Shared Pain

Shared Pain

Rajveer in the night thought back to the day he had spent with Vristhi. They started to meet frequently after that day.

His eyes, once gleaming with a self-assured arrogance, now shone with a humble sincerity. His smile, previously used to charm and manipulate, now radiated warmth and genuine affection. His entire demeanor had shifted, as if he had shed his old skin, revealing a new, vulnerable, and authentic self.

Rajveer's thoughts had undergone a significant shift. . Vrishti, in particular, had sparked a new awareness within him. He found himself drawn to her as a person, appreciating her strength, beauty, and worth beyond physical attraction. In her presence, he felt a growing sense of respect, trust, and compassion. Though he wouldn't admit it, he was starting to see Vrishti in a different light, as someone worthy of genuine connection and understanding.

As he gazed into Vrishti's eyes, Rajveer knew he couldn't go back to his old ways. He was changing, slowly but surely, transformed by the power of Vrishti's presence in his life. He wasn't in love, but he had started to value her as a person, a marked departure from his previous superficial relationships. The "king of heartbreak" was discovering a new side of himself, as he still believe woman only care for money, but Vrishti was exceptional.

.....

"Sweet Serendipity" in Delhi's upscale DLF Mall of India is a sleek and modern ice cream parlor that offers a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of shopping. Located on the second floor, near the food court, this colorful haven boasts a vibrant atmosphere and an extensive menu that will tantalize your taste buds. As they step inside, they re greeted by the friendly staff and the enticing aroma of freshly made waffle cones and chocolate-dipped treats. With unique flavors like saffron pistachio, blueberry cheesecake, and mango lassi, Sweet Serendipity is the perfect destination to treat yourself after a long day of shopping or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Rajveer and Vrishti walked into the colorful ice cream parlor, laughing and joking like old friends. They had been spending a lot of time together lately, but they hadn't crossed the line into romance yet. Their friendship was still new, but it felt like they had known each other for years.

Vrishti's eyes widened as she scanned the menu, her face lighting up with excitement. "Oh my god, they have matcha ice cream! And strawberry cheesecake! And—"

Rajveer chuckled, shaking his head. "Mittu, slow down. You can't try everything at once."

Vrishti pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a playful gesture. "Why not? I want to taste all the flavors!"

Rajveer laughed, ruffling her hair. "Okay, okay. We'll get a few scoops. But if you get a brain freeze, don't say I didn't warn you."

As they waited in line, Vrishti bounced up and down, her excitement infectious. Rajveer couldn't help but smile, feeling happy to be spending time with her.

When it was their turn to order, Vrishti asked for a scoop of matcha, strawberry cheesecake, and cookie dough. Rajveer raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you can handle that?"

Vrishti nodded vigorously, her ponytail bobbing behind her. "Yes, yes, I'm sure!"

Rajveer chuckled, ordering a scoop of chocolate for himself. As they walked to a cozy corner table, Vrishti dug in with gusto, her eyes closing in rapture.

"mmm...this is heavenly!"

Rajveer laughed, taking a bite of his own ice cream. "Glad you're enjoying it."

As they licked their cones, Vrishti leaned over, her face inches from Rajveer's. "Thanks for bringing me here, Veer. This is the best day ever!"

Rajveer smiled, feeling happy to be her friend. "Anytime, Mittu . I'm always up for ice cream.”

As they licked their ice cream cones, Vrishti and Rajveer delved into a conversation about their workplace, sharing stories and experiences. They discussed their colleagues, projects, and the challenges they faced. Rajveer was impressed by Vrishti's intelligence and insight, while Vrishti admired Rajveer's passion and dedication.

After a while, Vrishti asked Rajveer about his family. "So, Veer, tell me about your family. Do you have any siblings?”

Rajveer's gaze dropped, his eyes clouding over like a stormy sky. He took a deep breath, the air escaping his lips in a slow, heavy sigh. "My parents got separated when I was just eight," he began, his voice laced with a pain so raw it seemed to bleed. "They didn't even try to work things out. They just gave up on each other...and on me."

Vrishti's heart sank, her eyes locked onto Rajveer's pain-filled gaze. She saw the vulnerability there, the deep-seated hurt that he had been carrying for so long. She felt her own heart ache in response, her compassion overflowing like a river.

Rajveer's voice cracked as he continued, the words spilling out like tears. "My mom and dad, they just don't care about me. They never have. They're too busy with their own lives, their own interests. They don't even try to pretend like they care."

Vrishti gave a soft sigh, her eyes filled with empathy. She didn't find the words to say anything, but her silence spoke volumes. In that moment, she was there for him, offering comfort and support without needing to say a word.

"After the divorce, both my mom and dad became so distant," Rajveer said, his voice filled with a hatred that seemed to echo through the ages. "My dad is planning to marry his business partner, Miss Lucy. And my mom...I know nothing about her. I only saw her in a photograph after that day. I remember how they both used to say they love me, but their actions tell a different story."

Rajveer's eyes blazed with a fierce anger and deep-seated hatred for his parents, his voice cracking with the weight of years of hurt and betrayal. "And my Dad sent me extravagant gifts on my birthday, a hollow attempt to buy my love and forgiveness. But it's all just a cruel reminder that he isn't even trying to understand me, that they don't care about the scars they've left on my heart." His voice dripped with venom, his words a testament to the stone-cold numbness that had encased his heart since childhood.

Vrishti's heart broke for Rajveer, for the little boy who had been abandoned by his parents, for the man who still carried that pain with him. She felt her own tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she listened to his story.

Rajveer's voice dropped to a whisper, his words laced with disgust. "My dad even wants me to marry Miss Lucy's niece. He thinks it will benefit both our businesses and our family. I feel like they've already decided my entire life without considering what I want."

The air seemed to vibrate with Rajveer's pain, his words hanging like a challenge, a hidden cry for help. Vrishti thought her heart missed a beat thinking a parent could be so much neglect their son . Her heart overflowing with compassion and empathy. She knew at that moment that she would stand by Rajveer, that she would support him through the darkness and into the light.

Rajveer's eyes locked onto Vrishti, his gaze intense. "One thing I couldn't understand is why two people married if they know it won't work. Why did they bring a child into their broken home when they can't take responsibility? That's why I don't believe in love, relationships, or marriage."

As Rajveer finished speaking, Vrishti's gaze held his, her eyes filled with a deep empathy. The weight of his pain seemed to settle between them, a palpable force that neither dared to disturb. She longed to find the perfect words to comfort him, but none seemed sufficient in the face of his anguish.

Rajveer, misinterpreting her silence, felt a flush rise to his cheeks. "I'm sorry if you found my story a bit...cringy," he joked, trying to lighten the mood. "Typical sympathetic family drama, right?"

But Vrishti's expression remained somber, her eyes never leaving his. She didn't smile, didn't laugh. Instead, she seemed to be searching for something in his gaze, something he couldn't quite grasp.

"Anyway," Rajveer continued, trying to fill the awkward silence, "I forgot to ask about your kundli. Tell me about your family. I'm sure it's perfect – loving father, doting mother, and you, the apple of their eye. Maybe you're the youngest, or the only child, and that's why you never think about hurting anyone."

Vrishti's jaw dropped, her lips parting in a soft gasp. Her voice, when she spoke, was barely above a whisper. "I'm a single child of my single mother. My dad...he died before I was born. I never heard him speak. Mom loved me so much that she never made me realize my father was missing. Or maybe I tried my best to never show her I was missing him, whenever I saw other kids with their dads."

Vrishti's words slowed, as if she was reluctant to continue. Her gaze drifted away, lost in memories, and Rajveer felt his heart ache in response. He had reached to hold her but upon his realisation what he was going to do he pulled back his arm.

Her eyes welled up but she held back her emotions as she continued.

"I feel bad for you," Rajveer said, her voice laced with empathy. "At least my parents are alive, but I'm sorry...it's just not fair."

Rajveer nodded understandingly, his eyes locked onto hers.

"Let's not talk about our families. It's better that way." She said

The air seemed to vibrate with unspoken understanding, as if they were both acknowledging the pain they'd endured. Rajveer's gaze held a deep sincerity, as if he grasped the weight of Vrishti's emotions.

"But one thing I can say," Rajveer said, his voice low and genuine, "your mother is incredibly lucky to have a daughter like you – full of wisdom and compassion."

Vrishti's face lit up with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with pleasure. "Your parents should be proud of you, Veer. Despite being a successful businessman, you're so down-to-earth and kind. You're already making others smile, and that's a rare gift. I hope one day they understand your importance and value you for who you are. Hope one day you will find a lovable wife who showers her love on you and fills your life with joy and happiness."

Rajveer's lips curved into a smile, but his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. Vrishti's words, though well-intentioned, struck a chord he'd rather not confront. He wasn't the man she thought him to be – far from it. His ruthlessness in business was legendary, and his distrust of women ran deep. Marriage was a concept he scorned, and love...love was a luxury he couldn't afford.

As he gazed at Vrishti, he felt a pang of guilt. She deserved better than a man like him, someone who couldn't return her trust and love. But for now, he'd bask in her warmth, and pretend to be the man she saw in him.