Chapter 22

I reached the art gallery and waited for him at the entrance. Soon, it was closing time yet he didn't show up. I was devastated and started thinking about the reasons for not turning up. What exactly are they doing? Did something happen? I was about to give him a call when my phone ran out of battery.

Sadly, I returned home and plugged my phone into the charger. After some time, I switched on my phone and found a text from him, 'Sorry, I will be late.'

My anger was higher after seeing that message. Soon, I got a call from Vihaan which I rejected and put my phone on silent mode. I was irked and so I decided to take it out. I was venting my anger on the punching bag when Aarav walked into the room. He saw my foul mood as he asked, "What happened? Did you fight with Vihaan? Why are you not answering his calls?"

"Did he complaint to you?" I asked him angrily.

"He asked me to check on you since he was worried about you. What's your problem? I noticed that you're behaving crazily which is unlike you. You are always lost in your thoughts. Is there something troubling you? You can share it with me. I'll see how I can help you." He spoke as he patted my head affectionately and embraced me.

I relaxed and informed him that Vihaan had gone out with Krithika. I was stood up by him as I waited for him at the entrance of the art gallery till it was closed.

"Are you worried that he didn't come to meet you? or were you concerned about what they might be doing together?" He asked me pulling away.

"Both," I said frowning.

"My silly sister. There might be some reason that he didn't come to you. Don't overthink. He is totally into you and I can assure you that he won't cheat you." He said, pulling my nose.

I swatted his hand away, "I know he is not interested in her. It's her whom I don't trust. She annoys me the most. She always tries to be close to him and hits on him but he doesn't see that. She even challenged me that she is more pretty than me and there might be a chance that he gets impressed by her." I huffed.

"For me, no one is prettier than you," Vihaan said, walking into the room. I was stunned by those words from him, but I was still upset with him.

I glared at Aarav as he asked him to take care of me and excused himself.

Vihaan walked to me and made me sit on the bed as he knelt before me, "Sorry for not being aware of your feelings and for making you worried. I am an idiot that I couldn't understand her motive. I thought she was just being friendly with me. I never expected that she would want to keep me away from you. Today, I caught onto her intentions when she tried to stop me from reaching you and I clearly made her understand that you are the one I love. No one can take your position in my life and heart."

Hearing his words made my worry evaporate. "Really?" I asked him.

He nodded and kissed my forehead, "I love you, always and forever."

At that moment, I realized his unwavering feelings for me. I was worried for nothing. Maybe, somewhere, I felt I didn't deserve him or he might leave me for someone else. I realized it was all in my head. Today, I promise myself to cherish every moment with him and to live in the present without worrying about our future. I am grateful to have him in my life.

I stopped sulking and made up with him. I warned him not to get close to her again as she is full of tricks. He chuckled and agreed.

He removed my boxing gloves as he spoke, "If I annoy or hurt you, you can punch me hard and knock some sense into me. Next time, talk to me if something bothers you. Let me know how you feel because it's hard for me to read your mind."

"Really! Should I punch you if you hurt me?" I asked him with a smile.

"Of course. If you don't, how can I know I was wrong?" He said.

"Fine, I will," I said pulling his cheeks. He held my hands and asked me to go to the gallery tomorrow to which I nodded happily.

The next day, in the college, Krithika ran into us and tried to talk to him. He said he was busy and that he wouldn't help her from now on. She was fuming as he held my hand in front of her and asked me out for a movie this weekend. I agreed.

I feel content to see him trying his best in our relationship and understanding me better. He is concerned about my feelings and cares for me. I understood that he was not aware of the selfish people around him for which I decided to protect him from them.

I still don't know what he liked about me. I know that I am deeply in love with him and every moment with him is special to me. I want to freeze the time when I am with him.

In the evening, we went to the art gallery and while returning home we had dinner in a restaurant. We enjoyed our date and he returned after dropping me at home.