Ira's pov
Aarav finished his story.
His words hung in the air, light and calm.
The room was quiet for a moment, then filled with polite applause and cheerful voices.
I looked at Kabir.
I couldn't stop myself.
I waited for that old look… the one I had seen so many times.
Anger. Possessiveness. Cold eyes.
But today—he looked relaxed. Curious, even.
Almost as if he was listening to someone else's story, not mine.
For a moment, I doubted it. Maybe he was faking it.
Maybe beneath that calm face, something still burned.
But as I kept watching, I knew.
He had truly moved on.
And I… I felt a strange relief.
The knot I didn't even know I was carrying loosened.
It still hurt somewhere inside.
Not because I wanted him back.
But because once upon a time, we had dreamed of a forever.
Now that forever had quietly ended.
---
The next day was the sangeet.
The house came alive.
Music. Laughter. Colorful lights.
Guests flowed in, filling the space with warmth.
I kept myself busy—checking arrangements, helping Maa with little things.
Aarav stayed close most of the time.
"Have you eaten?" he asked gently as I passed him in the hall.
"Not yet," I said.
"Come on," he smiled. "At least a few bites."
He walked with me to the food counters, helped me fill a plate.
When I looked tired later, he brought me water without a word.
He didn't hover or make a show.
But his small gestures followed me through the evening.
---
Later that night, the music began in full swing.
Cousins and friends pulled each other to the dance floor.
"Ira, come! You too, Aarav!" someone called.
I hesitated. But Aarav was already offering his hand.
I looked at him. His eyes held no pressure.
Just a simple invitation.
I placed my hand lightly in his.
We stepped onto the floor as a soft romantic song began.
I let him lead, my movements calm and measured.
His touch stayed gentle.
"You look tired," he said softly.
"It's been a long day," I replied.
"You're handling everything so gracefully," he smiled.
"Thank you."
We moved slowly to the rhythm.
Around us, people cheered, some teasing us.
I smiled politely, but inside I stayed still.
I spoke to him with ease, but no warmth deeper than respect.
As the song ended, he leaned closer.
"You dance well," he said.
"I'm just following," I replied simply.
---
I caught glimpses of Kabir during the night.
He mostly stayed at the edges, talking to a few old friends.
Once or twice, our eyes met.
Each time, we exchanged a brief nod. That was all.
It no longer ached the way it once would have.
---
The next morning came faster than I expected.
The wedding day.
Everyone rushed about—hair, makeup, jewelry, rituals.
I sat quietly as the beautician worked on me.
"You look beautiful," my mother whispered.
I gave a small smile. "Thank you, Maa."
---
The wedding unfolded in a blur.
Guests arriving. Smiles everywhere. Rituals beginning.
Aarav and I sat through the ceremonies side by side.
He helped
---
Kabir stayed in the background.
He spoke to people, helped with a few arrangements.
Not once did he cause a scene.
Not once did he look broken
I saw strength in him I hadn't expected.
---
The next morning came faster than I expected.
Aanya's wedding day.
Everyone rushed about—hair, makeup, jewelry, rituals.
I sat quietly as the beautician worked on me.
"You look beautiful," my mother whispered.
I gave a small smile. "Thank you, Maa."
Aanya's wedding unfolded in a blur.
Guests arriving. Smiles everywhere. Rituals beginning.
Aanya and her groom sat through the ceremonies side by side.
He helped her when she fumbled with the garland.
Offered his hand during the vows.
When their eyes met, he smiled softly.
She responded with a small polite smile.
Words were spoken. Promises exchanged.
Flowers rained over them.
--
I stood with Aarav and my family, thanking guests.
As I turned, I saw Kabir preparing to leave.
My heart gave a small tug.
I walked toward him.
He noticed me and waited.
For a second, neither of us spoke.
Then I broke the silence.
"My engagement is in three weeks," I said softly. "In Delhi."
He looked at me, eyes steady.
"I know," he replied. "Congratulations."
I hesitated. "I… won't be inviting you. Not because I want to shut you out. I just don't want it to hurt you."
He gave a small smile. "I understand. You don't need to explain."
"I just… wanted to tell you myself," I said.
He looked down for a second, then back at me.
"Ira…" he paused. "I hope you're happy."
"I will be," I said honestly. "And I hope you are too."
"I'm trying," he said softly.
"And seeing you like this… calm, strong—it helps."
His words caught me off guard.
"I never wanted to be someone who made you feel trapped," he added.
"I know what I was. I'm sorry for those days."
A lump rose in my throat.
"You've changed," I whispered.
"And so have you," he said with a gentle smile.
For a moment, all the weight of the past seemed to lift.
I stepped forward and hugged him lightly.
He hugged me back—warm, steady, but without lingering.
"Goodbye, Kabir," I said softly.
"Goodbye, Ira," he replied.
We stepped back.
He smiled one last time, then turned and walked away.
I stood there, watching him leave.
---
Later that night, in the quiet of my room, I sat by the window.
The stars blinked faintly through the glass.
And for the first time in a long while…
I truly let go of my long-lost love.
---
End of Chapter 5
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