Destined Heart's

chapter 13

Crossroads

As the days turned into weeks, Abhimaan and Anshika found themselves at a crossroads in their relationship. The demands of their careers continued unabated, testing their commitment and resilience.

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Anshika had just completed a particularly challenging surgery, her mind still buzzing with the complexities she had navigated in the operating room. As she stepped out of the hospital, she leaned against the cool concrete wall, trying to catch her breath. Her phone buzzed with a message from Abhimaan.

"Hey love, how was today? Dinner plans tonight?"

Anshika sighed, feeling a mix of exhaustion and guilt. She hadn't been able to respond to Abhimaan's messages promptly lately, and she knew it was taking a toll on their relationship. With a deep breath, she typed out a reply.

"Hey Abhimaan, today was intense. I'm sorry, but I have to stay late for a meeting. Can we reschedule dinner?"

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Abhimaan read the message with a sinking feeling in his chest. He understood the demands of Anshika's job, but he couldn't shake the growing sense of frustration and loneliness. He missed the closeness they had shared during their getaway, and he yearned for more than fleeting moments together.

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That evening, as Anshika finally made her way home, she found Abhimaan sitting alone in their living room, a faint glow from his laptop illuminating his features. His gaze was distant, lost in thought.

"Abhimaan?" she called softly, crossing the room to stand beside him.

He looked up, forcing a smile. "Hey, Anshika. How was your meeting?"

Anshika hesitated, sensing the tension in the air. "It was... long. I'm sorry about dinner."

Abhimaan nodded, his expression unreadable. "It's okay, Anshika. I understand."

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Silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken words and unaddressed emotions. Anshika felt a pang of guilt, knowing she had neglected their relationship in favor of her career. She longed to bridge the growing distance between them, but she didn't know how.

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The next morning, as Abhimaan prepared for another busy day at the office, he couldn't shake the lingering unease from the previous night. His thoughts kept returning to the growing divide between him and Anshika, a divide exacerbated by their demanding schedules.

"Abhimaan, can we talk?" Anshika's voice interrupted his thoughts as she stepped into his office, her expression earnest.

He set aside his paperwork, gesturing for her to sit down. "Of course, Anshika. What's on your mind?"

She took a deep breath, her gaze meeting his. "I feel like we're drifting apart, Abhimaan. I hate that my work is coming between us."

Abhimaan nodded, his own frustrations bubbling to the surface. "I feel it too, Anshika. I miss us."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their words hanging in the air. Anshika reached for Abhimaan's hand, squeezing it gently. "I don't want to lose what we have, Abhimaan. But I don't know how to balance everything."

He met her gaze, his heart aching with longing. "Maybe we need to reassess our priorities, Anshika. Our careers are important, but so is our relationship."

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In the days that followed, Abhimaan and Anshika made a conscious effort to carve out time for each other amidst their busy schedules. They set boundaries at work, prioritizing communication and making sure they were on the same page about their expectations and needs.

They scheduled regular date nights and weekend getaways, cherishing the moments they could steal away from their demanding lives. With each shared experience, they found themselves rediscovering the joy and intimacy that had initially drawn them together.

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One evening, as they sat on their balcony watching the city lights twinkle below, Anshika leaned her head against Abhimaan's shoulder. "Thank you for being patient with me, Abhimaan. I know it hasn't been easy."

He kissed the top of her head, his arms around her protectively. "I love you, Anshika. We'll figure this out together."

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Their journey through the crossroads of their relationship had reaffirmed their commitment to each other. They knew that navigating the challenges of their careers would require ongoing effort and understanding, but they were determined to face the future hand in hand.

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**To be continued...**

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