Late night.
The house was quiet.
Ayaan asleep.
Ananya stood in the kitchen, pouring water.
Aarav walked in.
They didn't speak.
Didn't need to.
The tension was already there.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
"You should rest," she said softly.
"So should you."
Silence.
Then—
"I don't like him," Aarav said suddenly.
She sighed.
"You don't have to."
"I don't like the way he looks at you."
She turned to him.
"Why?"
Aarav stepped closer.
Because he couldn't stop himself anymore.
"Because I still do."
Her breath caught.
The distance between them disappeared.
Too close now.
Too real.
"You shouldn't," she whispered.
"I know."
"But you still do?"
"Yes."
Silence.
Electric.
Dangerous.
Her heart pounded.
"So do I," she almost said—
But didn't.
Because before anything could happen—
Her phone rang.
Unknown number.
She answered.
"Hello?"
A cold voice spoke—
"Enjoying your reunion?"
Her blood ran cold.
Raghav.
"Because it won't last."
The call ended.
Ananya's hand trembled.
Aarav's expression turned deadly.
Because this time—
The danger wasn't just outside.
It was coming for everything they were trying to rebuild.