The wedding festivities were reaching their crescendo. The estate buzzed with music, laughter, and the subtle chaos that only grand celebrations could stir. Rhea flitted between florists and caterers, checking details with the precision of someone whose reputation was on the line - but her mind was somewhere else. Or rather, with someone else.
Aarav.
Ever since their heart-to-heart on the snowy bench, something had shifted. The air between them was softer, more vulnerable. But beneath that warmth, Rhea felt a tug - an unspoken truth neither of them had addressed in full.
That evening, after the sangeet, Aarav found her standing alone near the bonfire pit, her shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders. The guests had begun to retreat indoors, leaving a rare quietness in the air.
"You're avoiding me," he said gently as he approached, his hands in his pockets.
Rhea glanced at him and sighed. "I've been busy."
He gave a crooked smile. "You've always been busy. But this feels different."
She hesitated. "I guess I'm trying not to overthink things."
They stood side by side for a moment, watching the flames flicker in the cold air.
"Can I ask you something?" she finally said, her voice almost lost to the wind. "That day we ran into each other - you mentioned you had someone back home."
Aarav's jaw tightened slightly. He stared into the fire before responding.
"Yes. Her name's Mitali. We've been seeing each other for a few months now. It's… complicated."
Rhea swallowed, her heart suddenly heavier. "Are you serious about her?"
"I thought I was," he said slowly. "But ever since I came here… ever since I saw you again, I've been questioning everything."
Her breath caught, emotions warring inside her. "Aarav… I don't want to be the reason you leave someone."
"You're not," he said quickly. "Seeing you again didn't create cracks that weren't already there. Mitali and I are good on the surface, but we don't connect the way we should. I've been holding on because it felt safe."
Rhea looked at him, searching his eyes. "So what does this mean - for us?"
Aarav ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling. "It means I need to be honest - with her, and with myself. I don't want to rush into something with you just because of nostalgia. But I also can't ignore what I feel when I'm around you."
Rhea's voice was barely a whisper. "And what is it that you feel?"
He stepped closer, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Peace. Longing. Like I found a part of myself I didn't even know was missing."
Rhea closed her eyes for a moment, torn between her heart and her principles. "We have to be careful, Aarav. I care about you too, more than I want to admit. But I need you to figure things out first. Not for me - for you."
He nodded, the firelight casting shadows across his face. "You're right. I don't want to build something new on shaky ground. But Rhea… I want this. I want you. I just need a little time to make it right."
She gave a soft, sad smile. "Then take the time. If we're meant to be, we'll find our way."
They stood in silence as the last embers flickered and died, both aware that something beautiful was blossoming between them - but only if they had the courage to nurture it, one step at a time.