Bridging Hearts

27. We need to talk.

**Important announcement at the end of the chapter.**

Her

"Bhaiya," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady. "Can we talk?"

He nodded, gesturing for me to sit down on the couch. I perched on the edge, feeling like a child about to be scolded. Bhaiya took a deep breath, his eyes softening just a fraction as he looked at me.

"Tara, I need to know what's going on with you and Dante," he began, his tone a mix of frustration and concern. "Why didn't you tell me about your relationship?"

I tried to explain, but the words felt jumbled in my mouth. "We've been seeing each other for a few months. I didn't tell you because... well, I didn't want to make things complicated. I thought it was best to keep it private until we were sure."

Bhaiya's gaze was intense, his frustration clear. "It's not just about keeping it private. I'm worried about you. Dante's involved in something you won't fully understand, and I need to make sure you're safe."

I felt a pang of hurt and confusion. "What do you mean? What's Dante involved in? I don't know what's going on, bhaiya. He's just been there for me."

His eyes were filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "I can't explain everything right now, Tara. Just know that Dante's involvement in certain things could put you at risk. I'm trying to protect you, and that's why I need you to stay away from him for now."

The words hit me like a ton of bricks. "But-"

"No, Tara," he interrupted, his voice firm but softer now. "I don't want to argue. I need you to listen to me. Stay away from Dante. I'll explain things when the time is right. For now, I need you to focus on yourself."

I wanted to argue, to tell him that I loved Dante and that he had been nothing but good to me. But I could see the resolve in his eyes and knew that pushing back now would only make things worse. I swallowed hard, trying to hold back tears.

"Alright, bhaiya," I said quietly, standing up from the couch. "I'll stay away. But please, promise me that you'll tell me what's going on soon."

Bhaiya nodded, his expression softening just a little. "I promise. Just give me some time."

With a heavy heart, I turned and walked away from him, feeling more alone than I ever had before. I didn't know what the future held, but for now, I had to respect Bhaiya's wishes.

I stepped out into the night, the chill in the air doing nothing to numb the ache in my chest. I needed answers, but all I had was uncertainty and a longing for things to go back to how they were.

Writer's perspective

The shift between Dante and Tara was impossible to ignore.

Tara had always been a bright presence, her laughter echoing through hallways and her conversations full of warmth and creativity. She breathed life into everything she touched, and her designs reflected that-vibrant, expressive, full of energy. But now, she was a shadow of herself. Her movements were careful, almost cautious, as though the air around her had grown heavy.

Supervising the design implementation had once been her favorite part of the job. She loved seeing her visions take shape in real life, each decision adding another layer of color and meaning to a space. Now, she stood at the construction site, eyes glued to the blueprint in her hand, her smile a distant memory. The playful exchanges with her team had become robotic instructions. She wasn't herself, and everyone around her knew it.

Dante was no different. He had once been the gruff man who couldn't resist softening around Tara. His tough exterior had cracked under her sunny demeanor, and their relationship had brought out a version of him that was vulnerable and real. But now, that man was gone, replaced by the cold, distant Dante everyone had known before Tara.