The Farewell Party
That night, Sonia (Priya) went to the hotel where Dr. Julian Meyer (Charles) and the other doctors hosted her farewell party. Although Sonia had little interest in socializing, she felt obligated to attend, wanting to make a clean break.
She was engaged in a conversation with one of the doctors when Charles approached, stating, "Sonia, we need to talk." His sudden seriousness surprised Sonia. "Can we speak alone?" Charles urged.
Before Sonia could respond, Ishani burst into the hall. "Sonia! We need to go to the pub! Aarav has thrown a huge party for our graduation and his first successful album launch. It's for the three of us!"
Sonia immediately seized the opportunity. She told Charles she had to leave. Charles and Ethan, hoping to finally talk to her, asked to join, and Sonia simply nodded her assent.
The Pub and the Rejection
A few hours later, they were all at a pub in a private room arranged by Aarav. Charles desperately wanted to speak to Sonia, but she remained preoccupied, laughing and celebrating with her friends. Charles noticed her intentional distance and felt the sting of rejection. He loved Sonia, a fact she knew, but she had zero interest in pursuing a relationship with him.
They enjoyed the party, drinking and dancing. Sonia, however, limited herself to only wine and stopped drinking promptly at 2:00 AM.
At 3:00 AM, Sonia, Charles, and Ethan left for their respective rooms.
The Final Goodbye
The next morning, Charles arrived at Sonia's room intending to have the private conversation he had been seeking. Sonia was already packed, waiting for a rented taxi to take her and Ishani to the airport.
"Sonia, can I talk with you?" Charles asked, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.
"Yes, Doctor," Sonia replied coolly.
Charles took a deep breath. "Sonia, I've fallen in love with you."
Sonia simply stared at him.
"I know you're angry at me about the electric shock treatment," Charles continued, trying to bridge the gap.
Sonia cut him short. "Doctor, I am not interested in you. I came here for treatment and study. Nothing else."
Sonia's cold clarity crushed Charles, and he left the room silently.
Sonia said her farewells to all the hospital staff, including a final, brief goodbye to Charles and Ethan. She then left the hospital for good.
Global Tour and Observation
Sonia and Ishani reached the airport and flew to the UK for Aarav's concert. For the next six months, they enjoyed a global tour, attending Aarav's successful concerts across the UK, Europe, Paris, and New York. Aarav's girlfriend, Rhea, also joined them.
During this time, Sonia knew she was being followed. She deliberately hid, listened to conversations, and quickly realized they were Abhay's bodyguards. The bodyguards were unaware that she had been discharged; they assumed she was still inside the hospital for ongoing treatment, as she had done in the past.
Sonia used the tour as an extended period of reconnaissance and opportunity. She took on several remote internships and freelance jewelry design projects for international clients, receiving handsome payments for her skilled work.
The New Beginning
Seven months later, Sonia and Ishani stood outside Mumbai Airport, waiting for a cab.
Within minutes, they arrived in front of a luxury penthouse. Sonia had leased this property while on tour, funding it with the income from her freelance design projects.
Sonia smiled, feeling a rush of satisfaction. She was back in India, armed with education, financial independence, a healthy body, and the sharp mind of Priya. "A new life will start," she vowed.