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Naina was curled up on her bed, a soft blanket wrapped around her, her head resting against the wall as she stared at Meera and Ananya sitting cross-legged on the floor of her room. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the walls, but Naina's thoughts were anything but calm.

Meera leaned forward, her tone playful yet serious. "Naina, are you even listening to us? Ayaan practically moved mountains for you yesterday, and you're sitting here pretending like it's no big deal?"

Naina looked away, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. "I know, okay? I know he cares. It's not like I don't see it."

Ananya smirked, nudging Meera. "See? She admits it. Progress!"

"Shut up," Naina muttered, pulling the blanket tighter around herself.

Meera wasn't letting her off the hook. "Naina, come on. The way he rushed you to the hospital, stayed all night, called your mom this morning... If that's not enough proof that he's serious about you, then what is? What more does the guy need to do?"

Naina sighed, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. "It's not about him. It's about me. I've just... I've spent so long shutting myself off from people, convincing myself that no one could really like me that way. It's hard to suddenly believe it."

Ananya softened, scooting closer. "But Naina, it's Ayaan. He's not just anyone. He's been proving himself over and over again, hasn't he? Yesterday was just another example."

Before Naina could respond, her mother walked in, holding a glass of water. Her eyes were warm but filled with concern. "What are you three whispering about?" she asked, sitting down on the edge of Naina's bed.

Meera and Ananya exchanged knowing smiles and stayed quiet. Naina sat up straighter, avoiding her mother's gaze.

Her mom didn't miss a beat. She placed the glass on the bedside table and took Naina's hand in hers. "I know what this is about," she said softly.

"Mom, I—" Naina started, but her mom cut her off gently.

"No, let me finish," her mother said, her voice firm but kind. "Naina, I know you've built these walls around yourself, and I understand why. But sometimes, you have to let someone in. And Ayaan... He's not like the others. Yesterday, he risked everything to get you to the hospital. Do you know how fast he drove? He didn't care about anything except getting you help."

Naina's throat tightened, her eyes starting to sting.

Her mom continued, her tone filled with quiet conviction. "He hasn't slept a wink since yesterday. He called me three times this morning just to ask if you were okay. And do you know what else? He asked me to make you chai with ginger because he said that's how you like it. I didn't even know that about you, but he did." She chuckled slightly, with the girls.

Naina's chest tightened, her mother's words hitting her like a tidal wave.

Her mom squeezed her hand. "He's a good man, Naina. If you let him go, you'll regret it. This isn't a phase for him. No boy who thought it was a phase would have stayed all night at the hospital, or brought food for your dad and me. He's serious about you, and I think you know that."

A tear slipped down Naina's cheek, and she quickly wiped it away.

"Think about it, beta," her mom said gently, brushing Naina's hair back. "Don't let fear hold you back from something beautiful."

Her mother stood, giving Naina a comforting pat on the shoulder before leaving the room. Meera and Ananya stayed quiet for a moment, watching Naina process everything.