Chapter 9

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As the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, Shubman's eyes fluttered open to the serene sight of Kiara, her chest rising and falling in the peaceful rhythm of sleep. He watched her for a moment, the soft glow of morning casting a halo around her. With a tender smile, he leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, a silent benediction for the day ahead.

Rising quietly, he padded to the bathroom, the cool tiles a stark contrast to the warmth of the bed he'd left behind. The splash of water on his face was like a baptism into wakefulness, droplets catching the light, shimmering like tiny diamonds. He brushed his teeth, lost in the routine, until a ping from his phone sliced through the silence.

The message on Instagram was like a bolt from the blue, his eyes widening in disbelief as he read the words that seemed to leap off the screen. The phone clattered onto the counter as a torrent of memories flooded his mind, each one a vivid snapshot of a past that refused to stay buried.

 The phone clattered onto the counter as a torrent of memories flooded his mind, each one a vivid snapshot of a past that refused to stay buried

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ananya_singhaniya:    Dear Shubman,
                  I hope this message finds you in good spirits.
                  I've spent a lot of time reflecting on everything
                  that's happened between us, and I want to
                  sincerely apologize for the way things ended.
                  I realize now that letting you go was a mistake,
                   and I miss the connection we shared.

                   I understand if you're hesitant, but I would
                   love the chance to talk things over and
                   hopefully start anew. If you're willing,
                   could we meet at our favorite restaurant
                   here in NZ at 7pm? It would mean a lot to
                   me to see you and have a heartfelt
                   conversation.

He was jolted from his reverie by the feel of small, warm hands encircling his waist. Kiara's embrace was a balm to his unsettled heart. "Madam seems to be in high spirits today," he teased, his voice a soft rumble in the quiet room.

Kiara's laughter was a melody that danced in the air. "How could I not be, when the first thing I see is such a handsome hunk?" Her gaze drifted to Shubman's abandoned phone, to the message that lingered there like an uninvited guest. "You should go, Shub," she said, her voice a mix of encouragement and resignation.

Shubman's confusion was palpable. "Huh?" he managed, his brain struggling to keep up.

"Go meet Ananya," Kiara urged, her eyes locking onto his. "Maybe this meeting will untangle the knots that have bound you both for so long."

A wave of reluctance washed over Shubman. "I don't want to, Kiki," he murmured, the nickname a testament to their closeness.

But Kiara was resolute, her hands cradling his face with a tenderness that spoke volumes. "I'll come with you, stay out of sight. If it becomes too much, just give me a sign, and we'll both leave, no questions asked."

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