As the door opened, they were greeted by their parents standing outside. Dipti asked, "Mom, Dad, is there something you need?"
Jitendra smiled and replied, "Let's go inside and talk."
Sanjana also cast a curious glance at her parents. Once they were all seated, Jitendra began recounting everything to them. Dipti, upon hearing the news, gave her sister a cold look and remarked, "Big sister, you certainly are quick to act, even confessing to him."
Blushing, Sanjana asked, "Why did he tell you everything, Dad?"
Jitendra smiled and explained, "Can't you see? He's a good man, and he knows that you'll miss us. That's why he informed us, so we can cherish our time together before parting ways."
Sanjana's heart warmed even further upon hearing her father's words. She already liked Arlo, but now she had a deeper understanding and love for him.
In the blink of an eye, the night passed, and a new morning arrived. Arlo woke up and approached the window to observe the outside world. Zombies roamed, fires blazed, gunshots echoed, cars lay in ruins, and the streets were stained with blood.
He proceeded to freshen up in the bathroom and emerged just as Sanjana stepped out of her room, coincidentally at the same time. Spotting her, Arlo smiled and greeted her, "Good morning, Sanjana. Did you sleep well last night?"
Sanjana looked at him and replied, blushing, "Thank you for what you did for me yesterday."
Arlo smiled and stepped closer, gently touching her cheek. He said, "You don't need to thank me. You're my girlfriend now."
Sanjana blushed even more but remained silent. Arlo was about to say something more when Dipti emerged from their room and caught sight of them in their intimate position.
Sanjana noticed her sister staring at them and, feeling embarrassed, took a step back, shooting Arlo a cold look.
Seeing her like that, Arlo found it rather cute and chuckled. He looked at Dipti and greeted her, "Good morning, Dipti."
Dipti smiled and commented, "Arlo, don't you think you shouldn't tease my big sister like this?"
Arlo laughed heartily and replied, "You'll understand when you have a boyfriend of your own. But let me give you some advice: don't trust anyone too easily."
Arlo then turned his attention back to Sanjana and said, "Sanjana, I should leave first. You should bring your sister and parents downstairs, and I'll wait for you."
After saying that he left.
Dipti, looking at her sister, said, "Big sis, don't you think you shouldn't rush into things like that with him?"
Sanjana responded, "I know, but I can't resist him when he looks into my eyes. It's as if I want him to do those things."
Dipti felt helpless in the matter and suggested, "I think you shouldn't trust him too much. I know he's a good man and saved our lives, but at least carry a knife secretly for protection."
Sanjana pondered on the suggestion and nodded in agreement.
In the dining hall, Arlo was in conversation with Sakshi. He mentioned, "I'll leave after breakfast. I need a few food supplies, medicines, and the car for the trip."
Sakshi responded, "Take whatever you need from the store. But I have a question for you: Will you truly come back to us?"
Arlo looked at her and assured, "Yes, I will. But it will take some time."
Sakshi nodded and left.
A little while later, Sanjana and her family joined Arlo at the breakfast table. Jitendra sat next to Arlo and asked, "Arlo, when are you leaving?"
Arlo smiled and replied, "After breakfast, I'll pack our things and depart."
After finishing his meal, he said, "Jitendra, I shall take my leave. Sanjana, bring everything you want to take with you and come to my room."
A few moments later, Arlo was in his room, packing his belongings. He heard a knock on his door and called out, "Sanjana, come in."
Sanjana entered the room and saw Arlo's back as he packed. Arlo said, "Sanjana, what are you doing standing there? Come here and give me your things quickly. We have to leave."
Sanjana hesitated and replied, "Arlo, I can't come with you."
Arlo's body tensed at her words, and his hands stopped. He didn't turn around but asked, "You don't want to go with me now? But you said you would come with me. Has your mind changed?"
"Is it because you don't want to be separated from your family? Or are you concerned about your safety because you don't know me well?"