Ananya froze the moment her eyes met his.
For a second—
The world stopped.
The years between them vanished.
But reality hit hard.
Her grip tightened on Ayaan's hand as she quickly pulled him closer.
"Stay close," she whispered.
Aarav took a step forward, disbelief written all over his face.
"Ananya…"
Her name left his lips like a memory he had never let go.
She looked away.
"We should go," she said to Ayaan.
But Aarav blocked her path.
"Wait."
His voice was no longer cold.
It was… desperate.
"You disappeared," he said, his eyes searching hers. "Without a word."
Ananya let out a bitter laugh.
"Did I owe you one?"
The words hit him hard.
Ayaan looked between them, confused.
"Mama… who is he?"
Silence.
Heavy. Dangerous.
Ananya hesitated.
But Aarav spoke first.
"I'm—"
"No one," she cut him off sharply.
Aarav's chest tightened.
No one?
After everything?