..You're my honeysuckle...?

The crowd erupted into cheers, but neither of us paid any attention. His warmth enveloped me completely. It felt as though his gaze was consoling me, holding me close even without words.

I wanted to cry—scream out loud—all the pain I had been carrying in my heart.

After the fashion walk ended, he didn’t let me walk.

“Stay here,” he told the others. “Handle the rest, and let me know when you need us. I’ll help her get a spray for relief.”

Maithili: “Let me come with you. I might be of help.”
She placed her hand on his arm, softly rubbing her fingers against it.

Vikram: “Hmm, okay.”

I turned my eyes away from him, unwilling to meet his gaze. He picked me up in his arms and carried me to a room near the stage. Placing me gently on the bed, he searched for the first-aid kit.

Maithili: “Let me do it for her.”
They exchanged smiles, and he handed her the kit without hesitation. I glared at him, hurt reflected in my eyes.

I was wearing a long face now. The emotional pain hurt more than my injury.

Maithili: “It’s done. Now just rest.”

Me: “Thank you, Maithili.”

Maithili: “There’s no need to thank me. You’ve helped Vicky a lot—it’s the least I could do. Just close your eyes and get some sleep.”
She turned to Vikram. “Let’s leave her, Vicky.”

He glanced at me, but I avoided his gaze. Instead, I forced a smile at her.

She held his arm, gently tugging him out. He didn’t resist, nor did he say a word. They left together.

Why does it have to be like this?

I checked the time. There was just an hour left before we were supposed to leave. I laid back on the bed, tears streaming down my face, soaking the pillow. I wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.

A few minutes later, Varun and Nithya entered the room.

Nithya: “How are you feeling, Mona? Does it still hurt?”

I quickly wiped my tears and forced a smile. “No, it’s fine now.”

She hugged me tightly. “I’m so sorry, Mona. It’s all because of me,” she said, starting to cry.

I wrapped my arms around her and smiled. “Hey, why are you crying? It’s nothing—it was just a small injury. I’m not in pain.”

She sat beside me and asked, wiping her tears, “Then why were you crying?”

Me: “I was just thinking about my family. I miss them.”

Nithya: “Do you feel lonely? Did we do something to upset you?”

Me: “Not at all. It’s just that I’ve never been away from home before. I guess I’m a bit sentimental.”

Varun: “Where are Vikram and Maithili? He always forgets everyone when his best friend is around.”

Me: “Best friend?”

Varun: “Yeah, that’s Maithili. They’ve grown up together—same school, same college, even the same dreams.”

Me: “Isn’t she his girlfriend?”

Varun: “No, they’re just friends. But sometimes, it looks like more. Vikram only sees her as a best friend, but I don’t know if Maithili feels the same way.”

Me: “Oh...”

Before I could ask further, Vikram entered.

“Laxmi Amma is calling for both of you,” he told Varun and Nithya. “She wants to meet you, so head over quickly.”

They left, and Vikram closed the door. He walked toward me with purpose, knelt down, and gently placed his palm over my ankle, resting it on his thigh. His fingers brushed lightly over the bandage.

“Does it still hurt?” he asked softly.

I leaned forward, grabbing his collar and pulling him close—so close our faces were inches apart. Tears streamed down my cheeks, falling onto his.

He cupped my face, resting his forehead against mine. We both closed our eyes.

Vikram: “Why are you crying like this? Please don’t.” His voice was barely a whisper.

I tried to turn my head away, but he held me closer. “Why are you avoiding me now? What have I done?” he asked, his voice heavy with emotion.

Me: “You left me for others. You didn’t even care how I felt.”

He loosened his grip on my hair and cupped my cheeks again.

Vikram: “When did I leave you? And for whom?”

Me: “For... Maithili...” I said, my breathing uneven.

He looked into my eyes, unwavering.

Vikram: “I haven’t left you. You were the one who gave up on me so easily. How could you? If she asked you to leave me, would you?”

His tone was sharp, demanding answers.

Me: “I thought she was your partner... You even hugged her.”

Vikram: “Don’t you trust me? I told you before—I have no one but you. Wait—” He paused, smirking slightly. “Are you jealous?”

Me: “I... no... no, I’m not!” I stammered, my face heating up.

Vikram: “Ah, so that’s the reason behind your behavior. Look at me.”

He leaned closer, rubbing his cheek against mine, then whispered in my ear, “You look beautiful when you’re jealous. I like it.”

He smiled before continuing, “I promise you—two years from now, I’ll wait for you. I’ll have no one else but you. If, after those two years, you still feel the same, I’ll find you no matter where you are, and we’ll make it work. I’ll also tell you how I felt about you from the very first day we met.”

I felt a jolt through my body. His warmth was overwhelming, and his words left me speechless.

“Until then, let’s be friends, Mona. We won’t see or talk to each other for these two years. But let me hold on to this moment as a memory.”

Me: “If we’re meant to be, we’ll meet again—even if it’s in the depths of hell. Trust the process.”

I smiled.

Vikram: “I’ve never felt this way about anyone. I don’t know what’s pulling me toward you, but I want to find out.”

Me: “You’re shaken by me, aren’t you?”

Vikram: “Maybe. But I’m not sure if it’s love yet. I just know you’re different from anyone I’ve ever met.”

Me: “That’s enough for me. If it’s love, you’ll miss me. And love is beautiful when you long for someone.”

I spoke softly, “Like waves longing for the shore, bees for nectar, a lotus for the sun... the way I long for you, Aadhi.”

He smiled brightly.

“When did I go from Vikram to Aadhi?” he teased.

“I wanted to call you something unique—a new beginning,” I said, blushing.

His laughter filled the room, and I knew this moment would remain etched in my heart forever.

Let's see what will happen in the next chapter until then bye bye stay tuned