Chapter 19

Days passed by and soon we were finished with our semester exams. Our college planned an outing for us after exams.

On the day of our trip, we excitedly boarded the bus. Aarav and Vihaan arrived late. Vihaan wanted to sit next to me but Annie had already taken the seat. When he asked her to switch seats with him, she smirked at him, "Sorry, I won't."

His face fell as he walked away. Later, Aarav found seats for them and they got settled.

"Can't you sit somewhere else?" I asked Annie disappointedly.

Annie glared at me. "So, you want to ditch me for your boyfriend? You always said I am the one who was crazy in love. Look at yourself."

"Stop overreacting." I turned away ignoring her. I took my phone and texted him an apology on behalf of Annie. He replied that it was okay.

Soon, we reached the camping site. After getting off the bus, we were instructed on our responsibilities. Everyone spread out the site and got to their work. Some were setting up tents while others were cooking. I was asked to help with chopping for cooking. After finishing my work, I went to help Annie and the other two friends set up their tents.

I've heard about a waterfall nearby and I was excited to finish the work to go there. I saw Vihaan standing alone near his tent so I approached him and asked him to accompany me as everyone was busy. He hesitated, then agreed as I took his hand and pleaded with him.

We sneaked out of the campsite and walked around in search of the waterfall. After a few miles of walking, I was tired. I sat down leaning on a tree and soon he joined me. I put my head on his shoulder and he wiped the sweat on my forehead with his shirt sleeve. I was touched by his actions. It feels nice to be cared for by someone.

My ears perked up when I heard the sound of water flowing and soon we followed it. Finally, we reached the waterfall. The beautiful nature with lush greenery, the sound of the chirping birds, and the flowing water made me pleasant and peaceful to watch. I spread my arms and took a deep breath, embracing the exquisite nature.

I left my footwear on the bank and went into the water barefoot. Vihaan also joined me and we splashed water on each other.

He pulled me towards him promptly and held me by my waist. He looked deeply into my eyes as if searching my soul. I got lost in his gaze and leaned in slowly as I couldn't stop myself. Soon, he closed the gap and placed his lips on mine. I closed my eyes and kissed him back as I poured my emotions into it.

We pulled away due to the lack of oxygen. I still couldn't open my eyes as I was rewinding the kiss in my mind. Slowly, I opened my eyes and the intensity of his emotions made me blurt out my feelings, "I love you."

He froze for a few moments as he absorbed my words. Stunned by my confession, he stuttered, "Wh...what?"

I know he heard it so I shook my head and looked away. He gently held my chin and made me look at him as he spoke, "I want to hear it again, please."

I took a deep breath to get my confidence and spoke, "I love you. I love you so much."

Grinning, he embraced me tightly, "I love you too. Thank you for loving me." I nuzzled up against his chest.

As soon as we pulled away, he placed his lips on mine for a fervent kiss. The feelings in this kiss are going to stay with me for the rest of my life.

This unexpected date is going to be an unforgettable memory for me. I wish we could stay here longer without interruption. Unfortunately, time flows and we can't freeze it so all we can do is enjoy the moment.

It was getting dark so Vihaan suggested that we return to the campsite, to which I agreed reluctantly.

We both returned to the campsite holding hands when Aarav reached us and asked worriedly, "Where were you guys? Do you know how much we were worried?"

When he noticed our linked hands, he glared at us accusingly. I was about to leave his hand when Vihaan held my hand tightly and spoke, " We went to see the waterfall."

Vihaan noticed Aarav staring at our hands as he continued, "We love each other." All our friends were surprised by his confession, including me. It was not that I wanted to hide our relationship from Aarav. I was worried about his reaction and their friendship.

"How long has this been going on?"Aarav asked seriously.

"Six months" Vihaan answered calmly.

I was afraid that he would fight with Vihaan when he surprised me by congratulating us. I was stunned when he patted my head, "My best friend and sister are together. Of course, I am happy. You have my support." I thanked him for understanding.

Aarav looked serious as he spoke, "Never hurt her. If you do, I will punch you until you drop." He looked at me emotionally as he continued, "Even though we are cousins, I love her dearly as she holds a piece of my heart. And, I want her to be happy forever."

"I swear. "Vihaan said.

It's rare to see Aarav being emotional as he never shows his feeling to others. I was touched by Aarav's love for me. I hugged Aarav, and said, "I love you, bro."

"Enough with this emotional stuff." He said pulling away. "I know it's hard for you to handle my sister. I wish you luck." He said to Vihaan.

I hit his shoulder, "I'm only like that with you." Aarav nodded, rubbing his shoulder.

"Thank you, Aarav." Vihaan said, "I really appreciate your friendship." Aarav patted his back and they walked towards the camp.

It was almost time for dinner, and everyone was tired and starving. However, Annie took me aside and asked me to spill the details. I did not give her any details as I told her to stop the interrogation and help me to serve dinner to others.

After dinner, we all gathered around the bonfire to spend some time. We played a few games and enjoyed the night.

I was tired and soon fell asleep on Vihaan's shoulder. When I woke up, I saw that everybody returned to their tents and Vihaan was sitting with me. He was holding me while asleep. I woke him up and asked him to get inside.

"Good night." He kissed my forehead before he got into his tent. I left to sleep in my tent.

In the morning, we went trekking and clicked some pictures. We spent some time and soon we boarded the bus to get back to our homes. I found my seat and Annie was about to sit next to me when Aarav stopped her, "Let them sit together." Vihaan looked at him thankfully as he sat beside me.

Annie was upset as she sat next to Aarav. We were happy for being able to sit together on our way back and could openly hold hands as we listened to music.

After some time, he leaned on my shoulder. I looked at him to find him asleep. He looked cute sleeping peacefully like a baby. I couldn't stop myself as I gently stroked his hair and kissed him on the forehead.

He slept until we reached our stop. I woke him up and we got off the bus. The boys walked me home and returned to their homes.

When I walked inside, mom and dad were in the living room. She told me to freshen up and have dinner with them. I agreed and went to my room to get changed.

Soon, mom served the food. We had a small talk while eating. Dad asked me about my trip, "How was your trip with your friends from college?"

"It was fun. "I replied smiling as I recalled my time with Vihaan.

Finished my dinner, I bid good night to my parents, and went to my room. I plopped on my bed and fished out my phone. I checked my phone and as I expected there was a text from Vihaan, 'Are you asleep?'

I replied, 'Not yet,' and that's how our conversation continued until late at night. Vihaan asked me to go to a movie with him tomorrow and I agreed and ended our conversation.

I wanted to put our memories of the trip on paper so I took my drawing book. I drew our moments like our first kiss when we fell asleep at the bonfire and us holding hands. After finishing the drawings, I decided to pick a dress for my movie date the next day. I rummaged through my wardrobe and soon found a black dress. That dress increased my excitement for our date.