The next day—
Ananya walked alone to the balcony.
The fresh air didn't calm her.
Because fear still lingered.
Aarav joined her quietly.
"You're thinking again."
She gave a faint smile.
"When do I not?"
Silence.
Then—
"What if it happens again?" she asked.
Aarav frowned.
"What?"
"What if I trust you again… and it breaks me again?"
The vulnerability in her voice hit him deeply.
"I won't let that happen."
"You said that before."
This time—
He didn't argue.
"I know," he said.
A pause.
Then—
"Then don't trust me completely."
She looked at him, confused.
"What?"
"Trust me slowly," he said.
"One step at a time."
Silence.
Her heart softened.
Because this time—
He wasn't demanding her trust.
He was earning it.