Chapter - 7
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Vihaan ~
I stepped out onto my porch, seeking a moment of quiet. That's when I noticed her—Shivanya, leaning against the railing of the porch next door. Her usual composure seemed fractured under the moonlight.
"Hey." Taran said, and I saw Shivanya flinch slightly before turning to face him as he walked to her.
"Are you okay?" Taran moved closer, and I felt my grip tighten around my coffee mug as I saw Shivanya step a bit further away but keep her gaze on him.
"Yeah, just needed a breather," she responded, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Taran leaned against the railing next to her, his proximity unsettling. "You seem... distant. Is everything alright, Shivi? I hope you know that my wedding with Radhika changes no aspect of our friendship, right?"
The edge of the mug dug into my palm as I watched Taran stand so close to her, speaking with such easy familiarity. My jaw tightened, and I shifted my stance, struggling to keep my composure.
Shivanya hesitated, a flicker of pain crossing her features. "Just... a lot on my mind, I guess." Her voice was soft, almost resigned.
"You know, you can talk to me, right? Whatever it is, I'm here for you," Taran insisted. The way he looked at her, the concern in his eyes, stirred a bitter feeling inside me and I could feel my jaw ticking.
"I appreciate that, Taran," she replied, managing a small smile. "But really, it's nothing I can't handle."
He studied her for a moment, eventually nodding. "Alright. Just know that I'm here if you ever need to talk."
"Thanks," she murmured.
They stood in silence for a while but my eyes never left them, every movement, every glance between them stirring a slow burn within me. Eventually, Taran broke the quiet.
"I should probably get back inside," he said, glancing towards the open door.
Shivanya nodded, offering him a reassuring smile. "Yeah, go ahead. I'll join you in a bit."
As he disappeared back into the house, I saw Shivanya let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping under the weight of her longing towards him. She seemed so small, so fragile in that moment.
"Shivanya."
I saw her jump slightly at my voice, her eyes widening as she turned to face me.
"Mr. Raichand?" She stood confused for a split second before realization dawned. "You live here?"
I nodded, taking a step closer. "You are getting married to him?" My voice was calm, but the sharp edge in it betrayed my composure.
"What? No! Taran is marrying my sister, not me," Her voice, sharp with defensiveness, echoed in the stillness.
But the tremor that ran beneath her words, the raw vulnerability in her eyes, struck me like a bolt of lightning. The ache that clouded her gaze, the unspoken yearning – it wasn't directed at me. It was all for him.
The realisation was a physical blow. The possessiveness that had simmered beneath the surface solidified into a cold, hard jealousy. She was in love with him.
"You're in love with him, aren't you?" I asked, my voice steady, my jaw clenched.
Shivanya's face flushed, her eyes widening in shock. She opened her mouth to protest, to deny the truth, but the words seemed to stick in her throat. Slowly, she turned her back to me and yet I saw that tear down her cheek.
"There's no way I could love him," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "He's marrying my sister."
I took another step closer, my gaze locked on hers. "That's not what it seemed like," I said, the bitterness clinging to my throat.
"You think you know all about my feelings based on my one conversation with Taran, my best friend since ages? I thought you were a better lawyer than that." she retorted, her voice laced with a hint of defiance.
I stood rooted, "I am. That is how I know," I replied.
She let out a shaky breath, her words a mere whisper. "I wish I had said something to him in all these years. It was all my fault. I wish I had told him instead of keeping everything to myself for so long that I lost him. I wish I had said something to him, told him."
Shame burned in my gut. Here she was, drowning in unspoken regret, and I was fueled by jealousy, doing exactly what she was accusing herself of. Three years. Three years I had buried my feelings for her, dismissing them as a foolish notion. But tonight, it was painfully clear. Silence was a coward's refuge and I have been one for a long time now when it came to her.
"Shivanya," I said, my voice softer now, "silence is often the loudest cry for help. And sometimes, the most important words are the ones we never say."
With that, I left her alone and walked back inside, giving her the space to collect herself. Tonight had made one thing painfully clear: if I didn't tell her how I felt, I would lose her forever.Her confession served me a wake-up call because losing her was not an option, even if it meant admitting that I had been a coward for a very long time, when it came to her.
As much as I hate it, Yash was one person who could help, even if I could not hear the end of it till eternity about his, I told you so lines.
Shivanya ~
Twenty days passed in a jiffy with the wedding preparations and work. Managing both was turning out to be a challenge, considering that Vihaan had to leave for Toronto just the next day after I accidentally confessed to him about Taran.
To be very honest, a part of me was very grateful that I was getting an opportunity to not face him. What would I say to him anyway, "Sorry sir, didn't mean to burden you with the knowledge that I am in love with my best friend who is marrying my sister in two weeks?"
As the days slipped by, my focus remained on Radhika's wedding. The house was a whirlwind of activity—people bustling in and out, endless decisions about decorations, catering, outfits, and a thousand other details. It was easy to get lost in the chaos, to bury my feelings under layers of silk and flowers.
At work, I had won the triple murder trial and Prakash was acquitted but it was all mostly because of Mr. Birdbrain's research. He was really, really brilliant.
I was just on my way to the hotel to overlook the engagement preparations once when Sangeeta aunty called up. She and I had been working closely for Radhika's outfits.
"Beta, can you come to the boutique in a hour? All of Radhika's outfits are ready after the alterations." She said.
"Of course Aunty. I'll be there." I said with gratitude before hanging up since I was driving.
God, please don't let those outfits be beyond my budget," I prayed silently. Yes, I am well-to-do, but we are upper-middle class people, and these weddings can be financially draining.
Once I had looked after the engagement preparations, I drove to aunty's boutique which, to say in the least, was beautiful as it could get. All those vibrant and subtle colours felt like I was in a fairytale.
"Namaste aunty." I greeted her, once I spotted her by one of the mannequins.
"Shivanya, perfect timing. I was just thinking about the drape of this dupatta for the wedding outfit. I think we can add this heavy rani pink one to cover her head." She said, looking at the draping and I gave her a nod.
"She will look beautiful aunty. You have literally made her dream come true. Thank you so much!" I said, touching the lehenga.
"Thank you for trusting me enough to try and make the bride's day a little extra special." she retorted with a warm smile which I returned.
Then, she instructed two of her staff members to pack all of Radhika's outfits before going to the store perhaps while I waited.
"Shivanya, beta, I want you to have this for Radhika's wedding," Aunty came out with a packet in her hands, and I looked on, confused.
"What is this, Aunty?" I asked, confused.
"It's a little something special. Open it," she said with a smile.
I took the packet and carefully unwrapped it, revealing an exquisite saree. The fabric was luxurious, adorned with intricate beadwork and embroidery that shimmered in the light.
"Aunty, this is too much," I said, overwhelmed by her generosity. "I can't accept this."
"Shivanya, this is for you," she insisted warmly. "You're Radhika's sister, and you deserve to look just as beautiful. This saree will make you shine on the big day."
"Thank you so much, Aunty. But really, I can't accept this." I said, shaking my head politely.
"Please, Shivanya, you have to," Sangeeta Aunty said, gently pushing the saree back into my hands. "It's my gift to you for all the hard work you put into working for Vihaan. You deserve this."
I shook my head, taking a step back. "Aunty, it's not about the gift. It's just... it feels too much. You've already done so much for us, and this saree looks incredibly expensive. I can't let you do this."
"Shivanya, listen to me," she said firmly, her eyes softening. "You have been running around tirelessly, managing both work and the preparations without compromising anywhere and for that, it's just a little token of appreciation from me."
"But Aunty," I began, still hesitant, "this saree... I mean, I can't accept something so valuable. It's not right."
She took my hands in hers, her gaze unwavering. "Beta, sometimes you need to let others take care of you. You always put others first. Let me do this for you. Please."
"I really can't..." I started, my voice trailing off as my mind raced for the right words to express my reluctance. Just then, the voice I had been so glad to avoid for the past twenty days interrupted my thoughts.
"Take it, Miss Chopra," said a familiar, commanding voice. "You won us the triple murder trial yesterday. You deserve it."
I turned sharply to see Vihaan standing there, his presence filling the room with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.
"Vihaan, I thought you were coming back tomorrow?" Sangeeta Aunty went to him, pulling him into a hug, but his gaze remained fixed on me.
My heart pounded in my chest as Vihaan's eyes bore into mine, the intensity of his presence unsettling me. Breaking the eye lock, I looked away, my gaze falling on the vibrant colors of the boutique around us. The silence between us was thick and uncomfortable.
"I managed to wrap things up early," Vihaan replied to Sangeeta Aunty, his tone casual, though his eyes never left me because I could feel it. "Thought I would surprise everyone."
"Surprise? Who are you and what have you done with my son?" she gasped animatedly before laughing and finally, his eyes shifted away from me to look at his mom, relieving me.
"Mom." That was his counter. Wow, Vihaan Raichand does not have a comeback? That must be a first, I chuckled slowly.
His gaze flickered back to me at the sound of my laugh, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. "I see I do have the power to amuse you, Miss Chopra," he said, his voice laced with a teasing note.
I composed myself at his words, feeling a rush of heat flood my cheeks.
"Your mom most definitely does, Mr. Raichand. I am not so sure about you." I retorted, making aunty laugh.
"Oh god I love her." She said, looking at Vihaan whose lips twitched in amusement, his usual stoic demeanor momentarily breaking as he regarded me with a hint of surprise. "Well, aren't you a feisty one, Miss Chopra."
Sangeeta aunty watched the exchange with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like Shivanya knows how to keep you on your toes, Vihaan."
Vihaan grunted in response, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Seems like it. But don't get too comfortable, Miss Chopra. I'm not one to be outdone."
I raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress a smirk of my own. "Oh, I'm counting on it. It wouldn't be any fun otherwise."
Before he had a chance to say anything further, my phone went off, Taran. My heart skipped a beat as I glanced at the screen. As I stepped away to take the call from Taran, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Vihaan. His usually composed expression faltered for a split second, a subtle tension tightening the corners of his jaw. His gaze followed me, a fleeting flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes.
"Hi Taran." I said.
"Shiv, coffee?" He asked in his usual chirpy self.
"Taran, you are getting engaged this evening, don't you have preparations to do?" I questioned him, my left hand's fingers fidgeting with the hem of my kurti.
"I do. Maa is driving me crazy. All I need is one coffee with my best friend, is that too much to ask for?" He said, sighing.
"Your best friend has to take your to-be-wife to the salon in an hour, then get ready herself," I replied, trying my best to sound cheery, but the words felt like a stab to me.
"Fine, you win, but you better pay some attention to me too during the function in the evening, instead of just your sister," he spoke up, his tone lightening, making me laugh despite the knot in my stomach.
"You sound awfully jealous of Radhika," I remarked, forcing a playful tone.
"You are saving me a dance tonight," he grumped before hanging up.
"No, Taran, I am not," I whispered, closing my eyes momentarily. The words hung heavy in the air, an unspoken confession that would never reach his ears. Taking a deep breath, I put a smile back on my face and returned to Sangeeta aunty and Mr. Birdbrain.
"Aunty I should get going now, it's getting late and I have to take Radhika to the salon for the engagement tonight, I'll see you in the evening?" I asked her and she gave me an agreeable nod.
"Could I have the bill, please?" I requested one of her staff members.
"Beta, we can do this later, don't worry about the payment," aunty insisted kindly, but I couldn't bring myself to accept her offer. She had already been so generous, and I couldn't burden her further.
"Definitely not, aunty. You have already done so much," I replied with a polite smile.
As the counter girl handed over the invoice, and as I glanced at the total. The dresses were exquisite, but they were definitely stretching my budget thinner than I had hoped but for Radhika, there wasn't much I wouldn't do.
"Here, you can tap this." I took my card and handed it over to her.
"Thank you ma'am." She said with a smile and the payment went through.
"Again, thank you so much, aunty," I expressed my gratitude, turning around to keep the card back in my clutch before reaching for the packets. However, before I could even make a move, Vihaan beat me to it.
"Allow me, Shivanya." He said, taking the dress boxes.
"No sir, I'll be fine, please don't," I protested, instinctively reaching towards the boxes in his hands. But Vihaan's firm grip didn't waver, and he continued to hold them, his gaze unwavering.
"Show me to your car Miss Chopra." He asked, asking me to lead ahead. Sighing I did as he asked me, walking out.
As we stepped out into the warm afternoon sunlight, a breeze played with the loose strands of hair around my face. Vihaan followed closely behind, his presence casting a shadow over my thoughts.
Reaching my car, I unlocked the doors and turned to face him, gratitude swirling in my chest. "Thank you once again, sir, I truly appreciate it," I murmured, watching as he carefully placed the boxes on the backseat.
Vihaan nodded, his gaze lingering on mine.
"This one belongs to you, I believe," he said, his voice barely above a whisper as he handed me the saree packet from his other hand. It was the same one I had silently decided to leave behind at the boutique, unable to accept such a expensive gift.
"Sir, I genuinely can't, please," I said.
"Shivanya my mom wants you to have this but if it is a matter of self-respect for you, I will encash the cost of the dress from the bonus you will be getting for the case you've won for us yesterday." His explained me, extending the packet for me to take it.
"You promise sir?" I asked, looking at him.
All he did was blink once and yet, there was a fleeting hesitation in his expression for the first time I have ever interacted with him.
The unexpected brush of Vihaan's fingers against mine as he handed me the saree packet sent a jolt through me. It was a brief contact, yet it lingered like a spark on my skin.
"Thank you, Mr. Raichand," I whispered, a small smile playing on my lips as our gazes locked in a silent understanding.
"You need to stop thanking me for every little thing, Miss Chopra," he chided gently, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.
His gaze held mine for a beat too long, his brown eyes swirling with an emotion I couldn't decipher. Was it amusement?Annoyance?
Flustered, I scrambled into the car, momentarily forgetting the saree in my hand. Vihaan chuckled softly, a rich sound that washed over me.
"Trying to escape that quickly, Miss Chopra?" he teased, leaning against the doorframe, his broad shoulders blocking my exit.
My breath hitched. He was so close, I could smell the faint citrus scent of his cologne, a sharp contrast to the summer heat. Self-consciousness flooded me, and I stammered, "N-no, sir. I just..."
A smile played on his lips, sending a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Just what, Miss Chopra?"
My cheeks burned under his scrutiny. "I just... need to get Radhika to the salon," I managed, my voice barely a whisper.
Vihaan straightened, his smile still present.
With a curt nod, he stepped back, allowing me to pull out of the boutique parking lot. As I drove away, I stole a glance in the rearview mirror. Vihaan was still standing there, watching my car disappear down the street.
Vihaan Raichand has been confusing me for a while now.
Hey guys! This is the next chapter. I hope you all like it. Do tell me what you feel about it through the comments section. I love you all. Until next time. Byee!!
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