A war within
Author's pov-
Purv didn't say a word. He just stood there, lost in his own thoughts, his jaw clenched so tightly that Divya was afraid he might shatter under the pressure of his own emotions.
She hated seeing him like this- distant, troubled, stuck between a past that haunted him and a present he wasn't fully embracing.
She reached for his hand.
The moment their fingers touched, he flinched.
It was subtle, barely noticeable, but Divya felt it.
And it broke her heart.
"Purv," she said again, more firmly this time.
He finally met her eyes, and for a brief moment, she saw something raw in them. A flicker of vulnerability, of pain.
"I need some air," he muttered, stepping back.
And just like that, he turned around and walked away.
Divya stared at his retreating figure, feeling a lump form in her throat.
Kaashi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He just needs time."
Aditya scoffed. "Or maybe he needs to get over his damn past already."
Divya sighed, not in the mood to argue. "I'll go talk to him."
Aditya frowned. "Are you sure? Maybe you should let him be."
"No," she said softly. "I can't."
Because if there was one thing she had learned about purv, it was that his demons never left him alone.
And if he wouldn't fight them, she would.
She found him outside, leaning against his car, staring at the ground as if it held all the answers to his problems.
The air was cool, but there was a storm brewing in his eyes.
Divya took a deep breath before walking up to him.
"You ran away," she said, crossing her arms.
Purv's lips twitched, but it wasn't a smile. "I just needed space."
"You alway need space," she countered. "But you never say what you actually feel."
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "What do you want me to say, Divya?"
"The truth," she said simply.
He let out a bitter chuckle. "The truth? The truth is, I don't know how to deal with this. With her."
Divya stepped closer. "She's your past, purv."
He finally looked at her. "Is she?"
The question hit her like a slap.
"You're doubting that?" She asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Purv sighed, looking away. "I don't know, Divya. I haven't seen her in years. And suddenly, she's here, acting like nothing ever happened."
Divya felt something cold settle in her chest. "Do you still have feelings for her?"
His head snapped up. "No. It's not like that."
"Then what is it?" She whispered.
Purv stared at her for a long moment before finally saying, "I don't know if I deserve to move on."
Divya's breath caught. "Why would you say that?"
He shook his head, his expression dark. "Because I ruined what I had with her. I destroyed everything. And I'm scared, Divya. I'm scared I'll do the same to you."
Her heart ached at his words.
Slowly, she reached up, cupping his face in her hands. "You're not that person anymore, purv."
He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, but she could feel the tension still lingering in his body.
"I don't want to lose you," he admitted in a quiet voice.
"You won't," she promised. "Not unless you push me away."
He opened his eyes, searching hers for something- reassurance, maybe.
Then, without another word, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if she were the only thing keeping him grounded.
Divya hugged him back, resting her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
And for the first time, purv let himself breath.