Vedant Rao ~ 3rd year of college ~

My gaze fell on the clock hanging on the wall, showing 2:55 AM. I couldn't sleep and had been lying in bed since I returned from spending the day with Ishaan.

I looked back at my phone, displaying a picture of Ashvika Mehta. It had been more than two years since we'd been together, but only as friends – I mean, best friends. I adore her a lot now. She's my sunshine, lighting up my dark days with her presence. With her by my side, I can be myself. I can put my head on her shoulder and cry all day or night, and she won't leave me alone. She'll run her hands through my hair and soothe me, console me.

She knows my inner thoughts and pain without me needing to express them. She instinctively sits by my side, leaving her own events or best times to support me, showing me how much she cares.

She's the balm to my wounds (marham to my zakham). All the city lights combined don't shine as bright as her eyes. I know I've fallen for her harder, but does she love me too?

I'm hesitant to risk our friendship. If I lose her, I'll lose not only my best friend but also the love of my life.

She's shown me what it feels like to be loved, and that's a feeling I never knew existed.

People in love don't always know how and when they fall in love with their partner, but I knew every single detail. I remember the day, the month, and year. The day she reunited my family together, and now my mom and dad love Nisha more than me, which makes me happy.

Flashback~

It was already late at night. Ashvika was dressed in a white anarkali, her hair open, with the wind blowing and strands falling in front of her eyes.

I stepped onto the wooden boat, gently swaying on the Ganges River, with Ashvika by my side. The night air was filled with the soft glow of twinkling lights from the ghats and temples, reflected beautifully in the calm waters.

Ashvika's eyes sparkled with excitement as she grasped the boat's railing, her hair dancing in the gentle breeze. I couldn't help but smile at her infectious enthusiasm.

As the boatman expertly navigated the vessel through the calm waters, Ashvika and I sat together in comfortable silence. We watched the vibrant ghats, temples, and palaces glide by, their reflections rippling in the river.

Ashvika turned to me, her eyes shining with mirth. "I'm so glad we did this! It's magical."

I nodded, my gaze drifting back to the river. "I know, right? The city takes on a whole new charm at night."

Our boatman, a wise-eyed old man with a kind smile, pointed out various landmarks and shared stories about the city's rich history. Ashvika and I listened intently, fascinated by the tales.

As we floated along, the lights from the ghats and temples casting a mesmerizing glow on the water, I reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Ashvika's ear. She turned to me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of surprise and affection.

In that moment, I felt my heart skip a beat. I realized that this boat ride, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the Ganges at night, had brought me closer to Ashvika than ever before.

Our boat ride came to an end, but the memories of that magical evening would stay with me forever.

Flashback ends~

I wish something magical could happen and Ashvika and I would end up together.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

I took a long, warm bath after my gym session, then got dressed and headed downstairs. Today's weather was chilly, and I thought it might rain anytime soon.

"Mom, my breakfast!" I shouted as I sat with my family at the dining table. Dad and Nishi were gossiping about something but stopped as I gave them a side-eye. Nishi giggled, looking at me. Mom arrived with my breakfast, and as I took my first bite, she said, "Vedant, we want to discuss something."

"Who's 'we'?" I asked.

"Your dad and I," she replied.

I nodded, indicating for them to continue. "We're leaving for the USA."

I stopped mid-bite, looking at them in surprise. Nishi seemed confused too.

"For how many days?" I asked calmly.

"For forever," Mom replied.

"Leaving us behind, all alone?" I asked.

"We're not leaving you behind," Dad interrupted. "You and Nishi will come with us."

I felt a surge of panic. "But why? Why do we need to go to the USA, Dad?"

Dad explained, "The brand we launched last month is opening a new branch in the USA. Your mom and I need to handle things there. We also want you to learn about business, and the USA is the best country to continue your studies."

I pushed my plate aside, standing up. "Sorry, but I won't come."

Dad's expression turned stern. "I'M NOT ASKING YOU, VEDANT RAO. I'M TELLING YOU. YOU NEED TO LEAVE WITH US. PACK YOUR BAGS. WE HAVE A FLIGHT EARLY TOMORROW MORNING."

I inhaled sharply, feeling a mix of emotions, and walked into my room, shutting the door behind me. I couldn't leave Ashvika behind. I wouldn't be able to survive without her.

I sat on my bed, feeling desperate. "Why, God? Why did you give me happiness for a few months, only to take it away now?"

I sighed, knowing I had to express my feelings to Ashvika before it was too late. Even if she rejected me, I could still stay friends with her.

I changed my clothes and drove to Ashvika's house. She had told me her parents would be out of town today, and tomorrow she and her friends would have a girls' night out. I couldn't wait until tomorrow; I only had one day left.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

I stood in front of Ashvika's house, took a deep breath to calm my racing heartbeats, and gazed at the bouquet of flowers in my hand. Maybe today, she'll be mine, or else I'll lose her as a friend too.

I checked myself once and was about to knock when I heard a male voice coming from inside. I frowned, recognizing Ishaan's voice. I looked around, spotted a window, and walked over to it. Peering inside, I saw Ishaan's back and Ashvika facing him on her knees. With a bright grin, she took his hand in front of him, Ashvika took a deep breath, her eyes shining with emotion. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were someone special. You light up my world in ways I never thought possible. You're my best friend, my partner in crime, and my soulmate. Will you marry me?"

My heart sank as I realized what was happening. Ashvika proposed to Ishaan.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. All my hopes and dreams of confessing my feelings to Ashvika seemed to shatter in that instant. I stood there, frozen, as the flowers slipped from my fingers, forgotten.

I shut my eyes, and tears began to fall from them. The pain of seeing Ashvika propose to Ishaan was too much to bear. As I opened my eyes again, our gazes met. Ashvika's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting to call out my name. “Vedant…” but I was already turning away and hastily retreated to my car.

I got in, started the engine, and drove off, leaving behind the shattered remains of my heart. The bouquet of flowers lay forgotten on the ground, a poignant reminder of the love that could never be mine.

Khwabon Ka Jahan Barbaad Hua

Ishq Rulaave

Ishq Hasaave

Ishq Piyaave Dar-Dar Kamla

Ishq Nachaave Ishq Gavaave

Ishq Banaave Jag Vich Chhala