Chapter 18 new year
As the clock struck midnight, signaling the start of a new year, I was thrilled to be celebrating with my best friend Priya, who had arrived from Delhi earlier that day. We had planned to hit the clubs and dance the night away with Raj.
The music was pulsating, and the crowd was electric as we made our way to the dance floor. That's when I saw him - Vihaan standing across the room, his eyes locked onto mine. My heart skipped a beat as I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Priya's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Vihaan, her voice barely above a whisper. "Janvi, is that... Vihaan Malhotra?"
I nodded, still trying to process the situation. "That's him. He's my CEO now."
Priya's face turned pale, and she looked like she had seen a ghost. "Vihaan Malhotra... from college?" she stammered.
Raj looked confused, glancing between Priya and me. "What's going on?"
Priya's eyes dropped, and she looked away, her voice filled with emotion. "Vihaan, Janvi's ex-boyfriend... and our friend from college. I had no idea he was your CEO, Janvi."
The music and chatter around us faded into the background as I watched Vihaan make his way towards us, a determined look on his face. What did he want? And how would he react to Priya and Raj being here with me?
As Vihaan approached us, the air seemed to thicken with tension. Priya's eyes were fixed on him, a mix of emotions playing on her face. Raj, sensing the tension, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
"Janvi," Vihaan said, his voice low and smooth, as he reached us. "I see you're celebrating the new year in style."
I nodded, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in my stomach. "Just enjoying the music, Vihaan."
Vihaan's eyes flicked to Priya and Raj, a hint of surprise crossing his face before he regained his composure. "Priya"
The tension between them was palpable Vihaan's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a spark of electricity run through me. What did he want from me?
Vihaan's gaze lingered on me for a moment before he turned to Priya and Raj. "It's been a while, Priya," he said, his voice neutral. "How have you been?"
Priya's eyes flashed with a mix of emotions, but she smiled politely.
"I've been well, Vihaan. Congratulations on your new role as CEO. I see you're doing well for yourself."
"Thank you, Priya."
The music changed, and the crowd around us surged forward, momentarily drowning out our conversation. Vihaan took advantage of the distraction to lean in closer to me. "Can I talk to you for a minute, Janvi?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.
I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of me wanted to know what he wanted, but another part of me was wary of being alone with him. Priya and Raj exchanged a glance, and Priya nodded subtly. "We'll go get some drinks," she said, taking Raj's arm. "Catch up with you later, Janvi."
As they walked away, Vihaan's eyes followed them before returning to me. "Let's talk," he said, his voice firm.I nodded slowly, still feeling a bit apprehensive about being alone with Vihaan. "Okay, let's talk," I said, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in my stomach.
Vihaan nodded and gestured towards a quieter area of the club, away from the pulsating lights and loud music. I followed him, my eyes scanning the crowd for Priya and Raj, but they were already lost in the sea of people.
As we walked, Vihaan's hand brushed against mine, sending a spark of electricity through me. I quickly pulled my hand away, trying to play it cool. Vihaan's eyes flicked to my hand, and a hint of a smile played on his lips.
We reached a slightly quieter area, and Vihaan turned to face me. "Janvi, I know this isn't the best time or place, but I need to talk to you about something," he said, his voice low and serious.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "What is it, Vihaan?"
Vihaan's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. "I think we need to talk about the past, Janvi. About us."
I felt a flutter in my chest as Vihaan's words hung in the air. "The past?" I repeated, trying to sound nonchalant despite the turmoil brewing inside me. "What about it?"
Vihaan's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my skin prickle. "We left things unfinished, Janvi. I think it's time we talked about what happened between us."
I swallowed hard, my mind racing with memories of our past. The laughter, the fights, the tears... it was all still so raw. "I don't know, Vihaan," I said, trying to sound casual despite the emotions swirling inside me. "I thought we were done."
Vihaan's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in determination. "We're far from done, Janvi. We just got started."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Vihaan's words sent a spark of anticipation through me. "What do you want from me, Vihaan?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Vihaan's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. "I want to talk about us, Janvi. About what happened between us. About what could have been."
I took a step back, feeling overwhelmed by the emotions swirling inside me. "There's no point, Vihaan. We can't go back to what we were."
Vihaan's eyes flashed with determination. "I'm not talking about going back, Janvi. I'm talking about moving forward. Together."
My heart skipped a beat as his words hung in the air, leaving me breathless and wondering what he really meant.
Vihaan's eyes locked onto mine, his voice filled with conviction. "Janvi, I want you back in my life. I want us to get back together and work things out."
My heart skipped a beat at his words, and I felt a rush of emotions. I had thought about this moment, about what I would say if Vihaan ever came back into my life. But now that it was here, I wasn't sure.
"Vihaan, I...I don't think that's possible," I said, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil inside me.
Vihaan's face fell, but he didn't give up. "Why not, Janvi? We were good together once. We can be again."
I took a deep breath, trying to be firm. "Vihaan, I'm your employee now. I want to keep things professional between us. Let's just focus on work, okay?"
Vihaan's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of disappointment. But then, his expression smoothed out, and he nodded. "Okay, Janvi. Professional it is. For now."
Vihaan's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he nodded. "Alright, professional it is... for now. But since it's New Year's, I'd like to propose a truce. Why don't we all have a party together, just for today? Like old times, Janvi. We can all hang out, just the four of us - you, me, Priya, and Raj."
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if it was a good idea. But the prospect of having fun with friends and letting loose on New Year's was tempting. "Okay, fine," I said finally, trying to sound casual. "But just for today, and don't expect me to get too nostalgic."
Vihaan grinned, and for a moment, I saw the old Vihaan, the one I used to know. "I wouldn't dream of it," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll make sure Priya and Raj are game. Let's make this a night to remember."
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, feeling a spark of excitement. "You're on."
With that, Vihaan pulled out his phone and started dialing Priya's number, a plan forming in his mind. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of chaos he had in store for us.Priya and Raj walked into the club, scanning the crowded room for us. Priya's eyes landed on us, and she flashed a bright smile. "There they are!" she exclaimed, dragging Raj towards us.
As they approached, Vihaan's eyes lit up with excitement. "Perfect timing! I was just about to tell you guys about the plan."
Priya's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Ooh, what's the plan? Spill the beans, Vihaan!"
Raj chuckled. "Yeah, don't keep us in suspense, man."
Vihaan grinned mischievously. "Well, I was thinking we could hit the VIP lounge, grab some drinks, and dance the night away. What do you say?"
Priya squealed with excitement. "Sounds like a plan to me! Let's go!"
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "You're all so easily swayed by Vihaan's plans."
Vihaan's grin was triumphant. "Hey, someone's got to bring the party."
We all made our way to the VIP lounge, the excitement palpable as we settled in for a night of revelry. The music was louder, the drinks were flowing, and the laughter was contagious. We danced, sang along to our favorite songs, and let loose, shedding our inhibitions and worries.
Priya and I hit the dance floor, spinning and twirling to the beat. Raj and Vihaan cheered us on, their eyes shining with amusement. At one point, Vihaan grabbed my hand and pulled me into a spin, his eyes locking onto mine with a spark of mischief.
The night wore on, and we took breaks to grab drinks, share stories, and reminisce about old times. Vihaan was in his element, effortlessly charming everyone around him. I couldn't help but laugh at his antics, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me.
As the clock struck 3 am, we were still going strong, our energy levels showing no signs of flagging. The music was still pumping, and the party showed no signs of slowing down. We were all having the time of our lives, lost in the moment, and loving every minute of it.
The night wore on, with the music and laughter showing no signs of letting up. We danced, sang, and joked, lost in the joy of the moment. As the clock struck 4 am, Raj yawned and announced that he was calling it a night, heading back to his hotel to catch a few hours of sleep before the day began.
Vihaan nodded in understanding, but Priya and I were still going strong. "Let's get Priya and you home safely, and then we can call it a night," Vihaan said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
I nodded, feeling a bit tipsy but exhilarated from the night's festivities. Vihaan dropped Priya off at my house, and she yawned, stretching her arms. "Thanks for the ride, Vihaan."
As Priya settled into the guest room at my house, I turned to Vihaan, who was waiting to make sure I got inside safely. "Thanks for tonight, Vihaan," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him.
Vihaan's eyes locked onto mine, his expression softening. "Anytime, Janvi. Get some rest. We'll tackle the office together tomorrow." With that, he turned and left, leaving me to wonder what the next day would bring.