Beneath The Storm (Completed)

Chapter-56: Ashes of a Broken Love

The car came to a smooth halt in front of Inaara's apartment complex.

Atharv's sharp gaze took in the building-modest yet well-maintained.

It wasn't the high-profile residences he was used to, but it had a quiet charm, a place that felt lived-in, perhaps even safe.

Inaara unbuckled her seatbelt, hesitated for a moment, and then pushed the door open.

Atharv followed, stepping out into the cool night air.

She walked ahead, unlocking the door with practiced ease, then turned to him, her voice soft yet steady.

"Come in."

Atharv hesitated for a second, then nodded.

Stepping inside, he took in the space.

It was small, but warm-cozy, even. Soft lighting illuminated the neatly arranged furniture.

The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, mixing with something distinctly Inaara.

She gestured toward the couch. "Sit. I'll make coffee."

Atharv looked at her, then said simply, "Tea, please."

Inaara nodded without argument and disappeared into the kitchen.

Left alone, Atharv glanced around.

The place carried her presence in every corner-the delicate curtains, the bookshelf stacked with novels, a potted plant in the corner.

His eyes rested on a small wooden table near the couch.

A silver bracelet lay there.

He knew it too well. It was hers.

His fingers twitched, but he didn't reach for it.

Inaara returned, placing a cup of tea in front of him before settling into a chair across from him.

The silence stretched between them, thick, almost suffocating.

Atharv wrapped his fingers around the cup, taking a sip.

The warmth spread through him, but it did nothing to ease the tightness in his chest.

He had so much to say. Apologies, explanations, words he had rehearsed a hundred times.

Yet, at this moment, none of them found their way out.

Inaara, too, remained quiet. Her hands rested on her lap, fingers slightly curled.

She kept her gaze lowered, as if afraid to meet his eyes.

The tea was finished before either of them could gather the courage to break the silence.

Atharv placed the cup on the table and stood up.

"I should leave," he said, his voice even, though his heart was anything but.

Inaara walked him to the door. "Thank you for the lift," she murmured.