Irritated and in love

20. Fractured Hearts

The morning sun kissed Tavni's face, casting a warm glow on her room. As she sat on her bed, lost in thought, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The excitement of college admissions, the bittersweet farewells to friends, and the uncertainty of the future all swirled together.

Vishnu, on the other hand, was grappling with a decision that would change the course of his life. His parents, the owners of the renowned "Sharma and Trades," had a different plan for him. They wanted him to pursue higher studies abroad, a prestigious opportunity that would solidify his position as the heir to their empire.

Despite the allure of foreign lands and academic excellence, Vishnu's heart yearned for something else. He longed to be with Tavni, to build a future with her in India. But he knew he couldn't defy his parents' wishes, not without facing serious consequences.

To distract himself and to share the good news with his friends, Vishnu decided to organize a farewell party. It would be a chance to celebrate their achievements, reminisce about their school days, and, most importantly, to tell Tavni about his plans. He hoped that amidst the laughter and camaraderie, he could find the courage to reveal his heart.

Meanwhile, Tavni was busy navigating the complexities of college applications. She had her eyes set on a prestigious university in Mumbai, a dream she had nurtured since childhood. However, her conservative family had different ideas. They wanted her to stay close to home, perhaps in a local college.

Amidst the chaos of college admissions, Tavni's heart ached for Vishnu. She missed his comforting presence, his infectious laughter, and his unwavering support. But due to her family's restrictions, she couldn't meet him as often as she would like.

One day, while studying at home, Tavni was surprised to see a familiar face. It was Rohan, the son of her father's friend. He had come over to discuss their studies. As they sat together, engrossed in their books, they didn't realize how their closeness might be misinterpreted by others.

Vishnu, who happened to visit Tavni's neighborhood, witnessed this scene. Misunderstanding the situation, he felt a pang of jealousy and anger. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. His heart shattered into pieces.

When Vishnu finally confronted Tavni, a heated argument ensued. He accused her of betraying him, of choosing another boy over him. Tavni, bewildered and hurt, tried to explain the misunderstanding, but Vishnu refused to listen.

"You're going to study abroad, aren't you?" Tavni asked, her voice trembling. "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you let me believe that you would stay?"
Vishnu, caught off guard, hesitated.

He had planned to tell her, but the timing seemed wrong. Now, with the misunderstanding adding fuel to the fire, he couldn't find the right words.

"I was going to tell you," he stammered. "I just... I didn't know how."

"You should have told me," Tavni retorted. "You should have trusted me. But you didn't. You chose to keep secrets and make assumptions."

The argument escalated, each word a dagger to their hearts. As the distance between them grew, they realized that the love they once shared was now clouded by mistrust and misunderstanding.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quiet street. Tavni and Vishnu stood face to face, their hearts heavy with unspoken emotions. The once familiar warmth between them had turned cold, replaced by a bitter chill.

"I still don't understand," Vishnu said, his voice barely a whisper. "Why were you with Rohan?"

Tavni sighed, her patience wearing thin. "He's just a friend, Vishnu. We were discussing our studies, nothing more."