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When I traveled back to meet Diya, it was pouring heavily. I took a taxi to her office, dialing her number repeatedly.
She didn’t pick up.
I kept calling... again and again... still no answer.
I stood outside in the relentless rain, waiting. An hour passed. I was completely drenched.
Diya's PA finally informed her, "Dhruv is back. He's been waiting for you outside... in the rain."
Diya immediately paused her meeting and rushed down. She brought me into her office, visibly concerned. Seeing me shivering, she grabbed a towel and gently dried my hair. Then she told her PA, "Cancel all meetings for today. I'm going home."
On the drive back, she scolded me. "How long were you planning to stay out there? If I hadn’t come, what were you thinking? Don’t you care about your life? Can’t you take care of yourself?"
I replied quietly, "I don’t care about anything... not even myself. I just care about you."
She abruptly shouted, "Stop!"
We reached her villa. Once inside, she told me to take a hot shower.
"We’ll talk after that," she said firmly.
I nodded and took a quick shower. When I returned, she was drying my hair again. I brought up the topic.
"About us..."
Without hesitation, she said, "We aren't suitable."
"Why?" I asked.
"I'm older than you."
"That doesn't matter to me."
She sighed. "You haven't seen the world. You've been with me since childhood, and now you think this is love. One day, you'll meet other women and realize it was just infatuation."
I looked at her seriously. "That's not true. I’ve met countless women. Even if they stood naked in front of me, I wouldn't look twice. I never felt a thing for them. You're the only one I see. You're special to me. The only one."
She tried to stay composed. "I’m doing this for your good."
"I never wanted anything else—not the PG degree, not the awards. The only thing I’ve ever truly wanted... is you."
She stood there, speechless. As she opened her mouth to speak, I interrupted.
"Don't reject me just yet. Give me one year—until I complete my PG. If you still don’t feel anything for me, I’ll walk away."
She finally nodded. "Okay. But you must stay focused on your studies."
I smiled and hugged her. She stayed still for a moment, then wrapped her arms around me.
I finally had a chance to pursue her openly.
"When are you leaving?" she asked.
"Tonight. And don’t forget, you promised to come to prom this weekend. As my partner."
"I’ll be there," she said softly.
At 9 PM, she accompanied me to the airport. I hugged her before leaving. She warned, "Don’t push your luck."
"Okay, okay! I’ll behave," I laughed. "Remember... this weekend."
Diya's POV:
What is happening to me? Dhruv has always been special. Since childhood, he’s been the one constant good thing in my life. I don’t want to hurt him. But what will people say? He's younger... What if this affects his reputation? My father will never approve. But... do I actually like him?
It’s so complicated. I still have work to do.
Prom Night:
Naziya approached Dhruv. "Will you be my prom partner?"
He ignored her.
"Are you scared you'll fall for me if we spend time together?" she teased.
Dhruv walked up to her. "Fall for you? Even if you stood naked, I wouldn’t be interested."
Naziya stormed off in anger.
Dhruv’s POV:
Diya entered the prom party in a stunning red gown with off-shoulder sleeves. Her subtle makeup and red lipstick made her look breathtaking. She walked over and asked, "Do I look good?"
"You look... insanely hot. I could devour you right here," I whispered.
She blushed. We danced, her arms around my neck, mine around her waist. The moment was perfect. Then suddenly, Naziya shoved her.
Diya lost balance. I caught her just in time. Our lips accidentally brushed.
People gasped, shouting, "They’re kissing!"
Diya stood upright, flustered. "No, it’s not what it looks like!"
Sammy laughed. "Come on, we get it! He wouldn’t be able to resist."
Naziya interrupted. "Sorry! I didn’t see you there. My fault."
I glared. "Can’t you watch where you're going? What if she got hurt?"
I nearly hit her, but Diya stopped me.
"I’m fine. Let’s just go."
Back in the room, Diya took a shower and fell asleep immediately. I sat beside her, kissed her forehead, and whispered, "When will you be mine?"
As I leaned closer to kiss her, my phone rang.
It was Jaag. "They followed Diya. You’re surrounded."
"What?! Get them. I’ll take Diya to safety."
I woke her up. "We need to leave. Now."
"Where? Why?"
"I’ll explain later."
Driving away, we were ambushed. Four men surrounded us. Jaag arrived and neutralized two. One man drew a gun. A shot fired. I pushed Diya out of the way.
I collapsed.
Diya screamed, rushing to my side. "He’s shot! Please, someone help!"
Tears streamed down her face. At the hospital, she held my hand.
"Don’t leave me. Please wake up. It’s all because of me. Why did you save me? Please... I think... I love you. I’ve always loved you... I just didn’t realize. If you wake up, we’ll be together. I promise. Please..."
My fingers twitched. I opened my eyes slowly and wiped her tears.
"You promised me," I whispered. "Don’t go back on your word."
She threw a pillow at me. "Do you think this is funny? I was terrified! Do you know how dangerous it was?!"
"Ow! I’m injured here! Don’t hit me. You’ll lose your boyfriend!"
She hugged me tightly. "Don’t leave me. Ever."
I hugged her back.
Finally, we were together.
If one bullet was all it took for her to realize her feelings... I should’ve gotten shot sooner.
The doctor said I needed two more days of rest. Diya agreed. She brought me soup, feeding me herself. Honestly, being cared for like this? I could stay in the hospital forever.
Later, Jaag called. "I found the shooter."
"I’m coming."
Diya had a meeting and promised to return. I grinned. "Yes, girlfriend."
She smiled.
I changed into casuals and met Jaag. The shooter was tied up.
"You tried to hurt Diya?"
I stabbed his hand. "I’ll make you beg for death."
I told Jaag to finish him. I had to return to the hospital.
"By the way," Jaag said. "How’s Diya?"
"She’s great. We’re together now."
"Finally! Congrats, man!"
Back at the hospital, the doctor said, "You can be discharged. But rest well."
Diya completed the paperwork. I was finally discharged.
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