Your Absence

The First Meeting

Arya would never forget that first class in college.

It was September. Light raindrops were coming through the window. Arya was writing something in her diary when the classroom door opened.

A boy walked in—wet hair, white shirt, and a strange glow in his eyes.

The professor said: "This is Vikky. He's a new student. Arya, you sit next to him."

Arya nodded, and Vikky came and sat beside her.

"Hi," Vikky said, smiling. "I'm Vikky."

"Arya," she replied.

After that day, Arya and Vikky's friendship slowly grew deeper. Coffee dates, studying in the library, counting stars on the rooftop... everything was so easy.

One night, sitting on the rooftop, Vikky suddenly said: "Arya, you know? When I first saw you... I felt like I've known you for years."

Arya looked at him. There was something in his eyes—something deep, something real.

"Why?" Arya asked.

Vikky smiled: "Maybe because... I'm falling in love with you."

That night, Arya's world changed.

A Series of Promises

The next five years... were like a dream for Arya.

Vikky always used to say: "Arya, I'll never leave you. No matter what happens."

"Arya, we'll always be together. You and me... forever."

"Arya, you're my life. I can't breathe without you."

Arya treasured these promises. Like they were precious treasure.

She was ready to give up everything for Vikky. Her dreams, her career, even her family's happiness.

Because she believed Vikky was telling the truth.

But in love... the biggest lie is the one that sounds the sweetest.

The Cracks

It started with small things.

Vikky's message replies started coming late. "I'm busy, yaar," he'd say.

Calls became less frequent. "Project pressure," he'd make excuses.

Arya kept understanding. She kept telling herself that Vikky was really busy. That she was overthinking.

But her heart... her heart knew.

One night, Arya checked Vikky's phone. (She knew it was wrong, but something was eating her from inside.)

One number kept appearing again and again—Priya.

Arya asked Vikky: "Who is Priya?"

Fear appeared in Vikky's eyes: "Just a junior, Arya. From the office."

But Arya looked into his eyes—and she saw the lie there.

That night, Arya couldn't sleep.

Because when trust starts breaking... sleep leaves you too.

That Dark Night

It was Arya's birthday.

Vikky had promised: "Let's meet tonight. I have a surprise."

Arya got ready all day. New dress, makeup, perfume... everything was perfect.

At 6 PM... Vikky's message came: "Sorry yaar, stuck at office. I'll be a bit late."

Arya messaged: "It's okay. I'll wait."

At 9 PM... Vikky didn't come.

Arya called. Switched off.

At 11 PM... Arya's friend Namita called: "Arya, are you looking for Vikky by any chance?"

Arya's heart beat fast: "Why? What happened?"

"I'm at the mall... and Vikky is here with a girl. Priya."

The ground slipped from under Arya's feet.

She immediately went to the mall.

When she arrived, Vikky and Priya were walking hand in hand. Both were laughing. As if there was no sadness in the world.

Arya stood there, frozen.

The gift she had brought for Vikky... slowly slipped from her hand.

Vikky heard the sound, and turned.

Their eyes met.

There were tears in Arya's eyes. Guilt in Vikky's eyes.

"Arya, I..." Vikky stepped forward.

Arya raised her hand: "Don't come closer."

Her voice had pain, anger, and... the sound of breaking.

"You said, didn't you, Vikky... you'll never leave me?" Arya's voice trembled. "Was it all a lie?"

Vikky stayed silent.

Arya laughed—a bitter, painful laugh: "You know, Vikky? The most pain isn't from you leaving... it's from your lies."

She turned, and walked away.

Behind her, Vikky stood there. Priya held his hand: "Let's go."

Vikky pulled his hand away: "No."

But by then... it was too late.

The Broken Heart

The next six months... were nothing less than hell for Arya.

She'd wake up in the morning, and remember Vikky. Go to work, and remember Vikky. Sleep at night, and remember Vikky.

She had blocked Vikky's number. Unfriended him on social media. But memories... memories can't be blocked.

One night, Arya sat alone in her room.

She looked at old photos of Vikky—their laughter, their promises, their dreams.

The tears wouldn't stop.

She opened her diary, and wrote:

"It's been six months today. Six months since you left me. Since you told me I wasn't enough for you.

I know you're happy. With Priya. But have you ever thought... how am I?

Have you ever thought about me? Have you ever felt that you broke someone's heart?

Maybe not. Because people only think about what they want.

But remember one thing, Vikky... you didn't lose me. You lost yourself.

Because I'll be happy again. With someone else. Or alone.

But you... you'll always be crushed under the weight of this guilt.

Forever."

She closed the diary, and cried.

She cried so hard that even the neighbors might have woken up.

But she didn't care.

Because today... today she had let out all the pain from her heart.

The Last Meeting

Two years later.

Arya's wedding was fixed.

The guy was good—understanding, wealthy, and from a good family. Arya's parents were very happy.

But Arya... there was no happiness on Arya's face. Just a peace.

The night before the wedding, Arya was passing by her old college.

Suddenly, a familiar voice was heard: "Arya?"

She turned.

Vikky was standing there.

After two years... their eyes met.

Vikky had changed. He had become thinner. Dark circles under his eyes.

"How are you?" Vikky asked.

"Fine," Arya said. A lie.

"I heard... your wedding is tomorrow."

Arya nodded.

Vikky took a deep breath: "I... I just came to say that I'm really sorry, Arya. I did very wrong with you."

Arya stayed silent.

"I know you'll never forgive me. But... I wish I could turn back time. I wish I hadn't lost you that night."

Tears came to Arya's eyes. But she held them back.

"Vikky," she said in a soft voice. "You didn't lose me. You lost yourself"

Vikky's eyes filled with tears.

"And yes," Arya continued. "I loved you. I loved you very much. But now... that love is dead."

Vikky lowered his head.

"But remember," Arya said. "You'll remember me. Every moment. Every breath. Because the love that remains incomplete... it stays in the heart forever."

She turned, and walked away.

Vikky stood there. It started raining.

He looked at the sky, and whispered softly: "Yes, Arya... you'll remember me. Forever."

But Arya couldn't hear anymore.

Because she had moved on.

And Vikky... Vikky was crushed under the weight of his mistakes.

Chapter 7: Epilogue – Adhura Ishq

One year later.

Arya was now married. Everything in her life was fine. Her husband was good, her family was good.

But sometimes... at night, when she was alone... she'd remember Vikky.

She knew she didn't love Vikky anymore. But some memories... they never die.

At the same time, Vikky sat alone in his apartment.

A glass of whiskey was in front of him, and Arya's photo in his hand.

He finished the glass, and looked at the photo.

"You'll remember me, Arya," he whispered. "Forever."

He put the photo back in his pocket, and went to stand by the window.

Below, the city lights were shining.

But for Vikky... everything was dark.

Because when a love remains incomplete... it breaks a person forever.