ᴇx-ʙᴏʏʀꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ɴᴇxᴛ ʜᴜꜱʙᴀɴᴅ

Chapter 48

Yuvaan

Her words stung like a bee's sting. Ever since I found out about Nishtha and everything Aai told me, I've been extremely caught off guard. I'm not feeling good and all I need to see is Nishtha. I didn't see her since morning, I thought of going to see her at the office but I didn't. Even though I wanted to, some meeting constantly came up and so I had to leave my plan - it pissed me off.

Finally, when I was on my way home, Arush and Rohan self invited themselves and I had no choice but to say yes. It would be a good chance to work on putting her pieces together so I can understand her full picture.

When I got home, I saw her sitting with Jeena Aunty and I suddenly felt like that was a sight for sore eyes. She didn't even glance at me and I felt a sting in my heart, but I had to talk to her. I don't know what I'll say but I need to talk to her. So, I walked to her room and pinned her again the wall as she tried to leave.
I saw her face.
This is the first time since so long that I'm actually properly seeing her face. I've been not looking into her eyes, because I was afraid of falling for her again, but now.... I can't help but slowly fall again.
Her eyes had lost their shine; they were still light brown but they didn't sparkle like they did. Her hair had definitely grown and had become more voluminous and they rested beautifully on her shoulder. Her skin had become more fair and the tiny pimples she had, all were cleared up.
But, she wasn't smiling anymore.
I missed her laugh.

When she slapped me through her words, she walked away and I stood there in disbelief. I sighed and then went to take a shower. Once I was done, I changed into a simple shirt and track pants and went downstairs where I saw her working with Jeena Aunty. I was liked down and stood by the kitchen.
She noticed me and looked away and I stood there, trying to ignore the sting.
I needed to make things right.

I left and went into the hall, where I got on a call, "Hello. I'm Yuvaan Nanda."
"Yes Sir."
"I'm here to ask about an education loan under the name of Nishtha Na— Nishtha Yadav."
"Yes Sir, it's $35,000."
"I'd like to clear that loan. Please send me the bank details?"
"Sure Sir, but it's a big amount, would you like to do it instantly?"
"Yes."
"Oh Okay Sir. I'll transfer you the bank account details on the email you provided."
"Sure. Stay on call please."
"Sure Sir. I've sent it."
I opened my laptop and got the link and transferred the amount instantly, then got back on the call, "Is it done?"
"Yes Sir. Thank you."
"I have one question."
"Sure Sir?"
"When you send an email confirming that the loan has been paid, do not mention who it is."
"Alright Sir. We won't."
"Do not give any bank details either."
"Alright Sir. Thank you."
"Thank you!"
I cut the call and looked over to Nishtha.
I wanna make things right.

Soon, Nishtha came out and walked towards me. I sat up straight and she stood by me and handed me a cup, "Jeena Aunty wants you to taste and see if it's fine for your friends."
I took the cup; our hands slowly brushing each other: I looked at her while having a sip, "it's really good."
She looked at me, and then walked away after taking the cup. I sighed.

~•~

It was around 8pm when Arush and Rohan arrived. I opened the door; they walked in and they sat in the couch and we started talking. It was a good talk until I noticed Nishtha in the kitchen. Suddenly , I wasn't focusing on these two and only on her.
She was blabbering. Well, I'm sure she's listening to music and she's singing out loud.
I chuckled.
"Lover boy! Hello?" Arush said and I turned to them, "How are you boss?"
"Shut up!" I said.
"I'll just call her here." Rohan said and went into the kitchen before I could say anything.
"Yuvaan." Arush said, "She's innocent. I can feel it. We don't need to investigate more."
I sighed, "I need proof."
"She sold her car for your sister, Yuvi! What more proof do you want?!"
"Arush, I'm sorry but we need proof. I don't want things to be bad later."
"You're gonna regret this Yuvaan."
Before I could reply, Rohan came and brought Nishtha out, who was coming with a very weird and uncomfortable face.
"Nishtha?" I said, and she looked at me, "Sit." I tapped the chair near me. She looked at me, then looked around, then sat on the couch next to me.
"So! As I was saying," Rohan continued, "What movie do you want to watch?"
"I say we vote." Arush said, "What say?"
"Voting works." I said.
"Done!" Rohan said, "Nishtha?"
She looked up, "Huh?"
"Should we vote?" Rohan asked.
"Uh. I... I'm okay with anything." She said.
Why aren't you talking, Nishu?

We put on a movie and Nishtha went upstairs and bro got a few blankets for everyone and then sat back down. I noticed her. Once everyone started watching the movie, I snuggled into the blanket, opening the blanket a little for her.
She looked at me, "what?"
"Come in!" I said, smiling at her.
She looked at me, "No."
I felt my heart sink a little, but I'm not one to budge. I pulled her arm and grabbed her near me, cozying us both inside the blanket. She gasped but then she had to settle because my friends were there.
"Y'all are so cute!" Rohan said. I smiled and we all went back to watching the movie.
She tried to leave the blanket but I held her in place and put my arm around her, her body resting against mine.
"Yu...Yuvaan. Leave me." She whispered.
"I can't hear you babe." I smirked.
I noticed her hair flowing freely and my hand was almost touching her legs. My hand was wrapped securely on her waist. She glared at me and then spoke, "Guys, dinner is here, do you wanna eat?"
Arush nodded, "Done."
She got up and instantly walked away, with everyone following behind her.
I sat frozen on my seat, upset that she used dinner to escape my arms.

We had a loud dinner, with everyone talking and chirping around? All except her.
Why doesn't she talk?!

After dinner, she gathered our plates and went into the kitchen. I noticed her go and stay away, taking as much time as she could. I looked down and sighed, hoping no one saw, but they all did.
"Yuvi." Arush said, "all this ends if you just talk to her and tell her that you trust her."
"I don't have proof. I need proof."
"Bro, isn't her giving the car enough proof, I mean," Rohan said, "what more do you need?"
"I know, but if I say anything without proof, then I won't be able to serve justice properly."
"You're not a bloody lawyer, you're a son, and now a husband. You need to fulfill that job, not try to be what you aren't."
"Yuvaan," Arush said, "I'm not saying we give up research, but I think you need to start to mend your relationship with Nishtha."
"I'm trying, but she..."
"She's running away from you."
"Rightfully." Rohan said, "You have been so rude to her, at least hear her out."
"I'm trying to hear her but she needs to talk to me for me to do that."
"You tell me how someone would talk to a person who hasn't defended them. You heard her."
"I know. I'll try. What else can I do?"
"I know Nishtha. She'll come around."
"Unless she's broken entirely." Rohan said. We looked at him, and then at Nishtha.
"You got this, Yuvaan." Arush said, and then turned to Nishtha and called her loudly, "Nish! Come out! Clean later!"
She saw us and then came outside.

I settled her down next to me and we continued to watch the movie. I pulled her near me and I saw Nishtha sitting uncomfortably.
"Nishu? Are you comfortable?" I asked.
She looked at me, "No. Leave me."
"Not happening."
"Then no point in asking."
I sighed, "Okay." I let her go, "Go."
She looked at me and then slowly moved away and sat on the other couch. It hurt me but I can't force her. I don't want to force her.

Meanwhile, 10km away:

"He's digging up the truth, we need to plant some new evidence against her ma'am." A deep, male voice suggested.
"I know, do one thing, call my voice modulator from the US, tell him to use the voice I sent and tell him to say what I wrote, and send me the audio recording as soon as possible. She isn't going to win, not then, not today." Meenakshi said.

✨

Sorry readers! A little tears coming soon! 🥲
But A WHOLEEE LOT of joy coming after that!!!