Will Die In Love

Chapter 48

Her tear filled eyes wandered vaguely into the distant horizon, making her nostalgic about the good old days. It was almost evening yet she didn't leave her room except for meeting Shefali once. 

Suddenly, Paro's body tensed as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned slowly, a slight sigh of relief escaping her lips.

"Oh, Aryan, it's you!" 

"How was your trip?"

 Paro attempted to sound enthusiastic, masking the thoughts that had been swirling in her mind.

"It was good," Aryan replied, flashing his usual charming smile. Paro smiled genuinely in response.

Almost two weeks ago, she had heard that Aryan had gone on a trip with his friends. At the time, she hadn't given it much thought, but now it all fell into place.

 Aryan had left just a day before her parents arrived with Preeti. He must have known about their visit and purposefully left. 

If it were any other time, Paro would have playfully teased him about it, but today her heart wasn't in the mood.

"Hey, are you crying?" Aryan's gaze bore into her, his voice filled with concern.

"What? No!" Paro quickly averted her gaze, pretending to look elsewhere.

"Don't lie to me, buddy," Aryan said gently but firmly, his concern evident.

Paro looked at him and she couldn't hide her emotions any longer. 

 "I just... I am missing home." Her voice shook. 

Aryan's expression softened, 

" Oh, buddy! Take a break. Go to your home for a few days. I am leaving for college tomorrow. I am gonna miss you."

He reached out to embrace her, offering comfort and reassurance.

" I will miss you too." Paro truthfully replied, feeling safe in her friend's embrace.

………….

7 days later,

As Paro crossed the threshold of the gate, entering the house, her face was more radiant than it had been in the last few months. It had been seven days since she had returned to her hometown, and the joy of freedom resonated deeply within her. 

For the first two days, she was always anxious about whether  'he' would get to know about her departure or call her. But she was overjoyed when no such thing happened.

 Among all the things she cherished about her homecoming, spending time with her dear friend Preeti held a special place in her heart. 

Even now she didn't want to come back from her house this soon.  But she was well aware of her curfew and tried to maintain that always.  

Paro pushed the door open with a smile plastered on her lips, but her steps halted and her heart skipped a beat as she laid her eyes upon the unexpected sight that awaited her in the living room.

There, sitting comfortably in a plush armchair, was Adi, the very person she had fled from. 

His presence sent a shiver down her spine, a reminder of the anguish she had endured. The ground beneath her slipped when finally the gravity of the situation stuck her. 

He is here! At her home! In front of her parents. What was he gonna do? 

Her feet ran cold.