SPLASH OF LOVE

Atharva ran, his heart pounding, the station looming closer. She was just ahead, a shadow against the dimming light. He called out, desperation thick in his voice, but before he could reach her, Ansh stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

"Move, Ansh!" Atharva's voice trembled with urgency. She stood there, still, her back to him, but he could see the sorrow in her posture. She turned slightly, her eyes meeting his-full of pain, full of things left unsaid. Then she turned away, heading toward the station.

"No, please!" Atharva's voice broke, but Ansh's grip was firm. "Ansh, I messed up. I should've talked to you first, but if my father knew about her, about me and her , he would've-"

Ansh's hand shot out, grabbing Atharva by the collar. "He would've ruined her, right? Or is it you you're worried about? Your career, your image?" Ansh's eyes were cold, cutting through Atharva's defenses.

Atharva's breath caught. "I know I was selfish, but I love her, Ansh. She's pregnant-I need to tell her I'm here, that I'll leave everything behind for her and the baby."

Ansh's face hardened, his grip tightening. "Too late, Atharva. She didn't want the child."

The words hit Atharva like a punch to the gut. "No," he whispered, his voice cracking. "She wouldn't..."

Ansh's gaze didn't waver. "She did. Now let her go. Let her live, and you do the same."

He released Atharva, who staggered back, his world crumbling around him. Ansh walked away, leaving Atharva in the suffocating silence of his own making.
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