Your Heartbeat

Chapter - 37 Your Heartbeat

Author pov ---

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6:00 PM – Kritika’s Room

Kritika sat still on her bed, legs pulled close to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them. Her mind was a mess of fears and possibilities.

What if Dad finds out?
Will he actually call me back home? For good?
Will I lose everything my freedom, my dreams, him?

Her phone had buzzed multiple times. Ayaan had called. Texted. Again and again. But she couldn’t bring herself to respond.

Not when everything felt like it was slipping out of her control.

KNOCK KNOCK.

She didn’t move.

KNOCK KNOCK.

“Kritika?” A familiar voice called from outside. “It’s me.”

The door opened slowly. Ayaan stepped in, his eyes scanning her instantly.

“You weren’t answering my calls or texts,” he said, walking toward her. “I knew something was wrong.”

She looked away, lips pressed into a thin line.

Ayaan sat beside her, silent for a moment. Then gently, “Talk to me, kritika. Please.”

Ayaan sat beside her, concern etched across his face.
“Something happened in the Principal’s office… right?” he asked softly. “Tell me. What was it?”

Kritika swallowed hard, still staring at the floor. “He gave us a final warning,” she whispered. “Said if there's even one more complaint, he’ll call our parents immediately.”

Ayaan’s brows furrowed. “And you’re scared he’ll actually do it?”

She nodded, her voice barely audible. “If he does… my dad will take me back home. He’s already convinced I’m too careless to handle freedom. He’s been waiting for an excuse like this.”

Her voice cracked on the last word.

For a second, Ayaan didn’t say anything. Then, without a word, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her.

A soft gasp escaped her lips as his warmth surrounded her—calm, steady, safe.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he said firmly, holding her tight. “I won’t let that happen.”

Her fingers clutched the back of his shirt as she finally let the tears fall.

Kritika leaned back against him, her voice shaky as she continued, “You know, I’ve always fought for my freedom… for the smallest of things… in my family.”

Ayaan tightened his arms around her as she spoke, his presence grounding her.

“I’m the only child,” she murmured, her voice distant. “No siblings, just me. And it’s always been just me and them… my parents.” She sighed deeply. “My mom, she loves me more than anything. Every time Dad would scold me, it was Mom who’d step in, who’d calm me down, who’d make everything better. But my dad…”