It was 11:47 PM.
Delhi was still awake.
Apurva wasn't.
She was exhausted after back-to-back sessions, presentations, networking dinners.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
She almost ignored it.
Almost.
"Hello?" her voice was calm but tired.
Silence.
Then a familiar breath.
"…Apurva?"
Her fingers froze.
Rithvik.
She didn't speak for two seconds.
"Tumhe mera number kaise mila?" she asked, steady.
Pause.
"I didn't call intentionally."
Lie.
He had dialed three times before pressing call.
She sat up straighter.
"Phir?"
"I just… wanted to know if you're okay."
Simple.
Direct.
No ego.
That unsettled her more than arrogance ever did.
"I'm fine," she replied.
Short. Safe.
Silence again.
But not uncomfortable.
Just heavy.
"How's Delhi?" he asked.
"Competitive."
"Good."
"And Academy?" she asked.
"Predictable."
She almost smiled.
Almost.
Another pause.
This time longer.
"Apurva…" his voice lowered slightly, "I read about your presentation today."
"You stalk the academy page now?" she said lightly.
"No," he replied calmly.
"I just don't ignore important updates."
Important.
That word lingered.
She looked at the city lights outside her window.
"I'm not running," she said suddenly.
"I know," he answered.
No hesitation.
That surprised her.
"I was wrong," he added quietly.
She didn't expect that either.
About what?
About her?
About himself?
But before she could ask—
A voice called him from the background.
"Rithvik, your father's asking for you."
He exhaled.
"I have to go."
"Of course."
Another silence.
Neither wanted to cut the call.
Finally—
"Take care," he said.
"You too."
The call ended.
No confession.
No dramatic line.
Just unfinished truth.After the Call
Apurva lay back on her bed.
Heart steady.
But not normal.
He called.
Not to argue.
Not to control.
Just to check.
That changed something.
Meanwhile—
Rithvik stood outside his study room.
Phone still in his hand.
He didn't regret calling.
But he understood something now.
Distance hadn't reduced her presence.
It had intensified it.
And control?
Control was slipping.