From Friends to Forever: Aditi & ROHIT

Chapter 16: New Beginnings and Unexpected Challenges

The day Rohit left for Delhi was etched in Aditi's memory. It felt surreal, as if a part of her was missing. She stood on her porch, watching him drive away, the sunlight glinting off his car.

"Keep in touch!" Karan called from behind her, trying to lift the somber mood. But Aditi could only muster a weak smile, her heart heavy with uncertainty.

**Weeks passed, and the initial excitement of Rohit's new job began to fade.** Aditi threw herself into her work and the ongoing house renovation project, but every moment felt incomplete without him. Their daily phone calls became a lifeline, but it wasn't the same as being together.

One evening, as Aditi sat on her bed scrolling through her phone, she stumbled upon a video of Rohit attending a work event. He looked confident and happy, surrounded by colleagues. A pang of jealousy shot through her.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from him: *"Had a great day at the office! Wish you were here to celebrate."*

Aditi typed a quick response, masking her insecurities. *"I'm proud of you! Can't wait to hear all about it."* But deep down, she felt the chasm of distance growing between them.

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**As the days turned into weeks, Aditi tried to maintain a routine.** She met up with Ananya often, who was adjusting to married life. One afternoon, they sat in a cozy café, sipping coffee and sharing stories.

"How's Rohit doing?" Ananya asked, glancing at Aditi with concern.

Aditi sighed, stirring her coffee. "He's busy with work. I'm proud of him, but I miss him so much. I worry about us."

Ananya reached across the table, squeezing Aditi's hand. "It's normal to feel that way. Long-distance relationships are tough, but if you both want it to work, you'll find a way."

"I know, but I can't shake off this feeling of insecurity. What if he meets someone new?" Aditi confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Trust him, Aditi. If he's truly committed to you, nothing will come between you," Ananya reassured her.

Aditi nodded, though the worry lingered in the back of her mind.

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**Meanwhile, Rohit was adjusting to life in Delhi.** His work kept him busy, but he couldn't shake the feeling of homesickness. He missed his family, his friends, and, most of all, Aditi. Despite his initial excitement, he found himself feeling lonely in the bustling city.

One night, after a particularly exhausting day, he video-called Aditi. Her face lit up his screen, and he felt an instant rush of warmth.

"Hey, you!" he greeted, his heart lifting at the sight of her.

"Hey! How's Delhi treating you?" Aditi asked, her eyes sparkling.

"It's good, but I miss home. I miss you," he admitted, feeling vulnerable.

"I miss you too," she replied softly, her expression mirroring his feelings. "How's work going?"

Rohit shared stories of his new colleagues and projects, but Aditi could sense the fatigue in his voice. "Are you taking care of yourself?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"I am, I promise. Just a lot of late nights," he replied, forcing a smile.

As their conversation deepened, they reminisced about their childhood, their shared laughter bridging the gap between them. But when the call ended, Aditi felt the weight of loneliness settle back in.

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**As the weeks continued to unfold, both Aditi and Rohit faced their own challenges.** Aditi's renovation project hit a snag when they discovered structural issues that would require more time and money. Frustrated, she turned to Karan for support.