Riya couldn't stop replaying last night in her head. Aarav's song, his promise, the way he held her as if she was the only woman in the world. For years she had lived inside a glass palace, but only now she realized — she had been starving for love.
Next morning, Aarav came to her penthouse for the first time. He looked around at the polished marble floors, the expensive art on the walls, the giant chandeliers. It was another world.
But the moment Riya opened the door, barefoot, her hair messy, her face without makeup — he smiled.
"This is the most beautiful I've ever seen you."
Her heart melted instantly.
A Day of Love
That day was different. Riya canceled meetings, ignored her father's angry calls, and shut off the outside world.
She cooked for Aarav for the first time. The pasta was too salty, the bread was half-burnt. Embarrassed, she muttered, "You don't have to eat this."
But Aarav tasted it with a grin. "This is heaven. Because you made it."
Riya laughed until tears came, hiding her face in his chest. No one had ever valued her small efforts before.
Later, Aarav sat with his guitar in her living room. Riya lay down, resting her head on his lap, eyes closed. His fingers strummed a soft tune, and his voice filled the quiet space.
"Why do I feel," she whispered, eyes still shut, "that I wasted my whole life before this?"
Aarav bent down, kissed her lightly. "Because you were waiting for me."
Tears slipped from her closed eyes. She held his hand tightly, as if letting go would mean losing him forever.
The Photo Album
As evening fell, Aarav noticed a leather-bound album on her shelf. He picked it up and opened it. Inside were photos of a young Riya — smiling at school, holding trophies, laughing with her mother.
But after her mother's death, the pictures changed. Riya's smile faded, replaced by a sharp, distant look.
Aarav touched one photo gently. "You stopped smiling here."
Riya froze, swallowing hard. "That's the year my mother died. After that… it was just me and my father's expectations."
Aarav closed the album, pulled her into his arms, and whispered, "Then let me bring that smile back. Not for the world. Not for the cameras. Just for me."
She broke down, sobbing into his chest. It wasn't weakness — it was release. For years, she had hidden her pain. But tonight, Aarav carried it with her.
The Silent Vow
They ended the night on her balcony, wrapped in one blanket, watching the city lights. Aarav kissed her temple softly and said,
"No matter what happens outside these walls, remember… I'm yours. Every heartbeat."
Riya looked at him through her tears, her voice trembling.
"If I ever lose you, Aarav… I won't survive."
He pressed his forehead to hers, whispering, "Then I'll never let you lose me."
And in that fragile, emotional moment, their love became unbreakable — not just passion, not just attraction, but something eternal.