That night—
Rain fell softly outside.
Ayaan slept peacefully.
Inside the living room—
Ananya sat alone.
Lost in thought.
Aarav walked in quietly.
"You didn't eat."
"I'm not hungry."
He stood there for a moment.
Then sat beside her.
Not too close.
Not too far.
Just enough to feel the tension.
"You trust him?" Aarav asked suddenly.
"Rohit?" she said.
"Yes."
Ananya thought for a moment.
"He's a good person."
Aarav's expression darkened slightly.
"And me?"
She turned to him.
"You were too."
The past tense hit harder than anything.
Aarav looked away.
"I'm trying to fix that."
Silence.
The rain grew heavier.
"I don't know if I can trust you again," she whispered.
Aarav's voice softened.
"Then don't."
She looked at him, confused.
"Just… don't push me away."
Their eyes met.
Closer now.
Closer than they should be.
Her heartbeat quickened.
So did his.
For a moment—
Everything faded.
Until—
"Mama…"
Ayaan's sleepy voice broke the moment.
And just like that—
The distance returned.