Chapter 27
Sana
I toss another shirt into my suitcase, my phone wedged between my shoulder and ear as Mili’s ever-sceptical voice crackles through the line.
“I still don’t get why you’re taking this outdoor order yourself,” she grumbles, sounding exasperated. I can almost picture her standing behind the café counter, hands on her hips, shaking her head. “We could just send the staff. You don’t need to go.”
I let out a slow breath, zipping the suitcase. “Mili, I need to.”
She snorts. “That’s not an answer.”
I scan the room to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything important. My laptop is already packed, chargers coiled neatly inside my bag. Everything looks to be okay. I grab my watch from the nightstand and fasten it around my wrist, trying to sound more convincing.
“It’s a huge corporate order. A business conference in Chikmagalur. We can’t afford any mistakes here.”
“Since when do we personally babysit orders?” Mili shoots back. “Our staff is trained for this.”
I hesitate, pressing my lips together. She’s right. Normally, I wouldn’t. But this isn’t about the order. It’s about getting away, even if it’s just for two days. Away from Aditya, away from his memories, away from seeing him everywhere I turn.
I can’t say that to Mili, though.
“This one’s different,” I say instead. “High-profile clients means potential long-term business. It’s important.”
Mili hums, clearly unconvinced. “Right. And that’s the only reason?”
I tighten my grip on my phone. “Yes.”
Silence stretches on the line for a second too long, but I don’t give her the chance to push further. I change the subject.
“Get the order ready. I’ll be at the café in an hour to pick it up.”
She sighs dramatically. “Fine, but I’m still not convinced, nor am I happy with this.”
“You don’t have to be,” I say, wearing my jacket. “Just make sure everything’s packed perfectly—coffee stations, assorted pastries, the customised meal boxes for the executives. No last-minute chaos.”
“Yeah, yeah, perfectionist mode on. Anything else, boss?” she teases.
I smirk, grabbing my car keys from the side table. “Just be ready when I get there,” I say and hang up before she can pry any further.
Two days away. It’s not much, but for now, it’ll have to be enough.
I barely have time to breathe before my room door swings open. Mom steps inside, her gaze immediately falling on my suitcase. I don’t miss the way her brows knit together, concern flickering across her face.
She folds her arms and stands in front of me. “So you are really going?”
I sigh. “Mom, please. Not you too.”
Her gaze drops to the suitcase again. “You’ve never taken an outdoor order before.” Her voice is calm, but I know her well enough to hear the unspoken question layered beneath it. Why now?
I force a casual shrug, trying to sound convincing. “I need to get some outdoor experience… some business exposure. It’s important.”
Her eyes meet mine, sharp, perceptive. “Is that what you’re telling yourself?”
I glance away, pretending to adjust the zipper of my bag. “Because it’s true. And also, it’s a big client. A business conference. I need to be there personally.”
She exhales, stepping closer, her eyes searching my face as if trying to read the thoughts I won’t say out loud. “Running away won’t fix anything.”
I sit on the edge of my bed. “I’m not running, Mom.”
She comes closer and sits beside me. “I don’t know what’s going on between you and Aditya, but after hearing his conversation the other day…” She trails off, shaking her head. “I think I shouldn’t have argued with him about the choice his parents made for him.”
That catches me off guard. My head snaps to her. “What?”
She takes my hand in hers, her expression softer now. “I like him. I always have. I was hoping for someone like him for you.”
I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Mom…”
She watches me carefully, waiting. For what, I’m not sure. An explanation, maybe. But where do I even begin? But I can’t hold it inside anymore. And then, I confess.
“I’m not what his parents want. I never will be. They want someone… someone who fits into their perfect world.” My voice is quiet but steady. “That’s not me.”
Her fingers tighten around mine. “I’ve always told you—marriage works best when both sets of parents agree and are on board. And if they aren’t, it only leads to heartache. Sometimes, it’s better to end it before it hurts you.”
I nod. “And his never will. That’s the reason it’s better we go separate ways.”
She stays silent for a long moment, and for a second, I wonder if she’s going to try to tell me otherwise. But then, she gives my hands a gentle squeeze.
“You did the right thing.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realise I was holding. “I know.”
“I just—” She sighs, shaking her head. “I just wanted you to have someone like him.”
I blink rapidly, pushing away the sting behind my eyes. “So did I.” I finally voice out.
She brushes a hand over my hair, the same comforting gesture from my childhood. “Maybe one day you will find someone whose love doesn’t come tangled in all this family chaos.”
I nod, forcing a small smile. “Maybe.”
She pats my hand before rising to her feet. “Once you’re done, come down. Breakfast is ready. I’m not letting you go without eating.”
I nod, watching her leave. The weight in my chest eases a little. It doesn’t make everything hurt less, but at least now, I know she understands.
???
I was so close to my destination, almost there, when my car decided to betray me. The engine sputters once, like it’s choking on its last breath and then dies completely. I try again—nothing. Not even the dreaded click.
“What the hell?” I groan, slamming my hand against the steering wheel in frustration.
This was not how today was supposed to go.
Picking up the order from the café took way longer than expected, and then traffic was a nightmare, which is why, at ten at night, I’m still on the road instead of already checking into my hotel and collapsing into bed.
Thankfully, the event isn’t until tomorrow, but at this rate, getting there in time feels like a long shot.
Because I’m fucking stranded on a deserted road, my car dead, and my phone just as useless.
No signal. No GPS. No way to call for help.
How the hell am I even supposed to make it to my hotel now?
Looking through the windshield, I know walking is not an option. It’s pitch dark, and the road looks like it could go on forever. Not to mention, a lone woman on a deserted road at this hour is the worst setup for any mishap. My stomach twists at the thought.
I should have asked Mili to accompany me. At least then, I wouldn’t be stuck here by myself. But when do I ever think straight when Aditya is on my mind?
If I hadn’t been so focused on running away from him, none of this would have happened.
I would have asked my staff to handle this order like we always do.
But no, I let my emotions get the best of me, like always.
And now, I’m paying for it, stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead car, a useless phone, and no idea what to do next.
It’s been almost forty-five minutes. Forty-five long, agonising minutes of sitting in this car, hoping—praying—that someone, anyone, would drive by. But the road remains empty, stretching into darkness on either side.
I keep glancing at the rearview mirror, then at the road, and then at the phone in my lap that still has no signal bars. Nothing. No headlights in the distance, no sign of life. I’m in a damn soup.
My feet bounce restlessly as I bite my nails. The initial frustration has long since faded into something grave. Unease. What if no one comes? What if I’m stuck here all night?
The air inside the car feels stifling now, my own breath too loud in the quietness of the night.
I should do something, but what? Step out into the pitch-black night, hoping I magically find help? Or stay put and keep waiting?
I exhale sharply and drop my forehead against the steering wheel. This isn’t just bad luck. This is a fucking nightmare.
Coming to a decision, I take a deep breath, grab my car keys out of habit—though they’re completely useless now—and push the door open.
The night air is cooler than I expected, sending goosebumps across my skin.
I wrap my arms around myself instinctively, trying to steal some warmth.
At least I’m dressed for this—jeans, a T-shirt, jacket, and sneakers.
Comfortable enough to search for help, even if every nerve in my body is screaming that this is a terrible idea.
As I walk onto the deserted road, the silence feels even heavier. Or maybe it’s just the unease creeping in. I glance over my shoulder, half-expecting to see headlights cutting through the darkness, but there’s nothing—just the endless stretch of road disappearing into the night.
What if something happens? What if a car stops, but not for the right reasons? What if no one stops at all? My pulse quickens at the thought.
I shake my head, trying to push the fear down. Focus. Find help. Keep walking. But the eerie feeling lingers. It just won’t go.
Just as I’m about to lose myself to the anxiety clawing its way up my throat, I see it. As if God finally answered my prayers, I spot a faint glow in the distance—a farmhouse.
Relief washes over me, and with every step closer, my nerves ease a little more. I might not be stranded all night after all. I still don’t know who lives there, but right now, it doesn’t matter. Help is help, and I need it.
I quicken my pace, the sight of the house pulling me forward like a lifeline. Just a few more steps. Just a little—
But before I can finish the thought, bad luck strikes again. My foot catches on a loose rock, and before I can stop myself, I go down on my hands and knees. I hit the ground hard, my hands scraping against rough gravel, its sharpness biting into my skin.
“Ahh—damn it!” I wince as pain shoots up my foot, sharp and burning. For a moment, I just stay there, sucking in a sharp breath, feeling the sting of my scraped palms and the deep, throbbing ache in my ankle.
Then, just as I begin to push myself up, a sound cuts through the silence. A low rustle. Somewhere in the distance, beyond the trees, something moves.
I freeze. My pulse spikes. It could be the wind, an animal, or maybe nothing at all.
But in this moment, with my nerves already frayed, even nothing feels like too much.
God, how many mishaps can one night throw at me before it ends?
I pull in a deep breath, forcing myself not to panic. Get up. Get to the house. Worry about ghosts and serial killers later.
I push myself upright, but the moment I put weight on my left ankle, a wave of dizziness slams into me. My vision spins, my stomach knots, and I suddenly remember—I haven’t eaten in hours. Probably since before I left.
Great! As if this night wasn’t already a disaster.
Gritting my teeth, I push forward, limping toward the farmhouse. Every step sends a fresh jolt of pain up my leg, but I don’t stop.
By the time I reach the porch, I’m breathless, lightheaded, and completely drained. I lift my hand, press the doorbell, and lean against the wooden frame for support, hoping I don’t collapse before someone answers.
A minute passes. Then another. The silence stretches into eternity. My breathing is uneven, my body swaying slightly from exhaustion, pain, and hunger. Just as I think I might have to knock again, the door swings open.
And the sight in front of me knocks the air from my lungs.
Of all people in the entire planet, it had to be him. Why God? Why?
Shock flashes across his face, his eyes widening as he takes me in. For a brief second, we just stare at each other, both frozen in disbelief. Then his expression shifts—his jaw tightens, and his eyes darken.
“What the hell…” he mutters, his voice low and sharp, edged with confusion and frustration.
But I don’t get to hear the rest. Every last bit of strength drains from me, and the dizziness I’ve been fighting finally wins. The world tilts and blurs into nothing. My knee buckles, and before I can steady myself, everything fades into darkness.