Chapter 23: The Morning of Farewell
The sun peeked gently through the curtains, spilling a soft golden light across the room. Dust particles danced lazily in the air, as if even time had slowed down to witness the quiet intimacy of the morning. Niyati stirred awake, instinctively reaching out, expecting Vansh’s usual warm presence beside her — his arm around her, his steady breathing anchoring her to the day.
But the bed felt emptier than usual.
Her eyes fluttered open fully, confusion settling in for a brief second. Then she noticed the small tray placed carefully beside the bed. Her favorite breakfast — fresh toast, fruits cut neatly, and a steaming cup of coffee prepared exactly the way she liked it. Every detail carried familiarity, love, and care.
A folded note rested beside the cup.
She picked it up with trembling fingers and read softly:
“Good morning, my love. Enjoy your breakfast. — Vansh”
Her lips curved into a faint smile, but her heart tightened. Something about the quietness of the house felt heavier today.
In the next room, Vansh stood beside his open suitcase, checking every item one last time. Shirts folded with precision, documents arranged carefully, medicines tucked safely into a side pocket. Today wasn’t just another business trip — it was the beginning of a treatment that could change everything. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. Deep down, he knew this might be their last morning together for a while, and the thought weighed heavily on his chest.
He stepped out quietly and found Niyati sitting on the balcony, sipping her coffee. The morning breeze brushed against her hair, lifting a few strands into the sunlight. Vansh walked up to her slowly, memorizing every detail — the way she held the cup, the way her eyes softened when she saw him.
He rested his hand gently on her head.
“I’m leaving for a business meeting,” he said softly, his voice calm despite the storm inside him.
“You know… the foreign client,” he added casually, forcing a small smile.
“Yes… yes, I know,” Niyati replied, though her eyes betrayed a tinge of worry. She had known this moment was coming, yet it still felt unreal.
“I’ll be back in a few months,” Vansh said, trying to sound reassuring.
Niyati lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening around the cup. Her hands trembled slightly. “Can I… come with you?” she whispered, her voice barely audible, as though afraid the words themselves might break something fragile between them.
Vansh’s heart ached. For the first time in his life, he had to say no to her. He lifted her chin gently so she would look at him.
“No… you stay home,” he said softly. “Take care of yourself. I promise, I’ll be back as soon as I can, dear.”
Her eyes glistened, unshed tears gathering at the corners. She wanted to argue, to hold onto him longer, but instead she nodded silently. She trusted him — and that trust was both her strength and her pain.
Despite the tension hanging in the air, they decided to savor the remaining hours together. Breakfast on the balcony turned into quiet laughter, shared memories, and long pauses filled with unspoken fears. The sun warmed their faces, the breeze teased Niyati’s hair, and for a few fleeting moments, it felt as though the world had paused — giving them one last peaceful morning.
Finally, as the clock ticked closer to departure, Niyati spoke softly, “Can I drop you at the airport?”
Vansh looked into her eyes, seeing both love and worry reflected there. He hesitated, then allowed himself to let her come. “Yes,” he said gently.
Hand in hand, they drove to the airport. The road felt longer than usual. Every touch, every glance, every whispered word carried a quiet intensity — a love so deep that neither distance nor illness could weaken it.
At the departure gate, Vansh pulled her into a tight embrace.
“Be strong, my love,” he whispered. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Niyati clung to him, unwilling to let go. Tears threatened to spill, but she forced herself to nod. She trusted him, even as her heart ached with the weight of the separation.
And with one final glance — one that held promises, pain, and endless love — Vansh turned and walked away.
Niyati stood there, watching until he disappeared from sight, carrying with her a fragile mix of hope, fear, and an overwhelming love that would guide her through the lonely days ahead.
