The Rhythms Of Her Dreams✨️

27. One Step Too Far✨

The golden evening sun bathed the sky in hues of orange and lavender as Kaira stood before her dressing table, fastening the last hook of her navy-blue gown. Her hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and the diamonds around her neck shimmered like a constellation. This was supposed to be a special night—a celebration of Shubman’s success. An award show, a night of recognition. And she was to be by his side, proud and glowing.

But behind her eyes, something else brewed.

The last few weeks hadn’t been the same. Shubman had grown distant—subtle at first. Fewer texts, shorter calls. A mind that always seemed preoccupied. Whenever she brought it up, he’d either smile it off or avoid it entirely. Tonight, she needed answers.

Just as she picked up her clutch, the door to their room opened. Shubman walked in, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, looking breathtakingly handsome—but cold.

“You’re ready?” he asked, glancing at her only briefly before checking his watch.

She took a deep breath. “Yes. But before we go—I need to talk.”

“Kaira, not now. We’re running late,” he said, stepping toward the mirror to adjust his collar.

“No,” she said firmly, stepping in front of him. “Now. Because if I don’t speak now, I won’t be able to pretend anymore.”

His jaw clenched. “What is this about?”

“You tell me, Shubman. What happened to us? You barely talk to me. You go days without texting, you brush off our conversations. I feel like a ghost living in your shadow,” her voice trembled, but she held her ground.

Shubman exhaled sharply, turning away. “I’ve been busy, Kaira. You know how this phase is for me.”

“It’s not just about being busy. I feel like a distraction to you now.”

Silence.

That word hung in the air, heavy and raw. Shubman turned to face her again, his expression unreadable.

“I didn’t say that,” he said coldly.

“You didn’t have to,” Kaira snapped. “Every time I try to reach out, every time I try to be a part of your world—you push me away.”

He looked at her then, and something in his eyes had shifted. “Maybe because I do feel distracted. Maybe I need to focus, and all this,” he gestured vaguely, “is pulling me in a different direction.”

Kaira’s breath hitched. “So you regret being with me?”

“I didn’t say that either,” he replied, a little too quickly. “But maybe we rushed into things. Maybe we didn’t think this through.”

Her heart cracked.

He looked away again, muttering, “I don’t want to fight before the show.”

Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. “You go alone then.”

He froze. “What?”

“You heard me. You clearly need space, Shubman. So take it. Go. I’m not going to stand next to you tonight like everything’s fine when it’s not.”

Before he could say anything, she slipped off her heels, picked up her phone, and turned away. She didn’t look back as she left the room, but her heart stayed behind—splintering.

---

The Uber ride was quiet. Kaira stared out the window, the neon lights of Mumbai flickering across her face. Her friend Tia had invited her to a new upscale club earlier that week—Kaira had declined then. But now, she found herself texting: Still up for the club?