•𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄• /𝑳𝒂𝒌𝒔𝒉𝒚𝒂 𝑺𝒆𝒏/

' 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 19 '

Lakshya trudged into the room, his feet heavy with disappointment. The door creaked shut behind him, and he let out a deep sigh.

Aarohi looked up from the book in her lap, concern etched on her face. "Hey, how was the tournament?" she asked softly.

Lakshya's gaze dropped to the floor, his shoulders slumping. "I lost." The words hung in the air like a challenge.

Aarohi's heart went out to him. "Oh, Lakshya..." she whispered, setting her book aside.

Lakshya walked over to the window, staring out at the cityscape. "I practiced day and night for months... and still, I couldn't win." His voice cracked, betraying the emotions he struggled to contain.

"Lakshya, it's okay," Aarohi said softly, rising from the couch. "You'll get 'em next time."

Lakshya turned to face her, his eyes flashing with frustration. "Next time? There won't be a next time. This was my last chance." His words were laced with desperation.

Aarohi took a step closer, her hand instinctively reaching out. "Lakshya-"

But he jerked away, his eyes blazing. "Don't. Just... don't." The pain in his voice made Aarohi retreat.

Aarohi's eyes stung from the rejection, but she refused to give up. She took a deep breath and tried again.

"Lakshya, talk to me. What's going on?" she asked gently.

Lakshya's gaze dropped, his shoulders sagging. "I just feel like I've let everyone down. My parents, my coaches... myself."

Aarohi's heart ached for him. She could see the pain and frustration etched on his face.

"You haven't let anyone down, Lakshya," she said softly. "You're still the same person, with or without that trophy."

Lakshya's eyes searched hers, seeking validation.

"Then why does it feel like my whole world has crashed?" he whispered.

Aarohi's hand reached out once more, and this time Lakshya didn't pull away. She gently touched his arm.

"Because you've invested your heart and soul into this," she said. "But that doesn't define your worth."

Lakshya's gaze locked onto hers, a spark of understanding igniting.

"You know, Aarohi," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "you're the first person who doesn't make me feel like a failure."

Aarohi's heart skipped a beat.

"Lakshya—"

He cut her off, his voice filled with emotion.

"Thank you, Aarohi. Just... thank you."

Their eyes held, the tension between them shifting from frustration to connection.

Aarohi's smile softened. "You're welcome, Lakshya. That's what I'm here for."

Lakshya's gaze lingered on hers, his expression vulnerable.

For a moment, they just stood there, the air thickening with unspoken emotions.

Then, without thinking, Lakshya reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Aarohi's ear.

Aarohi's heart skipped a beat. The touch sent shivers down her spine.

"Lakshya?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

His eyes locked onto hers, a spark of attraction igniting.