The Veiled Hearts

🌹Heartbreaks and Hugs🔪

The room fell into stunned silence, but Savitriji remained composed, her face betraying nothing. Tanya and her parents stood quietly, though something about the way they exchanged glances felt off. Hidden satisfaction flickered behind their eyes, especially when Aman, Tanya's father, shot a knowing look at his wife.

Anita, her voice trembling with hesitation, finally broke the silence. "Maa... today? I mean... we were planning it soon, but why today?"

Aman, looking impatient, turned his attention to Vanya. "You there! Change out of that uniform. This is a private family conversation."

Yash's jaw clenched at the blatant disrespect in Aman's tone, but before he could move, Ishaan placed a firm hand on his shoulder, while Reyansh gave him a subtle, warning glance. Vanya, expressionless, bowed her head, hiding the storm of emotions swirling within her. She left without a word, her teary eyes concealed from view. Yash couldn't take his eyes off her as she walked away, feeling a sharp pang he couldn't fully explain.

Vivaan, sensing Yash's internal struggle, exchanged a quick glance with Avni. She nodded, understanding without words, and quietly followed Vanya.

As Vanya walked away, Savitriji's voice, sharp yet calm, sliced through the tension. "Why not today? काल करे सो आज कर, आज करे सो अब.......,."( what can you do tomorrow,do it today.What can you do today,do it now),she paused, letting the old proverb settle over them. "The priest has already said the going days are the most auspicious. After that, who knows when the stars will align?"

Subhash, confusion lacing his words, spoke up. "But Maa, this party wasn't for the engagement..."

Savitriji's eyes flashed with barely contained irritation. "Wasn't it? This gathering was arranged to officially announce Tanya's and Yash's future together. A ring exchange is just a formality. We're only delaying the marriage because of the morning's... unfortunate events."

Yash, about to object, was silenced by the firm rise of Savitriji's hand. "No more words. Vikram woke up after thirty days, and I refuse to let anything spoil this moment. The engagement happens today. The marriage date... that will be decided when the time is right, with everyone's consent."

The room was thick with tension, but beneath the surface, so many things were left unsaid. Secrets, power plays, and silent wars raged on, even as the family tried to keep up appearances. Yash turned his face away and watched the washroom corridor where Vanya had walked towards, felt torn in a way he hadn't before.

Vanya's feet moved swiftly, each step fueled by the chaos swirling inside her. Her breaths were shallow, and the tears that blurred her vision matched the turbulence in her heart. She was headed straight for the men's washroom, her mind too clouded to even notice, as she desperately rubbed at the stain on her shirt. The questions clawed at her-were these tears for the disrespect she just endured? Or the ache of missing her family? Or was it the pain of watching the only man she'd ever kissed get engaged, right in front of her eyes?

Her fingers reached for the door handle, but before she could push it open, a hand gently gripped her arm. Vanya turned, startled, to find Avni standing beside her, concerned etched in her face.

"Wait..." Avni began, but Vanya, her voice hollow and broken, cut her off. "I just... need to be alone."

Avni didn't let go. Even as Vanya tried to pull her arm away, Avni tightened her hold, and in one swift move, pulled Vanya into a warm, tight hug. "I'm not wise with words or anything," Avni whispered gently, "but Choti Maa always says that hugs help when words can't. Does this feel better?"

Vanya stiffened at first, the weight of her emotions pressing against the thin walls she'd built around herself. She tried to resist, her voice trembling, "Let go... if anyone sees, they'll think you're hugging a male bodyguard, and rumors____"

But Avni hugged her tighter, cutting off her words. "I don't care about that. Is this better?"

That was it. The walls shattered. Vanya's silent tears turned into a flood, her head burying into Avni's shoulder. "Yes," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Yes, it's better."

Avni held her, gently patting her back, just like her Choti Maa- Neelam, used to do when she was a child and needed comfort. The quiet moments stretched on, a healing silence between them.

After what felt like forever, Vanya pulled away, wiping her eyes, and they both smiled faintly at each other. Vanya sniffled and looked down at her shirt. "I should... go clean this stain."

Avni raised an eyebrow, tilting her head with a knowing smirk. "You know how wine stains work, right? It's not coming out, especially not from white."

Vanya's eyes widened in panic. "But my spare uniform! It's still wet-I washed it right before the party."

Avni bit her lip, thinking. Then, with a dramatic flourish, she patted herself on the back. "Idea! I'm a genius."

Vanya blinked, watching Avni's self-praising antics with a mixture of confusion and amusement. "Do you have a spare uniform or___?"

Avni grinned, pulling out her phone from her purse, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "Nope. I've got something better."

She tapped a number and brought the phone to her ear, smirking.

📳Trriiiing... Triiiiiing...Triiiiiing📳

The call connected.

📞Avni: "Noor? Where are you?"

📞Noor: "Uhmm... in my room?"

📞Avni: "Why aren't you at the party?"

📞Noor: "Actually some urgent work came up in the house "

📞Avni: "Don't tell me it's because you don't have a gown?"

📞Noor: "No, I___"

📞Avni: "Shush. Come to my room in five minutes, or I'm bringing my vanity to your house. Got it?"

📞Noor: "No, no! I'm coming!"

📞Avni: "Good! See you soon, Bubbles."

📞Noor: "Stooooop calling me that!"

Avni grinned and hung up, then grabbed Vanya's hand with an excited tug.

"Where are we going?" Vanya asked, still dazed from the sudden shift in Avni's energy.

"To Barbie Land, Bhabhi," Avni chirped.

Vanya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Whaaatttt ? and I'm not your Bhabhi!"

Avni smirked, tightening her grip on Vanya's hand. "Well, you are to me."

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