Ashriti's POV
That afternoon felt… normal.
Strangely normal.
He was in a good mood.
We were on call for almost an hour.
Teasing. Laughing. Fighting over silly things.
"Admit it," he said. "You can't survive without me."
"Please," I scoffed. "You'd cry first."
"Never."
"Always."
He laughed.
And for a moment—
Everything felt light again.
Like the past months of tension didn't exist.
Like we were just two stupid people in love.
"I'll call you in the evening," he said casually.
"Why?"
"Just call. Don't ask questions."
"Suspicious," I teased.
"Just call, Bunny."
There was something in his tone.
Not serious.
Not playful either.
Just… something.
"Okay," I said.
In the evening, I was out with my family.
Movie night.
Papa insisted.
Mumma was excited.
I was smiling.
Laughing.
But my mind wasn't there.
It kept drifting.
You need to call him. Call him now. Just step outside.
I checked my phone three times during the movie.
No messages.
No calls.
Why hasn't he texted?
Why hasn't he reminded me?
Something felt off.
But I ignored it.
After all, he told me to call.
Not the other way around.
By the time we reached home, it was late.
Around 11:40 PM.
I went to my room.
Closed the door.
My heart was beating faster than it should.
Why am I feeling like this?
It's just a call.
I dialed his number.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
No answer.
Strange.
He always picks up.
I frowned and called again.
This time—
The call connected instantly.
But it wasn't his voice.
"Hello?"
A woman's voice.
Nervous.
Breathing slightly uneven.
"Hello?" she repeated.
My entire body went cold.
For a second I couldn't speak.
Who is this?
Why does she have his phone?
Why does she sound scared?
I cut the call.
Immediately.
My hands were shaking.
No.
No.
This is wrong.
Maybe it's his sister.
Maybe—
But why did she sound like that?
Why did she sound like something had happened?
My heart started pounding uncontrollably.
Call again.
No.
What if—
No.
I stared at the screen.
My mind racing.
Something is wrong.
Something is happening.
And for the first time—
I was scared.
Not of losing him.
But of what I was about to hear.