing her but didn't say anything.

"I will be back," I said getting up when my babu came running and jumped on the bed cuddling with me. I giggled.

"Boy, I missed you," I said showering him with kisses. He started pushing me away getting done with me already but I held him tight.

"You don't like me anymore? You just keep spending time with others." I said frowning.

"His mama has become busy now. What can he do?" Bua said.

"Mama is never busy for you," I said putting a big kiss on his head. I loosened my grip around him as he moved away from me and slept on the edge of the bed making himself comfortable.

"How was London? You slept right away. Didn't even tell me anything." Bua said frowning at me as she kept on unpacking my bag and taking the clothes out for a wash.

"London was amazing. The meeting was super and we got the deal." I said with a smile, "My first ever independent project, Bu. And I made it." I finished with excitement. I purposely kept Ved out of the topic. I don't want to talk about him at the moment.

"I always knew you can do that." I heard Bua as I gave her a big smile again.

"Now go and brush before the food gets cold." She said again. I saluted her making her chuckle a little as I ran towards the washroom.

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

I got fresh in no time and tied my hair in a bun with great difficulty but it was kind of failed attempt as most of the strands remained outside but I just let them be hearing Bua's shouting about how the food is cold already because of the weather outside.

I let out a sigh and took my plate. I got seated on the couch and called Alizeh right away keeping the iPad in front of me over a stand.

Okay, I kind of forgot the time gap but anyway she is a night owl so she must be up. The rings went on with me fighting with Bua when she tried to put some more rice into my plate.

"Don't fight, kid." I frowned at Alizeh looking at the screen.

"She always does that. Putting extra food wisely." I said complaining to Alizeh. Bua gave me a frown. Alizeh chuckled looking at us.

"All moms are like that. I understand." She said nodding a little. I looked at Bua with crooked eyebrows and she deepened her frown.

"What were you doing anyway?" Alizeh asked sounding surprisingly normal which is weird. She is always shouting on top of her lungs and making me annoyed with her talk.

"I was trying to get some sleep which I didn't get since ages," I said with a shrug putting spoonful rice in my mouth.

"Welcome to our world, my little Zee," Ali said making me roll my eyes.

"Stop calling me that. Because of you that Vihaan is now teasing me with the same name." I said frowning at her.

"Why did you call? Were you missing me so much that you had to call for like 10 times?" I asked again with raised eyebrows.

"In my defense, it was 6 times and that too since yesterday night," Alizeh said rolling her eyes.

"Yesterday night..." I started speaking chewing my food stopping for a bit as I remembered what I was doing yesterday night. Talking to Ved. I haven't told her yet.

"I needed to catch the flight then I spent some 14 hours on the airport including the flight time and then I needed sleep," I said skipping Ved yet again. I will tell her later.

"Yeah whatever just whining over one meeting. What will you do later huh?" Alizeh said making a face and being irritated with me.

"Shut up," I said with a frown.

"Why did you call?" I asked in annoyance. Ali let out a sigh.

"There was no reason." She said moving her gaze to the side. Something is definitely off.

"Please, Ali. You never have called me these many times in a row no matter what." I said putting the plate to the side. I saw Bua getting worried as well as she looked into the screen with full attention. Ali stayed quiet for some time.

"Last time I gave you a call back after two days and you still didn't bother. It was just one missed call." I said. "What is it?" I asked again when she still was quite.

"I talked to Renee yesterday." She started making me conscious. Please everything should be fine. It has too.

"And?" I asked being reckless as heart started beating rapidly.

"It's Parth." She said. My breaths got hitched. I couldn't say anything and anticipated her next words. "I don't know but something is going on with him." She said shaking her head a little.

"What does that mean?" I asked not getting what is going on. I could feel my loud heartbeats.

"I mean I don't know but she was crying over something. Rupath rushed to his house..." Alizeh said with concern purely visible on her face. I knew she was worried and Ali won't get worried this easily for just anyone.

"What happened?" I asked again gulping a tear back.

"I am not sure. I thought of telling you as you knew them." Ali said again.

"But Ved didn't say anything," I said more like I was talking to myself.

"Ved?" Ali gave me a shocked and disbelief look. I could feel Bua looking at me.

"I met him in London... Coincidently." I said trying to explain her.

"What? And what?" She asked again still registering my words it seems.

"Nothing." I shook my head a little.

"We just said hi and parted ways," I said not in a mood to give her any details. I was too occupied with Parth.

"That's all? I don't believe this." Alizeh said in disbelief.

"But he looks worried or something," I said as I remembered his behavior. Something was off with his as well. That made me worry even more.

"So was that this?" I asked. I was just blabbering stuff, talking myself. "But he said he will be going to Austria instead of India," I said again remembering each word he spoke. Did I miss anything?

"If he knows then why would he say that?" I said again being in my own world. I forgot that Bua and Alizeh were right there.

"But how come he doesn't know anything happening in their lives?" I said again being utterly confused. I don't know anything anymore. What the fuck happened in these two years. How did everything seem to be new and different?

"Wasn't he close to them? Like best buddies?" I looked at Alizeh hearing her.

"I don't know," I said in a low voice, shaking my head.

"I need to talk to Parth, Ali," I said again getting nervous and reckless.

"I am worried," I said further as tears gathered in my eyes just thinking about him.

"What happened to him?" I asked with worry written all over my face.

"Don't call him now. It's late." Ali said in a calm voice.

"Should I call Laksh?" I asked.

"Laksh?" Alizeh gave me a confused look.

"Yeah I mean they..." I was saying but stopped right in time.

Stupid Zivah. What were you going to say? Idiot. You almost revealed them. They put so much trust in you.

"They are pretty close," I said correcting my words.

"Oh, you decide. I just thought of informing. I am going to get some sleep now." Alizeh said. She genuinely looked tired as it was almost dawn in India so I just gave her an understanding nod.

"Call me once you talk to him," Alizeh said again.

"Okay," I said.

"Bye," Ali said and cut the call. I kept looking at the blank screen thinking about all the possibilities and with every thought I got even more worried. I just want to meet Parth and Laksh.

"Who is Parth?" Bua brought me back from my infinite thoughts.

"Parth was Ved's friends who eventually ended up being my friend," I said looking at her. She smiled looking back at me.

"Why are you smiling?" I asked frowning.

"I just haven't met any of your friends. It has always been Vihaan and Ahil and Alizeh." She said. I let out a sigh.

"Sometimes Armaan too." She said in some time as I gave her a horrifying look.

"Oh please, Bu." I said defending me and my gang, "Don't add him to the above list. You are disrespecting my people."

Bua chuckled as I got all serious yet again thinking about all of them. Rupath, Parth, Laksh, Kunal, Randhir, Renee, and Ved. I felt like I have betrayed all of them. They did everything when I needed someone to cheer me up and now when they all are in a mess... What did I do? I didn't even once bother to call any of them. I don't deserve friends, that's why I never had any I guess.

"I wonder what is happening with all of them," I said out of nowhere when Bua started collecting the plate and utensils. She looked at me and stopped.

"Ved didn't look good, then the band was disbanding and now Parth," I said in a low voice just looking ahead.

"I should have contacted them before when I got the first news," I said as tears escaped my eyes breaking my heart.

"How terrible friend I am," I said when a sob left my mouth.

"I feel so guilty and so selfish," I said moving my gaze to Bua as tears fell from my eyes.

"It's okay, Zivu. You didn't know." She said coming closer to me and putting her arms around me.

"That's what, Bua." I said keeping my head on her shoulder, "I didn't even try. I shouldn't have let Ved go like that as well." I said as I thought about him crossed my mind. His cold face flashed before me.

"Did I do anything wrong there as well?" I asked moving in my seat to look at her, "How can I just do that? But he is stubborn too. I don't know what to do." I said holding my head tight.

"Just calm down first," Bua said moving her hands over mine as she pulled my hands down. "It is already evening, right?" She said in an understanding tone. I nodded at her, sniffing.

"Just wait for a few more hours and it will be morning there." She said and moved her hand through my hair.

"Talk to him then." She said, "Okay?"

"Okay," I said nodding and wiping my face.

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

I waited for night to come anxiously. In the meantime, I met mom and dad asking them for permission to go to India some days earlier. I saw a little glimpse of disappointment in their eyes but they agreed and took a promise from me that I will work from India with equal dedication.

I nodded my head like an obedient child. Mom specifically asked me if I am going early to meet the boy to which I rolled my eyes and gave Alizeh's reason. Rest she will handle as always.

I talked to Vihaan about the same and he as well sounded worried to my surprise. He said he will bring Cody and Bua along with him the next week after Wison's deal is signed. I couldn't have been grateful.

I had dinner earlier and made my way upstairs to my room, locking it behind. Cody made himself comfortable in his side of the bed and I got seated in the wooden chair out in the balcony. The night was looking busy but I was in my own thoughts. Thinking about everyone.

I took a deep breath praying in my head that everything should be well with everyone as I stopped on Parth's name on my phone in the hope that he shouldn't have changed the number.

The first few rings went on and no response. I let out a sigh when he picked up the phone.

"Hello." He sounded different. Like tired or something.

"Parth," I said in a low voice.

"Yes?" He said sounding confused. I let out a deep breath again.

"It's Zivah," I said. There was silence on the other side. I waited in anticipation.

"Zivah?" I heard him say all of sudden. "What happened? Are you okay?" I let out a small chuckle. Well, that's Parth. Always being his sweetest self. He put me before forgetting about his worries and I didn't bother to even enquire about him. I felt angry at myself.

"I am okay. Don't worry." I said in a calm voice. I heard him let out a sigh.

"How have you been?" I asked again. He didn't speak for some time.

"Who told you?" He just asked.

"Alizeh," I said.

"I am just finding everything hard to cope up with." He said. His voice sounded sad and frustrated. He sounded broken.

"Cope up with what?" I asked the stupidest question out there.

"Life." He said in a low voice. My heart drowned hearing him in that voice.

"Parth..." I said holding my phone closer to my ear.

"I am not okay, Zivah. I am just done and tired of everything." Parth said breaking a little. I felt tears gathering in my eyes hearing him.

"What happened?" I asked. I heard him sniff.

"Don't worry. How are you doing?" He asked changing his mood suddenly.

"I am doing amazing, Parth. And I am sorry..." I said closing my eyes briefly, "I should have called you before." A sob left my mouth.

"Hey, Zivah. Don't be stupid. It's okay." Parth said in a consoling voice. Wow, I am seriously pathetic. I should be the one consoling him and see what am I doing.

I always take advantage of people and don't give them anything in return. Be it Parth or Ved.

I felt so selfish about my actions. I should have been in touch. After all, they were there for me, they made my days in Delhi better. They gave me so many good memories to hold on. They offered me friendship which I proved I didn't deserve my action. But now I'm going to make up for my mistakes.

"No, it's not okay, Parth," I said shaking my head as I cried a little. "I am coming to India to meet you. Whether you like it or not." I said in a determined voice.

"Zivah, you have things to take care of there. Don't bother about me." Parth said again.

"I just realized, Parth, that people matter the most," I said and let out a sad laugh at the end. He stayed quiet. "All my life I said the same thing to my parents but forgot that by myself." I finished looking down at my hand.

"I guess I just took everything for granted," I said further. Parth was still quiet. I let out a sigh putting the strand of my hair back.

"I was disappointed in Ved when he left me but then..." I said and sniffed.

"I just filled him with problems about my life and never actually asked about him much." I let out a laugh again as tears slid through my cheeks.

"I am so selfish, Parth. I really am." I said sobbing again.

"You are not. As for Ved, it was his choice. He had an option to come back to you but he didn't." Parth said in an understanding tone.

"But I never informed him about Vihaan. How would he know?" I said again.

"I knew about the heatstroke getting disbanded but I never even once bothered to call anyone," I said before he could say anything.

"I am sorry. I am so sorry, Parth." I said again through crying.

"Zivah, it's okay," Parth said with concern.

"You are coming, right?" He said further with a cheerful voice.

"Yes." I nodded and sniffed.

"Okay, I will be waiting then." He said and I could feel him smile, "Be ready because I am going fill you up with my shitty life." I let out a chuckle.

"I am ready even now," I said.

"Just come. I will tell you everything." He said.

"Okay. Laksh?" I asked. He paused for a few moments making me nervous.

"Laksh is fine." He said. But the voice was plain. Shit no, please. Let them be together.

"Okay. I am glad." I just said as there was no point in asking anything.

"Just don't think about anything stupid, okay?" I said again. I heard Parth chuckle a little.

"Okay. I won't." He said like an obedient kid. I smiled and wiped my tears and nose.

"Get some sleep now," Parth said.

"Yes." I nodded again.

"And don't think much about Ved." He said further, sighing, "It wasn't your fault."

"I met him yesterday," I said.

"Ved is in New York?" Parth asked as his voice changed completely.

"No in London," I said being confused.

"Oh okay." He said.

"Parth?" I asked in a low voice.

"We haven't been in contact with him lately," Parth said making me feel restless again. What is going on?

"What?" I asked again dumbfoundedly.

"Yeah, it's just messed up." Parth said as he let out a sad chuckle, "Everything. You won't believe we are not the same people you left two years back." He said further. I couldn't say anything. Not a single word came out.

"Anyway, is he fine?" He asked further.

"I don't know. He didn't look good." I said genuinely.

"I thought so," Parth said in a low voice.

"What does that mean?" I asked again.

"You really are so curious." He said, "You were saying sorry for not contacting right?" I nodded even though he couldn't see me.

"I am going to create suspense until you come and see me." He said, "That's your punishment." I smiled genuinely feeling somewhat light after talking with him.

"Okay," I said pouting.

"Thanks for calling at least now." Parth said further, "It's okay if you are late. That hardly matters."

"Thanks, Parth and take care," I said with a smile.

"Yes." He said.

"I will be there in a couple of days," I said.

"Of course." He said and continued, "Okay then go and sleep. Good night to you."

"And good morning to you," I said making him chuckle. It felt good hearing him smile but I know once the call ends he will go back again. But I just hope he somewhat feels a little better at least.

"Bye." He said. I shook my head as the line went dead.

I stared at the night ahead of me. It was pitch black. The cold breeze came from the front making me shiver. I felt numb. I guess it's going to snow again.

I moved in and put on my sweater and cuddled up on my bed. I let out a sigh hugging my pillow as I didn't want to disturb my boy's sleep by squeezing him.

I felt a little relieved after the call. My guilt of not contacting them or no being there for them lifted off my chest. I'm going to make up for things and be there with them as much as I can considering the fact that I'm still an outsider. I've just known them for two months, although in that short time span I did grow close to a few of them, that doesn't mean that I can act like I'm part of them. I've had my limits and I know that. Especially now things seem to have changed a lot in these two years. Nothing seems right.

Something happened between Ved and the Heatstroke. And now I sense things are not fine between Parth and Laksh. On top of that Parth seem to be so devastated. I didn't see his face but I could understand it just from his voice.

I never expected things to turn out like this for the boys. They were all happy family when I left them. I never thought a bond that strong would ever break. I've seen their friendship, their love for each other, how could that break?

Life is indeed so strange and cruel. I've been oblivion to all this chaos happening in their lives. I was so selfish and so focused on myself, I never thought about anything else. In one way I'm happy about that as it helped me improve myself in both my professional and personal life. But now I realize that I should learn to take people with me as I grow. I should equally invest in my other relationships as well. I've blamed my parents for the same and I ended up committing the same mistake.

Perhaps this is my wake up call for new lessons I'm yet to learn. Perhaps this visit to India will teach me more life-changing lessons and probably turn my life around once again.

______________________________

✨Author's Note✨

So that was all for now. Let us know what you feel about this one.

VOTE by pressing that  ⭐

Zivah will be back with a new chapter soon.

Till then, bye.

Loads of love.❤️