Zivah's POV

"All right, guys. We will stop here for today. Thank you so much for adjusting your schedules with me." I said closing my notebook finally after two long hours of the conference meeting. I gave everyone my genuine smile. They have been generous enough to adjust their work time to suit me.

It might be 10 at night there as it's 6.30 in the morning here. Our timings never match so we are adjusting like this. I know people might be cursing their new project manager for this but I don't have any choice. I have the responsibility of getting work done before time.

"That's fine. You have adjusted your schedule for us in the past so we should be considerate too." Olivia said with a smile. I have appointed her as the team lead seeing her abilities to manage the things. She has been in my team since the past project where I was a lead so I took her with me when I got shifted to this one.

"Thank you once again. See you all soon and just make sure you clear all of your doubts and everything as soon as you get them." I said as they nodded at me.

"Sure, should we post the doubts along with issues on Dashboard for you to see or some other way?" Noah asked, who is my assistant you can say and monitor the team for me in my absence. But one thing about him is that he is amazing with coding.

"If you couldn't sort them out on your own then you can contact me directly, through phone, email, or message. Anything would do just make sure we won't miss any of the deadlines." I said as he nodded.

"Yes, ma'am." Some people said as a concluding formal thing. I chuckled a little hearing them.

"And just get used to calling me Zivah," I said to which they all chuckled widely.

"Alright, bye," I said and waved at them before cutting the call.

I closed the laptop shut and stretched my hands and legs. Cody went for a walk with Dadu.

I yawned opening my mouth fully. Damn, I have been working since 3 in the morning. I slept barely for some 4 hours that too because Dadu and Dadi yelled at Ali when she insisted I should come with her for chilling and chatting. I refused because of my work and she wasn't listening as well, so they had to meddle. I felt bad seeing her face fell but I honestly, genuinely had no other option.

I let myself fall on the bed in the hope to get some sleep as the people won't be getting up anytime soon. I still have some time then.

I took my comforts up to save myself from this cold weather and got into a deep slumber in no time because of the tiredness.

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

I sat straight adjusting my clothes and hair when Dadi and Bua barged into my room to take out some stuff that they kept securely in my room. As if this big house had no other place.

I looked at them with my eye half-open.

"Should I bring Chai for you? Or you want to sleep for some more time?" Bua asked coming closer to me as I hugged her happily from the side. She bent and pecked on my head.

"No, I am getting up now," I said letting her go and moving my comforts. Bua as always took them and started making the bed.

"Dadi I will take them downstairs. Keep them there." I said walking towards Dadi to see what she is doing. She was taking out some utensils from one box. I guess those are related to Puja or something.

"That's not needed. I am still fit." Dadi said looking up at me.

"Exactly, so you should do something to suit your psychic. I will take care of this small work." I said making Bua and Dadi laugh. She looked at me with adoration as she put her hand on my cheek.

"Zivah, you won't be working tonight as well. Okay." She said with concern. I held her hands with mine as I gave her a nod and smile.

"Sleep today. Just look at your face." She said again.

"I am good. But yes I need some good sleep." I said genuinely. Dadi nodded and pecking on my cheek making me chuckle.

"Get ready and come downstairs with all of this." She said pointing at the Puja stuff.

"Yes." I nodded at her.

"It's not urgent so first get fresh first. You look bad." She said again.

"Yes." I nodded.

"I will bring Chai," Bua said and they both left the room. I yawned again throwing my hands up in the air and made my way towards the washroom.

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

I put all the things Dadi needed in the living room and went to the kitchen to ask if anyone needs any help. Ali ditched me again for Tara and Renee as she went out somewhere with them but I don't mind anyway.

I felt refreshed after taking a hot shower. I felt as I have gained some energy and can start with the work for the day.

People showed me way out of the kitchen as they thought that I won't be of any help and would distract them as well. I didn't fight back and came out again as I am afraid that they are right.

There was basically nothing for me to do today. Dadu and Chachu asked me to rest. Dadi must have instructed everyone to not give me any work for today. Everything was already taken care of and people were engrossed in their work. What am I suppose to do for the whole day? I couldn't even spot Vihaan anywhere.

I let out a sigh and made my way to my room when I heard Ahil calling my name. I smiled widely looking at him. Finally! Someone to give me company. Vihaan was walking beside Ahil eating an apple.

"Zee, I need your help," Ahil said stopping at a distance from me.

"With?" I asked raising my eyebrows.

"I need to surprise, Al," Ahil said with a sly smile. Vihaan smiled looking at him.

"Oh...!" I said in a teasing voice. "Come upstairs," I said moving in my tracks.

I am glad Bua took care of the mess in my room else I would have been embarrassed. But anyway it's Ahil and Vihaan, they both very well know how messy I am when it comes to my room and they are used to it as well. They both sat on the couch and I took a place beside Ahil.

He opened the laptop which he brought with him and placed it on the table at the front.

"Okay, tell me what you want help with?" I asked looking at the laptop screen.

"To select a destination." He said looking at me and then Vihaan.

"Destination?" I asked getting confused.

"Yes, we will be going out, right?" Ahil said. I remember Ali tell me about his business and family thing.

"I thought you had a deal to take care of?" I asked.

"I postponed it. She has always adjusted everything for my sake so I can do this much." Ahil said putting a small smile.

Aw! this is goals. I looked at him with twinkling eyes to which he chuckled.

"You guys are the goal!" I said hugging Ahil from the side.

"Wow man, I am so proud of you," Vihaan said putting a hand over Ahil's shoulder with a smile.

"Dude Vihaan, I just want to tell you this. Work hard, be workaholic, there is nothing bad with it but make sure to give your family time. Because we work for them. There is no fun reaching to the heights alone." Ahil said patting Vihaan. Vihaan nodded at him.

"I have understood it over time." He said looking at me briefly. I moved my gaze and looked into the laptop. That's why I never ever mention the past. It makes things awkward for me.

"I will keep it in mind for future," Vihaan said further.

"What if both the people involved in that relationship are the same? Like workoholic," I asked putting Tara intentionally to make everything light for me.

"Both?" Ahil asked with confusion.

"You dating someone?" He asked Vihaan with crooked eyebrows.

"Just ignore her. She keeps talking nonsense." Vihaan said throwing an irritated glare at me. I gave him a mocking smile.

"You will know it soon, Ahil." I said putting my arm over Ahil's shoulder.

"Okay, can't wait to get to know her," Ahil said letting out a laugh and looking into his laptop.

"Now tell me which one would she like." He said scrolling through the screen.

"Anything with beach." I said looking at the destinations he has searched.

"I knew it so I searched a few." He said smiling proudly. I chuckled looking at him. He seriously had all the best beaches around the world in his bookmarks.

"No ways you are taking her to Thailand," I said making a face as I looked at him.

"What man? Thailand?" Vihaan said shaking his head.

"I was just looking around. I am not going to Thailand." Ahil said with annoyance.

"And no Hawai please." Vihaan pointed out. I nodded in agreement. Ahil kept on showing us different locations. Some of them were damn beautiful so we kept them aside to compare at final.

"Oooh, those two are beautiful," I said when my eyes landed on two islands, one of Greece and another one in Iceland. I so want to go there. I love beaches.

"Yeah and this as well," Vihaan said pointing to one Philippines beach.

"People those are private islands," Ahil said giving us a look.

"Then? Buy them." Vihaan said. I shook my head at him.

"And what should we do there?" Ahil asked making a face.

"Do I need to tell you this too?" Vihaan asked shrugging his shoulder. I gave him a look.

"Vihaan..." Ahil said sounding not so pleasant.

"Shut up, Vihaan!" I said in a low voice.

"What? Dude imagine the whole beach just for you two. And you can do anything you want to." Vihaan said dreamily and I liked that idea but if that was a group then it was fine. Just two people? I am not sure.

"Water sports. All for yourself." Vihaan said further as if he could lure Ahil.

"You can have dinner, breakfast, lunch on the beach," Vihaan said and Ahil kept looking at him without any expressions.

"Yeah, you can also do the fishing," I said sarcastically in between making Vihaan stop. His expressions changed to an annoyed one.

"Don't be sarcastic, Zee." He said looking at me, "Just be supportive of the idea."

"Vihaan, we are not sending you on the honeymoon. You and Tara can have the whole island and you can actually live your wild fascinations." I said. I saw Ahil nodding. Vihaan frowned hearing me.

"I know Ali better and she wouldn't want an island for herself," I said looking at Ahil.

"Then what?" Vihaan asked.

"She would like to go to places with people around and enjoy being with them. Partying, dancing, singing, roaming around, shopping. She just wants to hold his hands and experience everything." I said with a smile. Ahil nodded and smiled along.

"What's say Ahil?" I still asked for one final confirmation.

"I agree with Zivah." Ahil said making Vihaan's frown deepen, "She is people's person so she likes enjoying with everyone."

"I once booked the whole theatre for her to watch our favorite movie but she shouted at me," Ahil said giving some disappointed look at that memory. I chuckled imagining the scene. "So yeah booking an island is not exactly going to help." Ahil finished.

"But this is romantic," Vihaan said making a final attempt. I and Ahil let out a sigh.

"You use this idea and go along with Ved," Vihaan said smiling widely at me. I rolled my eyes.

"Why don't you go with Tara?" I asked and his smile faded.

"Because you are going to get married first." He said in a duh tone.

"Oh, please, Ved and marriage?" I said letting out a loud laugh making those two boys jerk. "Don't be funny," I said glaring at Vihaan to which he rolled his eyes.

"Besides he is more into mountains," I said further letting out a sigh.

"But you like beaches more," Ahil said. I gave him a smile and a nod.

"I am going to have a destination beach wedding. Close and personal." I said smiling like a maniac telling them about my planned wedding. I have already decided everything out and I just need my groom to agree with that. I am pretty sure he would agree, for me.

Vihaan and Ahil gave me their attention so I continued ahead.

"With just a few guests who are closest to me. No extra ceremonies, nothing grand. Only signing that paper, cutting the cake, and then eating and dancing around happily. Just him and me and our people, away from everything. That's when I will book this island." I finished pointing to Greece beach. Vihaan and Ahil chuckled at me.

"And then we will go wherever he wants to." I finished with a shrug.

"I like that idea," Ahil said nodding.

"Me too." Vihaan gave me an impressed look.

"You are not invited, Vihaan," I said rolling my eyes.

"Why not? I want to go there too." He said with a frown.

"I will think if you behave. I mean looking at your wild imaginations..." I said making a disgusted face.

"Those are for the honeymoon. Not for the wedding." He said defending himself.

"Fine, whatever. I will think." I said with a shrug, showing attitude as Ahil let out a laugh.

We heard the knock on the door and threw terrifying expressions at each other. What if it is Ali? This thought crossed everyone's mind as I can see it on their faces.

Ahil shut the laptop close when the doorknob turned and the same girl peeked through the door, smiling widely at us. All of us let out a sigh of relief that we cleared our act before she barged inside.

"We have some more help here," Ali said excitedly. We threw a confused glance at her.

"By the way, are you guys planning a surprise for me?" Ali asked excitedly again looking at us sitting. The two boys looked at each other in horror. huh! I am always ready with excuses.

"Ahil was helping me out with report work," I said putting a small smile. She bought it as expected. Ahil and Vihaan looked at me briefly saying their gratitude. I just smiled.

"Oh, that's what I thought," Ali said rolling her eyes.

"Where is your help?" Vihaan asked in a hurry to change the topic.

"Yeah right. Hold on." Ali rushing backward and looking out of the door.

"Dadi, you can talk later." She yelled making us deaf.

"Yeah fine, come downstairs once you are done." I could hear Dadi nearby.

"God she just keeps on assigning work to everyone. I feel in some days she will even continue doing the same even when she will meet people on the street randomly." Ali said with frustration coming inside again.

I was about to say when I saw the most unexpected person in front of me. Ved made his way inside the room with a bright smile. I saw the same surprise on Vihaan and Ahil's face as well.

"Ved?" Vihaan said through a smile. I kept on giving some doubting glares. He didn't look at me and was busy with Ahil and Vihaan.

"Yes, Ved. He is here to help us with preparations. So sweet of him, no?" Ali said in a teasing tone, looking at me and then at him. He was totally awkward. I could feel Queen Ali has already irritated him.

"Al, stop making him feel uncomfortable," Ahil said.

"Yeah, he is already helping us out." Vihaan joined the gang Ved happily making me roll my eyes.

"Yes, sure. Maybe more like helping himself out." Ali said again.

"Gosh, this girl!" Vihaan said giving disappointed look to Ali who just shrugged her shoulders.

"Dude, just ignore her," Ahil said looking at Ved.

"That's fine," Ved said in a low voice. Still looking uncomfortable. It must have taken him a lot of effort to come here. I am touched.

"What happened to my wedding photographer?" Ali asked raising her eyebrows.

"Yes, I am looking into it," Ved said nodding a bit.

"Okay," Ali said looking truly excited and happy. I chuckled looking at her.

"Come down, there is so much work. we got no time to waste." We heard Dadi shouting from downstairs.

"Coming!" Alizeh shouted at the top of her lungs.

"Let's go before she comes upstairs," Ahil said and we all nodded in agreement making our way out.

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

Dadi and Dadu appointed work to Ved shamelessly like he is a part of this family. It made me feel happiest seeing them treating him like that. I was again excluded from all the tasks which made me feel a little better as I made my way towards the kitchen to eat something as I was hungry. Bua gave me a plate full of all of my favorite dishes made me smile wider. She also said that she saw Ved and liked him. He is a quiet different from how she imagined but a good different as she said. I let out a chuckle hearing her. She settled when I promised that I will let her meet him today itself so yeah!

Vihaan and Ved were appointed to do some labor work outside so they went with that and Ali and Ahil aren't anyway supposed to so they went away meet Ali's makeup artist for the trial of the first ceremony which will be happening next week. Chachi and Chachu went along with them as well saying in the meantime they can arrange the rest of the things which are still remaining like meeting Mehendi people and arranging the decorations for the Haldi ceremony which happens to be the last ceremony before the wedding.

When I came out after I was done stuffing everything, Vandy was already present in the living room along with Foofa. I am glad at lease Armaan and Amelia aren't anywhere to be seen.

Vandy was laughing at something and Dadi held some irritated glare while Dadu was busy with his newspaper and Foofa on his laptop.

With a heavy heart, I followed up to the couch area.

"Don't you find it funny, mom?" Vandy asked with excitement.

"No. I don't like smiling at people's misery." Dadi commented without giving any expressions.

"Well, it's not exactly misery. I mean she invited that by herself." Vandy said letting out a laugh.

"Zivah, what about your trials?" She looked at me as soon as she spotted. I took a seat beside Dadi.

"Trials?" I asked being confused.

"Yes, dress trials." She said. I let out a sigh.

"Oh, I am sorted," I said sounding least interested.

"What does that mean?" She asked frowning.

"That means she is not exactly interested in that stuff. She is my simple girl who doesn't even know how to get ready." Dadi said glaring at Vandy.

"That's so not true. I know that" I said defending myself.

"Wearing jeans and those t-shirts?" Dadi asked chuckling making me smile.

"We saw her at the cocktail party," Vandy said giving me a sarcastic smile. I honestly don't know the reason for her dislike for everyone. I hate her attitude.

"You were looking stunning. It's good to take care of yourself sometimes." Dadi said ignoring her comment.

"Yup," I said and looked at Vandy.

"But my dresses are all ready Vandy," I said.

"Mom knows some Indian designer there so she arranged everything for me already." I finished. I was glad that mom already looked into everything as she knows I won't be taking much effort and she wants her daughter to look the best out there.

"Lucky you." She said again being sarcastic. I looked at Dadi who asked me to ignore her. I let out a sigh just when Ved and Vihaan entered the house. I smiled a little looking at Ved. He looked drool-worthy without even trying hard. He was in his casual t-shirt and jeans with his hair tied in a bun and his arm tattoos showing. I could just look at him forever but I controlled myself as I pulled my eyes away from him with difficulty.

Dadu and Dadi are seeing him for the first time with the new look. I need to ask them about their views.

Ved and Vihaan got seated opposite to me and adjacent to Vandy. She gave Ved a strange look.

"I haven't seen you before." I heard Vandy say.

"He came to help around," Dadu said folding his newspaper and looking at Ved with a smile.

"Who are you?" Vandy asked arrogantly. I frowned at her. No one talks to my Ved like that. He is not living on your bread and is self-efficient.

"Umm..." For the first time, I saw Ved reluctant and I don't know but I didn't feel good. I wanted to hold his hand tight and tell him that I am here.

"He is Ved," Dadi said.

"How do you people know him?" Vandy asked with some look on her face stating her displeasure looking at Ved.

"I..." Ved was reluctant. I was just looking at him with concern. I don't know what anyone else was doing. I just cared for him at the moment.

"He is family to us." I looked at Dadu who was looking at Ved with a smile. I actually had tears in my eyes hearing him which I blinked away. I want to hug my Dadu and Dadi for this and I am going to do that once this drama is over.

"Any more questions?" Dadi asked.

"What do you do by profession?" That shameless Vandy again opened her annoying mouth. I gritted my teeth. I would actually have punched her looking at that attitude. I don't care if she is older to me but we have self-respect too. She has no right to talk to anyone like that let alone Ved.

"You look like a hippie." She said further. I don't believe her. I opened my mouth to fight with her but Vihaan spoke before.

"That's cool, no? I wanted those tattoos too but I sadly can't as I have to look presentable. You are a free man. I envy you." He said with a smile. This jerk can be so sweet sometimes. No one has supported me as he did in the past two years. He is my true friend and he has proved that every time.

"I like the new look too, Ved," Dadu said chuckling. I saw Dadi smile as well. Ohk! So I got their views on his new look and I was happy to hear that.

"It's what they say..." Dadu said remembering but frown as he couldn't. "I will go with mind-blowing. Don't change it. You look cool like that. True to your profession." He said as Dadi nodded. Vihaan smiled looking at Ved too. Ved had a half-smile. He was uncomfortable.

"I am..." He started looking down as if he has done some crime, "I work for Nat Geo. National Geographic."

"Oh, okay," Vandy said with unpleasant and disgusted expressions.

"You won't be having much salary?" She asked making me widen my eyes in shock. Even I haven't asked him about it and how dare she! And how low can one stoop?!

"I have got enough," Ved said shaking his head. His voice was different, it held some emotions which were sad. I looked down feeling guilty. It is my fault.

"He is living his life as he wants and he has got all the comforts he wants. Besides, I know he is capable enough to handle one more person in his life." Dadi said with a smile.

"Right?" She asked him as Ved gave her a smile and nod. I saw Vandy rolling her eyes.

"Who wants anything more," Foofa said for the first time taking me by surprise.

"Vandana, don't fly too high with that adamant behavior of yours that you will forget to give respect to people," Dadu said glaring at her.

"This boy has defined his life on his own without anyone's support. Wherever he is today is because of his own efforts. He is a self-made person." He said further making me feel proud of him. Ved was looking down and Vihaan was sitting closer to him. I felt so much gratitude towards my Dadu, Dadi, and Vihaan for the way they supported my Ved. I never expected them to have so much love towards him.

I know that Dadu and Dadi won't support someone just like that. If they are doing this then Ved has earned it by himself. He managed to impress my oldies and their opinion matter the most for me. Now I know how much they love and appreciate him.

And Vihaan, well I love that idiot for being my constant through everything. I feel blessed to have him in my life. I never had anyone who supported me and stuck around me as he did. Even after all the things that happened in the past, he's been extremely understanding and caring towards me. He's been the one who supported me the most in Ved's matter and now he's being a great friend towards my Ved as well. I'm forever grateful towards this idiot but I'll never tell him.

"He is doing what he loves and I am proud of him for reaching there." Dadu finished as Ved looked up at him with a smile.

"I was just asking as he didn't look..." She was saying something when Dadu cut her again.

"Enough!" He said glaring at her, "Your standards of living are with money but that's not supposedly the case with everyone. Let people live however they want. Besides, the comment you made a few moments back about your only best friend and her current situation wasn't anything to be proud of. You should be ashamed of yourself." He finished shaking his head in utter disappointment.

"What's the use of that money if you can't help even your own people. And making fun of them because they are not living according to your standard of living is a pathetic thing to do." Dadi said giving her glare.

"I will be upstairs as I won't fit amongst you people," Vandy said without even feeling 1% of shame. She got up and left with her stuff.

"Sorry, Ved..." Dadu was saying when Ved cut him off.

"No that's fine, Sir." He said shaking his head.

"We have done the work actually. I should leave." He said getting up when Vihaan held his hand.

"You are not going anywhere," Dadi said frowning.

"Yes, bro. Sit. There is too much work and I need help because people here are not of any use." Vihaan said eyeing me but I was in no mood to give anything as I was too focused on Ved.

"Also, it's not sir. It's Dadu and Dadi that's how Zivah calls us." Dadu said making me smile widest. Ved looked at me briefly and then at Dadu as he gave a nod and smile to him as he got seated again on the couch.

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

I looked outside as I walked through the garden. Ved was busy with Dadu and Dadi which made me feel good but I wanted to apologize so I was waiting for him to come out. I took a deep breath and sat on the bench looking ahead.

I felt my eyes cloudy as I looked ahead. I wiped the tears away but more of them formed in no time and started sliding through my eyes.

"Zee." I didn't bother to look to the side as I know who it is. I looked down and kept wiping my face.

"Go away," I said but the sound was too low.

"It wasn't your fault. You know how Vandana Bua is." Vihaan said standing beside me.

"She still doesn't have any right to say those shitty things," I said as a sob left my mouth. I sniffed hard.

"I am so guilty and so embarrassed, Vihaan," I said through crying. I was crying because I saw Ved going through that shitty talk because of me. He was humiliated and made insecure about himself. I've never seen Ved like that and it pained me to see him that uncomfortable and insecure. It's true that Dadu, Dadi, Vihaan, and Foofa supported my Ved but that doesn't take away how he felt. I saw that pain in his eyes and thinking of it kills me.

"It's okay," Vihaan said taking a seat beside me as he patted my back.

"Talk to him." He said again. I shook my head as he got up again.

"Ved, over to you." He said and I looked past him with shock. This brat! But I love him for being such a sweetheart.

"What?" I wiped my face over and over.

"I will leave you two alone," Vihaan said and moved to walk away.

"Thanks, Vihaan," I said getting up. Vihaan gave me surprised expressions as I rolled my eyes.

"What for? I took my friend's side. I didn't do anything for you." Vihaan said looking at Ved with a smile. Ved smiled too.

"What she said was wrong. I don't get how people judge others over professions." Vihaan said with disgusted expressions.

"You are doing great, bro. Also, Dadu and Dadi wouldn't let just anyone mingle around their granddaughter. Just know that." He said looking at Ved who nodded at him.

"And just do something about that ugly face," Vihaan said looking at me as Ved let out a laugh.

"Shut up!" I said hitting him. Vihaan ruffled my hair and walked away giving us some space.

Ved and I stood awkwardly for a few moments when I thought of talking.

"Zivah..." He cut me off. "If you are going to say sorry then please don't," Ved said wiping my newly formed tears.

"But I feel guilty," I said sniffing hard.

"For what?" Ved asked. I gave him a look.

"For how rudely she behaved. She has no right to..." I said as a sob left my mouth.

"Zivah..." He said cupping my face and making me look at him. "It's okay." He said in a low voice. I shook my head.

"This was the thing you were talking about back then right? The levels and all?" I asked moving away from him and wiping my tears away.

"Leave that. I was stupid." Ved said shaking his head.

"Means?" I asked with a frown. Ved chuckled.

"I will tell you some other time." He said with a nod.

"You came to see me and..." I said and he cut me off.

"I came to help out with preparations." He said crooking his eyes as I let out a laugh. Ved smiled looking at me.

"Jerk!" I said and moved towards him as I engulfed him in a hug. Surprisingly, he wasn't reluctant but held me closer to him.

"Vandy might see." He said in a low voice. It took me by surprise to hear him address her with the name we gave her.

"How do you know?" I asked pulling away and looking up at him.

"Just..." Ved said with a shrug.

"And I don't care about her," I said with a frown.

"Zivah." He said looking down with guilt. What's up with him? What is he guilty for?

"About yesterday..." He said. It made me confused.

"Yesterday? Oh, the mall." I said remembering.

"Yes about Mira." He said looking at me.

"I didn't ask you, Ved. I trust you." I said wiping my face again.

"I still want to clear," Ved said shaking his head.

"Okay, go ahead," I said letting out a sigh.

"The thing was Sonia called and said that she wanted to apologize. I am anyway back in Delhi after a pretty long time so she didn't get the chance in between." He started and I gave my full attention to him.

"Well, I refused to meet her but Sonia was persistent saying she couldn't move on because on me and that she is living in guilt every day." He said further.

"So I just thought of hearing her out for once." He continued letting out a sigh.

"But she just pissed me off. How can you have reasons when you cheat?" He said getting irritated.

"She is guilty, Ved. Just free her." I said in a low voice, going closer to him.

"I didn't ask for her apology. I already told her to live her life. I don't understand why she came back." He said getting frustrated with each word.

"Because she felt guilty. Just hear her out and let her live." I said and held his arm. Ved didn't say anything and just shook his head. I let out a sigh thinking to let go of this topic for now.

"My mom and dad will be coming next week. I am scared." I said as he turned to face me.

"Don't worry. It will be okay." He said giving me an assuring smile.

"They are just like her," I said with a frown as Ved chuckled.

"I don't think so." He said wiping my tear which I didn't know existed.

"What do you mean?" I asked crooking my eyebrows.

"Means you are their daughter. They won't be like her." He said with that one look that generates thousands of butterflies inside my stomach.

"Cheer up. Will you?" He said with his ever so charming smile which made me smile wider.

"What if Alizeh sees you like this?" He asked again.

"I wish she was here. She would have thrown her out of the house." I said shaking my head. "I couldn't do that," I said letting out a sad laugh.

"That's why I like you. You know when to talk and when to not. Dadu and Dadi were there so it's okay. I don't want anything else." He said, being genuine.

"I don't want you to go against your own family for me." He said making me smile again. I couldn't ask for anything else.

"You are reluctant for that one thing, right?" I asked as Ved just let out a sigh. "I hope mom and dad would understand me," I said in a low voice.

"They will." He said with his assuring smile which calms me always. I felt better by just looking at him.

"Bua wants to meet you," I said sniffing and holding his hand sounding cheerful yet again.

"Let's go," I said pulling him with me.

I gave my widest smile to Dadu and Dadi in the living room who smiled widely in return. Vihaan was nowhere and so was Vandy. The helpers were busy listening to Dadi and Dadu.

I finally reached my dear Bua's favorite place, the kitchen. Bua smiled widely through making Laddoos.

"Ved." She said with a full smile. Ved smiled along.

"She is my Sarita Bua," I said with a full smile.

"I am her nanny." Bua corrected making me frown.

"That doesn't matter. You are my lovely Bua." I said holding her from the side. Ved was looking at us with amusement.

"I have heard a lot about you already, Ved," Bua said with a smile.

"I never heard about you though," Ved said eyeing me. "She never told about you." He said further.

"What am I hearing?" Bua asked looking at me. I gave her an apologetic look.

"Sorry I don't know why?" I said feeling guilty.

"Come sit. I will give you some Besan Laddoos." Bua said gesturing to the chair near the counter. Ved happily sat on it.

"Tell me what you like I will make when you come again," Bua said making me smile wider with happiness.

"Umm..." Ved looked at me with confusion.

"Tell her. She loves cooking and feeding others." I said with a smile.

"I like any Indian dish," Ved said getting comfortable which made me feel good.

"I am happy to hear that. Else people just like what was that Italy." Bua said making us let out a laugh.

"Italian..." I said correcting her to which she frowned.

"Ha, that's what." She said.

"You already started, Bua?" I asked with a frown.

"I like him." She said making Ved's smile widen.

"You don't know him yet," I said crooking my eyebrows.

"Don't be jealous," Ved said. I rolled my eyes.

"That's her old habit," Bua said chucking.

"I know," Ved said agreeing to her.

"I don't believe you, people," I said folding my hands as they got into chatting and laughing.

Ved ate around 7-8 laddoos making Bua happiest. She promised to make his favorite food when he comes again. He promised to visit soon.

Dadu and Dadi gave some wise words to Ved and asked him to come again and again whenever he feels like as they truly consider him as a family member. He promised them the same and left with Vihaan.

Why with Vihaan? He wanted to use Ved's PlayStation and hear out his stories as he was bored staying with girls. Jerk! But I am happy with this.

I told Ali everything about Vandy when she came back and she was fuming. She stormed out of the room walking towards Vandy's room when I held her arm with so much difficulty. I kind of calmed her down but she said she won't stand still if she talks rubbish again. I agreed to her.

Overall the day was a bit dramatic and emotional for me. But there were some good parts of it as well. Whether it being Dadu and Dadi supporting Ved and calling him family or Vihaan and Ved bonding really well or that hug that happened between me and Ved in the garden. I missed that hug, his warm, protective hug. It was the best moment of the day and I just keep going back to that feeling. I know I'm a bit crazy when it comes to him but I can't help it.

I was happier to see my Bua adoring Ved. She has only given such grand treatments and adoration to only Vihaan. Now he seems to have a competition. But I guess Vihaan won't mind as I'm seeing him being really close to Ved and forming a genuine bond of friendship.

Somehow things are going fine as of now. But I'm scared of my parents. I don't know how they are going to react to Ved. Seeing how Vandy behaved with him, I don't expect anything less from my parents. It just gives me more anxiety. I don't want to see my Ved doubting his capabilities or questioning his worth because of some shitty, mindless words of my parents. I can't bear to see that again and I won't keep calm about it again. I know that for sure.

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✨Author's Note✨

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

VOTE by pressing ⭐

Zivah will be back with another update soon.

Till then, Bye.

Loads of love.❤️