The house felt empty.
Even though everything was the same.
Anaya sat near the window.
Silent.
Eyes tired.
Kabir stood outside the room.
For a long time.
Not entering.
Not leaving.
Because for the first time…
He didn't know how to fix something.
He finally walked in.
Anaya didn't turn.
Kabir spoke softly.
"Anaya…"
No response.
He stepped closer.
"I should've told you earlier…"
Anaya finally looked at him.
Her eyes were calm.
But not warm anymore.
"Why didn't you?" she asked.
Kabir paused.
"I was afraid you would see me differently."
Silence.
Anaya nodded slightly.
"So you decided what I deserve to know…"
Kabir's jaw tightened.
"I was trying to protect you."
Anaya stood up.
"From the truth?"
Her voice cracked slightly.
"Or from yourself?"
Kabir froze.
That hit him.
Hard.
Anaya walked past him.
But Kabir gently grabbed her wrist.
"Don't go like this."
Her eyes stayed on his hand.
Then slowly on him.
"I'm not leaving…"
"I just need space."
Kabir's grip loosened.
Pain in his eyes.
"I can fix this," he said.
Anaya shook her head.
"I don't know if everything needs fixing…"
Silence.
She gently removed his hand.
And walked away.
Kabir stood alone.
The strongest man in the world…
Now looked helpless.
Later that night—
Kabir went to the old records room.
Dark.
Quiet.
He pulled out the same file Riya showed.
And started reading again.
Carefully.
Then he realized something.
Some pages were missing.
Some details were altered.
His eyes narrowed.
"This… is not the full truth."
Meanwhile—
Anaya sat on the terrace.
Wind strong.
Heart heavier.
She whispered to herself:
"I want to trust you…"
"But why does it hurt so much?"
A tear fell.
She wiped it quickly.
"I love you… Kabir."
"But I'm scared of loving you like this."
Far away—
Aarav watched everything through surveillance.
Calm.
Satisfied.
"She's breaking slowly…"
He smiled.
"Perfect."
He turned to Riya.
"Now we wait…"
"…for the final crack."
Back at the mansion—
Kabir stood under the rain again.
Soaked.
Silent.
"I will prove it…" he whispered.
"I didn't lie to hurt you…"
"I just need you to believe me again."
Inside the room—
Anaya looked at his empty side of the bed.
And closed her eyes.
Not sleep.
Not peace.
Just pain.
❤️