From Friends to Forever: Aditi & ROHIT

Chapter 17: The Strength of Togetherness

The weekend passed all too quickly, leaving Aditi with a bittersweet feeling as she watched Rohit pack his bags for his return to Delhi. Their time together had reignited the spark between them, and she cherished every moment they had shared.

"Promise you'll call me when you get home?" Aditi asked, her voice laced with anxiety.

"Of course," Rohit replied, giving her a reassuring smile as he zipped up his bag. "And I'll FaceTime you later. We'll make this work, I swear."

As they stepped outside, the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over Panipat. Aditi took a deep breath, trying to savor the moment before he left. "I can't believe how much has changed in such a short time," she said, glancing around at the familiar streets that held so many memories.

"It feels different now that we're adults, doesn't it?" Rohit observed. "But some things never change, like this place and us."

They shared a knowing smile, and Aditi felt her heart flutter. It was moments like these that reminded her of their childhood bond.

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**Once Rohit returned to Delhi, the reality of their long-distance relationship set in again.** The initial excitement faded, replaced by a familiar sense of longing. Aditi immersed herself in work and the renovation project, but her heart often felt heavy.

Late one night, while working on the living room decor, she received a video call from Rohit. The sight of him brought a smile to her face. "Hey, you!" he greeted, his eyes lighting up as he saw her.

"Hey! How was your week?" Aditi asked, her heart warming at the sight of him.

"It was hectic, but I made it through. I was thinking about you the whole time," he replied, leaning closer to the camera. "How's the house coming along?"

"It's coming together slowly. I feel like I'm juggling a million things, but it's getting there," Aditi said, feeling proud. "I can't wait for you to see it!"

"I can't wait either. You're doing an amazing job," Rohit said, his voice filled with admiration. "I'm so proud of you."

His praise made her heart swell, and she felt the weight of her worries lift slightly. They spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and reminiscing about their childhood adventures. As the call ended, Aditi felt a renewed sense of determination.

---

**Days turned into weeks, and Aditi continued to pour her energy into the renovation project.** She found solace in decorating each room, transforming their childhood home into a beautiful blend of old memories and new beginnings. Karan helped with the heavy lifting, and Ananya provided valuable input on design choices.

One evening, as they painted the kitchen, Karan looked over at Aditi and asked, "So, how are things with Rohit?"

Aditi paused, contemplating her answer. "We're good. It's tough, but we're working on it."

"Do you think it'll last?" Karan probed, setting down his brush.

"I hope so," Aditi replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love him, and I want to make this work. But it's hard not being together."

Karan nodded, sensing her vulnerability. "You deserve to be happy, Aditi. Just make sure you're both committed. It's a two-way street."

"I know," she said, a wave of gratitude washing over her for her brother's support. "I just hope he feels the same way."

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**One rainy evening, Aditi sat by the window, watching the raindrops race down the glass.** She felt a sudden surge of nostalgia and decided to call Rohit. As she dialed, her heart raced with excitement and apprehension.