Bonded by love

Chapter 9

Vivan pov

I was taken aback when Karan said, "I love him ." I didn't know how to react, didn't know what to say. I was happy, but also unsure. I had never thought about Karan in that way before.

As soon as I got home, I called my best friend Amol. "Dude, you won't believe what just happened," I said, still trying to process my emotions.

Amol's voice was curious. "What's up, man? Tell me everything."

I took a deep breath and told him everything, from Karan's words to my own confusion.

Amol listened patiently, then burst out laughing. "Vivan, you're in love with Karan!"

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up, Amol. I'm not in love with him."

Amol's tone turned serious. "Listen, Vivan. You deserve to be happy. If Karan makes you feel that way, then go for it."

I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. "I don't know, Amol. I'm scared."

Amol's voice was reassuring. "You'll figure it out, Vivan. Just take your time."

We talked for a while longer, and I felt a bit better. Maybe Amol was right. Maybe I did have feelings for Karan.

As I hung up the phone, I couldn't help but smile. Maybe this was the start of something new, something special.

Over the next few days, I couldn't stop thinking about Karan's words. "I love him ." What did he mean by that? Did he mean he loved me as a friend, or was there something more?

I tried to push the thoughts aside, focusing on my work and my time with Gowen. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that something had changed between us.

One day, as I was leaving Karan's place after a session with Gowen, he called out to me. "Vivan, can I talk to you for a minute?"

I turned back, my heart racing with anticipation. "Yeah, sure. What's up?"

Karan looked nervous, fidgeting with his hands. "I just wanted to talk to you about what I said the other day. I know you overhead me and Aadvik and I am so sorry a about this"

My mind went blank. What did he mean? Was he going to confess his feelings?

"I just wanted to clarify," Karan continued, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just feel a deep connection with you, Vivan. You're an amazing person, and I value our friendship."

I felt a mix of emotions: relief, disappointment, and confusion. Friendship? Was that all he meant?

But as I looked into Karan's eyes, I saw something there, something more than friendship. And I knew that I couldn't ignore it anymore.

"Karan, can I be honest with you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Karan nodded, his eyes locked on mine.

"I feel it too," I said, my heart racing. "This connection, it's not just friendship for me either."

Karan's eyes widened, surprise written all over his face. But then, a slow smile spread across his lips.

"Vivan, I..." he started, but I cut him off.

"Let's just take things slow, okay?" I said, my mind racing with possibilities. "We don't have to label anything or rush into anything. Let's just enjoy each other's company and see where this goes."

Karan nodded, his smile still plastered on his face. "Okay, Vivan. That sounds perfect."

As we stood there, the tension between us was palpable. I knew that this was just the beginning of something special, something that could change my life forever.

And as I looked into Karan's eyes, I knew that I was ready to take that leap of faith, to see where this journey would take us.

"Hey, Gowen's calling us," Karan said, breaking the spell.

I chuckled, feeling a sense of normalcy return. "Yeah, let's go see what our little buddy wants."

As we walked back into the house, hand in hand, I knew that this was just the start of something beautiful.