Starstruck Serendipity: When Fan Met Celebrity (MeenBabe)

Chapter 31: The Empty Space

Aoom felt a void in her heart that seemed impossible to fill. Days turned into weeks as she scoured every possible means to locate Meena. Each dead end only heightened her desperation, but she remained undeterred, driven by a singular goal: to make amends and bring Meena back into her life.

Aoom sat in her living room, surrounded by Meena's photos and mementos. Ice watched her from the kitchen, preparing breakfast. She sighed, worried about her friend. "Aoom, you need to eat something," Ice called out, her voice filled with concern.

Aoom barely looked up, her eyes fixed on her phone. "I'm not hungry, Ice. I just... I need to find her."

Ice brought a plate of toast and eggs, setting it on the table in front of Aoom. "You can't keep doing this to yourself. You need to take care of yourself if you want to be there for Meena when she comes back."

Aoom finally looked up, her eyes red from crying. "I know, Ice. But every moment that passes without her feels like a lifetime."

Ice sat down beside her, placing a comforting hand on her back. "I get it, Aoom. I really do. But remember what Mr. Rina said? She needs time. We just have to trust that she'll come back when she's ready."

Aoom nodded, but her heart ached. "I just wish I could talk to her, explain everything..."

Days later, Aoom decided to visit places that Meena loved. She went to their favorite café, hoping Meena might show up there. As she sipped her coffee, she couldn't help but reminisce about their happier times together.

"Remember when we first came here?" Aoom whispered to herself, her eyes welling up with tears. "You laughed so hard because I spilled coffee on myself. I miss your laughter, Meena."

The barista, noticing Aoom's distress, approached her table. "Excuse me. Are you okay?"

Aoom forced a smile. "Yeah, just some memories."

The barista nodded sympathetically. "I hope things get better for you."

Aoom's search extended to social media. Despite knowing Meena had deactivated her accounts, Aoom sent messages and posted updates, hoping Meena might see them somehow.

One evening, Aoom sat with Ice, scrolling through old pictures of her and Meena. "What if she never sees these?" Aoom asked, her voice breaking.

Ice hugged her. "She will, Aoom. She will."

As a last resort, Aoom decided to visit Meena's bestfriend and cousin, hoping someone might have heard from her. She met with Charlotte, at her cafe.

"Aoom, I'm so sorry," Charlotte said, embracing her. "I haven't heard from Meena either. She really needed to get away."

"I know, Char. But I can't just sit around and wait. I have to find her, to tell her how sorry I am," Aoom replied, her desperation palpable.

Charlotte looked at her with sympathy. "Maybe try talking to her parents again? They might have heard something new."

With renewed determination, Aoom visited Mr. and Mrs. Rina again. This time, she found them in their garden, tending to the flowers.

"Aoom," Mrs. Rina greeted her warmly. "We weren't expecting you."

"Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. I... I just wanted to check if there's been any news about Meena," Aoom said, her voice trembling with hope.

Mr. Rina sighed. "She called us a few days ago. She's safe but still needs time. She didn't tell us where she is, but she sounded... stronger."

Aoom's heart ached with both relief and longing. "Did she say anything about me?"

Mrs. Rina shook her head gently. "She didn't, dear. But give her time. She'll come around."