A New Realization

The warmth of Veer's embrace lingered long after Arya stepped back. She hadn't meant to react so impulsively, but seeing him again, safe and unharmed, had sent a flood of relief through her.

Veer looked down at her, his dark eyes searching hers. For a brief moment, it felt as if something unspoken hung in the air between them.

Then, just as quickly, he cleared his throat and took a step back. "You were worried."

It wasn't a question.

Arya felt her cheeks heat up, but she lifted her chin. "You were gone for three days. Of course, I was."

Veer's lips twitched slightly, almost as if he wanted to smile but held himself back. "I told you I'd come back."

"You did," she admitted. "But that doesn't mean I wasn't anxious."

Veer's expression softened, but before he could respond, Rohan's voice broke the moment.

"Well, well, look who's finally home!" Rohan strolled into the room with his usual grin, clapping Veer on the back. "Took you long enough."

Veer rolled his eyes. "I wasn't exactly on vacation, Rohan."

"No, but I'm sure Arya here was counting the minutes," Rohan teased, winking at her.

Arya shot him a glare. "I was not."

Rohan just laughed, but Veer's gaze remained on her. For a split second, Arya thought she saw something in his eyes—something unreadable.

Then, just as quickly, he looked away.

"I need to freshen up," Veer said, glancing at Rohan. "We'll talk later."

Without another word, he walked past them and out of the room.

Arya exhaled, feeling the tension in her chest slowly ease.

Rohan nudged her playfully. "You really missed him, didn't you?"

She rolled her eyes but didn't answer.

Because, deep down, she knew the truth.

And that truth scared her more than anything.

A Late-Night Conversation

That night, sleep didn't come easily.

Arya tossed and turned, her mind replaying the moment she had hugged Veer. The way his arms had wrapped around her. The way he had held her as if he didn't want to let go.

She groaned, burying her face into her pillow. What is wrong with me?

Just then, a soft knock at her door startled her.

Frowning, she climbed out of bed and opened it—only to find Veer standing there.

Her heart stuttered.

"Veer?" she whispered. "Is everything okay?"

He hesitated, as if unsure why he was there himself. Then, after a moment, he spoke. "Can we talk?"

Arya blinked. "Now?"

He nodded. "Just for a little while."

Something about the way he said it made her chest tighten.

Stepping aside, she let him in.

Veer sat on the couch by the window, looking out at the night sky. Arya settled into the chair across from him, waiting.

For a while, he said nothing.

Then, quietly, he murmured, "I thought about you while I was gone."

Arya's breath caught. "Oh."

He turned to look at her, his expression unreadable. "I wasn't expecting to."

She swallowed. "And… did you figure out why?"

Veer studied her, his gaze intense. "Because I realized something."

Arya's heart pounded. "What?"

Veer leaned forward slightly, his voice lower now. "That I don't like being away from you."

The words settled between them, heavy and full of meaning.

Arya could only stare, unable to form a response.

Then, after a moment, Veer stood up. "Goodnight, Arya."

And just like that, he was gone.

But his words echoed in her mind long after he left.

A New Beginning

The next morning, Arya woke up to an unfamiliar feeling—a mixture of confusion, excitement, and something dangerously close to hope.

She wasn't sure what last night had meant, but she knew one thing for certain.

Something between her and Veer had changed.

And there was no going back now.