Chapter 16: The words left behind

Niki sat alone on a bench in the garden, his elbows resting on his knees, lost in thought. The night air was crisp, but his mind felt heavier than ever.

Then, suddenly, warmth.

A pair of arms wrapped around him from behind. His breath caught. Kyara.

His fingers instinctively reached for her hands, gripping them gently. The more I try to push these feelings away, the more you pull me in.

Kyara broke the hug and moved beside him, sitting quietly. Something was different about her tonight—desperation.

Niki studied her face. "What did you want to say that you couldn't even wait until the party?"

Kyara looked at him, her doe eyes filled with hesitation. So many words fought to escape, but nerves tangled them up. What if she messed this up?

Finally, she forced herself to speak. "I don't know."

A soft chuckle escaped Niki. Cute.

He reached out, cupping her cheeks in his hands, tilting her face up. "Did something happen?"

Kyara shook her head. Then, in a steady voice, she finally said the words she had been holding in.

"I got that scholarship... I'm leaving."

The warmth of his hands vanished.

Niki pulled back, forcing a smile. "Congratulations."

But something cracked inside him.

Silence wrapped around them, thick and suffocating. Kyara stared down at her hands, while Niki clenched his jaw, looking straight ahead. Neither spoke for a long moment.

Then, finally, he exhaled. "We should get going. It's getting late."

They walked toward his car in silence. As they reached it, Kyara hesitated. She turned to him, searching his face. "That's it?"

Niki knew this wasn't it. There was so much left unsaid. But saying it would only make things harder.

So, he did what he did best—pretended. "Yeah."

Her lips parted, as if she wanted to say something more. Then, as if deciding against it, she sighed. But just when she was about to turn away, she whispered the words that changed everything.

"I love you."

A cold gust of wind swept between them.

Niki's grip on his car keys tightened, his knuckles turning white.

"Your cab is here," he said, his voice painfully neutral.

Kyara's chest tightened. "Answer me first."

"What?" Niki's voice came out sharper than intended.

She took a shaky breath. "I said, I love—"

"There's nothing between us," he cut her off, his tone hard. Then, in a whisper, almost to himself, he added, "Even if there was… we're too far apart. It's better if we stop this here."

Kyara felt her heart sink. She bit her lip, fighting the sting in her eyes. Without another word, she turned and stepped into her cab.

Niki got into his car.

As both vehicles moved in opposite directions, neither could hold back their tears any longer.

I'm sorry… but for now, I can't drag you into this mess, Niki thought, gripping the steering wheel.

I'll miss you… Kyara whispered to herself, clutching her jacket.

The next day, in the airport's waiting hall, Kyara sat quietly, her fingers fidgeting with her phone.

Rohan and Tara approached, and Tara was holding a medal in her hand. She stopped in front of Kyara, frowning. "Why did you send me this?"

Kyara smiled slightly. "Thanks."

Tara blinked. "What?"

"Because of you, I won this medal. I wanted to give it to you that day, but my ego wouldn't let me. I always admired you as a kid. I know nothing has changed, even now."

Tara's grip on the medal tightened. She didn't know if this was the moment to feel guilty or grateful. Finally, she swallowed hard and said, "Take it back when you return."

Kyara nodded.

Rohan, watching the exchange, finally spoke. "Are you both done?"

"Yeah," Kyara said as she turned and hugged him.

Rohan held her tightly. "Come back soon."

Kyara's eyes wandered, searching for someone else.

Rohan sighed. "If you're looking for that dumbass, he's in a meeting. Should I call him?"

Kyara hesitated, then shook her head. "No... leave it."

On the flight, Kyara sat by the window, staring at the endless stretch of sky.

An air hostess approached her.

"Ma'am, this was requested to be given to you by Mr. Niki Agnihotri."

Kyara looked at the folded fabric in the hostess's hands.

Her breath hitched as she took it.

It was his jacket. The same one.

She pulled it close, breathing in the familiar scent. Him.

She hugged it to herself as the flight took off, her heart aching.

Meanwhile, in a conference hall, Niki sat before a large screen, watching the final slide of his presentation.

After months of struggle, an investor had finally accepted his project.

The hall emptied, leaving Niki alone in his chair. He exhaled deeply, leaning back.

Unlocking his phone, he checked the flight tracker.

The plane had taken off.

He stared at the screen for a moment longer than necessary before locking his phone and shutting his eyes.

Goodbye, Kyara.

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Author's Note:

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