Chapter 45

Shanaya had no clue how much she had wanted that. How much she needed a hug.

For a moment all she could really do was stand still, trying to get herself to accept that this was really happening. Then she eased into Dhruv’s arms, letting—even if briefly—for all the worry to dissipate from her mind.

She hugged him back with all the strength she could muster. She feared she would crush him, but she heard him sigh loudly and then his grip on her waist tightened.

She closed her eyes, losing herself in the moment. She could hear Dhruv’s heart beating rapidly in his chest and felt his breath on her ears.

When she opened her eyes again, tears streamed down her cheeks. “I don’t want to let go,” she mumbled weakly.

It wasn't long before she was sobbing. She did her best to be quiet but her breath was ragged. And her chest felt empty as if her heart had been ripped out of it.

Dhruv eased his arms around her. “You don’t have to.”

Shanaya protested, “Don’t leave me just yet. Don’t, please.”