chapter 16- 17
Chapter 16 — The First Misstep
It was late again.
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Aarav wasn’t supposed to come home early.
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But he did.
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And for the first time—
Kavya wasn’t there.
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The house felt… wrong.
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He stood in the living room, gaze moving across the empty space.
No lights in the balcony.
No sound from the study.
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Just silence.
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“Ma’am went out.”
The staff informed politely.
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Aarav paused.
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“Where?”
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“I’m not sure, sir.”
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A beat.
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That answer didn’t sit well.
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It shouldn’t matter.
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It didn’t matter.
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So why—
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Aarav turned away sharply.
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“I didn’t ask you to keep track.”
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The staff fell silent.
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But the irritation stayed.
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Long after.
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Chapter 17 — The Delay That Meant Nothing
Kavya returned late.
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Later than usual.
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She stepped inside quietly.
Removing her heels near the door.
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Aarav was in the living room.
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Waiting.
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Not deliberately.
But he hadn’t moved either.
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“You’re late.”
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Kavya looked up slightly.
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“Yes.”
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No explanation.
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No apology.
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Aarav’s gaze sharpened.
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“Where were you?”
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A pause.
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Kavya met his eyes.
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“With a friend.”
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Again.
That word.
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Aarav’s jaw tightened.
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“You seem to have a lot of time for them.”
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The words came out colder than intended.
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Kavya tilted her head slightly.
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“I do.”
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Simple.
Direct.
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And somehow—
that irritated him more.
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“I see.”
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Silence followed.
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Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
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But Kavya didn’t stay.
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“Good night.”
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And just like that—
she walked past him.
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Leaving him standing there—
again.
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