Morning came too quickly.
Ananya hadn't slept.
She watched Aarav quietly as he adjusted his watch, ready to leave.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
Aarav paused.
"Work."
She stepped closer.
"Don't lie to me."
Silence.
Their eyes locked.
"You're going to meet him," she whispered.
Aarav didn't deny it.
Her chest tightened.
"No," she said immediately."You're not going."
"I have to."
"No, you don't!" she snapped."This isn't your fight alone anymore!"
Aarav's voice softened.
"It is… because I started it."
Ananya shook her head, tears forming.
"And what about us?"
That word—
Us—
Hit him harder than anything.
"I won't let anything happen to you," he said.
"That's exactly what I'm afraid of," she replied.
Silence.
Heavy.
Painful.
Then she stepped forward… and grabbed his hand.
"Come back," she whispered.
Aarav looked at her.
Really looked.
For the first time—
She wasn't pushing him away.
She was holding on.
"I will," he said softly.
But deep inside…
He knew this wouldn't be easy.