After a long, exhausting day at the office, Vivaan wandered the bustling streets of New York, trying to shake off his weariness. He passed by a small, dimly-lit club when he stopped abruptly, catching sight of a familiar figure through the transparent glass window. Prisha. She was sitting alone at the bar, a glass of wine in hand, looking relaxed and absorbed in her thoughts.
Vivaan's eyebrows knitted together as he pushed open the door and made his way over to her. His footsteps were deliberate, each one carrying a sense of purpose as he approached.
Prisha glanced up, her expression impassive as Vivaan spoke.
"You drink?" he asked, the surprise evident in his voice.
Prisha simply raised her glass, taking a slow, defiant sip before looking back at him with a raised eyebrow. Her silence was answer enough, but Vivaan pressed on.
"I didn't know you drank," he continued, his tone laced with disapproval.
Prisha met his gaze coolly. "Yes, I do. Is that a problem for you?"
Vivaan's eyes narrowed slightly. "You know that drinking isn't good for your health. It's a bad habit. It can lead to–"
"Excuse me?" Prisha cut him off, her voice sharp. "This isn't India. You don't get to preach to me here. This is New York, and there's nothing wrong with having a drink."
Vivaan's jaw clenched. "But you're still from India, and–"
Prisha interrupted again, her eyes flashing. "I'll do whatever I want. You have no right to tell me otherwise. Now, if you're done, maybe you can leave."
A flicker of irritation crossed Vivaan's face. He wasn't used to being brushed off like this, and certainly not with such bold defiance. But he bit his lip, swallowing his pride. He knew, logically, that she was right—this wasn't his business. Without another word, he turned and left, her dismissive gaze lingering in his mind.
**************
Weeks slipped by unnoticed, and soon enough, the day of their return to India arrived. That night, Vivaan lay on his bed, thoughts swirling as he stared up at the ceiling. He couldn't seem to get Prisha out of his mind.
"I thought this time in New York would drag on forever," he murmured to himself. "But it went by so fast... Why do I feel like I don't want to leave?"
Prisha's face flashed in his thoughts, her bold, defiant eyes and the way she so effortlessly ignored his words.
"Argh!" Vivaan groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Why does she keep showing up in my mind?"
He paused, a strange feeling stirring inside him.
Could it be... love at first sight?
************
In the Malhotra household, the excitement was palpable. Reet, practically buzzing with joy, walked into the living room where her mother, Meena, sat lost in thought.
"Mom, Vivaan is coming back today!" Reet beamed, unable to hide her excitement.
Meena nodded, but her expression remained thoughtful. "Yes, I know..."
Reet's smile faltered as she noticed her mother's serious demeanor. "Mom? Is something wrong?"
Meena sighed. "Well... your father is coming back today too."
Reet's face brightened even more. "That's wonderful news, Mom! But... why do you look so worried?"
Meena hesitated, glancing away as she spoke. "He's not coming back alone, Reet. Someone else is returning with him. That's why I'm concerned."
Reet's eyes widened with anticipation. "Who...?"
Meena took a deep breath. "Prisha."
Silence filled the room, tension thick in the air, until Reet broke it with a sudden exclamation.
"Wow! That's amazing news, Mom!"
Meena looked at her daughter with concern. "But you know how she is, Reet. Her attitude... it hasn't been easy for any of us."
Reet shook her head, her eyes bright with excitement. "Mom, she's still family! She's my sister, and I love her. I'm thrilled she's coming back after so many years! I'm going to pick her up myself."
Meena's worried gaze softened slightly. "I just hope she feels the same way, Reet."
"You're worrying too much, Mom," Reet said gently, placing a comforting hand on her mother's shoulder. "I'm sure she'll be happy to see us too."
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YOU ARE READING
Silent Vows : A Tale Of Passionate Love
RomanceVivaan Oberoi, 22, is a spoiled rich brat and MBA student. Known for his uncontrollable anger, Vivaan is a bad boy and the most popular guy in college, admired by many girls. Even the principal doesn't dare to oppose him. His parents want him to tak...