Zivah's POV

Tomorrow is the day! I am so nervous and excited. My Ali is getting married to the love of her life. I can't believe the girl who would shut her ears tight and walk out of the room just on the utter mention of the word wedding is getting married tomorrow.

I am appointed to watch the Haldi preparations which will happen tomorrow morning followed by the wedding in the evening. And then I will fly to New York in the next two days. Ved and I have a long day coming for us as well. I let out a sigh.

Tara came along with some decorative stuff and kept on one of the tables. She looked at my thoughtful face and raised her eyebrows in questioning.

"Just thinking about everything," I said letting out a sigh.

"One will be Alizeh, then?" Tara asked crooking her eyebrows.

"Then me and Ved," I said shaking my head a little.

"What about it? Distance?" She asked. I let out a laugh.

"More than the distance, my parents," I said. Tara gave me a confused look.

"Why would they mind? I mean he is independent, self-made, earns well, and loves you. What else?" Tara asked with wrinkles on her forehead.

"That's what I don't get," I said letting out a small laugh as I shook my head a little.

"Don't worry. It will be fine." She said further as I nodded.

"I guess we are way similar in many ways." Tara putting a smile on her face. I gave her a questioning look.

"How?" I asked.

"We have a deep love for programming..." She said dramatically. I widened my eyes.

"You are into development?" I asked getting excited.

"I absolutely love that. I have been a hacker." She said winking at me. I do not believe it. She could have been my best friend if she would have told me this before.

"Wow, girl. I didn't know else I would have learned so many new tricks." I said giving her a full smile. She chuckled.

"Hold on. You did an MBA?" I asked crooking my eyebrows.

"Yeah, because it's a fad, no?" She said with a shrug. I nodded in understanding.

"Doing an MBA once you graduate. I went for it too. Following everyone." She said further.

"But I don't regret as I anyway want to start my own business so that was needed." She said again. I gave her a smile.

"Work with me. We will kill it." She said again with a wink. I let out a laugh.

"Let me complete my masters then we will see," I said.

"What else?" I asked again curiously.

"Besides, I love literature." She said. I opened my mouth wide. She is me!

"The fuck?" I shouted totally excited. Why didn't we have this conversation before??

"But I am just a reader not more than that." She said. I shook my head again.

"And our choices in men are similar." She said again with a small smirk.

"Huh?" I asked absent-mindedly.

"I know you are Vihaan's ex." She said taking me off guard.

"Oh," I said getting a little awkward with that reference. "I am glad you are cool about us talking," I said genuinely. She gave me a smile.

"There is nothing to worry about. I mean look at Ved. Not even once I have seen him insecure when you talked with Vihaan." She said as I smiled.

"You love him?" I asked, further.

"I don't know. Love is a big word and I am not sure if I am ready yet." She said shaking her head.

"But I want to try. I genuinely like his company." She said putting a small smile as she looked ahead at nothing.

"I mean he is focused on his work but is always up for me. He knows how to prioritize things." She said. I raised my eyebrows and was about to let out a sarcastic laugh but I controlled.

But keeping my sarcasm aside, I think our relationship was a good lesson for both of us. The break between us was needed for me to transform myself and for Vihaan to start seeing other important things in life other than work. And of course, it actually earned us a good friendship with each other.

"Of course," I said with a nod.

"Yes, his jokes are terrible but that's fine." She said letting out a laugh.

"Yes, I don't even know how you laugh," I said making a face.

"But you know there are a few things which you get once you go out and meet different people and have life experiences." She said looking back at me.

"Being friends with your ex if not exactly a crazy thing. People just exaggerate it." She said with a shrug. I gave her a grateful look for taking my side.

"I mean just look at you, the way you look at Ved, no one would even question your loyalty just because you talk to Vihaan." She said making me smile a little.

"You know... I love you." I said. Tara chuckled looking back at me.

"Same here. I like you for some reasons." She said hugging me from the side.

"Hello, girls!" Vihaan came with a wide grin for no reason.

"Can't stay away even for a moment?" I asked giving him an unpleasant look.

"Just like how you keep clinging on Ved?" He asked with a mocking smile. I returned it.

"I don't mind accepting it shamelessly," I said rolling my eyes.

"You and Ved look cute together," Tara said with a full smile. I giggled at her comment.

"So when is the wedding?" Vihaan asked giving me a gentle push.

"So you could have some time off with Tara?" I asked giving him a look. Tara chuckled. Vihaan rubbed his neck shyly. Aww! I have never seen this before. Ever. But I don't say it.

"I see a new Vihaan here. Unlike stuck up with work." I said with a small smile. Vihaan nodded.

"Yes, anyway there are some important people in my life who I don't want to lose because of the same old reason." He said looking at Tara. She blushed.

"Good to see the change," I said with a wide smile. I let out a sigh in the next moment.

"Yaar, Vihaan. I don't want to go back to New York." I said pouting.

"Marry Ved in the same Mandap." He said making me roll my eyes.

"But yes, me neither." He said with a shake of his head.

"You might settle to Canada," I said.

"I don't mind living in New York or best we will settle in India," Tara said taking me by surprise.

"Oh ho!" I said with a teasing smile.

"Future plans in full swing, huh?" I asked poking her arm as she blushed again.

"Finally the truth came out. What? We need to think?" I said dramatically.

"What else? Baby-names?" I asked looking at the two of them who was smiling shyly.

"Shut up!" Vihaan said trying to look annoyed but failed miserably.

"What yaar, Tara. I think you two will get married before me and Ved." I said and let out a sigh at that thought.

"Because we anyway have a long way to go. Too many hurdles waiting ahead." I said shaking my head a little.

"I am pretty sure you will dodge them successfully," Vihaan said putting his hand over my shoulder.

"We both are in your team." He said again as I smiled looking at him.

"Absolutely!" I heard Tara and gave her a genuine smile.

I had to leave them alone when a helper came telling me that Dad has asked me to see him in his room. I know what is going to happen next and why he has called me. Vihaan gave me a look that conveyed that he had the same thought as me. He gestured with his eyes that things will be fine. I nodded at him and gave a small smile to Tara before I left them.

I took heavy steps as I made my way inside the house.

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

I took a deep breath and knocked on dad's door with nervousness filled in my veins.

"Come." I heard Dad. He sounded calm as always. The calm before storm maybe.

I pushed the door gently and made my way inside shutting it close. He was sitting on the couch with his laptop on the table. He looked up at me and rested his back on the couch getting relaxed and comfortable.

"Sit." He said pointing at the chair beside. I nodded and got seated as I looked back at him.

"I will directly come on point as I have a meeting to attend in the next few minutes." He said taking out his glasses. I let out a sigh of relief. Thank god for that!

"Who is that boy?" He asked looking at me without any expressions.

"I am sure Vandy and Mom must have filled you with information," I asked. Dad let out a sigh.

"I want to know it from you." He said plainly.

"Ved," I said as he raised his eyebrows questioning me.

"Kashyap," I said.

"Ved Kashyap and how did you meet him?" He asked.

"In a party hosted by Renee who is Alizeh's close friend. Ved is her boyfriend's best friend." I said excluding the first meet as I don't want to create a big scene over that.

"Rupath?" He asked. He bent forward to take his glasses as he got some mail notification.

"Yes. They are like brothers." I said as he looked on his screen. I stayed quiet as he read the mail and typed his reply. Once he was done, he shifted in his seat to look at me.

"So he... This Ved is into the channel?" He asked again.

"Yes. Umm..." I nodded and went ahead not sure if he knows anything from Ved's field, "He is a videographer and is really good with his work." Dad nodded.

"What about his family?" He asked.

"He doesn't have any. Whatever he is today, it's because of his own hard work and struggle." I said with a nod.

"And you think you will be happy with him?" He asked raising his eyebrows. I let out a sigh.

"Yes, I am happy," I said with a shake of my head.

"Ask him to meet me." He said moving to look into his screen.

"He was anyway going to meet you after the wedding," I said so he won't think that Ved didn't even think about meeting him. It's so complicated.

"I have seen his work and he is pretty good but let's see if he is good enough for you," Dad said engrossed in his screen. At least he didn't right away start with how bad he is for me.

"Dad, I really love him and I want to be with him," I said with a frown. Dad looked at me again.

"You have made me capable enough so that I could stand on my own feet. You and Mom have made me independent then why are you behaving like this?" I asked with frustration.

"So what he is not a businessman? He is not any less. His interests are different but that doesn't make him an incompatible person." I said further without stopping or fearing. Dad took off his glasses again.

"Am I not alone capable of handling the company along with you and mom and the rest of employees who are capable enough to handle the management?" I asked again.

"I will see it by myself when I meet him in the next 2 days." He said. I looked at him with a frown.

"Zivah, I see you love him and I don't doubt his capabilities. I have seen him working around and I can tell how passionate he is about his work but that doesn't make him good enough for you." He said in an understanding tone being calm. That's the thing about him. He is always calm and composed.

"I don't know if you know this but I have never judged people on what they do. I respect every person who has a passion for their work and gives their everything for that. My motto is no matter what profession you select just be the best." He said further.

"Then why you never supported my writing?" I asked. Dad let out a sigh.

"Because you were confused. You didn't know how to handle things. I could see the potential about what you were able to do but you were just wasting the opportunities which came along. I hate people who waste their talent and you are my daughter. You need to be the best. I have always been strict with you. I pushed you away numerous times but that doesn't mean I don't care for you." He said still being calm.

I looked at him still not believing his words. I didn't know how to feel. It was new. In fact, every interaction with my parents in the recent past has been new to me. I'm still getting used to it. I don't know if I should trust them or continue to doubt them as I don't know what they planned in their minds. I've lived with them without any healthy interactions and suddenly the change in it makes it hard for me to believe that their actions hold the best interest of me.

"You never talked with me like this before?" I said voicing my thoughts.

"Now I know someone is here to take you away." He said smiling a little. I frowned again not satisfied with his answer.

"Vihaan was there," I said. Dad chuckled.

"Sure he was but I never found him threatening enough. You have changed a lot after meeting this new boy." He said.

"In a good way?" I asked.

"You can say that. You are extremely focused on your work and you know how to handle your life. That's pretty enough." He said again with a nod.

"That's a good change to see," I said still doubting him. I know he is setting the stage. He always does that. Saying a few good words to make me do things he wants me to. But I was a little girl back then.

"Still I haven't approved of your choice. I will meet him and decide. You are my daughter and I want the best for you." He said and started typing something on his laptop. I let out a sigh.

"I have decided, Dad that I will just marry him and no one else," I said in a determined voice. He looked up at me.

"Then I suppose you have to be at home forever?" He said as he let out a small chuckle.

"I can have my own home. That was anyway never a home for me. It was a house where I lived." I said.

"Do as you please if you have decided everything." He said shifting his gaze away from me.

"Dad..." I said.

"Your mom and Vandy didn't look exactly happy with him so I wonder how he is as a person." He said getting back. That's what I said.

"Your daughter approves him. Isn't it enough?" I asked.

"You are still young to know people. Spending a few days or months is a different thing. It's about your whole life. He might have defined his life on his own but still, we can't change the fact that..." He was saying when I cut him off.

"That he doesn't have enough money to provide me with comforts of life? I am tired of hearing that." I said with frustration.

"What comforts like this do I need? I don't understand." I asked again.

"I have a meeting now. Let me know when he can see me." Dad said in a plain tone without looking at me completely ignoring my questions and my emotions.

"Sure," I said getting up from the couch and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind.

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

I walked fast in circles around the garden. I was in no mood again. That Ved didn't pick any of my calls. Where the fuck did he go? It's been 10 minutes since my last call and I still haven't gotten a callback from him. Did he run away with Mira after last night?

"Ughh!!" I groaned loudly stopping as a few eyeballs looked at my direction with confusion.

"I will kill you, Ved if you even think of running away," I whisper yelled by looking at the mobile screen.

"Calm down, girl. What did Uncle say?" Vihaan asked coming towards me. I let out a sigh.

"I hate everyone. I hate you, I hate Ved, I hate mom and dad, and everyone else!" I said with frustration. Vihaan chuckled again.

"Alright fine. Let's go." He said.

"To where?" I asked with confusion.

"Let's calm down your head a bit." He said pushing my head gently. I let out a sigh again and nodded at him.

We made out way outside on the road. There wasn't much rush in this vicinity. There were a few cars and bikes passing by. Other than that there are all households so it's quiet. The sun was setting as it was getting a little dark around.

"What is it?" Vihaan asked once we were a little away.

"He used his trick. He thinks he can lure me with his good words but I know him too well." I said.

"At least mom says what she feels directly but him..." I said again with frustration. Vihaan listened to me carefully as he walked beside me.

"And this Ved..." I said groaning.

"God, Zee. Not again!" Vihaan said giving me a look.

"He is not picking up my calls," I said in a complaining voice.

"Yes, you made him meet his ex-girlfriend yesterday. What do you expect?" Vihaan said in a teasing smile.

"I will hunt him down, seriously!" I said with a frown.

"Just calm down. You knew it already then what's the point in getting frustrated with the same thing?" Vihaan asked. I know that but I am still mad. It didn't change anything.

"It's decided that you will keep on trying till they agree then?" Vihaan asked again.

"What if they don't ever?" I echoed my fear.

"Run away." Vihaan said shrugging with a smile.

"Vihaan!" I said hitting him.

"Kidding!!" He said weirdly laughing which made me laugh, "They will, and if in case they do not agree then you have your Dadu and Dadi who won't let anything like that happen. At least trust them." He said making a point there. Why didn't I think about it?

"That's true. I am thinking way too much. I have Dadu and Dadi who loves Ved." I said getting excited.

"Finally?" He asked raising his eyebrows.

"Yup, finally," I said with a nod. He gave me a smile and looked ahead as we kept on walking.

"What's up with you?" I asked after some time. Vihaan took a deep breath.

"The first thing my mom and dad will do is compare Tara with your whole lifestyle." He said letting out a chuckled as he shook his head gently.

His family is good but they are too proudy people. I never got along with them much ever. They didn't even bother to talk with me much like before after we broke up.

"What does her family do?" I asked.

"Her mom is a housewife and her dad used to work in a bank. Now he is retired." He said as I nodded.

"They live here or...?" I asked again with confusion.

"She took them with her to Canada when she got a job there after MBA but now she is looking to settle into Mysore where they originally lived." He said filling me up.

"By starting a business?" I asked.

"Yup!" He said with a nod.

"So? You will be joining her?" I asked teasing him but my expressions changed when he looked actually serious.

"I am thinking..." He said taking me off guard.

"Seriously?" I asked not believing. Vihaan nodded again.

"Yes, I need to go out now. I am thinking of leaving your company." He said again. Okay, now I feel bad. I have been so used to having him around and ranting anything. Now he will be gone. I won't be able to see and talk to him even in the company.

But I am happy for him. Like genuinely very happy. He actually needed to take this step. I smiled a little looking at him. Although I think I failed.

"I have worked there for a long time. I think I need some new experience now. I need to go out and find myself rather than depending on my girlfriends." He said jokingly probably trying to make me smile but he forgot his jokes sucks. I frowned at him.

"You were there because you were capable not because of me. You know that dad won't take just anyone in." I said.

"I know but still before Tara comes back from Canada, I want to have experience somewhere else." He said and I nodded.

"You won't leave New York right?" I asked looking carefully at him.

"Why do you need me?" Vihaan asked chuckling as he looked at me. I let out a sigh as silence surrounded us.

"I need a dependable friend for some time at least," I said looking at him.

I don't know why I felt sad at the thought of letting him go. He has a life of his own apart from the company, our friendship, and his bond with my family and Cody. I can't keep him by my side all the time serving me as a good friend. I guess I got too comfortable having him around, annoying me, making me hear his alien theories, making me smile, listening to my ranting, giving some amazing advice, and being my Babu's papa.

I never thought I'll have a day when I'll say this... But I will miss his never funny jokes and his weird but funny laugh. I miss our daily bitching sessions about our not so favorite colleagues, our coffee breaks, his helpful words in work, his friendship... Him. I will miss him.

"You are fine alone, Zee. You just need to trust yourself a little more." Vihaan said. I stayed quiet.

"But yes, I will be in New York for a couple of years or more. Tara won't really come back right away. Besides, we need to be sure about each other to start something together." He said with a nod.

"She is the best one for you," I said genuinely. Vihaan smiled a little.

"I know. I hope it goes well." He said crossing his fingers. I let out a laugh looking at him. I truly felt happy for him. He did find the right woman for himself and they are perfect for each other.

"It will. I like responsible, Vihaan. You finally know how to handle things well. I am happy for you." I said with a full smile.

"Hmm..." Vihaan said looking ahead.

"What's wrong?" I asked with confusion.

"It took me long to realize that." He said in a low voice. I looked ahead not knowing how to react. Sometimes, It still gets awkward between us. I don't know when we will actually get over that fact and be cool.

"But you finally got someone like you," I said.

"That's true." He said shaking his head.

"Sometimes it takes a rollercoaster ride to reach our true destiny," I said. I saw Vihaan smiling a little.

"The rest of the things won't matter when we find that, right?" He asked.

"Exactly," I said with a nod.

"What happened yesterday?" He asked after some moments.

"Mira... She was sad and that made me sad." I said shaking my head.

"You're stupid," Vihaan said chuckling. I stopped in between widening my eyes thinking about yesterday. Mira, Me, and Ved. I looked at Vihaan who gave some confused expressions.

"We need to get back," I said.

"Why?" He asked.

"I don't want Tara to hate me for something stupid," I said getting reckless.

"Tara is matured enough. Don't worry." Vihaan said. I looked at him for sometime before letting out a sigh.

"That's true too," I said. I think I am getting mad about everything.

"I am just thinking about Mira scenario too much," I said.

"Mira and Ved's equation is different than us. Okay?" Vihaan said staring at me.

"Yes." I nodded my head awkwardly again but he didn't move his gaze and stood there. I looked around as it was getting a little uncomfortable when I heard my mobile vibrate. Thank goodness! I pulled it out and smiled looking at Ved's name.

"Let's go back, Vihaan," I said turning in my position taking the way back home.

"Ved, finally," I said picking up. I could hear the rush in the background.

"Where the fuck were you?" I shouted at him without waiting for his greetings.

"I thought you ran along with your Mira," I said again without letting him speak. I heard Vihaan chuckle walking beside me.

"What? Have you finally lost it?" Ved asked and I could feel the irritation in his voice. I let out a chuckle. I just love to annoy him.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Nothing," I said shaking my head.

"Zivah, please just tell. Don't go there." Ved said again.

"Are you irritated with me?" I asked with a frown ready to fight with him.

"We both know something is up," Ved said. I let out a sigh.

"Why didn't you pick up my call?" I asked again.

"I was on the bike. I went to meet Rupath and then Parth." He said.

"Okay," I said.

"What happened?" Ved asked again with concern. I smiled.

"Dad called me today..." I started filling him up with everything as he listened to me quietly.

He did try to calm me down in between when I was out of control and he succeeded as well. He was understanding and he was ready to meet him up tomorrow right after the wedding but I thought it will be best if he meets them the next day.

Tara, Alizeh, and Renee were resting in the garden amongst the rush when we reached home. Vihaan right away made his way to Tara and I just kept on walking around the garden ranting everything to Ved. I wonder how he is so much patience with me. Even I couldn't have handled me this well. He listens and understands and calms me down. He has that power on me and I like to keep it that way.

Big events are about to happen in my life in these coming two days. Tomorrow Alizeh's wedding and then meeting my parents with Ved. I don't know how I'm going to handle these two days. I'm overwhelmed with the thought of Ali getting married tomorrow and then thinking of Ved meeting my parents makes me hella nervous. As Vihaan said I have Dadu and Dadi. They will take care of things but still, I couldn't keep calm. Even Ved was more optimistic than me. I don't know how?

But I should trust us and face it. We both are determined to work it through and keep trying until my parents approve. I don't need anything more than Ved's support and his effort in making it work and that he's providing me making me the happiest.

Now let's see how things will play out for us. I'm eager to get done with it but I've to keep patience. Life doesn't work that way. We have to experience everything that's along the way leading to our destiny. Just a day more and we'll know what's meant for us in this journey to our destiny.

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✨Author's Note✨

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

VOTE by pressing that ⭐

Final five chapters are left. Zivah will be back with next one.

Till then, bye.

Loads of love. ❤️