The elevator doors opened, and Naina stepped out into the bustling lobby, her mind spinning with a thousand thoughts. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the encounter with Rivaan. Her steps quickened as she made her way toward the exit, desperate to escape the building, the memories, and the emotions that had come flooding back.
She needed space-space to breathe, space to think. But most importantly, she needed to remind herself of why she had walked away from Rivaan in the first place.
As soon as she stepped outside, the cool breeze hit her face, providing a momentary sense of relief. Naina walked down the street, her hands unconsciously resting on her stomach, a protective gesture for the life growing inside her. Her babies were the only thing that mattered now. Not Rivaan. Not the pain he caused. Not the past she had tried so hard to move on from.
She had to stay strong. For them.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from James:
"Where did you go? Are you okay?"
Naina hesitated before replying. James had been kind, understanding in his own way, but she didn't want to explain what had just happened. Not yet.
"Needed some air. I'm fine. I'll be back soon."
She hit send and pocketed the phone, continuing to walk aimlessly through the streets. She wasn't ready to go back to the office just yet.
But there was no denying it-Rivaan's presence stirred something in her. She hated that he still had this effect on her, that he could still make her feel things she didn't want to feel. She had vowed to put him behind her, for her own sake, and for her children's.
After walking for what felt like hours, Naina finally stopped by a small park. She sat down on a bench, staring at the people passing by, families enjoying their time, children playing, and couples walking hand in hand. A pang of loneliness hit her, one she hadn't felt in a long time. She had been so focused on her future and her babies that she had forgotten what it felt like to have someone beside her-to share her burden, her joy, her life.
She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the thoughts.
I have to stay strong, she reminded herself. I've come too far to let anyone hurt me again.
Just as she was about to get up and head back to the office, her phone buzzed again. She glanced down, expecting another message from James, but her heart dropped when she saw Rivaan's name instead.
Naina, we need to talk. Please, don't shut me out. I'm not giving up this time.
Her fingers hovered over the screen, debating whether to respond or ignore him completely. Part of her wanted to throw the phone away, to pretend he didn't exist. Why now? Why was he suddenly so desperate to talk?
After a long pause, she typed out a single word:
"No."
She hit send, feeling a small sense of satisfaction as she watched the message go through. She didn't owe him anything. He had his chance to talk, to explain, to make things right. But he hadn't. And now, it was too late.
She stood up from the bench and started walking back to the office. As she neared the building, her phone buzzed again, but this time, she didn't check it. She wasn't going to let Rivaan disrupt her life anymore.
---
Back at the office, Naina walked in, her face calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. James looked up from his desk as she entered, his brows furrowing slightly in concern.
"You okay?" he asked, his tone casual but with a hint of worry.
"I'm fine," Naina replied, brushing off the question. "Just needed a break."
James nodded, though he didn't look convinced. "Rivaan's been asking about you."
Naina stiffened at the mention of his name, but quickly masked her reaction. "What did you tell him?"
"I told him it's none of his business," James said with a slight smirk. "I've got your back."
She smiled, grateful for his support. "Thanks."
He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "But you know, you can't avoid him forever. Especially if he's going to be involved in more business meetings."
"I can, and I will," Naina said firmly. "I don't want anything to do with him."
James studied her for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. I won't push. But if you ever want to talk-"
"I don't," Naina cut him off gently but decisively. "Thanks, James. I appreciate it, but I've made my decision."
James raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll leave it alone. Just know I'm here if you change your mind."
Naina gave him a nod and then busied herself with work, focusing on the tasks at hand. But no matter how hard she tried, Rivaan's words, his face, and the emotions she had tried to bury kept surfacing in her mind.
---
As evening fell, Naina packed up her things, ready to head home. She needed rest-both for her body and her mind. Just as she was about to leave, her phone buzzed again. This time, she couldn't resist checking it.
It was Rivaan.
"I'll wait for you to be ready, Naina. But I'm not giving up. I wanted to known the truth what really happened that night and after that ."
Naina's heart clenched. She stared at the message for a long time before finally locking her phone and slipping it into her bag.
He can wait forever, she thought bitterly, walking out of the office.
Because as far as she was concerned, she wasn't going back to him. Not now.