Awkward Heartstrings (HEARTSTRINGS SERIES-1)

Reyansh pov

I woke to the gentle sounds of my mother bustling around in the kitchen. I glanced at Aadya, still asleep beside me, her face soft and peaceful.  A familiar knot tightened in my stomach. Today was the day. I had to tell her about Ahmedabad.

I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake her, and walked to the window. The morning sun was just starting to peek over the rooftops, painting the sky with soft, warm colors. Three months. It was only three months, a temporary assignment, a huge opportunity for my career.

But three months felt like an eternity.  Especially because it meant leaving Aadya. Leaving us.  My parents were here, which was some comfort, but it wasn't the same. Aadya was my partner, my best friend. The thought of being away from her for so long was…unbearable.

I replayed the conversation in my head a hundred times.  How could I explain that this was something I felt I had to do, without making her feel like I was choosing my career over her?  That was the last thing I wanted.  I knew how much she loved it here.  We had built a life here, together, in this house.

Our home.  With Mom and Dad just down the hall, it felt like we were truly settled.  We had our routine, our favorite spots, our little rituals.  She loved it here. I loved it here.

I also knew she’d understand the professional opportunity, or at least I hoped she would. She was always so supportive of my career.  But understanding and acceptance weren't the same thing. I dreaded the disappointment I might see in her eyes. The quiet understanding was what worried me most.

I glanced back at the bed. Aadya was starting to stir. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing inside me. I needed to be upfront, honest. I owed her that. I walked back and sat on the edge of the bed, watching as she stretched and opened her eyes.

"Morning," I said, trying to keep my voice light, casual.

Aadya smiled sleepily. "Morning," she replied, reaching out to touch my arm. "You're up early."

"Yeah," I said, my heart starting to pound. "There's something I need to talk to you about." I took her hand in mine, my palms suddenly clammy. "It's about work."

"What is it?"

I took another deep breath. "Well," I began, trying to sound as casual as possible, even though my insides were twisting into knots. "I… I've been offered a temporary assignment. In Ahmedabad."

The word hung in the air between us.  Aadya's eyes widened slightly.  "Ahmedabad?" she repeated, her voice a little higher now.

"Yeah," I said, quickly, before I lost my nerve. "It's a really great opportunity, a real step up for me.  It's only for three months, a temporary project. But… it's in Ahmedabad."

Aadya was quiet for a moment, her expression unreadable.  "Three months?" she finally said, her voice barely a whisper.

"Yeah," I replied, my stomach sinking. "I know it's a long time.  But it's a really important project, and it could be really good for my career in the long run." I rushed on, trying to explain everything at once.

"It's a chance to… to learn new skills, to lead a team, to… to prove myself."

I stopped, realizing I was rambling. I looked at her, searching her eyes for some sign of understanding, some flicker of support.  But her face was still blank, her eyes filled with… something I couldn't quite decipher.  Disappointment?  Confusion?  Hurt?

"So," she said slowly, "you'd be… leaving?"

"Only for three months," I emphasized, squeezing her hand.