Falling in love with my CEO.

25 - Time for Final Goodbyes

Dedicated to MadhuKushwaha1  thanks for being a good reader. Thanks for responding ...ur appreciation encourages me a lot ..And am glad to have u as my reader. :)

I struggled to find rest. The thought of leaving in just three days lingered in my mind, keeping me awake. Did Akhil know we were leaving soon? The idea of not seeing him again was tormenting.

Suddenly, I felt something wet on my cheeks. Why was I crying? I should be thrilled—my work was done, I was getting a promotion, and I'd be reuniting with my family. Everything seemed perfect. So why did it feel like I was leaving a part of my heart behind?

"You're still awake?" Vineel's voice startled me. I tried to compose myself. "I'm just excited about going back," I said, forcing a cheerfulness I didn't truly feel.

"You look cute when you lie," Vineel said with a knowing smile. Lie? Was I lying? I should be happy, but my heart was heavy. Vineel came closer and draped a soft blanket around my shoulders. "Thanks," I said, appreciating the gesture.

"So, I never got to know what happened when I collapsed after proposing to you," he said, his tone light. It seemed like he was teasing, but the topic made me freeze. I thought he'd never bring it up again.

"I... I," I stammered. What should I say? Should I tell him Akhil got jealous and hit him? I was lost in thought when Vineel snapped his fingers in front of my face.

"Recollecting the incidents?" he asked with a grin. I tried to smile, unsure of what to say. If Vineel got back to the proposal topic, how would I reject him? I was lost in thought when he continued, "Or were you planning to explain why Mr. Chowdary hit me?"

I was tongue-tied. How did he know? If he knew, why hadn't he brought it up earlier? "Akhil—Mr. Chowdary—" I tried to find the right words.

He smiled knowingly. "I know what happened that day. I overheard your conversation with him in the car. And Harshi filled me in on everything."

Harshi appeared, grinning. "Yes, I told him everything—from you drooling over Akhil to him saving me and kissing you."

How could she do this? What would Vineel think of me now? I looked at him, my anxiety palpable. He took out a photo that had sparked arguments between Harshi and me—a photo of Akhil kissing my forehead.

"I had my suspicions. You were always so close. You never seemed afraid of him. The way you talk to him, it's clear you know him well," Vineel said.

I listened in silence, not wanting to interrupt. "You thought you could hide your feelings for him, didn't you?" Vineel continued.

"The day I was being discharged, I wanted to find out why I was there. I thought about asking you, but then I overheard this conversation," Vineel explained.

Hospital Scene

"Why did you hit him?" Akash asked. "I don't know," Akhil replied casually, hands in pockets. "What's wrong with you? You canceled your engagement with Sana because of this woman and got into a fight with an important company person because of her?" Akash's voice was filled with concern.

Akhil scratched his head, silent for a moment. "Don't tell me you're in love with her?" Akash raised an eyebrow. (Akash was unaware of Akhil and Sushvi's past lives.)

"Akhil," Akash said, taking a deep breath. "My life hasn't been beautiful since our parents left. I never thought I'd meet anyone like my mother again. But when I met her, she reminded me of her in every way. She sees me as more than a powerful CEO. She's the only one who looks me in the eyes, who teases and plays around with me. If this is love, then I'm in love with Sushvi," Akhil confessed, closing his eyes.

End of Flashback

"I can offer you a typical life, but he would give you everything to make you the luckiest person in the world," Vineel said.

Tears streamed down my cheeks. "He loves you, Sushvi," Vineel said gently. I looked up at him, struggling to process his words. "The way he talks about you, the way he reacts when you're not around, it all shows he loves you," Harshi added.

"Admit that you love him too," Vineel urged.

I wiped my eyes. "No, I don't," I insisted, looking away. "I just see him as close."

"Then why are you crying about leaving? Your eyes betray your feelings. You're in love with him," Harshi said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Go to him and tell him how you feel. We'll support you," Vineel encouraged.

I felt a surge of happiness. Yes, I was in love with him. I had to tell him. I nodded. "I'm not going to miss him," I said, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation.

"That's the spirit!" Harshi cheered.

Tomorrow, I would tell him the truth—the truth about my feelings. I smiled, ready to face whatever came next.