CHAPTER9 [RETURN]
Aarohi finishes packing.
She takes a deep breath… and calls Sana.
---
Downstairs—
Sana is already waiting.
Standing beside a cab.
---
Aarohi walks out of the hotel.
Their eyes meet.
No words at first.
---
Then—
They both smile faintly.
And get into the cab.
---
On the way to the airport—
They talk.
Small talks… random things… trying to keep it light.
But beneath it—
Both know this goodbye came too soon.
---
Soon—
They reach the airport.
---
Outside the terminal—
They step out.
Stand in front of each other.
---
And then—
They hug.
Tight.
A little longer than usual.
---
Sana’s voice turns soft.
“Apna dhyaan rakhna… (Take care of yourself…)”
“Kuch bhi problem ho toh call karna. (If there’s any problem, call me.)”
---
Aarohi smiles lightly.
“Tu bhi apna khayal rakhna… (You take care too…)”
“Main chalti hoon. (I should go now.)”
---
Sana nods.
Reluctantly letting go.
---
Aarohi turns—
And walks inside.
Without looking back.
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On the other side—
Vihaan reaches home.
---
After dinner—
He’s in his room.
Working.
Or at least trying to.
---
His focus keeps breaking.
---
Then—
His phone rings.
Karan.
---
He picks up.
---
“Woh London ke liye nikal chuki hai. (She has left for London.)”
---
The call cuts.
---
Silence.
---
Vihaan leans back slowly.
A faint smirk appears on his lips.
---
“Waise milna toh padega tumse, Miss Aarohi Mehra… (Looks like I’ll have to meet you, Miss Aarohi Mehra…)”
A pause.
---
“15 din ki chutti… sirf 2 din mein wapas laut gayi. (A 15-day leave… and you returned in just 2 days.)”
His eyes darken.
---
“Jo mere peeche poori college mein ghoomti thi… (The one who used to follow me around the entire college…)”
“Aaj mujhe pehchaan ne se bhi inkaar kar rahi ho. (Today, you refuse to even recognize me.)”
---
A low chuckle escapes him.
---
“Milna toh padega tumse…”
“Sweetheart.”