Chapter: A Bittersweet-Rejection

Chapter: A Bittersweet-Rejection

"Vrishti!" a voice called out, prompting Rajveer to rush towards the scene.

A young girl, no more than ten years old, was on the verge of colliding with a car. Rajveer sprinted towards her, his heart racing with fear. He scooped her up in his arms, holding her close as the car screeched to a halt mere inches away.

The girl's eyes widened in shock, her face pale. Rajveer held her tight, his voice soothing. "It's okay, I've got you. You're safe now."

As he looked into her face, he couldn't help but remark, "You have a lovely name, Vrishti. It's beautiful."

The girl smiled weakly, her eyes sparkling with tears. "Thank you, sir. I'm okay, really."

Rajveer's heart swelled with emotion, his thoughts drifting to his beloved Vristhi. He knew at that moment that he would do anything to protect her, to keep her safe.

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words and memories, each one a reminder of the trust that had once existed but now lay shattered.

The rain fell like a veil of memories, transporting Rajveer back to the day he first met Vristhi. The scent of wet earth and raindrops on his skin was like a siren's call, beckoning him to surrender to his feelings.

Lost in the moment, Rajveer let the rain soak through his clothes, reveling in the sensation. He closed his eyes, allowing the droplets to wash away his doubts and fears.

As he stood there, a figure emerged from the rain-soaked distance. Vristhi's concerned face came into focus, her eyes sparkling with worry.

"Veer, what are you doing? You're getting soaked!" she shouted with surprise, rushing towards him.

Rajveer's eyes opened, his gaze meeting Vristhi's. He felt a jolt of electricity run through his veins as she grasped his arm, pulling him out of the rain.

Back in his office, Vristhi scolded him playfully, "You're a grown man, Rajveer. Can't you take care of yourself?"

As she wiped his hair and face with a towel, Rajveer felt his heart skip a beat. Her touch was like a gentle breeze on a summer day, soothing and calming.

Vristhi's hands moved deftly, wiping Rajveer's hair with a towel. "What were you thinking, Rajveer? Standing in the rain like a statue?

Rajveer's eyes remained fixed on hers, his gaze burning with intensity. He said nothing, his silence speaking volumes.

Vristhi's scolding continued, her words laced with concern. "And your clothes are soaked through. You need to change into something dry."

As she wiped his face, Rajveer's eyes never left hers. He was captivated by her touch, her voice, her everything.

Vristhi's cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with annoyance. "Rajveer, say something. Don't just stare at me like that."

Rajveer's lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes still locked onto hers. He was lost in the depths of her gaze, drowning in the sea of his emotions.

Vristhi's hands paused, her eyes searching his face. "Rajveer, what's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Rajveer's silence was his only response, his heart speaking a language that only Vristhi could understand.

Vristhi's face softened, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're lucky you didn't catch a cold.”

Rajveer's eyes never wavered, his gaze burning with a fire that threatened to consume him whole. He was in love with Vristhi, and he knew it.

He looked up at her, his eyes locking onto hers. At that moment, he knew. He was in love with Vristhi.

For the next six months, Rajveer couldn't bring himself to chase after any other girl. Vristhi had become the sunshine that brightened his day, the calm in every storm. He knew he had to make her his, to tell her how he felt. But fear held him back, fear of rejection, fear of losing their friendship.

Rajveer had decided to surprise Vrishti by taking her to a secluded private island, a hidden gem he had transformed into a luxurious paradise just for her.

As they approached the picturesque shore, Vrishti's heart raced with anticipation.

“Rajveer, where are you taking me?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

With a warm smile, Rajveer replied, “I want to introduce you to one of the most amazing and beautiful souls I have ever met in my life.”

Vrishti felt a flutter of excitement as they stepped onto the soft, white sands of the island. His surprise onley fuelled the curiosity of her .

Rajveer gently led her to a charming clearing surrounded by towering palm trees, and then he paused, looking deeply into her eyes. “Wait here for just a moment,” he said, before disappearing into the lush foliage, leaving her alone in the serene oasis while he went to summon the special guest.

As the minutes ticked by, Vrishti's thoughts raced. Who could be so remarkable that Rajveer would bring her all the way to this enchanting place? Just then, her attention was drawn to a soft, radiant glow surrounding her. The atmosphere shimmered as if the sun itself had transformed into a warm embrace.

Vrishti noticed a series of gleaming mirrors strategically placed around her, reflecting not only the stunning scenery but also her own curious expression. It wasn’t long before her eyes were captured by an intricate display of burning wood, the flames crackling softly as they revealed the words “Be Mine” glowing effortlessly against the dusk sky.

The melodic thrum of helicopter blades echoed from above, momentarily diverting her gaze as the colorful lights painted the sky. She was entranced, the beauty and ambiance of the island sweeping her away.

In a magnificent explosion of sound and color, firecrackers erupted into the night sky, illuminating the scene with vibrant bursts that danced across the darkness. Each crackle and pop seemed to whisper a tale of joy and celebration, painting the air with dazzling hues. Suddenly, amidst this enchanting spectacle, a trail of shimmering words projected into the azure sky above, weaving through the night like delicate ribbons of light —

“Be my forever , Vrishti!” The enchanting messages cascaded around her in the night air, each phrase punctuated with emotion.

A rush of adrenaline coursed through her veins as she felt a presence stir behind her. With a sudden whirl, she turned on her heels, her heart pounding in a mixture of fear and excitement.

There, in the soft glow of the fireworks, knelt Rajveer. He held a diamond ring delicately poised on his right hand, the stone glimmering like a star against the backdrop of the night. His deep-set eyes communicated volumes—an entire universe of longing, hope, and an unshakeable devotion. A passionate smile curved his lips, radiating warmth and sincerity, transforming his face into a tapestry of emotions that spoke louder than any words could.

"You’re that enchanting book I long to read," He began , his voice rich with emotions

"Each page reveals a piece of your soul, and I yearn to explore them at my own pace."

“Amidst this tumultuous world, you are my sanctuary, where chaos fades and peace and joy wrap around me like a warm embrace "

"You’re the melody that waves through my heart , igniting strings of pure delight, the rhythm that completes my soul."

"You’re not just a priceless pearl in my life; you’re everything I’ve ever wished for—the missing piece I didn’t even know I needed until now "

"I vow to love you fiercely, through every thick and thin, I'll protect you, not just for today or tomorrow, but for all eternity"

"You are the sunshine that brightens my days , the stars that guide my path through the darkness."

"In your eyes, I find my forever home, my anchor in this whirlwind we call life. And in every way that matters, you are truly mine, Vrishti."

Vrishti stood frozen, rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by the profound passion and heartfelt declarations that filled the night.

The words enveloped her, a cocoon of emotion that made her heart swell and her breath catch.

She struggled to process this transformed version of Rajveer; a man she had once seen only through the lens of his ruthlessness and possessiveness was now unveiling a depth of feeling she had never imagined. The man before her was as complex as the fireworks that lit the night—a brilliant contrast of brilliance and shadow, waiting for her to choose her next chapter.

Vristhi's eyes brimmed with fresh tears ,she instinctively turned away, unable to meet his gaze, fearing the intensity of his scrutiny. Each dropping a testament to the turmoil within her . She struggle to find the right words , her heart racing with fear and betrayal she finally mustered the courage to speak couldn't comprehend how to articulate the word , to convey to him, “

"Rajveer... I... I want to tell you something." As she uttered those words, wiped her moist eyes with her palm. And spun around to face him.

"What's wrong?" Rajveer's concern was evident, his expression shifting from confusion to worry as he stared at her. "Vrishti..." he called softly, his voice dropping to a soothing tone, trying to bridge the distance her silence had created.

Yet, Vristhi's eyes remained fixed on the ground, her voice barely breaking through a whisper. "Veer, there's something I need to share with you..."

The weight of her hesitation hung in the air, palpable and heavy, as her fingers nervously toyed with the delicate hem of her dress, a habitual gesture when anxiety crept in.

Rajveer's gaze was gentle , filled with encouragement , inspiring her to continue, his expression soft with understanding.

Taking a deep breath, Vristhi felt the walls she'd built around her heart began to tremble as her words spilled out in a hurried rush. "I was engaged to someone before..." Her voice trailed off, uncertainty clouding her features.

As she averted her gaze, the truth weighed heavily on her, and she fought to regain her composure to share what had haunted her for so long.

"It was my fault; I should have mentioned this to you earlier," she said, her tone laced with anguish. "My fiancé, Ekansh... he died in a car accident one and half years ago, just a week before our wedding." Her voice cracked slightly, and a single tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek as the painful memories surged back to the forefront of her mind. She steadied herself, determined to confront the shadows of her past and share her truth

Rajveer's face fell, his eyes filling with compassion as he gazed at Vrishti. The dim lighting of the porch light of the island seemed to amplify the emotions playing across her face, her skin pale and fragile in the soft glow.

Vristhi's gaze dropped, her voice cracking like the delicate petals of a flower. "I promised my mother I would marry his younger brother next year...as a way to honor Ekansh's memory and repay his family for taking me in after my father's death." The words spilled out of her like a confession, each one weighted with the burden of obligation.

when her eyes met Rajveer's, tears welling up in her eyes like a stormy sea. Her voice trembled, the sound echoing through the silence like a mournful sigh. "I'm so sorry, Veer. I feel terrible rejecting you, but I'm bound by this promise...and I owe it to the Ekansh family for upbringing me. I've to repay back all the compensation they had done for me."

Rajveer's expression was a mix of understanding and heartbreak, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. He reached out, his hand brushing against hers like a gentle breeze on a summer day. The touch sent shivers down Vristhi's spine, her heart aching with longing.

"Vristhi, I comprehend your situation," Rajveer said, his voice measured and calming. "I genuinely empathize with your sense of obligation towards the Ekansh family. However, I implore you to consider the long-term implications of your decision. Entrapping yourself in a marriage that's driven by a sense of duty rather than love may not be the most effective way to honor Ekansh's memory or repay his family's kindness."

"Furthermore," He continued, his words gentle yet persuasive, "there are alternative ways to express your gratitude and reciprocate their support. You could explore other means of repayment, such as financial assistance or emotional support, that don't necessitate sacrificing your personal happiness and autonomy."

Rajveer's eyes locked onto Vristhi's, his gaze filled with a deep sincerity. "I'm willing to wait for you, Vristhi. I want to support you in your journey towards healing and self-discovery. But I need you to acknowledge that your happiness and well-being are equally important. Can you truly say that this arranged marriage will bring you the fulfillment and joy you deserve?"

Vristhi’s smile was a strained shadow of warmth, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears of regret. "I wish it were that simple, Veer,” she murmured, her voice heavy with emotion. “But I made a promise... one I must honor, even if it breaks my heart to turn you away.”

Rajveer’s heart plummeted as he processed her words, a wave of disbelief washing over him. “Why? What’s holding you back?” he inquired, desperation creeping into his tone.

Her voice quivered, barely rising above a whisper as she struggled to maintain her composure. "It's just...I made a promise to my mother. A promise to marry Ekansh's younger brother next year."

Rajveer searched Vristhi’s face, hoping for a glimmer of something that might suggest she felt the same intensity of affection he held for her. “But do you love him?” he pressed, his voice hoarse with the weight of his longing.

Vristhi's silence was deafening, her gaze drifting towards him , fixed and firm . Finally, she spoke, her words laced with a mixture of sorrow and a sense of duty.

"Sometimes we must honour our commitments, Veer. We have to reciprocate all those gratitudes , those debts of loyalty and love . "

Rajveer's heart sank like a stone in the river, the weight of despair pressing heavily on his chest . He felt the sting of emotion rising in his throat as he repeated his question, his voice cracking with vulnerability . "Do you love me, Vrishti?"

Vrishti met his gaze with an evasive glance, her voice steady but distant. "I told you already," she replied, her tone lacking the fervor he desperately sought.

" This isn't the answer I need, ” Rajveer replied , frustration shimmering just beneath the surface. His eyes blazed with intensity as he grasped Vristhi's arms, pulling her into his embrace, as if trying to bridge the widening chasm between them "Did you ever love me, " he demanded, his voice dripping with a urgent whisper for longing, to see a flicker of hope " Vrishti?” He utters her name with a tenderness as if she was the most delicate flower in a tempest.

Vrishti's gaze faltered, her eyes flitting away from his penetrating stare, as if seeking refuge from the truth he demanded. Rajveer instinctively tightened his grip, his fingers pressing into her skin, a tangible reminder of his need for honesty.

"Say the truth, Vrishti," he implored, his breath warm and urgent against her ear, creating a cocoon of intimacy amid the raw tension. "Look into my eyes and tell me." The weight of his plea hung in the air, a silent challenge for her to confront the emotions lurking just beneath the surface.

Vristhi's face twisted, her eyes flashing with defiance. She refused to respond, her silence a stark rejection.

Rajveer felt his heart shatter into irreparable pieces, the pain twisting into a fiery anger that consumed him. He seized Vristhi, capturing her lips with a kiss that was both fierce and possessive, a desperate plea wrapped in passion.

But Vristhi pulled away, her hands firmly against his chest, creating a space between them. “No, Rajveer!” she gasped, her voice trembling.

Rajveer's eyes widened, his face contorted in anguish. "You can't deny me, Vristhi," he growled, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotion. "“I know what you feel for me—just like I feel for you.”

Vristhi's voice trembled, a blend of defiance and sorrow "Rajveer, please...let me go."

Rajveer's grip relaxed, his arms dropping to his sides. He stumbled back, his eyes never leaving Vristhi's face.

"You're really going to leave me for him, aren't you?" he whispered, his voice broken.

Vristhi's silence was her only response, her eyes filling with tears as she turned and fled.