Aarav had sent messages.
He had called. Again and again.
But Anaya didn't reply. Not even once.
Every hour without her voice felt like another thread unraveling inside him. He couldn't take it anymore.
That night, under the dim streetlights, Aarav stood outside Anaya's college hostel. He clenched his jacket tightly, his breath fogging in the cool air.
The warden gave him a disapproving look but agreed to call Anaya after he pleaded.
Inside, Anaya's heart skipped when she heard the knock.
"Someone's here to meet you," the warden said. "He looks… troubled."
Anaya's brows knit. She walked out hesitantly—only to freeze at the sight of Aarav.
"Aarav?" she said, stunned.
He stepped closer. "Please… Anaya. Just listen to me."
She shook her head immediately. "There's nothing to talk about."
"I was stupid. I didn't know what I felt. I—" his voice cracked, "I made the worst mistake of my life."
"I know," she said quietly. "And I've already paid the price."
He dropped to his knees, not caring who saw.
"I'm sorry. I was scared. I thought losing you meant nothing would change. But everything changed when I did."
Anaya's eyes welled up, but she held firm. "You didn't just break my heart, Aarav. You turned it into a joke. A dare."
He lowered his gaze, ashamed.
"I can't forgive you," she whispered.
And with that, she turned around and walked back inside, every step heavier than the last.
In her room, she broke down.
Anna and her roommates rushed to hold her as the tears finally poured.
Outside, Aarav sat in the dark garden, silent, shattered.
He called the only person who had ever known how to patch him up—his mom.
"Maa…" his voice cracked, "Why does everything I love slip away?"
His mother's voice, gentle and warm, wrapped around his wounds like a blanket.
They talked for a long time—about childhood, mistakes, regrets, love, and letting go.
She didn't judge. She just listened. And sometimes, that was all he needed.
He ended the call a little lighter, wiped his eyes, and walked back toward the hostel where his friends were waiting, pacing, worried.
Next Morning
Anaya woke up with puffy eyes and an aching head. She rushed through her routine, skipping breakfast, and almost ran to her 10 AM class.
It was a day of common elective subject lectures, and she barely made it in time.
To her horror, the only empty seat was next to Ishaan.
He noticed her hesitation and raised an eyebrow. "Well, hello there, ghost girl."
Anaya huffed and sat down anyway. "Please don't start."
"Too late. I've already decided today's lecture will be more fun with you around."
She groaned. "Why are you even in this class?"
He leaned back casually. "Business Administration major. But we all have to take electives, right? Today's about creative problem-solving in team dynamics."
Anaya blinked, a little surprised. "You're in Business Admin?"
He grinned. "Yup. Sports are my passion, but business is the backup plan. Gotta keep options open."
She nodded slowly, impressed despite herself.
A moment passed, and she muttered, "Thanks… for the coffee. At the café."
Ishaan looked at her sideways, pretending to be shocked. "Did ghost girl just say thank you?"
"Ugh," she groaned. "And my name's Anaya. Stop calling me ghost girl."
He smirked. "Alright, Anaya. But I'm keeping the nickname as backup."
She rolled her eyes—but for the first time in days, a tiny, genuine smile tugged at her lips.