Only You [ON HOLD]

Neil rushed down the stairs, his footsteps quick and anxious as he made his way toward the door. Just as his hand touched the handle, his father's voice cut through the air like a whip. "Where do you think you're going?"

Neil froze, his heart pounding. He turned slowly, trying to hide his panic. "Uh... there's an urgent meeting I have to attend..." he stammered, his voice betraying his unease.

His father's eyes blazed with fury, his jaw tight with frustration. "Urgent meeting? You're not even focused on your studies! Your exams are just around the corner. You're not going anywhere."

Neil's eyes widened, his desperation creeping in. "Please, Dad, I'll be back soon, I promise!"

His father, unyielding, turned his back with a dismissive shake of his head. "No means no."

With a surge of frustration, Neil reached for his phone, hoping to make a call, but before he could unlock it, his father snatched the device out of his hand, his grip firm and unrelenting.

SHALINI'S P.O.V

I

sat at the table, waiting for Neil, as he had promised to join us for lunch. Mom and Dad were both there, eagerly anticipating his arrival, but he was nowhere to be seen. I tried calling him, but his phone went straight to voicemail. A wave of disappointment washed over me, and I sighed heavily.

Dad, sensing my frustration, turned to me. "What happened? Where is he?"

"I don't know, Dad," I muttered, my voice tinged with worry.

Mom's face was etched with concern, but Dad, always the practical one, suggested, "Lini, you should eat. Your health isn't great."

I shook my head, refusing. "I'm not hungry."

Time dragged on. An hour passed, and Neil still hadn't shown up. The empty chair at the table seemed to mock us. In silence, we finally began to eat, the once lively atmosphere now heavy with unspoken tension and disappointment.

Next Day