Riya sat quietly in Arjun's cabin.
His words still echoed in her mind.
"You don't have to face this alone."
For the first time—
She felt something real.
Not a deal.
Not a responsibility.
Something deeper.
---
Arjun stood near the window.
Silent.
But his thoughts weren't calm.
Not anymore.
"Why did you do that?" Riya asked softly.
Arjun didn't turn.
"Because it was needed."
Riya frowned.
"That's not the answer."
He sighed.
Then finally turned.
"For once… I didn't think like a businessman," he said.
Riya's heart skipped.
"Then how did you think?" she asked.
Arjun walked closer.
Slowly.
"Like someone who doesn't want to lose you."
Silence.
Her breath stopped.
Did he really just say that?
---
Riya looked at him.
Her eyes softening.
"And what if it's already too late?" she whispered.
Arjun's expression changed.
"It's not," he said.
But for the first time—
He wasn't fully sure.