5.THE HEART REMEMBERS

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The streets of Mumbai were buzzing with life, but Shivansh's mind was far from the noise around him. The city's energy was nothing compared to the storm brewing inside him. He had finally arrived, the place where Ruhi had last been seen, and his heart raced at the possibility of seeing her again.

---

Shivansh stood outside the café in the photograph Dev had shown him, his hands clenched into fists. He didn't know if Ruhi would still be here, but this was the closest he'd been to her in months. His phone buzzed again, another message from Dev.

Dev's Message:
"Shiv, the café owner said she visits every few days. You might be able to catch her."

Shivansh's heart pounded as he stepped inside. Every corner, every seat-his eyes scanned the place like a man possessed. But Ruhi wasn't there. He felt the disappointment sink in, but he wasn't giving up yet. He ordered a coffee, hoping she might walk in any moment.

---

Meanwhile, Ruhi stood by the window of her apartment, staring at the raindrops trailing down the glass. Her heart was a battlefield, constantly at war with itself. She had felt something the past few days-a strange pull, as if Shivansh was closer than ever. It was irrational, but she couldn't shake the feeling.

Her phone buzzed on the table, an unsaved number flashing on the screen. She knew exactly who it was.

Ruhi (thinking): "Shivu..."

Her hand hovered over the phone, but she couldn't bring herself to answer it. Instead, she turned away, letting it ring out. The sound of his voice would be too much.

---

Back at the café, Shivansh was getting ready to leave when a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks. It wasn't Ruhi, but it was someone close to her-Aarav, her older brother. Aarav hadn't seen Shivansh in months, but the look of shock on his face was unmistakable.

Aarav: "Shivansh? What are you doing here?"

Shivansh: (with urgency) "I'm looking for Ruhi. Do you know where she is?"

Aarav hesitated, clearly torn. He had known about Ruhi's struggles, but he wasn't sure if he should reveal anything. Still, seeing the desperation in Shivansh's eyes, he relented.

Aarav: (sighing) "She's here in Mumbai. But Shiv, she's not ready to see you yet."

---

Shivansh's stomach dropped. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed broke something inside him.

Shivansh: "Why? Why did she leave without a word? I need to know."

Aarav looked around the café, lowering his voice as they moved to a quieter corner.

Aarav: "It's not that simple. She left because she was scared, Shiv. Of what the two of you could become. She's afraid of hurting you... of losing you."

Shivansh stared at him in disbelief. All these months, he had thought Ruhi left because she stopped caring. But it was the opposite. She had left because she cared too much.

Shivansh: (voice cracking) "Where is she, Aarav? I need to talk to her. I can't lose her like this."

Aarav remained silent for a long moment before finally giving in.

Aarav: "She goes to Marine Drive sometimes... when she needs to clear her head. If you're lucky, you might find her there."

----

Shivansh felt a flicker of hope ignite inside him. Marine Drive. It wasn't far. He could be there in minutes. Without another word, he rushed out of the café, the sound of the rain intensifying as he stepped into the storm.

As he made his way to Marine Drive, his heart was pounding, filled with the uncertainty of what would happen next. But one thing was clear-he wasn't going to stop until he found her.

Shivansh (thinking): "I'm coming for you, Ruhi
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