chapter 30
Chapter 30 — The First Real Panic
The file was still unsigned.
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But everything else—
was already ending.
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Kavya’s belongings were packed.
Not all.
Just enough.
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Enough to leave.
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Aarav stood at the doorway.
Watching.
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Something in his chest felt tight.
Uncomfortable.
Wrong.
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“You’re serious.”
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The words came quieter this time.
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Kavya zipped her bag.
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“Yes.”
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A pause.
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Aarav stepped inside.
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“You can’t just walk out like this.”
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Kavya looked at him.
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“I can.”
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Silence.
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And for the first time—
Aarav felt it clearly.
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Loss.
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Not irritation.
Not confusion.
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Loss.
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“You’re my wife.”
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The words came out instinctively.
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Kavya held his gaze.
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“For now.”
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That—
broke something.
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Aarav took a step forward.
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“Then don’t do this.”
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It wasn’t a command.
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It wasn’t even controlled.
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It was the first thing that sounded close to—
asking.
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Kavya saw it.
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And for a moment—
just a moment—
something flickered in her eyes.
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Then it was gone.
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“I already did.”
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Silence.
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Complete.
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Aarav stood there—
watching her.
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And for the first time in his life—
he didn’t know what to do.
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End of Chapter 30
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