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Hello Pretty People ~

I am back with a new chapter 

So here we go.....

Tara's PoV

It's finally March and soon it will be Vikram's birthday and I am very excited for it and I have lots of plans to make his birthday memorable. Today Vikram and Shrishti are in college because of some final work before their farewell and I am sitting in my last class of the day.

I sit in the middle row of my literature class, tapping my pen on the corner of her notebook while the professor rambles on about postmodern narratives. Beside me, Akshita is scrolling on her phone, clearly more interested in what is trending than what is being taught.

"Tara..." Akshita whispers, nudging her arm with wide eyes.

"Hmm?" I look over lazily.

"Vikram's collection from his graduation project? It's everywhere." Akshita turns her phone around. "It's going viral. Like, full-blown fashion-blog-level viral."

I blink at the screen, heart doing a weird little flip at the sight of Vikram's designs featuring on a major fashion Instagram page. Thousands of likes. A flood of comments. Words like "fresh," "bold," and "statement genius" go around.

Akshita grins. "He's totally going to get offers from all the big names—Gupta & Son, Maher Atelier, maybe even from abroad. Like, Italy abroad. Imagine—Vikram Chauhan, working with designers in Milan."

I smile faintly, pride glowing in my chest. "He deserves it."

Then Akshita drops the bomb: "So how are you gonna handle a long-distance relationship, babe? Milan isn't exactly a metro ride away."

My smile freeze. "What?"

Akshita shrug playfully. "Oh, you know... just saying. He'll probably have to move. Work with them. Travel. Might even forget us commoners back here."

I stare at her, the joy turning into a twisty knot in my stomach. Before I could spiral completely, Akshita burst out laughing. "I'm kidding! Oh my god, your face!"

But the damage is done.

Even after Akshita goes back to giggling and scrolling, I can't shake off the thoughts. My fingers toying with my bracelet as my mind is racing—Would Vikram move away? What if he changed? What if the distance ruined what they had?

By the time class ends, I am barely aware of my surroundings. I step out into the corridor and make my way towards the ground where Vikram and Shrishti are waiting. Lost in my whirlwind of thoughts, I don't notice Rohan until he waves a hand in front of my face.

"Hey, earth to Tara?" he says, brows drawn together. "You look like someone told you your favourite author retired."

I blink up at him. "Rohan..."

He narrows his eyes. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," I say quickly, brushing past him.

"Tara."

I sigh, halting mid-step.

"You're literally vibrating with stress. Spit it out."

After a moment of hesitation, I turn to face him and tell him everything—Akshita's comment, the viral designs, the possible offers, the distance, and the fear I haven't voiced until now.

When I finish, Rohan stares at her for a beat... and then he starts laughing.

"What—what are you laughing at?" I snap.