Bade Sapne

◇ Part 1 ◇

Vira's POV

Fuck.

With several strong raps on the window, the newsman made himself known to us, shouting out questions and launching an absolute interrogation on me, as his words rained down on me, just like the skies were pouring their emotions down onto the earth.

I was tempted to open the window and tell him to shut the fuck up, but Priya locked the window controls on my side before I could try anything. I looked at her in disdain.

"You're going to do something you'll regret later."

I scowled but moved on. By now, there was a crowd forming around our car, God knows for what reason, but Priya attempted to push through them without injuring anyone. The same journalist kept knocking on the window, and out of anger and built-up frustration, and reached over to Priya's side and rolled down my window.

"Vira!"

The cold air hit me, knocking the breath out of my lungs and the heroic feelings within me faded. I no longer had the courage to face this reporter and give him an answer... partially because I didn't have one.

"Vira!" the reporter shouted, his voice cutting through the chaotic noise of the crowd. I felt every eye on me, every gaze heavy with judgment. The cold air was like a slap in the face, grounding me in the moment, but I wished I could disappear, just melt into the rain and leave this nightmare behind.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. What could I even say? That the rumors weren't true? That Shubman was just a friend? That I didn't know how everything had spiraled out of control?

But none of that mattered. The damage had already been done.

"Vira, there are reports that you're the reason Shubman's performance has been dropping in recent matches. Do you feel responsible for his form?" The reporter's question hit me like a ton of bricks.

Responsible for his form?

"I... I-" I stammered, my hands shaking. I wasn't sure if it was from the cold or the overwhelming pressure.

"Do you feel guilty about your relationship with him? Is that why you haven't spoken to Ishan?" The next question hit even harder, making my chest tighten.

I tried to form words, but everything inside me was tangled, too many emotions fighting for control. Anger. Confusion. Fear. Guilt. How had it come to this? How had I become the villain in a story I didn't even know I was part of?

And to make it worse, the mention of Ishan had brought me on the verge of crying.

"Vira ma'am, do you admit you created a rift between a perfectly good friendship? Do you have anything to say to prove that you're not a lying, cheating dhokebaaz?"

Stunned. I was shocked speechless.

"I didn't do anything like that! Aap galat samajh rahe ho!"

"Jhoot bol rahi ho aap."

"Nahi!"

Priya had seemingly decided she'd had enough, and rolled the window back up from her controls, cutting off the barrage of questions. "Fuck off!" she yelled, though it was muffled by the glass.

I stared at her, my heart pounding in my chest, and for a moment, we just sat there, the rain pounding on the roof, matching the erratic rhythm of my thoughts.

"What the hell was that?" she snapped, her voice cutting through my spiraling thoughts.

I couldn't answer her. I didn't even know what I had been trying to do. Defend myself? Fight back? All I had done was make it worse.

The car lurched forward as Priya forced her way through the crowd. My phone buzzed again, and without looking, I knew it was more notifications. More messages. More hate.

I pressed my forehead against the cold window, staring out at the blurry lights of the city as they streaked past. Everything felt so far away now, like I was watching someone else's life fall apart in slow motion.

The rain kept pouring, the droplets sliding down the glass like the tears I was too tired to cry anymore.

Priya glanced at me, her face softened with concern. "You can't keep letting them get to you like this, Vira. You know none of this is true."

"Does it matter anymore?" My voice cracked, sounding as broken as I felt inside. "Everyone's already decided I'm guilty."

Priya sighed, gripping the wheel tighter. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"Tell them that."

I closed my eyes, leaning back against the seat, wishing I could believe that.

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A/N:

WELL THATS PART 1 PUBLISHED! Doing two parts today, not sure if I can edit the third one in time- I didn't realise I had to edit that one, but if I don't publish it today, I'll try to publish it tomorrow.

Sorry this one was a bit late, I actually went out today, but I did say that they'd be posted at random times throughout the day ;)

Stay tuned, coz there's definitely at least one more part coming out today, so, keep an eye on this page!

Also, once again, first to comment will get a chance to recommend a one-shot, please do get involved, I'd love some ideas for one shots.

Enjoy!