Aarav stepped inside the room.

He stopped.

Siya was sitting on the edge of the bed.

The box of bangles lay open beside her. One bangle was still in her hand.

Tears rolled silently down her cheeks.

For a moment, he said nothing.

Then softly—

“Siya…”

She looked up.

Their eyes met.

Quickly, she wiped her tears and placed the bangle back into the box. She closed the lid.

“I’m fine,” she said before he could ask.

Her voice was steady.

Too steady.

Aarav walked closer.

“You don’t have to be strong in front of me.”

She looked away.

He sat beside her. Silence filled the room.

He exhaled slowly.

“You miss him.”

That was it.

That one sentence shattered the wall she was holding.

Her lips trembled.

“I couldn’t even save them,” she whispered.

His jaw clenched.

“It wasn’t your fault.”

She shook her head.

“They killed my brother… my father… on the day of my marriage.”

Her voice didn’t break this time.

It hardened.

Aarav noticed.

“I understand,” he said quietly. “And things will get better.”

She stood up suddenly.

“You can never understand my pain,” she said, her voice firm. “No one can.”

She placed the box inside the cupboard. Her back was facing him. Her shoulders were stiff.

He didn’t push her.

Instead, he said quietly—

“Siya… you don’t have to fight it alone.”

She paused.

Just for a second.

Then she said,

“I’ve always fought alone.”

And walked toward the balcony.

He spoke again.

“You’re right. I may not understand your pain.”

She stopped.

“But I have also lost my only best friend.”

Silence.

“And now I am your husband,” he continued. “Whether you accept it or not… I am with you. At every step.”

She didn’t turn.

She stepped onto the balcony.

Aarav remained seated.

Watching her.

Knowing she was standing at the edge of grief.

And he didn’t know how to reach her yet.

After some time, Aarav stood up.

He walked toward the balcony.

Siya was standing there, looking at the night sky.

The wind gently moved her hair.

Her eyes were fixed somewhere far away — maybe at the stars… maybe at memories.

He stopped beside her.

Not too close.

Not too far.

He didn’t say anything.

Neither did she.

The silence between them was heavy.

But not uncomfortable.

For the first time…

It felt shared.

She knew he was there.

He knew she was hurting.

And sometimes—

Presence is louder than words.

The city lights shimmered below.

The sky stretched endlessly above.

And they stood there.

Side by side.

Two broken people.

Not speaking.

But not alone either.

Siya was packing her clothes neatly into the suitcase.

She paused, took out her phone, and made a call.

“I’m going out for a week,” she said calmly. “They’ll be out too. Just do your work.”

“Okay,” the man replied.

She hung up.

Just then, Aarav walked in.

He leaned against the doorframe, watching her for a moment.

“You’re packing already?” he asked with a small smile.

“Yes,” she replied without looking at him.

He walked closer. “Won’t you pack for me too?”

She finally looked up. “No. I won’t do your work. Pack your own clothes.”

He sighed dramatically. “Fine. I’ll pack.”

She zipped her suitcase halfway and then said firmly,

“I’m going because Mom is sending us. Don’t expect anything from me.”

He didn’t interrupt.

“Otherwise, I would never go. Especially not with you.”

He smiled softly.

“Siya,” he said, “I’m just happy you’re coming. I’m not expecting anything.”

She looked at him suspiciously.

“I just want us to be alone,” he added calmly. “Some privacy.”

She immediately turned her face away.

“There,” she said, jaw tight, “stay away from me. And remember — I have a black belt in karate.”

He laughed lightly.

“Don’t laugh. I’m serious.”

“I know,” he said, still smiling. “That’s why this trip is going to be interesting.”

She slowly looked at him.

He stepped a little closer — not touching, just enough to make her aware.

“There will be only us.”

She turned her face away again.

Her jaw clenched.

But her heart skipped.

And that annoyed her more than anything.

That night, Siya lay down on the bed and turned to her side, her back facing him.

Within minutes, her breathing slowed.

She fell asleep.

But Aarav didn’t.

He lay there staring at the ceiling.

Tomorrow was their flight.

Their first trip together.

He allowed himself a small, private hope.

Maybe… just maybe… she’ll start falling for me.

More than anything, he was excited.

Not because it was Maldives.

But because it would be just them.

No mansion.

No family.

No walls to hide behind.