Blossom and Burn

Chapter 46: The return

Irisha:

A year Irisha! He must have moved on. He made no attempts to even reach you, to contact you. You shouldn't be so fixated on him, just move on for yourself and the others who care about you.

Stop running away.

It had been a year. A year since I had left, since I had closed the chapter on this part of my life. The city, the people, and him - I had pushed it all behind me. I moved away, miles away from the tangled mess my life had become, and I thought I was done with it. With him. Veer.

But in the end I was just running away.

It's been a year, even if you come face to face, you can handle it.

Or so I thought when Nanu nani somehow managed to convince me to come to Udaipur.

It was Rakshit's crowning ceremony. He was going to be the new king of Rajasthan and I couldn't miss out on his big day.

I didn't go to the palace directly, my family and the others were there already and I wasn'tlooking forward to face them yet. Reyansh had arranged a room for me in one of the Rajvansh's hotels after I had made it clear that I won't stay at the palace.

The only reason I came was because he wasn't in the city, much less he wasn't even in the country. He flew to London for some business deal which was the biggest relief.

I stepped into the hall, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The last time I was here was with him.

The soft hum of voices, the flicker of candlelight against polished wood, and the celebration - everything was perfect, just as it should be for a day like this.

I was here for him, only for my bestfriend.

The moment I entered inside the hall, everyone's eyes fell on me. My and Rakshit's family immediately made their way to me. Badi ma and Bade papa were there as well.

I stiffened as I felt the weight of everyone's gazes on me. It had been so long since I had been around them, and I wasn't prepared for the rush of emotions that threatened to drown me.

"Irisha!" My mother's voice was the first to break the silence. She reached me, pulling me into a tight hug. "We were starting to think you wouldn't come."

"I almost didn't," I admitted softly, though my voice was light enough to pass as casual. I gave her a reassuring smile, not wanting to worry her.

My father stepped forward next, a proud yet concerned look on his face. "It's so good to see you back, bachha."

I nodded, exchanging quick hugs and pleasantries with the others, though my mind was elsewhere.

Badi ma and Bade papa seemed really happy to see me along with the others. I was so glad that nothing changed between us despite whatever issue I had going on with my husband.

None of them held it against me and I was very thankful for that.

But there was a strange tension in the air, something I couldn't quite place. The welcome was obviously very warm, but there was something I wasn't fully aware of.

They were definately not telling me something and I just hope it's not what I think it is.

"The ceremony is about to begin in some time. Let's get you away from all the questions till then?" Ishika chimed in, pulling me away from everyone towards Jyestha and Varya Rai Singhania - well now Varya Adhikrit Oberoi.

From what I heard Veer was the only uninvited one - well Rakshit didn't want to but considering Ishika, he did send him an invitation but Veer said he wouldn't be able to make it.