Zivah's POV

I sniffed hard as Alizeh started laughing her ass out sitting beside me. I rolled my eyes in irritation as I sneezed one more time.

I was damn sure it's in this yellow flower right in front of me. We were currently in the garden helping Dadi with plants. I don't know what exactly I was doing as I have never done gardening before. Dadi just gave me some fertilizer and asked me to put it in the soil after digging a little.

I did as told and put the soil back covering it again.

"Aww!!! Someone is way too fragile." Alizeh said in between her laugher. She was cutting the leaves or something which was rotten.

"Shut up, Ali!" I said with a great irritation rubbing my nose with the back of my hand.

"Don't trouble her, Alizeh," Dadi said coming closer with a concerned face. "I didn't know you were allergic to flowers?" She said further giving me a concerned look. I shook my head a little sneezing yet again.

"I'm not allergic to flowers, Dadi," I said sniffing hard. "I guess it's just pollens which went into my nose or something," I said pointing to the yellow flower as another sneeze left.

"It's worst," I said sniffing again and shaking my head a little.

"That's what it calls allergy, babe," Alizeh said giving me a fake smile. I threw an irritated look at her.

"I'm not allergic!" I said defending myself.

"Whatever you say," Alizeh said shrugging her shoulders and cut one tiny branch of the plant.

"Don't do that. You are hurting my baby!" Dadi shouted suddenly making us jerk. Alizeh looked at her immediately as she thought she did it wrong. But Dadi was shouting looking in some other direction.

We let out a sigh of relief. She was strict when it came to her plants. She treated them like her own babies. So we were a little scared especially me, who had no knowledge about anything regarding plants when she asked us to help out in the garden.

"I'll be just back, girls." She said looking at us and then back at the gardener, "Don't do anything wrong else I'll beat you up." She finished and left in another direction.

A few minutes went in silence as we got busy with the things in hand. I gave a lot of attention to my work in hand as I didn't want to face the wrath of Dadi. My mind was totally on digging the soil properly and putting in the fertilizer in the perfect amount as instructed. I don't think I ever did anything with such a high level of concentration.

"You getting along so well with Ved nowadays, huh?" I heard Alizeh as I finished putting the pesticide for another plant. I looked at her a bit confused as she changed the topic to something completely different.

"Yeah!!! He is a good company." I said shrugging my shoulders and looked back down at the plant.

"That's new to hear," Alizeh said again. I let out a sigh looking at her as I sat on the ground crossed legged. Alizeh sat beside me giving her all attention to me.

After that evening outing, I and Ved haven't met but we have been in touch constantly through text or phone call which is obviously noticed by my elder sister. She did keep teasing me about it but I brushed it off with an eye roll or just yelling at her to shut up but now I felt I should probably tell her what that friendship really means to me.

"I like being with him, Ali," I said with a small smile, "It's you know like..." I trailed off trying to find words to describe my feelings.

"Like I feel free when I'm with him. Away from all the restrictions. I can do whatever I want." I said as my smile widened with each of the words I spoke. I looked ahead of us, nothing in particular. Just remembering the moments and trying to put them into words.

"He doesn't judge me nor he stops me from doing anything," I said moving my hands in the air. "He doesn't boss me around. I, in fact, feel alive when I'm with him." I said genuinely still smiling widely, looking in the air. "It's like... I can be my own self when I'm with him." I finished and looked back at Alizeh who was just listening to me. She smiled back at me.

"It's good to hear." She said, "I'm glad... Really."

"Just one thing, Zee." Alizeh let out a sigh. I raised my eyebrows questioning her.

"Don't get too attached." She said, "You know why." Alizeh finished, raising her eyebrows at me.

"He'll go back?" I asked narrowing my eyes at her. She nodded at me.

"Don't worry, Ali. I'm not in love with him" I said letting out a small laugh. "It's just friendship." I finished shrugging my shoulders. Alizeh smiled shaking her head a little but didn't say anything.

"Why did you smile?" I asked frowning at her.

"It doesn't take much time before the friendship will turn into something more. You won't even know." She said shrugged her shoulders.

"That's not gonna happen. I don't think me and Ved would go along." I said with a plain face.

"And what does that mean?" She asked raising her eyebrows yet again. I let out a sigh.

"We are way too different, bro." I said, "We won't fit."

Alizeh opened her mouth to say something when her phone began to ring loudly. She took off her gloves and took the mobile out from her jeans pocket.

"It's Renee." She said smiling brightly as she answered the call.

"What's up, babe?" Alizeh asked and her smile faded a little as a surprise or shock I can't tell took over her face.

"To the practice?" She asked widening her eyes, "Are you sure it will be fine?" She finished and waited for Renee to finish.

Alizeh's face brightened up again and she moved her gaze to me. I questioned her by raising my eyebrows.

"Alright, I'll be bringing Zivah as well." She said giving me a smirk. I shook my head stating my big NO! But she was unaffected.

"Yup!!!" She said, "We will be there in a couple of hours."

"Bye!" She cut the call and looked at me being excited. I just gave her a cold glare.

"Let's get going!" She said getting up from the ground, all excited.

"To where?" I asked with zero interest.

"Renee is at the rehearsals." She said again.

"Rehearsals?" I asked being confused. Alizeh let out a sigh and bent down as she held my arm and started pulling me up with force.

"Yes 'The Heatstroke' is having a concert this coming weekend." She said.

"Oh yeah! Ved told." I said getting up and standing straight rubbing my jeans.

"So you got the invitation before me?" Alizeh asked with a smirk, "Okay, I'm not complaining." She finished containing her smile. I rolled my eyes yet again and that bitch let out a laugh.

"Alright, so Renee has asked us to join her as she is getting bored." She said.

"She shouldn't have gone." I said without any interest, "I mean they will be rehearsing."

Alizeh rolled her eyes at me and gave a look shaking her head in disappointment.

"Shut up, and just let's go. When are we going to get this chance again?" She said pushing me further.

"I don't want this chance," I said with pure irritation.

"You are coming with me." She declared.

"No Ali. We have to help Dadi." I said pointing at Dadi who was instructing gardeners how to take care of the garden.

"Dadi...!!!" Alizeh shouted on top of her lungs making me deaf. I threw an irritated look at her. Dadi looked back and raised her eyebrows.

"Do you mind if we go out for some time?" She asked giving a toothy smile to her.

"Of course not! Why would I. Go and enjoy." Dadi said gesturing with her hands and got back to what she was doing. I let out a frustrated sigh

"Thanks!!! You are the best!" Alizeh said getting excited all over again.

"Problem solved. Now stop whining and let's go!" She said pulling me away with her and I had no other option than following her, "Who knows your Ved might be there as well." She said winking at me.

I shook my head again following her unwillingly.

"You are just too much," I said entering the house to get ready for the day.

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

I don't believe I traveled for more than an hour just to see The Heatstroke do their practicing. I mean who does that?! Sure, sure, there are many girls out there who would want to be in my place. But I definitely don't want to spend my day here. I would rather help Dadi in her beautiful garden. I let out a frustrated sigh as Alizeh made one quick call to Renee.

"Relax babe," Alizeh said looking at me with a bright smile as she put her arm over my shoulder pulling me closer.

I gave her an unpleasant look which she shrugged it off. Renee came out in no time and waved at us with over-excitement. I gave her a pressed smile. Alizeh enveloped her in a warm tight hug as soon as we reached where Renee was standing. I gave her a quick side hug as we made our way inside this large stadium.

Renee and Alizeh got into some fun conversation which I didn't try to overhear but they were laughing over something with Alizeh's arm resting on Renee's shoulder. I was just walking beside them looking around as the preparations were in full swing. I could hear a distant sound of music as well.

After walking for another 10 minutes or something we reached the backstage. There were a bunch of people taking care of the tasks assigned to them. Some were making banners, some were checking the speakers and mikes, some were taking care of musical instruments and what not. The boys along with the rest of the band were standing on stage in the bunch and Rupath was instructing them something to which everyone was nodding and few of them were giving their own suggestions or maybe asking questions, I could just guess.

I looked around the place one more time and got disappointed big time as there was no trace of Ved anywhere. I thought if he was here at least I could have gotten some company but no luck. What am I suppose to do with these two gossip girls now? I have no idea what they were talking about or about whom they were talking and it seemed like they totally forgot about my existence.

I cursed myself under breath just when I heard Rupath shouting about lunch break. The bunch got dispersed as quickly and I saw those five boys walking towards us.

"Oh look who is here!" Randhir came with his brightest smile and raised his hand for a high-five. I let out a genuine laugh as I gave him a clap.

Parth followed him and gave me a tight side hug. I returned his affection as well. Thank goodness at least someone to talk to hopefully. I've gotten along with these two on the camping pretty well, especially with Parth. He's someone I could relate to in some ways. He was quiet, mature and understanding but also fun. And let's say, I've been a big fan from the beginning and I was glad he turned out to be someone I always thought of him to be.

"That was a pleasant surprise, Zivah," Parth said pulling back and grabbing a water bottle nearby.

"Yes, Alizeh dragged me in," I said looking at Alizeh who was engrossed in conversation with Renee and Rupath also joining them now.

"I thought it might be Ved." I looked back at Parth. "But then again he is not here himself so that was dumb of me." He said giving me an expression. I let out a gentle laugh.

"I'm hungry, Bhai," Randhir said to which Parth rolled his eyes.

"I'm not a caterer. Go and ask someone around." Parth said to the complaints of his little brother or more precisely cousin brother. I smiled looking at their banter.

"Do you want me to walk after that exhaustive routine?" He asked again giving shocked expressions and looked at me. "Do you see, Zivah, how ruthless this guy is." He said giving hurt expressions. I contained my laughter and nodded at him as I looked at Parth who gave me pained expressions.

"Who is ruthless? Him?" Laksh joined us taking a seat on some boxes which were lying nearby.

"Apparently," Parth said handing him the water bottle which he asked for. I haven't talked to Laksh so that made me a little nervous. I gave an awkward smile to him.

"Hey." Laksh said opening the bottle and looking at me narrowing his eyes, "You are the girl from the party, right?"

"Yes." I nodded at him. He nodded back as he finished the bottle in a single sip.

"I heard about you from some camping stories as well." He said wiping his mouth and giving me a full smile. I smiled awkwardly yet again.

"Seems like you are not like her?" Laksh asked gesturing at Alizeh and then looking back at me. I looked at engrossed Alizeh and then back at Laksh.

"Not like her?" I asked being confused.

"Friendly." Randhir cleared my confusion.

"I would say she is more comfortable around people she knows," Parth said looking at Laksh and then back at me. I gave him a smile.

"Right, Zivah?" He asked further raising his eyebrows.

"You can say that," I said nodding and flashing my full smile at them.

"You know too much about her," Laksh said hitting Parth with the empty bottle. Parth let out a laugh.

"Why? Are you getting jealous?" Randhir asked winking at Laksh. Laksh gave him a disgusted look. I let out a laugh.

"Zivah..." Randhir looked back at me. I raised my eyebrows at him as he continued, "Who do you like amongst the band?"

"Hmm?" I looked at Parth immediately.

"Don't make her uncomfortable you asshole," Laksh said throwing the bottle at Randhir which he caught happily before it actually hit him.

"I thought it will make her comfortable." He said in a complaining voice. I let out a laugh again.

"Really?" Parth said cocking his eyebrows. Randhir nodded innocently. I shook my head a little, smiling widely.

"I'm damn hungry." Laksh said getting up from above the box as he put his arm around Parth, "Let's go and eat something."

Parth and Randhir nodded at him in agreement. They looked back at me.

"You guys go. I'll just stay here." I said.

"Have you eaten anything?" Parth asked.

"I had breakfast," I said sounding stupid as I again gave an awkward smile.

"We do breakfast in the morning. It's close to the evening." Parth said again raising his eyebrows, "Aren't you hungry?"

"This guy eats breakfast three times before it's time for lunch," Laksh said from beside Parth gesturing at Randhir.

"You do the same, shithole!" Randhir said frowning to which Laksh rolled his eyes while Parth gave him a sharp look.

"No, I mean..." I said grabbing the attention from three of them.

"No meaning. Just come with us, Zivah." Randhir said coming closer, "You have Parth, you will be safe."

"Or you just like Ved's company?" Parth asked raising his eyebrows. Laksh gave me a smirk.

"Of course not," I said defending myself.

"So you are Ved's girl huh?" Kunal said joining the circle. Okay, it's getting way too awkward now and I'm actually missing Ved here. Where did this guy go? What is he busy with so much? But then again what will he do here anyway? I let out a sigh.

"Ignore him. He keeps talking shit." Laksh said shaking his head. Kunal gave him a look.

"Are you guys coming for lunch or should I go?" He asked. I don't know why but he didn't seem friendly. Not in first meet neither in this one.

"You go really. I'll right here." I said awkwardly. Those four looked at me and then at each other.

"Laksh, you go with them. I'll have lunch later." Parth said to which Kunal and Randhir nodded. Laksh seemed to be debating with something.

"You two go. I'll join Parth." Laksh said finally. I was going to disagree with that when I heard the voice I was dying to hear ever since I came to this place.

My smile widened as I looked past Parth. Ved looked confused as hell. I contained my smile as he walked near me with some paper bags in his hand.

"Ved my boy!" Kunal went and hugged him, "You are finally here."

"Yes, I thought I'll bring lunch," Ved said showing the bags to all of them.

"You are a savior!" Randhir said snatching the bags from his hands, "Give it to me."

Randhir followed by Kunal put the bags on a nearby counter and started unpacking the cartons. A delicious smell went into my nose making me way too hungry.

"What are you doing here?" Ved asked coming near me looking all confused.

"Aren't you happy?" Laksh asked smirking at him as he poked Ved in his arm. Ved gave him an unpleasant look and looked back at me.

"Alizeh. She brought me here as Renee invited her." I said with a small smile. I looked past Ved at the food. Rupath also joined Kunal and Randhir for opening the cartons. Now I hope someone seriously offers me some little piece at least.

"Isn't it a great thing that she is here?" I moved my gaze back to the three boys standing in front of me again as I heard Laksh say.

"What is wrong with him?" Ved looked at Parth with irritation. Parth just shrugged his shoulders and Laksh let out a laugh, making me smile as well.

"Ved, meet me some time as well bro," Rupath shouted getting our attention. "I still exist." He said in a complaining tone. I saw Renee and Alizeh walking towards the counter to grab some bites. Alizeh gave me a sly smile to which I rolled my eyes.

"Let them be, you brats!" Renee said with a mischievous smile putting a piece of chicken in her mouth.

Ved shook his head with disappointment as I head Parth and Laksh letting out a laugh.

"I'll be back," Ved said with annoyance looking at Parth and Laksh and then at me. I nodded at him with a small smile.

"Yes of course." Laksh said again, "We will take care of her till then." He finished moving closer to me pushing Parth away a little and put his arm around my shoulder. I saw Parth containing his smile. Ved rolled his eyes in irritation.

"Just make him shut, bro," Ved said looking at Laksh and then Parth. Parth just patted on his shoulder with a wide smile. I looked at Ved who then looked at me with a smile as he left. Not before throwing another annoyed look at Laksh.

"You need to eat something, girl," Laksh said pulling me a little closer which made me slightly uncomfortable. I guess Parth noticed it as he pulled Laksh a little away from me. I gave him a smile which he returned.

"The food won't be poisonous now." Laksh said further standing a little distance from me, "Besides we will give you company. Right, Parth?" He asked looking at Parth.

"Absolutely!" He said smiling widely.

I nodded at them and we made our way to the counter. I grabbed some biryani which I didn't know I was craving until I smelled it.

I sat on one of the boxes kept on the ground along with Parth and Laksh. Ved was chatting with Rupath, Renee, and Alizeh. Kunal was engrossed on a phone call with the plate on his other hand and Randhir was concentrated on food, still standing on the counter.

"You are into business?" I heard Laksh. I nodded at him putting a spoonful of biryani in my mouth.

"Nice. Business girls always attract me." Laksh said smirking at me. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"So you are into programming? Not into operations or something?" Parth tried hard to change the topic. I let out a sigh and moved my gaze from Laksh to Parth.

"No, actually. I love programming." I said. Parth nodded at me giving a sweet smile.

"Even better," Laksh said making me a little pissed. I threw a fake smile at him.

"Laksh, you are making her uncomfortable," Parth said. Laksh shrugged his shoulders.

"I never asked her. I don't snatch my friend's girlfriends." He said winking at me.

"I'm not Ved's girlfriend," I said pointing out sharply.

"So you are saying..." Laksh was trying to say something when Parth cut him off.

"Laksh, enough!" He said sternly. Laksh let out a laugh.

"Sorry, I just spit shit sometimes." He said further putting the spoon in his mouth. I let out a laugh sipping some water as the biryani was a little spicy.

"I like writing other than business." I said shrugging my shoulders looking at Parth and then I moved my gaze to Laksh, "Which I don't think you find much attractive?"

"Point," Laksh said pointing his spoon at me and looked at Parth.

"That makes you like him." He said and looked at me continuing further, "He has a huge collection of that stuff."

"Books. Those are called." Parth said giving him a mocking smile. Laksh returned it.

"Yeah, whatever." He said and got into eating.

"You are into literature?" Parth asked ignoring Laksh. I nodded.

"Yes, I'm also thinking of writing something," I said.

"That's cool. I'll help you in any way if you want me to." He said smiling. That made me feel good. I flashed a toothy smile.

"That I guess I'll definitely be needing," I said genuinely.

"So you are in Delhi for writing or business?" Laksh asked.

"I'm here to meet my grandparents but I'm thinking of starting some writing as well." I said filling them about my plan, "I mean I need to give it a try and see if I'm really capable of this."

"That's brilliant!" Parth said when Laksh's phone started vibrating. He took it out and looked at Parth.

"Dude, I'll be back." He said. Parth nodded at him as his eyes followed Laksh till he went out of sight.

"You two seem to be closer than the rest?" I asked gaining his attention.

"Umm..." Parth jerked a little as he looked back at me. He gave me a smile before continuing, "We all are close including Ved."

"Of course." I said smiling back at him, "By the way, I have a confession to make." Parth gave me a suspicious look as he raised his eyebrows.

"I love your singing and I love your writing. So I'm a big fan." I said shrugging my shoulders with a big smile. Parth let out a hearty laugh.

"Really? You got a taste I can say." He said making me chuckle.

"Come over some time to see my collection. I would love to show you around." He said. I nodded at him happily.

"I would love to," I said still smiling widely.

"Ved and you are..." He asked after some time looking at me. I gulped the water which I was drinking.

"Friends. Just hanging out together nothing much." I said putting the glass back beside me.

"Okay. As you say." Parth said letting out a small laugh. I frowned at him.

"What's going on?" Ved asked sitting beside me on the box. I moved a little to the side giving him more space.

"Nothing much. Getting to know Zivah better." Parth said smiling at us. Ved chuckled at him and took one chicken piece from my plate putting it in his mouth. He looked back at me with a questioning face. I raised my eyebrows at him.

"Isn't it spicy for you?" He asked munching the piece. I let out a sigh.

"It is but I liked the taste," I said shrugging my shoulders.

"It's our favorite place," Parth said putting his empty dish down and taking water bottle in his hand.

"I can tell why," I said putting another spoon in mouth and rubbing my nose which I'm sure will be red by now.

"So that's the reason you have been drinking water more than eating biryani?" Parth asked raising his eyebrows with a smile. I nodded at him feeling a little embarrassed.

"Okay boys, back to the rehearsals in 15 minutes max," Rupath shouted after clapping his hands loudly. There was chaos as everyone started to hurry up so they won't be late.

"Okay, times up." Parth said getting up from his position as he looked at me, "Give her some desert, Ved. There is a place nearby."

"Yes, I will." Ved nodded at him.

"Call me whenever you want to come over to my house to see my treasure," Parth said with a smile. I nodded at him. Ved gave us both a confused look. Parth and I let out a chuckle.

"Literature," Parth said explaining to him. Ved's expressions changed as he got what Parth was saying. He looked back at me.

"Oh yes. You both got the same interest." He said. Parth gave him an impressed look.

"You should definitely stop by, Zivah. You would love his library." Ved said with a smile.

"That is actually making me excited!" I said genuinely looking at both of them.

"Bring her over, Ved. Whenever she wants to." Parth said putting his hands inside his Jean's pockets.

"Yes, sir," Ved said saluting him. I and Parth chuckled.

"Bye, Zivah. Hope to see you around." Parth said waving at me.

"Same here," I said putting my hand up in the air. Parth nodded and left.

"Let's go, ma'am. Let me give you some dessert." Ved said with a sly smile wrapping me in his arm. I blushed hard pushing him away as Alizeh is literally just some distance away from us.

I don't want her to trouble me even more with this topic. She is already doing an amazing job annoying me.

"I mean I'm here but ..." Ved said dramatically which made me burst out into laughter.

"Ewww, Ved!!" I said pushing him away further. Ved let out a laugh as well and looked at me with a wide smile.

"Just let's go please," I said putting my dish away as I got up pulling him with me.

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

The days in between the concert and the main event went by too fast. I concentrated on loads of stuff, mainly on writing. I listed down different ideas on what I can write. I also tried to zero down on some plot or something if I had to write any thriller novel. I know that's a crazy idea but I love those kinds of books more than anything. Suspense, thriller, the mystery it's my thing.

I would have been a detective or something. That would have been more attractive. Anyway jokes apart but reading is one thing and writing altogether is a different thing. And I don't really think I can write some thriller novels, to be honest, but trying won't hurt anyone.

Apart from that, I didn't go to the rehearsals again, of course after the last time. But I did talk to Ved a couple of times. We talked crap as always so nothing much to point out there.

Alizeh is continuously irritating me about how close we were sitting and how we were acting like an actual couple. God, she even told stories about the same to Ahil. He didn't react much which I was glad for.

And finally, tonight is the night when we will be attending the concert. Ved offered to pick up me and Alizeh and no need to tell that girl readily agreed. I anyway don't mind. So, here I was sitting in front of the mirror getting ready for the night.

I decided to go with a casual look as it's a concert and sure going to be crowded. I picked out a black high waisted short with a black crop top which went with it and paired it with a denim jacket. I sat down to do my hair and makeup. I kept my look natural and let my hair open. Once I was satisfied, I got dressed and accessorized my look. I put on my white sneakers completing my look.

I took a final look at myself in the mirror. I looked fine, casual yet cool. I liked it and I was quite comfortable in them as well. My phone started buzzing making me stare at it. I smiled looking at the ID as I answered it.

"I'm right below at your castle. Come out." Ved said making me chuckle.

"Coming right away, Kashyap," I said as I heard him chuckle. I cut the call and grabbed my purse. I checked if everything I needed was inside it and put my mobile phone along with other stuff.

I opened the door to see Alizeh at the door, her hand hung in the air as I suppose she was about to knock. She gave me an impressive look checking me from head to toe.

Ali looked simple and elegant wearing an off-shoulder tea-length frock. Her long hair was left open falling on her shoulder. She was sporting natural make-up just like me and wore a heel instead. She looked beautiful without a doubt.

"Oh Zee, you are going to kill Ved tonight." She said winking at me. I rolled my eyes at her.

We made our way downstairs where Renee and Ved were chatting with Dadu and Dadi in the living room. The first thing I noticed about Ved was that he looked really handsome today. It's not like I never found him good-looking before, he's always been handsome and charming but today his look really got my attention. He was clad in black tight jeans and T-shirt paired with a black jacket, looking casual yet hot. Renee, on the other hand, looked like a cool chic wearing a long black & white striped shirt with black shorts which was hardly visible because of the shirt. Her knee-length black boots completed her look, complimenting her attire. She looked hot effortlessly as expected from her.  

Ved gave me a smile as soon as his eyes met mine which said something but I just couldn't figure out what exactly. I asked him raising my eyebrows too which he gestured by shaking his head slightly.

Alizeh cleared her throat grabbing my attention. I looked at her.

"You both can play this game later." She whispered in my ear with a smile, "We need to leave now." She finished making the distance between us as she went and hugged Renee and gave a friendly hug to Ved.

We said our byes to Dadu, Dadi and to my little Cody as we made our way out of the house and towards the car.

"I'll sit in front." Alizeh made a point. I nodded at her and made my way to the backseat beside Renee. She was already sitting behind Ved. She gave me a sweet smile as I closed the car door after getting in.

"Shall we?" Ved asked like a gentleman, looking at three of us.

"Yes." Alizeh and Renee said. I just smiled. Ved nodded his head.

"I hope you are not mad at me, Ved." Ali started bickering as we got on the road.

"Let me guess, for sitting in front instead of Zivah?" He asked looking at her for a brief moment before looking back on the road. I heard Renee chuckle from the side. Alizeh laughed.

"Yeah! You are not disappointed right?" She asked again.

"Disappointed by having you to my side? I don't think anyone will be." Ved said with a smirk. I rolled my eyes.

"Nice one," Alizeh said chuckling.

"Leave her Ved. She is engaged." Renee said.

"My bad," Ved said in a dramatic voice making the two ladies chuckle. I shook my head in disappointment.

"By the way, Zivah..." Alizeh said, "He flirted. I didn't."

I let out a sigh. Ved just chuckled without bothering to give us a look.

"Stop troubling her, Al," Renee said looking at Alizeh and then at me. Alizeh let out a laugh. I gave her a grateful smile. She just patted on my knee.

"So Ved, when you'll be going back?" Alizeh asked. I looked at Ved tilting my head giving me all attention.

"Let's see. Next month maybe." Ved said looking at Alizeh and back on the road. I frowned at him. Next month is too soon.

"Oh! So you'll be gone even before, Zee." She said further. Ved nodded hearing her. I moved my gaze out of the window. I don't know why but something didn't feel right. I was happy and excited a few moments back but it all seems to be gone now. What is it?

"You'll be roaming around the world Ved. How cool is that?!" Alizeh said getting excited. Ved let out a sigh.

"It's not as cool as you think, Alizeh." He said gripping his stirring hard. I looked at him carefully.

"You can call me Al if you want to." Alizeh said shrugging her shoulders, "Everyone else does that except for this brat sitting behind me who annoys me by calling Ali." She finished in an annoying voice. Everyone burst into laughter after a few moments of silence.

"I mean eww..." Alizeh said making her voice dramatic, "It's some guys name yaar."

Ved shook his head while still laughing. Renee was getting attacks of laughter as she refused to slow down.

"It's our way to express love," Ved said after some time when his laugher died down a little.

"By annoying me with that silly nickname?" Alizeh asked giving him a look. He just shrugged it off.

"Siblings do that," Renee said wiping the tears away which came because of the heavy dose of laughing.

"As you say, Ree." Alizeh said as she moved her gaze back to Ved, "And why is that not cool, Ved?"

"Because I'm away from everything and everyone for most of the time." He said casually. I just hope she doesn't force him for anything more.

"I like my job and trust me I enjoy it a lot. This has always been my dream." He said looking at her as he made a stop at a signal. "But well..." He said looking ahead again, "I can't settle like you or even Rupath."

"Why not?" Renee said cocking her eyebrows, "Even RK is away on tours."

Ved let out a laugh as he started the car again as the signal turned green.

"That's different thing isn't it, Renee?" He said, "You follow him there. You both spend time together."

"That's bullshit. I know you will find the right girl soon." Renee said frowning at him. I smiled a little hearing those words.

"Thanks, girls. I wish one of you will leave your boyfriend and start dating me. Or better..." Ved said with a laugh, "Just marry." I shook my head a little.

"Ved..." Alizeh called him with a stern voice.

"Yes?" Ved asked as he gave her a confused look.

"Right now you are flirting with my sister so you better stick to her." She said further, "She is pretty sensitive." I rolled my eyes.

"But I don't hear her complain," Ved said giving me a sly smile from the front rare mirror.

"Just go on. I don't mind." I said in a plain tone. Renee was just smiling looking at us.

"See," Ved said shrugging his shoulders. I saw Alizeh shaking her head a little.

"You handle the business as well?" Ved asked after some time.

"Yup!!! But I would like to admit that I'm not as good as her at work." Alizeh said.

"Don't talk shit, Ali!" I said in an irritated tone. She is great with the work she does but she still feels that she is lacking something and she is not as good as us including me, Ahil or her parents and our grandparents. She feels she doesn't fit amongst us and that she needs to improve a lot which is untrue.

"That's true." She said as always making me annoyed. "Besides, I don't have any major hobbies besides partying and making friends." Alizeh finished.

"You both are poles apart," Ved said.

"You both are as well." Alizeh pointed out.

"I won't deny," Ved said shrugging.

"Where have you been before coming to Delhi?" Alizeh asked as soon as he finished his sentence. This girl is too impatient.

"Africa," Ved said casually. I raised my eyebrows hearing him.

"What the fuck man!!" Alizeh said with excitement clearly visible in her voice.

"I told you. He is the one enjoying life. Not us." Renee said.

"I want to hear all of the stories, Ved and I'm not even joking," Alizeh said.

"I will tell you everything, Al but..." Ved said nodding his head.

"But?" Alizeh asked again.

"I need to meet your fiancee first," Ved said.

"I don't want him to have any hard feelings towards me." He said further, "I mean, he might get jealous seeing you with a handsome guy like me." Ved finished winking at Alizeh. I heard her and Renee let out a laugh.

My eyes stayed glued to this guy who was flirting openly with my sister.

"Absolutely!" Alizeh said agreeing to him, "I would even break up with him. Who knows."

"So there are chances?" Ved asked looking at her.

"Well, we will see," Alizeh said slyly.

"Ali, enough!" I said sternly. I don't know how and from where did that come from but one thing for sure that I regretted it as immediately.

Ved just smiled looking ahead at the road. Renee didn't say anything but her smiled said it all.

"Ohkay, I see someone is actually getting jealous," Alizeh said letting out a laugh.

"I'm not jealous. Let him drive." I said looking at Ved who refused to say anything. He just kept smiling.

"He is doing fine, babe." Alizeh said tilting her head to take a look at me, "Just tell me you are insecure."

"What? Why would I?" I said defending myself but that didn't come out pretty well.

"You tell me," Alizeh said winking at me.

"You trouble her too much, Al," Renee said.

"That's what big sisters are for," Alizeh said giving me a flying kiss. I rolled my eyes and shifted in my seat as I looked out at the busy city night.

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

The concert was smooth. It was indeed great to witness one of the biggest bands in the world live for the first time. I, in fact, saw a live concert for the first time in my life. I got the feel of it and understood why people go crazy watching bands perform live. Although it was overwhelming with all the crowd, in the beginning, I adapted pretty soon. The energy and vibe were such that you get lost in that. I never thought I would enjoy a live concert. It was an extraordinary feeling, to be very honest and I thoroughly loved the experience. Also, I got to see the performance from the backstage as well as experience the rush, the tension, the excitement that exists behind the stage throughout the performances.

As for the performance, The Heatstroke rocked the stage! They were mind-blowing, each one of them. Rupath was amazing but for me, Parth killed it here as well. I'm a little partial to him, always have been since I started hearing their music. The other main boys, Randhir, Kunal and Laksh, all were on fire! The five of them were magical to watch, be it their amazing bond of friendship that came through their performance or their funny yet sweet interaction with their fans or be it their obvious passion for their music, their art or their effortless talent and amazing music. It was everything!

But even though this, there was something that was bothering me. Ved's absence, yup! Alizeh was bickering to Ved who was actually listening and talking to her the whole time leaving me alone with Renee who was enjoying and recording the performance on her phone, singing loudly along with the crowd. I tried to ignore them and focused on the concert which actually worked until it was over. And I was back again to being bothered by Ved and the absence of his company.

After the concert, there was a small post-concert party backstage where there were drinks and food. Parth accompanied me throughout the afterparty and I was glad for that. If it was not for him, I would have looked like a complete loner in the party.

I sat on the counter looking at Ved and Alizeh in the crowd having some fun conversation, I can tell from their happy, laughing faces. Yeah! She is happily in a relationship with Ahil but Ved? What is he doing? He didn't even leave my side during camping and he refused to even acknowledge my existence at the moment. Ugh! I hate this feeling but I can't stop feeling it!

"You don't look good, Zivah," Parth said sitting next to me, handing me the drink he went to get for us. I took it giving him a small smile.

"I'm good," I said moving my gaze away in the crowd. I saw Parth letting out a small smile.

"What is it?" I asked frowning at him.

"You don't have to be jealous because she is your sister and she is engaged." He said still with a little smirk visible on his face. I rolled my eyes keeping the glass down on the counter as I looked at Alizeh and Ved talking, sitting at a counter not so away from us.

"I'm of course not jealous." I said, "I mean I don't know..." I let out a sigh moving towards the counter to grab the glass yet again.

"I have never been that kind of girl, Parth," I said tilting my head to look at Parth beside. He gave me a smile.

"It happens sometimes." He said. I gave him a smile and looked at them yet again.

Ved was smiling at something Alizeh said as she slapped him on his shoulder. I don't know why but I felt a little tint of jealousy forming inside of me. Ever since I have met Ved he has been with me, just me. And now seeing him making jokes with someone else was actually making me insecure about something. I know, it's silly of me as it's Ali, my sister, my engaged sister. There's no need to feel bothered by it as he's probably just being friendly with her and it's Ved after all, flirting is a part of his personality. And Alizeh is obviously getting to know him more for me. But I just can't help this feeling. I know this feeling and I'm not denying anything but it's too soon to admit it.

The rest of the party went in me spending time with Parth and stealing glances at Ved and Ali. Laksh joined us in between and we had a good conversation. It was nice getting to know them more and individually. Randhir was already on the dance floor and I saw Kunal flirting with some girl. RK and Renee were getting cozy in a corner as the rest of the people enjoyed the party in their own terms. I wasn't really bothered, I just had this one thing running in the back of my mind the whole night. I wanted to be home soon and just sleep over it. And thankfully Alizeh agreed to leave the party when I finally made my way towards them, interrupting their conversation and asked her if we can leave the party yet.

Ved dropped us home and yes this time I took the front seat as I don't want Alizeh to talk any kind of nonsense to him. I don't know what was happening or what was with this feeling but I don't want him to flirt with anyone right at the moment let alone Alizeh. I know that was kind of foolish of me and people might judge me but it is who I am. I don't share my people with anyone.

The car ride back home was mostly silent as Alizeh fell asleep and I stared out of the window, being in my thoughts, clearly showing my disinterest in any conversation. I was glad that he got the message and didn't initiate any conversation as I wasn't in the right mood or in the right senses.

As I got off the car, he promised me to take me out in Delhi and said his bye. I just pressed a smile at him and wished him a good night as I left towards the mansion with Alizeh.

I honestly can't wait to meet him again. Though he was right in front of me this whole time, I still didn't get to talk to him much. I still didn't get to spend time with him like I always do. I was affected by that without any doubt but more than that I felt jealous when he flirted with Alizeh. I don't know how to deal with that. And by that, I mean the feeling, jealousy. Why am I jealous when he's flirting with someone other than me? I'm obviously getting attached to him more than I should. I'm obviously attracted to him and I love spending time with him. I do like him. I like him but that's all I want it to be. Anything more than that will tear me apart, I know it. But there's no point in denying the truth as well.

I do feel jealous, I accept it. There's nothing I can do about it except feel it. I can't possibly push myself away from Ved just because of the fear of the unknown future. I've been scared my whole life. I've already made up my mind about experience life as it comes. That's exactly what I'm gonna do. I'll face things as it comes, right now things are fine, it's just my mind that's messed up. I'll take my time and calm my mind. That's the possible thing I can do right now or just letting my feelings into my diary...

Anyway, I just knew I wasn't really getting over this unsettling thoughts soon enough. So for the night, I decided to sleep over it and wished for it magically disappear from my mind when I wake up the next morning.

_____________________________

✨Author's Note✨

So that was it for now. Let us know in comments what do you think about this chapter.

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Zivah will be back with another update next Friday.

Till then, bye.

Loads of love ❤️