CHAPTER 29

                                    

                                          
AUTHOR'S POV : 
The sterile smell of the hospital filled the air as Nitya walked into the private room where Avyansh's grandfather was resting. She focused on the chart in her hands, her movements brisk and professional.
Avyansh sat by his grandfather's beside, his sharp suit contrasting with the stark white surroundings. He didn't even glance at Nitya as she walked in something she told herself was a relief. But deep down, it hurt more than she wanted to admit.
Avyansh clenched his fists as he heared her family footsteps. Her presence always brought a sense of calm, but lately, it only reminded him of how much she'd distanced herself. He couldn't understand why she had suddenly changed, and the silence between them was suffocating.
His grandfather stirred and opeihis eyes, his face lighting up when he saw nitya and said
"beta, you're here again. Always taking such a good care of me." his voice was weak. She smiled gently, and said her voice was soft
"you're my patient, da-.. Mr. Raghuvanshi. It's my responsibility " her words were measured, devoid of the warmth she used to when addressing the family. Avyansh's jaw tightened at her tone. He couldn't take it anymore.
As soon as she stepped out of the room, he followed her into the corridor.
Avyansh said coldly
"Dr. Nitya"
She froze at the sound of his voice but didn't turn around. Avyansh continues his voice was sharper
"Is this how it's going to be? You'll keep running, pretending like I'm invisible?" she turned slowly, her expression carefully neutral. 
"I don't know what you are talking about Mr. Raghuvanshi, my priority is your grandfather health" she said and his eyes burned with frustration as he said
"stop lying to me, Nitya! I've been patient, I've tried to respect your space, but this-" he gestured between them-"this isn't normal. We both know it". Her heart clenched at the raw emotion in his voice, but she kept her face blank. And said
"please don't make a scene your grandfather needs peace." he took a step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. 
"what happened to you, Nitya? What happened to us?" 
Her resolve wavered, but she quickly turned away, desperate to escape his piercing gaze. 
"there is no 'us', Avyansh. There never was."
Her words hit him like a punch to the guy. For a moment, he stood frozen watching her walk away. But the way her shoulder's trembled as she left, told him everything he needed to know. She was lying and whatever she was hiding, he was determined to uncover it.
NITYA POV : 
There is no 'us'. There was never was. The lie tasted bitter on my tongue. 
"I am doing this for him, to protect him." but no matter how many times I told myself that, the pain didn't lessen.
I clenched my eyes shut, willing the memory away. It hurts too much to think about how happy I had been back then, how easily we had slipped into each other's lives. I don't know how much longer I can do this. Every time I walk into his grandfather's room and see him sitting there, my heart clenches so hard it feels like I can't breathe. And yet, I have to pretend - pretend that I don't notice him, that his presence doesn't send my pulse racing, that I don't miss him so much it physically hurts. 
Today was the worst. He didn't even look at me when I walked in. He just sat there, staring at his grandfather like I didn't exist. I told myself it was better this way. If he hates me, it'll be easier for him to move on. But why does it feel I'm the one being torn apart?
I can't stop thinking about him. Everywhere I go, he's there- in my mind, in my heart. His voice, his smile, the way he used to look at me like I was the only person in the world. I miss all of it.
But I can't. I can't let myself fall apart. If I do, I'll put him in danger. The stalker's threats replying in my head constantly. I hate myself for believing those words, but what choice do I have? How can I risk his safety? He's already been through so much with his grandfather illness. I can't add more to his burden.
I can't stop the tears anymore. They spill over, hot and relentless, soaking my sleeves as I bury my face in my hands. I whisperhis name over and over again, as if saying it will somehow ease my pain. 
"I'm sorry, Avyansh. I'm so sorry." but no matter how many times I say it, the ache in my chest doesn't go away.
I love him. I love him so much it hurts. But loving him means letting him go. It means protecting him, even if it destroys me in the process.
Soooooo boommmmmm... Here's the gift of new year to all of you🥹🎀 I really really appreciate your support and love I wanted to gift you an extra chapter to which I wrote and edit it I swear I didn't sleep last night because of this so please show your love and yess... The more intresting chapters are remaining be patience to see what will happen next...
Bye byeee!!!!
And again A very happy new year to all of you 🫶🏻