Dhruv stayed frozen on the floor, his breath ragged, heart thumping like a drum. Ruby's eyes, glossy with tears, finally met his. She pulled her hand from her lap, fingers trembling, and placed it gently on his shoulder.
*Ruby (voice low, fierce):*
"Dhruv, don't ever keep something like that from me again. Trust is all we have. If you hide who you are, we're building a life on lies."
Dhruv's throat tightened. He could barely get the words out.
*Dhruv:*
"I won't. I promise. I'm sorry. I love you, Ruby. I'm scared of losing you more than anything."
She slid off the couch, kneeling with him, their foreheads touching. The rain outside softened, a steady hush filling the room.
*Ruby:*
"I love you too. But secrets break us. No more walls. Let's start fresh, with nothing hidden."
He nodded, tears mixing with hers, and pulled her into a tight, lingering hug. The world narrowed to the sound of their breathing, the heat of their chests pressed together, and the unspoken promise of a new start.
*Dhruv (whispering):*
"From now on, just us. No more lies."
*Ruby (smiling through tears):*
"No more lies."
They stayed there, kneeling on the carpet, the storm outside fading as the storm inside calmed. Later, they moved to the couch, hand‑in‑hand, talking softly about everything they'd missed—family expectations, fears, dreams—rebuilding trust word by word.