Even after she got home, after she changed into her pajamas and curled up under the covers, her mind refused to rest. The music from the party still echoed faintly in her ears, but it wasn’t the laughter or the flashing lights that kept her awake.

It was a pair of tired eyes that had looked at her one last time before walking away.

Aarav had left. Not just the party, but… her.

That realization sat heavy in her chest.

For as long as she could remember, Aarav had always been there. Whether it was in the background, silently watching, or by her side, offering quiet support she never had to ask for. He had always stayed.

Until tonight.

She rolled onto her side, staring at the ceiling. Esha had asked her earlier—do you really think Jay is what you want?

For years, her answer would have been an easy yes. But now? Now she wasn’t so sure.

Her phone vibrated on her nightstand. She reached for it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the name on the screen.

Jay.

She hesitated before opening the message.

Jay: Couldn’t stop thinking about you tonight. Hope you got home safe.

Tanya stared at the words, waiting for the usual rush of excitement to hit her. But it didn’t. Instead, all she felt was exhaustion.

Couldn’t stop thinking about you.

That’s what she had wanted to hear, wasn’t it? That’s what she had spent years dreaming about.

Then why did it feel so… empty?

She put her phone down without replying.

And for the first time, she wondered if she had been chasing the wrong person all along.

Aarav wasn’t answering his phone.

Tanya knew because she had tried. Twice.

Not that she had anything specific to say. She had no excuse, no real reason to call him so late. But something inside her wouldn’t let it go.

She needed to see him.

By morning, she had made up her mind.

Tanya hurried through the college hallways, scanning the crowd for any sign of him. But Aarav wasn’t where he usually was. His bike wasn’t parked in its usual spot, and he wasn’t sitting under the tree near the library, sketching like he often did.

She spotted Daksh near the cafeteria and rushed toward him.

“Hey,” she called. “Where’s Aarav?”

Daksh raised an eyebrow. “You’re looking for him?”

Tanya crossed her arms. “I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t.”

Daksh studied her for a moment before sighing. “He didn’t come today.”

Tanya frowned. “Why?”

Daksh hesitated before answering. “Because he’s done, Tanya.”

The words sent a chill through her. “Done?”

Daksh nodded. “He’s tired of watching you chase Jay. Tired of being the guy you run to when things don’t work out. He finally decided to stop waiting.”

Tanya’s stomach twisted. “I never asked him to wait.”

Daksh let out a dry chuckle. “You didn’t have to. He did it anyway.”

Tanya swallowed, suddenly feeling lightheaded.

She had spent years chasing after Jay, never once stopping to look at what was right in front of her.

And now, when she finally did, it was too late.