Chapter : Unspoken Feelings

Chapter : Unspoken Feelings

The sun beams down eagerly on Sunday, casting a warm glow as Vrishti bursts into her aunt's vibrant home. Romita's face lit up, her smile stretching from ear to ear as she greeted her favorite guest.

But wait—her heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of Rajveer! What a surprise to see him again, especially with Mr. Ariyan by Vrishti’s side for the second time.

Rajveer's eyes locked onto Romita's, shimmering with genuine warmth. "Romita, it’s wonderful to see you again!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with sincerity. Romita felt her heart swell at his words; the corners of her eyes crinkled with joy as her smile practically sparkled.

"Auntie, I’ve missed this lively atmosphere! I’ve really missed little Priyam and, of course, you! Being here reminds me that the love of family is one of life's greatest treasures," Rajveer said, taking a breath as he continued, "By the way, how's Uncle doing now?"

The air buzzed with excitement, each moment ripe with the joy of reunion and cherished memories waiting to unfold.

Romita mirrored Rajveer’s adorable smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she playfully tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Christian is doing good,” she said cheerfully. “But I'm always here to assist him whenever he needs me.” There was a comforting warmth in her tone, reflecting the bond they shared.

Vrishti observed the duo exchanging banter, her heart swelling with a mix of joy and gratitude. As she glanced at Veer, a wave of emotions washed over her. Goosebumps pricked her skin, and she marveled at Rajveer Ariyan, a man of notable status who wore his humility like a badge of honor. His presence had a way of putting everyone at ease, enveloping the space in an aura of kindness.

Suddenly, Rajveer surprised Priyam with a shiny toy car, its vibrant colors gleaming under the light. The sheer delight on the little boy's face was priceless, his eyes lighting up with uncontained glee. The children around them burst into cheers and applause, their infectious excitement echoing through the room as they celebrated the unexpected gift.

Vrishti's heart fluttered, a mixture of admiration and curiosity swirling within her. How had Rajveer managed to find the gift for Priyam? She couldn't shake the feeling of gratitude and appreciation that washed over her every time she witnessed his thoughtfulness. It was moments like these that made her realize just how special he truly was, not just to the children, but to everyone around him.

At that moment, Mohini and Romita made their grand entrance, carrying a steaming plate piled high with golden-brown pakodas. The crispy, fragrant snacks emanated a mouthwatering aroma that wafted through the house, quickly drawing the attention of everyone present. With careful hands, they began distributing the hot pakodas, each bite promising a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.

In the midst of the cheerful chaos, Vrishti jumped in to lend a hand with washing the utensils. The sound of water splashing and dishes clinking provided a pleasant background to the lively atmosphere. Rajveer, always the cheerful spirit, joined them, eager to lighten the mood with his signature quips and jests. His playful banter filled the room, and everyone found themselves smiling, his humor creating a relaxed environment filled with laughter.

Romita observed the lighthearted exchange between Vrishti and Rajveer with an appreciative gaze. She noticed the way Vrishti's face lit up, a genuine smile spreading across her features as she playfully teased Rajveer back. A sense of relief washed over Romita; she admired the connection blossoming between the two, feeling grateful that her niece was clearly enjoying herself.

Once everyone had savored the delicious snacks, the children were excitedly called to play a game of blind fly—a favorite of theirs. Vrishti volunteered to be the first blindfolded. With a soft cloth covering her eyes, she stumbled around the room, giggles erupting from the kids as they darted playfully out of her reach. In her playful confusion, Vrishti accidentally collided with Rajveer, who had been standing still, a sly grin spreading across his face as he pretended to be a statue. The room erupted in laughter as she tried to figure out who she had caught, the joyous atmosphere pulsating with childlike merriment.

As Vrishti's hands touched his chest, she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She removed her blindfold, and their eyes met in a romantic eye lock. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a moment of pure connection.

Rajveer's eyes sparkled with mischief, and Vrishti's heart skipped a beat. She felt like she was drowning in the depths of his gaze, and she couldn't look away.

The kids, oblivious to the tension between them, cheered and clapped, thinking it was all part of the game. But Vrishti and Rajveer knew better. They knew that something special was happening between them, something that went beyond friendship.

"Gotcha!" he exclaimed, his gaze intense and romantic, as Vristhi removed the blindfold. Their eyes met, and Vristhi felt a jolt of electricity run through her body.

Vristhi couldn’t suppress her laughter as she tried to play it cool, though she could feel a slight tremor in her voice that betrayed her excitement. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she slipped the soft fabric of the clothes over Rajveer's eyes, transforming him into a playful hunter in their game.

As the game progressed, their laughter echoed in the crisp air, but suddenly, Vristhi felt a sharp pain shoot through her leg. She winced, the sharpness of the sprain sending ripples of discomfort spiraling through her. Without hesitation, Rajveer rushed to her side, his face etched with worry.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice thick with concern, the warmth of his breath brushing against her cheek.

Vristhi offered a shaky nod, feeling a rush of emotions swirl within her at the way he held her. As he cradled her close, a cascade of goosebumps erupted across her skin, and her heart thudded in her chest, skipping a beat as she savored the moment.

"I think I twisted my ankle," she admitted, her voice attempting to be casual, though the discomfort was real.

Rajveer's eyes darkened with worry as he knelt beside her, his gentle hands exploring her ankle with surprising tenderness. His touch sent jolts of warmth streaming down her spine, igniting something deep within her that she hadn’t expected. "You need to ice this," he instructed, his tone firm yet soothing.

Before Vristhi could process what was happening, she felt Rajveer's strong arms wrap around her slim waist, lifting her effortlessly off the ground. A wave of surprise washed over her, leaving her momentarily speechless.

As he carried her to a nearby bench, Vristhi couldn’t help but notice the electric tension crackling between them. She felt her heart race, a mix of exhilaration and anxiety swirling inside her. Though she sensed the undeniable chemistry, she chose to brush it aside, focusing instead on the sting in her ankle .

Vrishti nodded her head "Thanks, Veer. I owe you one."

Rajveer smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No need to thank me, Mittu . I'm just glad I was here to help."

________________

Mahek was deep into her wedding shopping, bustling through different stores, picking out elegant fabrics and intricate designs for her special day. Excitement bubbled within her, but she felt the need for support, so she decided to call her fiancé, Agastya. With every item she chose, her thoughts drifted to him, envisioning how he would react during their ceremony, where the love and laughter of their friends and family would surround them.

Meanwhile, Vrishti sat quietly in a cozy room, trying to focus on her latte, but her thoughts betrayed her. She watched Mahek with a bittersweet feeling that clenched at her heart. Vrishti couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness as she thought about her own engagement with Ekansh. She had always been there for Mahek, cheering her on, and now she couldn’t bear the thought of her best friend sensing the melancholy that wrapped around her like a heavy cloak. Vrishti admired how Mahek and Agastya seemed to effortlessly navigate their relationship, pouring in so much effort and dedication to ensure their love flourished, which only made Vrishti’s own longing for Ekansh more palpable.

Lost in these deep thoughts, Vrishti felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her, recalling the times spent with Ekansh, filled with laughter and shared dreams. Just as she was about to succumb to her feelings of loneliness, the sharp trill of her mobile phone rang out, jolting her back to reality. She glanced down at the screen, where a familiar name was flashing as an incoming call.

Vrishti reached for the smooth, green button on her device and pressed it, activating the speaker. The familiar sound of Rajveer’s voice filled the room, but there was an unusual quality to it that immediately caught her attention.

“You’re sounding different. Is everything alright?” Rajveer asked, concerned about lacing his tone.

Vrishti paused, sensing the genuine worry behind his words. She took a moment to compose herself, clearing her throat softly in an attempt to mask the raspy effect that the chilly weather had imparted on her voice. She didn’t want him to worry unnecessarily over minor inconveniences. Their conversation flowed naturally, and before they knew it, the minutes turned to hours, each lost in the other’s company as their laughter echoed through the call.

After a long stretch of engaging conversation, Vrishti found an opportunity to switch gears. With a playful tone, she proposed, “How about you join me for some shopping this weekend? It could be fun!”

A moment of silence followed her invitation, stretching out uncomfortably. She felt a flutter of anxiety as she wondered if he had been caught up with something more pressing.

“Veer, are you there? If you’re busy…” she started, her voice trailing off.

But before she could finish her thought, Rajveer interrupted her with a playful drawl. “Yes, I’ll come.”

A wave of relief washed over Vrishti at his enthusiastic response, and a bright laugh escaped her lips, the initial tension dissipating. His cheerful spirit always left her feeling lighter and more buoyant, brightening her day in an instant. The anticipation of shopping together added an electric thrill to their conversation, marking the beginning of a fun-filled weekend ahead.

…….

As they strolled through the bustling shopping mall in Delhi, the vibrant colors and lively chatter of the crowds created an infectious energy. Vrishti and Rajveer wandered through the garment sections, their fingers trailing over the intricate embroidery and luxurious fabrics.

Rajveer turned to Vrishti, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Help me choose an outfit for the wedding, Mittu. I'm utterly clueless." Vrishti's laughter was like music, a playful, teasing sound that danced in the air.

"Mr. Ariyan, so baffled by a simple shirt?" she taunted, her eyes glinting with mirth. "How do you plan to unravel the mysteries of a woman's heart?" She winked at him, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings.

Rajveer's face creased into a charming smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "For that, my Mittu, I'll always have you to guide me," he said, his voice low and flirtatious. Vrishti rolled her eyes, a playful smile still dancing on her lips.

"Incorrigible," she muttered, shaking her head. Rajveer chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Incorrigible to resist," he retorted, his grin widening. His entire demeanor radiated enthusiasm, drawing Vrishti in with his infectious energy.

As they strolled through the glimmering jewellery section, Rajveer’s gaze settled on Vrishti, his heart racing as he carefully placed the exquisite necklace into her hands. The delicate craftsmanship sparkled under the bright lights, casting tiny prisms around them. "You deserve it," he said, his voice soft and sincere, laced with admiration.

Vrishti stared down at the necklace, her brows furrowing in hesitation. The weight of the gift was not just physical; it represented a level of affection and expectation she wasn’t ready to embrace. "Veer," she finally replied, her voice firm yet warm, "I respect you immensely as my friend, but this necklace is far too extravagant—it's beyond my one month’s salary. I truly appreciate the gesture, but I'm afraid I can’t accept it."

Rajveer opened his mouth, about to protest or perhaps explain his intentions, but the resolute look on Vristhi’s face silenced him. He couldn’t help but be taken aback by her unwavering self-esteem. In a world where many would accept such a lavish gift with glee, Vristhi stood as a pillar of strength and self-respect. It was this very quality that intrigued him the most; she was unlike anyone he had ever met. While he had dated numerous girls, none had struck him with such a powerful combination of humor, clarity of thought, and steadfast independence.

As the days of pre-wedding festivities unfolded, their connection deepened with each shared laughter and joyful dance. Surrounded by friends and family, they exchanged stories that brought them closer together. Each moment was infused with a palpable energy, a blend of excitement and warmth that lingered in the air. Rajveer found himself captivated not just by the fun they were having, but by the genuine bond forming between them, one that promised depth and understanding. The joy in their interactions hinted at the possibility of something more, a friendship blossoming into something profound, and in those moments, he began to realize just how special Vristhi truly was

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

On his birthday, Rajveer extended a warm invitation to Vristhi, welcoming her into the festive atmosphere of his resort house.

The gathering was lively, filled with friends and well-wishers who had come to celebrate the occasion. As Vristhi scanned the party zone , she couldn’t help but notice the absence of Rajveer's father. It struck her that Rajveer often became irritable whenever his family was mentioned, a detail that only deepened her curiosity about his home life.

Unfortunately, Romita was unable to attend the celebration, as she was preoccupied with caring for Christian. However, Priyam arrived at the party alongside her Aunt, Vrishti. Rajveer greeted them with genuine admiration and enthusiasm, his resort house radiating elegance and charm. The décor was tastefully arranged, adding to the festiv ambiencece that enveloped the gathering. Workers moved gracefully around the area, ensuring every guest's needs were met, while the invigorating melody of music reverberated through the air, elevating everyone's spirits.

For Vristhi, this marked her first encounter with Rajveer's circle of friends. The energy in the room was palpable as conversations flowed freely and laughter echoed against the walls.

As the celebration unfolded, Ahaan, Rajveer’s close friend, observed his best buddy enveloped in joy, laughter spilling from him as he soaked in the delightful atmosphere. It was a vibrant scene—Mahek was engrossed in a lively discussion with Priyam, while Vristhi found herself engaged in a conversation with Ahaan, alongside their friends Saloni and Rayansha.

With a hint of hesitance, Vristhi turned to Ahaan and asked, “If you don’t mind, may I pose a question to you?”

A playful glint appeared in Ahaan’s eyes. “You’re already warning me not to mind, so it sounds like you’re about to ask something intriguing. Go ahead,” he chuckled, genuinely curious.

Taking a breath, Vristhi continued, “I was wondering why you haven’t tried to help your friend, I mean, Veer,” she paused briefly, feeling a tinge of uncertainty in her approach.

Ahaan’s gaze locked onto hers, and there was a moment of silence that stretched between them, giving Vristhi the sense that her question had struck a deeper chord than she intended.

Vrishti struggled to maintain her composure as she continued, "I mean, Rajveer is genuinely a good person. Any girl would be fortunate to have him as her husband. So, why does he insist on sabotaging his own happiness? It’s as if he’s trapped in a cycle of self-punishment that only brings him more pain."

Ahaan sighed deeply, a look of concern etched on his face. "Vrishti, you’re Rajveer’s friend, and that’s why I feel compelled to explain this to you. The Rajveer I know is not someone most people really understand. Despite how it may appear, he is undeniably a one-woman man at heart. But perhaps his fate has dealt him a cruel hand. He never experienced the affection he deserved from his parents, and the one girl he genuinely loved hurt him deeply."

Vrishti's gaze locked onto Ahaan’s, her eyes unwavering, as a chill ran down her spine, amplifying her sense of foreboding.

"He had a girl named Shanya in his life, and Ahaan's voice dropped to a low whisper as he recounted the tale. "But she betrayed him in the worst possible way," he continued, his expression shadowed with concern. "Her intentions were never pure; she was only after his wealth, entangled in her shallow ambition."

As Ahaan spoke, the memories of Rajveer's heartache drifted through the air like a haunting melody. Shanya had always been enchanting, her laughter sparkling like sunlight on water, yet there was an unsettling edge beneath her charm. She had her own boyfriend, someone who genuinely loved her, but Shanya's eyes sparkled greedily whenever she saw Raj's extravagant lifestyle. It wasn’t until Raj stumbled onto an unguarded moment that the truth struck him like a thunderclap—the carefully constructed façade she had built was a mere illusion, crumbling before his very eyes.

The betrayal was cruel, her words sharp daggers piercing Rajveer’s heart. She mocked him mercilessly, taunting him for being nothing more than the son of a wealthy businessman, spitting out barbs wrapped in a fake sweetness. To Rajveer, wealth was nothing but a tool; he dreamed of starting his own business, fueled by a passion that lit a fire in his eyes. But Shanya had other plans; she sought someone to elevate her own ambitions, willing to use Raj as a stepping stone on her quest for success.

Despite his affection for her drive, Raj held steadfast to a belief that love cannot be bought—it is a bond forged in mutual respect and understanding. He hoped to show her that true support can only come from a place of genuine love, not from the cold calculations of monetary gain. In the end, Shanya learned a painful lesson: in her world, where she believed love withered without funds, she failed to grasp the essence of real connection.

The unfortunate truth was that she was gravely mistaken; the right person would seek out much more than just material wealth. They would go to great lengths to nurture their partner’s dreams, standing by them through thick and thin.

Rajveer realized that everyone has their own journey. Yes, we all strive towards our destinations, but it is the steadfast companions who share our struggles, who lift us up when we falter, who truly deserve a cherished place in our lives and celebrate with us when we find success.

Vrishti remained silent, taking in Ahaan's words as the reality of Rajveer's situation began to sink in. She couldn’t overlook the resentment he harbored towards women, but she knew deep down that he needed to learn that not every woman would betray him.

Ahaan opened his mouth, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Still, I pray to God that one day he opens his heart and realizes my stubborn friend that not everyone's the same. I truly wish for love to find its way into his life, a love that will always be loyal to him. I can assure you, my friend would do everything in his power to ensure her happiness and safety. She would be someone who cherishes every moment they share."

As the party continued to unfold in a vibrant array of laughter and music, Agastya, a mutual friend of both Rajveer and Vristhi, found himself captivated by the unmistakable chemistry crackling between the two. The atmosphere was filled with a lighthearted energy, but there was something deeper simmering beneath the surface, a connection that intrigued Agastya.

With a curious glint in his eye, Agastya leaned closer to Rajveer, who was perched comfortably on a barstool, and asked in a teasing tone, “Dude, what’s going on between you and Vristhi? You two seem inseparable lately. It’s like you’re living in your own little world, completely oblivious to everyone else.”

Rajveer shrugged with a nonchalant air, attempting to downplay the burgeoning situation. “We’re just friends, Agastya. Honestly, there’s nothing more to it. You’re reading too much into this,” he replied, his voice light but with a hint of defensiveness.

Agastya studied Rajveer's expression intently, gauging the sincerity behind his words. After a brief pause, he replied, “Okay, I accept that, but I just want to remind you that Vristhi is not only the best friend of my wife, but she’s also a good friend of mine. She’s an authentic and genuine person, and I care about her well-being.”

At this, Rajveer stopped what he was doing, rolled up his sleeves in an almost dismissive manner, and took a slow sip of his scotch from the glass in front of him. “You don’t have to worry about her, Agastya. I’m not some kidnapper or serial killer looking to harm her. So just relax,” he said, a touch of irritation creeping into his tone.

Agastya, sensing the slight rudeness in Rajveer’s response, felt a flicker of concern mixed with protectiveness for Vristhi. The tension hung precariously in the air, as the party carried on around them, oblivious to the dynamic unfolding at the bar.

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

Six months had gracefully slipped by, marking a new chapter in the lives of Agastya and Mahek, who had recently tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony. Their union was celebrated by family and friends, bringing a wave of joy and warmth to everyone involved. Meanwhile, Vristhi was thriving in both her professional and personal life, achieving new milestones at work while nurturing a fulfilling social circle.

On one particular Sunday, Ahaan decided to pay a visit to Rajveer's house. The afternoon sun streamed in through the windows, casting a warm glow on the cozy living room where they had gathered. Rajveer, who had been lounging comfortably with a cup of coffee in hand, sat quietly, seemingly lost in thought. Ahaan, however, was anything but subtle. After a moment of observation, he raised an eyebrow, a skeptical expression creeping across his face as he turned towards Rajveer.

"Raj," he began, his voice drenched in a mix of challenge and genuine concern. "Come on, man. I've known you for years; you can't fool me. I can see it in the way you look at her. You've definitely got feelings for Vristhi."

Rajveer responded with an exaggerated eye roll, a gesture that conveyed his exasperation at Ahaan's relentless teasing. "Ahaan, please! We’re just friends. That’s all it is," he insisted, attempting to dismiss the notion.

But Ahaan was far from satisfied. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial tone, as if to emphasize the seriousness of his claim. "Listen, bro—it's been six months. Six solid months of you being right by her side, attending events, sharing laughs, and supporting each other through thick and thin. You haven’t shown any interest in other women, and there's been no pointless flirting. You're absolutely smitten, my friend."

His words hung in the air, filled with undeniable tension and a hint of playful accusation. Rajveer shifted uncomfortably in his seat, caught between denial and the undeniable truth of Ahaan's observations.

The atmosphere around them shifted as Rajveer fell silent, contemplating Ahaan's words. His best friend’s piercing gaze knew him all too well, and in that moment, Rajveer's silence spoke volumes louder than any words could.

Ahaan continued, with a hint of warmth in his expression, “It’s been so long since we’ve seen you this happy, Raj. I mean, truly happy. Finally embracing something real.”

Rajveer's stare dropped to the table, his thoughts swirling as he spoke in a barely audible whisper, “I respect her, Ahaan. She deserves the best, and I—I don’t want to jeopardize that. What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”

Ahaan's smile widened, a knowing look in his eyes as he placed a reassuring hand on Rajveer’s shoulder. “You’re in love with her, man. You just don’t want to face it yet. It’s okay to admit it; it’s a beautiful thing.”

Rajveer remained silent, each heartbeat echoing the truth he was still struggling to acknowledge. The weight of his emotions hung thick in the air, an unspoken testament to everything he felt for Vristhi.

Recognizing the turmoil within his friend, Ahaan gave him a comforting pat on the back, offering solidarity. "Take your time, buddy. Just know that whenever you’re ready to confront your feelings, we'll be right here to support you."

As the night unfolded, Rajveer found his gaze irresistibly drawn to Vristhi, his heart racing with an anxious rhythm. The creeping darkness seemed to envelop him, and he soon realized that his eyelids fluttered like weary butterfly wings, fighting against an invisible weight that pressed down on him. It felt as if he were ensnared in a web of confusion and self-reproach.

"No, it’s not love," he whispered to himself, wrestling with the uncomfortable truth that his impulsive chase after her mirrored the reckless pursuits of his past relationships. Each moment spent feeling attracted to her filled him with regret. Deep down, he loathed every fiber of his being for complicating her emotions. Vristhi was different from the others; she was genuine and kind, and he respected her more than he could express. The realisation hit him hard—he didn’t deserve someone as remarkable as she was.

Meanwhile,Vristhi embarked on a journey to Mussoorie for an important business meeting, her heart set on making a strong impression.