27

Tara sat cross-legged on her bed, fresh out of the shower, her damp hair falling over her shoulders. The faint hum of her laptop filled the otherwise silent room. Her eyes lingered on the screen, but she wasn't reading anything. Her mind was still stuck in that endless loop—of anger, hurt, and the words she had yelled at Aryan.

A sudden knock on the door broke her from her thoughts.

She sighed, already knowing who it would be. "Guys, I'm not in the mood," she called out, not even moving.

Another knock, more insistent this time.

Groaning, she dragged herself to the door and opened it to find Aisha and Aria standing there—hands on hips, expressions firm.

Tara sighed, resting her head against the doorframe. "Guys... I told you. I can't do this right now."

Aisha stepped in, crossing her arms. "You've been rotting away in here long enough. Get ready. We're going out."

Tara's eyes widened. "No, no, no. I don't want to go anywhere. Please."

Aria softened her tone, reaching out to touch Tara's hand. "Babe... come on. It'll help. You need a break. From... everything."

Tara looked between them, knowing resistance was futile. She sighed, defeated. "Fine."

Aisha grinned. "Good choice."

Dragging her feet, Tara threw on a simple oversized sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. She brushed through her hair quickly, tying it into a low bun. She didn't bother with makeup. She wasn't in the mood to look like she was fine—because she wasn't.

When she stepped out of her room, Aisha and Aria gave her approving nods.

Aria looped her arm through Tara's. "Let's go, babes."

Aisha smirked. "Trust us. You'll thank us later."

Together, the three of them made their way out of the flat, into the cool morning air.

~•~

The group chat buzzed on Rohan's phone. He leaned back against his chair and typed quickly:

Rohan: Karan, come to the student accommodation. We need to talk.

Within minutes, Karan replied with a thumbs-up.

About half an hour later, Karan arrived at the apartment, greeted with nods from Rohan, and Aakash, who were already gathered. Their faces were serious—concern etched into all of them.

Karan frowned. "What's going on?"

Rohan exhaled. "We're going to Aryan's place."

No further questions were needed. They all knew.

They walked to Aryan's flat, exchanging small glances but not saying much. When they reached his door, Aakash knocked firmly.

A few seconds later, Aryan opened it. His eyes were tired, darker than usual—like he hadn't slept in days. His hair was a mess, and he was wearing the same black hoodie they had seen him in earlier that week.

"Bhai..." Karan greeted softly.

Aryan stepped aside to let them in.

The place was a reflection of his state—messy plates on the table, half-empty cups of chai, crumpled paper, and his laptop open on the coffee table with lines of code. A pile of laundry sat in the corner.

And there he was—sitting on the couch, typing away quietly when they entered, his mind clearly somewhere else. He barely acknowledged their presence.

Rohan glanced around and shook his head. "Bro... what is this?"

Aakash kicked a discarded water bottle aside. "Looks like you're living with your demons."

Aryan didn't even look up from his screen. "I'm fine."

Karan sat next to him and patted his back. "You're not. Let's go out, man. Get some air."

Aryan shook his head, eyes still on his laptop. "Guys... I'm not feeling well."

The room fell quiet.

Aakash leaned forward. "Aryan... we know."

That made him stop typing.

He looked up slowly—eyes moving between Aakash and Rohan, realization dawning on him.

Aryan sighed, leaning back against the couch. "Then you also know... I don't want to go out."

Karan leaned in, his voice low but firm. "Bhai... this is not the solution. Sitting here, drowning yourself in work... it won't fix anything."

Aryan looked away. His voice was flat. "There's nothing to fix. I lost her."

Karan frowned. "And you're just giving up?"

Aakash spoke gently. "Don't lose hope, bhai. Please. Just... explain yourself to her. She deserves to know."

Aryan's jaw tightened. "You think I haven't tried? She doesn't want to hear me out. I don't blame her."

There was silence for a moment before Rohan stepped forward. "Then make her listen, Aryan. Don't let this stay unfinished. Don't let this be a misunderstanding that haunts both of you."

Aryan looked up at him, eyes clouded with frustration and sadness.

Rohan softened his tone. "But first... ask yourself. Are you ready to tell her the truth? Everything?"

The room stilled.

Aryan swallowed hard. His voice cracked slightly. "I'm ready. I want her to know. I just... I don't know if she'll ever forgive me."

Rohan gave a small smile. "That's not in your control. But what is in your control is showing her you care. Showing her you're not walking away this time."

Aakash added, "You love her, right? Then show her. She's angry now, she might stay angry... but you need to show up. You can't shut down."

Karan clasped Aryan's shoulder. "Bhai, you've always been the guy who fights for what he loves. Don't lose that now. Not with her."

Aryan's eyes welled up, but he quickly wiped his face with his sleeve. He nodded slowly.

"I know... I know you're right," he whispered. "I just... I'm scared."

Rohan smiled faintly. "We all are, bro. But you've got us. And you've got her—whether she admits it or not."

The boys fell into a silence, but it was different this time. There was no despair—just determination.

Aryan straightened up slightly. "I'll fix this... I have to."

Aakash grinned. "That's the Aryan I know."

Karan chuckled, "Let's start by fixing this house. This place looks like a war zone."

They all laughed lightly—briefly—but it was enough to remind Aryan that he wasn't alone.

And maybe... just maybe... he still had a chance with her.

💜