Silent Cries

Chapter 8

The Day After the Reunion

Dev woke up the next morning with a sense of renewed purpose. Seeing Heena had stirred something within him that he hadn't felt in a long time. He decided to reach out to her and see if there was a chance to rekindle what they once had.

**Dev's POV:** *Heena was always the one for me. Maybe now, we can find our way back to each other.*

He grabbed his phone and texted her.

**Dev (text):** "Hey Heena, it was great seeing you last night. Would you like to grab a coffee and catch up more?"

He waited anxiously for her reply, and after a few minutes, his phone buzzed.

**Heena (text):** "I'd love to, Dev. How about this afternoon?"

Dev felt a surge of excitement and relief. "Sounds perfect. See you then."

#### Later That Afternoon: Dev and Heena at the Café

Dev and Heena met at a quaint little café, the same one they used to frequent during their college days. The familiarity of the place brought back a flood of memories.

**Dev:** "Heena, it feels like nothing has changed. Sitting here with you... it feels like old times."

**Heena:** "I know, Dev. It's surreal, isn't it? So much has happened, yet some things feel exactly the same."

**Dev:** "I've missed you, Heena. More than I can say."

**Heena:** (smiling) "I've missed you too, Dev."

They talked for hours, reminiscing about their college days, their shared dreams, and everything in between. For the first time in years, Dev felt genuinely happy.

Back at home, Navya noticed a change in Dev's demeanor. He seemed more relaxed, even smiling occasionally, something she hadn't seen in a long time.

**Navya's Mind:** *Maybe the reunion did him some good. He seems happier. I hope this is the start of something better for him.*

Navya was hopeful, thinking that perhaps Dev was finally finding some peace. She continued with her day, taking care of Ayaan and managing the household, unaware of the real reason behind Dev's newfound happiness.

Over the next few weeks, Dev and Heena met regularly. They went to familiar places, reliving old memories and creating new ones. Dev felt like he was slowly healing, the wounds of the past beginning to mend.

**Dev:** "Heena, I can't tell you how much these past few weeks have meant to me. It feels like we're picking up right where we left off."

**Heena:** "I feel the same way, Dev. It's been wonderful."

Navya continued to notice Dev's improved mood. She saw him smiling more, seeming less burdened by his usual anger and frustration. She hoped that this change was a sign of better times ahead.

**Navya:** "Dev, you seem happier lately. I'm glad to see you smiling."

**Dev:** (evasively) "Yeah, I guess things are just... better."

Navya didn't push further, not wanting to disrupt the fragile peace that seemed to be forming.

Despite the happiness he felt with Heena, Dev was torn. He knew that his relationship with Navya was still valid in paper's

**Dev's Mind:** *I need to figure this out. I can't keep living in this limbo. But Heena... she's everything I've ever wanted.*

Navya continued to support Dev in any way she could, trying to keep the household running smoothly and taking care of Ayaan. She cherished the moments when Dev seemed genuinely happy, hoping that it was a sign of things to come.