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Chapter 2 - Just Friends!!

đź“– *Bound by Fate, Freed by Love

**Chapter 2 – Just Friends**

Aarohi walked briskly across the café, balancing her books and laptop bag. It was exam season at the university, but Kabir had insisted they meet. He always did that—called her at the most inconvenient times, and she always went.

Because no matter how busy she was, Kabir was the one person she could never say no to.

She spotted him near the window, waving like a little boy, his smile wide enough to melt anyone's heart. Aarohi's breath caught, the way it always did, before she forced herself to relax.

"Late again," Kabir teased as she slid into the chair across from him.

"You asked me in the middle of class. Be grateful I even showed up," she replied with mock irritation.

He chuckled, leaning forward. "I always knew you'd come. You're my constant, Aarohi."

Her heart stumbled at the word, but before she could respond, he continued, excitement brimming in his voice.

"I have to tell you something—big news!"

Aarohi's lips curved in anticipation. Maybe, just maybe, this time it was about her. Maybe he had finally realized…

"I'm seeing someone," Kabir announced proudly. "Her name's Naina. She's fun, outgoing—totally not like you."

The words sliced through her like a knife. Not like you.

But Kabir didn't notice her frozen smile. He was too busy describing Naina's quirks, her energy, the way she made him laugh.

Aarohi sipped her coffee, hoping the bitterness would mask the ache in her chest.

"That's… wonderful, Kabir. I'm happy for you," she managed, her voice steadier than she felt.

"Of course you are," he said, reaching across the table to ruffle her hair as if she were still the girl next door. "You're always happy for me."

Her hands clenched in her lap. He would never know that every time he leaned closer, every time he smiled that easy smile, she dreamed of a life where he was hers.

And yet, in his world, she was only the loyal friend—the one who listened, supported, and applauded from the sidelines.

That night, when she walked home alone, Aarohi looked up at the stars. They were bright, mocking her silent wishes.

"Why is it," she whispered, "that I can give him my whole heart, and he doesn't even see it?"

She didn't know that fate was already moving, slowly leading her toward a path where Kabir's name would no longer define her happiness.

But for now, she was just the friend.

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