There was a time when Shruthi could tell Arjun's mood just by looking into his eyes - whether he was teasing, dreaming, sulking, or simply being silly. His eyes used to light up like festival lights when she entered the room.
But on their next video call, all she saw was… dullness.
Arjun smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.
He asked about her work. Listened patiently.
He didn't mention the missed anniversary. Not even a sigh.
That hurt her more.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
He nodded. "Just tired. Long day."
She wanted to say, Me too. Tired of missing you. Tired of smiling like it doesn't hurt.
But she didn't. Instead, she talked about the weather and the groceries she'd bought.
Later that night, Arjun sat with his notebook, sketching absentmindedly - he hadn't drawn in months. The outline of a face emerged… hers.
He traced the eyes again and again, trying to remember how they used to sparkle.
But even memory seemed to fade when there was no new moment to hold onto.
He wasn't angry. He wasn't blaming her.
But he was scared - scared that they were slipping into polite strangers with shared memories and no present.
Shruthi stared at her laptop. Her report was open, but her mind wasn't. She thought about the way he looked earlier.
Still there, still loving her… but looking like he didn't know how much longer he could.
She whispered to herself, "Come back to me before we forget how we look when we're happy."