3 months later.
London me Anaya ka final showcase tha.
Usne secretly Aarav ko invite link bheja.
"Only if you want to watch."
Aarav ne pura night flight book kiya.
Show ke din…
Anaya stage par thi. Confident. Strong. Glowing.
Presentation ke end me usne kaha—
"This collection is inspired by someone who taught me what love and distance both mean."
Crowd clap.
Show khatam.
Backstage…
Aarav khada tha.
Anaya freeze.
"Tum yahan?"
Aarav ne slowly kaha,
"Career choose karo. Dream choose karo.
Par mujhe mat chhodo.
Main adjust kar lunga. Main shift ho jaunga.
Main fight karunga… is baar equally."
Anaya chup.
"Promise?" usne poocha.
Aarav ne kaha,
"Is baar words nahi… actions."
Anaya ki aankhon me tears.
"Phir ek rule hoga."
"Jo tum kaho."
"No ego. No silence. No unsent messages."
Aarav halka sa hasa.
"Deal."
Anaya ne haath badhaya.
Par iss baar…
ye contract nahi tha.
Ye choice thi.
Aur dono ne consciously ek-dusre ko choose kiya.