SHE WAS NEVER MINE

24.

Virat's POV:~

None of us knew why Mahi bhai had asked us to get up so early in the morning. When we asked him, he only hinted at a Christmas plan he had for us. Usually, people celebrate Christmas in the evening, but here we were, celebrating under the bright morning sky, walking along the streets of a small town near Johannesburg.

"So, can I ask why we're celebrating Christmas in the morning?" I asked, walking alongside Mahi bhai, who was watching the boys play with some street puppies. He smiled, glancing back at me.

"We're so used to clubbing and partying that we've forgotten how to appreciate the simple peace around us. I just wanted everyone to enjoy a quiet day off without the loud music or the crowds. And look, they're loving it," he said, nodding towards the guys who were laughing and petting the puppies. Mahi bhai has a unique way of doing things, and honestly, I admire how he keeps us all close.

We soon came across a group of children selling handmade necklaces and bracelets.

"Mahi, remember when you bought me a bracelet like this just after we got married?" Sakshi bhabi said, joining us.

"You know, Virat, when we got married, Mahi and I used to fight like cats and dogs. Still do, actually—I'm the only one who can make him angry," she teased, winking at Mahi bhai and pulling his cheeks. Though he looked mildly annoyed, he wrapped an arm around her in affection. Just then, I noticed Anushka walking toward us.

"We were like best friends, always fighting or teasing each other," bhabi continued, laughing. "We used to pull each other's hair so much that if that stage had lasted much longer, you'd have found us both hairless!" We all burst out laughing at that.

"How did you two go from that to being so loving?" I asked, exchanging a look with Anushka, who seemed just as curious. Her eyes held a question that felt like a reflection of my own.

"Well," Mahi bhai said, pulling bhabi into a warm hug, "as time passes, you learn to take care of each other. Eventually, all that matters is the other person's comfort. That's how you know you love them."

Watching them, I couldn't help but turn to look at the one person I truly care about. And, to my surprise, Anushka was already looking at me, her eyes lighting up as we shared a smile. When Mahi bhai and bhabi walked away, I moved closer to Anushka, who was browsing the necklaces.

"Do you have one with the letter 'A'?" I asked the vendor. Anushka looked at me, her smile widening. The vendor nodded and handed me a delicate necklace with a small "A" pendant."It's beautiful," Anushka said, her eyes reflecting the pendant's brightness. I couldn't help but look at her and reply, "It is."

"Can you add a 'V' to it?" she asked, and I felt warmth spread through me despite the December chill.

The vendor quickly attached a tiny "V" charm, handing it to us with a smile.

"Would you mind putting it on me?" she asked, tilting her head and pulling her hair to one side. I blinked, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. As my hand brushed the back of her neck, a soft gasp escaped her lips. Once I'd fastened the clasp, she turned to show me how it looked.

"You look beautiful," I said, unable to stop myself, my hand lightly grazing the letters "A" and "V" on the pendant.

"Thank you," she murmured, cheeks turning a gentle shade of pink. 

"So, what's your plan for the rest of the day?" I asked casually, hoping she'd be open to what I had in mind.

"Nothing, really," she replied.

"Well, I was thinking we could go out somewhere nearby. Just the two of us." I'd planned a special day, just for us, and hoped she'd agree.

"Sure! I'm ready whenever you are!" she said eagerly, her excitement contagious."Great, let me just inform Mahi bhai, and we'll head out," I replied, quickly running over to explain my plan. He readily agreed, and we were soon off.