The first convo

I went back to writing, though my eyes betrayed me more than once. I stole glances at her whenever I could—subtle, or at least I hoped so. I never really knew if I was obvious or not.

When we finally finished the last page, I gathered the assignments and turned to her. “Thanks,” I said honestly.

She just shook her head softly, a small smile tugging at her lips, as if to say no need. That tiny gesture alone made me smile back.

“Anyway… where are you from?” I asked, desperate to know more.

“AP,” she replied simply. “And you?”

“Me? I’m from Russia. Born here, but grew up there.” I said, watching her expression light up with a flicker of curiosity.

“Russia? Then why come all the way here for education?”

The question hit deeper than I expected. The real reason wasn’t something simple—it lived too close to my heart. And maybe she sensed the shift in my face because she quickly added, “Sorry, sorry. If I said something wrong—”

“No, no,” I cut her off gently. “It’s just… Mumbai reminds me of my mom.”

She looked at me then, and her smile changed. Softer. More genuine. Somehow comforting.

“Anyway, it was nice to meet you,” she said after a pause, standing up. For a second, panic struck me—was she indirectly saying goodbye already?

I nodded, masking the disappointment with a small smile. “Yeah… bye.”

I packed my bag slowly, just to catch one last glimpse of her walking away.

But even with her gone, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. At least now, I knew her name.

Anvi..

Arjun’s POV

I was still lost in thoughts about Until My Last Breath—that very first conversation, Anvi’s name, and then Ara’s words echoed in my ears:

> “Ajju… why do people meet if they’re destined to break apart?”

Her question replayed in me like a wound I couldn’t close. The thought scattered only when my alarm rang. I sighed, realizing I hadn’t slept last night either.

I turned to my little princess. “Ara baby, wake up.”

She stirred, waving her hands dramatically. “Don’t disturb me, Ajju. It’s Sunday!”

I smiled at her sleepy protest but teased, “Not today, baby. Today Ara and Ajju are going to India to meet grandma and grandpa.”

At that, she bolted upright. With a sudden sparkle in her eyes, she dashed to the washroom. “Ajju! You’re never on time. Very bad, Ajju. Can’t do anything without me telling you!”

Her cuteness made me chuckle. I shook my head, already feeling lighter, and went to get ready too.

Soon we were packed and on our way. After a long flight, we finally reached India. The moment we stepped into our house, my mother-in-law welcomed us with aarti. Ara, unable to contain herself, ran around the house hugging everyone she could, laughter ringing in every corner.

I stood back, watching her, my heart swelling at the sight. She was my peace, my reason to keep moving on.

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