CHAPTER LXXXVII
PLOT STORY:
Ava's health is improving after her memory loss, though she still cannot recall the life she once shared with Vanshu. A party is thrown in her honor, attended by friends and family—including Rohit, Ava's fiancé, and Vanshu, the love Ava cannot remember. While everyone celebrates, Ava finds herself mysteriously drawn to Vanshu, the emotions in her heart defying logic or explanation.
As the party unfolds, Ava confronts her confusing feelings. She finally approaches Vanshu, and the two steal away into a private moment where Ava, filled with questions, asks what they once meant to each other. Vanshu, unable to resist the pull of love, kisses Ava—softly, longingly—hoping to awaken a lost past. But they are interrupted by Ava's sister Dwan, forcing Vanshu into hiding once again.
Later that night, under the moon's gentle gaze, Vanshu visits Ava in her room. What begins as a hesitant moment becomes a quiet confession of love. Ava, feeling the undeniable truth in her heart, reciprocates with tender certainty. The two share a kiss—not out of passion alone, but out of soul-deep recognition.
Ava may not remember their shared history, but something deeper than memory guides her: love that refuses to be forgotten. As they hold each other, a future begins to form—quiet, unspoken, but real.
MAIN STORY:
As time passed, Ava's condition began to show signs of improvement. Although she couldn't recall Ruby's name or memories of their past, the face lingered in her mind. Today, a party was organized to celebrate Ava's recovery, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter.
Rohit, accompanied by his family, and Vanshu arrived at the party, eager to join in the festivities. Rajesh, Janvi, and their children were also in attendance, adding to the lively atmosphere. Jonathan and his family made an appearance as well, making the gathering even more special.
Dwan took it upon herself to introduce Ava to everyone, explaining that Dwan was Ava's sister and Rohit was her fiancé. Ava greeted everyone warmly, though her memories remained elusive. As the party got underway, the guests were having a wonderful time, but Ava's gaze kept drifting towards Vanshu.
There was something about Vanshu that seemed familiar, a resemblance to the person who haunted Ava's dreams. Ava couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she felt a deep connection to Vanshu, as if they shared a profound relationship. The more Ava looked at Vanshu, the more she felt drawn to her, a sense of longing and nostalgia washing over her.
As the party continued, Ava found herself lost in thought, her mind wandering back to the memories she couldn't quite recall. She felt a pang of sadness, knowing that her past was shrouded in mystery, but the connection she felt with Vanshu gave her hope that maybe, just maybe, she would uncover the truth about her life and the people who mattered to her.
Ava, her heart pounding with a mix of curiosity and a strange, inexplicable pull, saw her chance and reached out to Vanshu. Clutching Vanshu's hand, her voice barely a whisper, Ava confessed, "Why... why do I feel like I know you? It's such a strong feeling." A flicker of longing and unspoken connection shone in her eyes. Vanshu, her own heart echoing Ava's sentiments, had yearned to speak with her as well. However, Rohit's words, laced with worry and concern for Ava's fragile state, had held her back. "It could make her worse," he'd pleaded, the fear evident in his voice. Yet, Vanshu's heart, a tempest of emotions, overruled the caution. With a gentle tug, she guided Ava away from the crowd, seeking a moment of privacy.
Once secluded, Ava's voice trembled as she posed the question that had been burning within her. "What... what was the nature of our relationship, Vanshu? What were we to each other?" A soft touch, a hesitant caress, followed as Vanshu cupped Ava's cheek, her thumb gently stroking the smooth skin. The other hand found its place at Ava's waist, drawing her closer, the air thickening with unspoken desires. "Don't you remember anything?" she breathed, her voice husky with emotion, her lips now inches from Ava's. "Don't you remember the way we were?"
The world seemed to fade as Vanshu's lips met Ava's in a tender, searching kiss. The kiss deepened, a silent conversation of emotions, a desperate attempt to bridge the gap of forgotten memories. Lost in the moment, they were oblivious to the approaching figure of Dwan, who was steadily making their way towards them. The spell was broken as Ava's eyes caught sight of Dwan, a wave of panic washing over her. With a sudden movement, she gently pushed Vanshu away, her voice urgent, "Hide! Please, hide!" Vanshu, understanding the unspoken plea in Ava's eyes, obeyed without hesitation, disappearing into the shadows, leaving Ava to face whatever was coming alone.
Ava, with a hint of surprise in her voice, asked Dwan, "Are you here?" Dwan, her brow furrowed with concern, responded, "I didn't see you at the party, and I was really worried about you." Ava, relieved, explained with a light laugh, "Oh, I just stepped out for some fresh air. You should go back inside; Rohit must be waiting for you. I'll be right there." Dwan, without hesitation, nodded and turned to leave, her worry now replaced with a sense of ease. As Dwan disappeared back into the party, Vanshu emerged, a warm smile gracing her face. "We'll meet tonight, okay?" she asked Ava, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Ava's heart leaped with joy, and a radiant smile spread across her face as she eagerly replied, "Yes, absolutely!" The night held a promise of something special, and both Ava and Vanshu were filled with excitement for what was to come.
The moonlight poured softly through the half-open window, its silver glow painting delicate patterns on the wooden floor. A warm breeze drifted in, carrying with it the sweet, heady scent of night jasmine. The air felt still, almost sacred, as if the night itself were holding its breath.
Ava stood by her wardrobe, halfway through changing into her nightwear. Her hands were adjusting the hem of her dress when she heard the faintest creak of the door behind her.
She turned slightly, just enough to see Vanshu standing in the doorway—still and hesitant, her hand on the doorframe, eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and guilt.
"I… I was going to knock," Vanshu said softly, her voice barely more than a whisper. She averted her gaze quickly as she realized Ava was undressed.
Ava's eyes softened. She reached for her robe, slipping it over her bare shoulders with quiet grace. She didn't rush, but there was something careful, intimate in the way she tied the belt around her waist. She turned fully to face Vanshu and offered her a small, knowing smile.
"It's okay, Vanshu," she said gently. "It doesn't feel strange… not when it's you."
That simple sentence wrapped around Vanshu like a gentle embrace. She stepped into the room, her movements slow and uncertain, as if the air itself had grown thicker.
"I couldn't sleep," Vanshu murmured, eyes flickering from Ava's face to the floor. "I thought… I'd come see you."
Ava closed the distance between them, her robe swaying softly against her legs. Her hand reached out without hesitation, fingers curling around Vanshu's with a warmth that steadied the air between them.
"I'm glad you came," she said, her voice rich with unspoken emotion. "Your presence always brings peace."
For a long, delicate moment, they stood like that—hands linked, hearts suspended between words and silence. The world outside seemed distant, irrelevant. Inside the room, time moved slower, like a lullaby meant only for them.
Vanshu swallowed hard. She felt the tremble in her chest, the vulnerable flutter of something she had buried for too long. Her voice came out trembling, tender.
"Ava… when I look at you, I feel something. Something deep. Something… beautiful. Maybe it's love."
Ava didn't hesitate. She lifted her hand to Vanshu's cheek, her touch feather-light, a quiet reassurance that she was seen, accepted, wanted.
"Not maybe," Ava whispered, leaning in so close their foreheads met. "It is love."
Their breath mingled in the quiet space between them. There was no urgency, no desperation—just the slow, inevitable gravity that pulls two souls toward one another. And then, as naturally as a heartbeat, their lips met.
The kiss wasn't wild or hurried—it was soft, reverent. Like the first touch of rain on thirsty earth. Like a promise whispered into the night, too sacred to speak aloud.
When they finally pulled apart, Ava rested her head against Vanshu's shoulder. Her eyes closed, her voice low and full of meaning.
"The night is long," she said, almost like a lullaby. "And we have a lifetime ahead of us."
Outside, the moon kept its silent watch. Inside, two hearts rested in the hush of a love just beginning to bloom.
To be continue....