chapter 7-8.
Chapter 7 - Something Missing
It started with something small.
So small it should've gone unnoticed.
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The coffee.
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Every morning, it used to be there.
Placed exactly where he expected it.
Not too hot. Not too cold.
No sugar.
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Today-
it wasn't.
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Aarav paused near the dining table.
His gaze lingered on the empty space for a second longer than necessary.
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Then he looked up.
Kavya was already there.
Sitting.
Drinking her own coffee.
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Alone.
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He frowned slightly.
"Where's mine?"
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Kavya looked at him.
Calm. Unhurried.
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"I thought you'd already left."
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A beat.
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Aarav didn't respond immediately.
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That wasn't an apology.
Not even close.
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He picked up his keys instead.
"I'll have it outside."
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"Alright."
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And just like that-
it ended.
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But something about it...
stayed.
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Chapter 8 - Unfamiliar Silence
The house had always been quiet.
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But now-
it felt different.
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Aarav noticed it that evening.
Not consciously.
Not clearly.
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Just... wrong.
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He stepped inside, loosening his tie.
Usually, by this time-
the lights would be on.
Dinner ready.
Kavya somewhere nearby.
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Today-
only darkness greeted him.
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He turned on the lights himself.
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The dining table was empty.
The kitchen clean.
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No signs of waiting.
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A faint sound came from the balcony.
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Aarav walked toward it.
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Kavya stood there.
Leaning slightly against the railing.
Her phone in hand.
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She didn't turn when he approached.
Didn't acknowledge him.
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"You didn't eat?"
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Kavya glanced at him briefly.
"I already did."
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A pause.
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Then she turned back to her phone.
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That was it.
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No "I waited."
No "You're late."
No "Should I heat something?"
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Nothing.
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Aarav stood there for a moment longer than needed.
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Then quietly-
he walked away.
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