That night—
Ayaan fell asleep early.
The house was quiet.
Again.
Ananya stood on the balcony.
Lost in thought.
Aarav joined her.
"You should rest."
She didn't look at him.
"I can't."
Silence.
The city lights flickered below.
"You're scared," he said softly.
She let out a breath.
"Yes."
A pause.
"Not of him," she added.
Aarav frowned.
"Then what?"
She turned to him.
"Of this."
Their eyes met.
Close.
Too close.
"This… us…" she whispered.
Aarav stepped closer.
"So am I."
Her heartbeat raced.
"Then why are we doing this?"
"Because we can't stop."
The honesty in his voice shook her.
She took a step back—
But he gently held her wrist.
Not forceful.
Just enough to stop her.
"Don't run," he said.
Her breath caught.
"I'm not running."
"Then stay."
Silence.
Their faces inches apart now.
Everything blurred.
The past.
The pain.
The fear.
Only one thing remained—
Each other.
Aarav leaned in slowly.
Her eyes closed—
And just before their lips touched—
A loud crash shattered the moment.