Against All Odds

BONUS

——————-BONUS CHAPTER————————

Liza and Kabir drifted apart and never reconnected after their breakup. Liza went on to become one of the most successful fashion designers in the city, with her collections selling out within minutes for lakhs. Her name became synonymous with luxury, and she was celebrated as one of the most renowned artists in her field. Kabir, on the other hand, thrived as a graphic designer before ultimately pursuing his dream of becoming a full-time traveler. He had journeyed to nearly every corner of the globe, ticking countries off his list one by one, fully embracing the life of a wanderer.

Dhriti, meanwhile, married a wealthy senior from her college, but her marriage was far from happy. Her attitude hadn't changed, and her husband treated her poorly, a consequence of the unresolved issues she carried with her. Akshara, in contrast, flourished as a content creator, amassing over 5 million subscribers on YouTube and a strong following on Instagram. She maintained close ties with both Kabir and Liza, though the tension between them kept her from ever mentioning one to the other. She knew too well the wounds that lingered, and she never dared to reopen them.

Kabir had just returned from crossing Japan off his travel bucket list, feeling content and fulfilled. His trip had been a vibrant adventure, surrounded by friends, doing what he loved most—exploring new places. Life was good, and he had finally settled in the U.S., enjoying the freedom of his nomadic lifestyle.

"Alright, guys, I'll meet you in a bit. Just going for a quick stroll," he said as he stepped outside, needing a moment of solitude.

With a cold coffee in hand from a nearby café, he wandered to a bridge overlooking the water. The view was serene, the sky painted in soft hues as the sun dipped lower. Kabir paused, pulling out his phone to capture the moment for his Instagram story. He framed the scene, but just as he was about to snap the picture, his heart skipped a beat.

"Wait... no way," he muttered under his breath. His eyes narrowed as he zoomed in on a figure standing not too far away. "That can't be her."

His mind raced, recognition flooding in. He had seen her—*her*—someone he thought he'd never cross paths with again. It felt impossible, surreal even, like a ghost from his past had materialized right in front of him.

Kabir's heart pounded as he stared, frozen in place. Could it really be Liza?

Kabir's heart raced as he took slow, deliberate steps toward the girl, still unsure if it was truly her. His mind buzzed with a thousand thoughts, but he had to know. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before he called out, voice shaky but firm.

"Lizu?"

She turned at the sound of the name, her expression shifting from curiosity to surprise.

"Yeah?"

Kabir swallowed. "Liza, it's you."

Her brow furrowed for a moment before recognition set in. Her smile faltered, and the surprise in her eyes turned into disbelief. "And you are?"

"Kabir."

Her smile completely faded. She clearly hadn't been expecting to see him—especially not here, not after all these years. "Kabir? Oh my God, it's been so long. I didn't even recognize you. You look... different."

He chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, I guess I do."

There was a beat of silence between them, the weight of the past lingering in the air. Kabir shifted on his feet before he spoke again. "Do you wanna hang out for a bit? Maybe an hour or so?"

Liza hesitated, but then gave a small nod. "Yeah, sure. I'm free. Just give me a minute—I need to drop a message first."

"Yeah, no worries," Kabir replied. "I'll be waiting for you on the other side of the bridge."