The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and we all felt the shift in the room's dynamics. Ratika took a deep breath and looked down at her lap. "It's just... I'm so lost without her," she whispered. "And I don't want to be alone."
Abhi's eyes searched hers, a mix of confusion and understanding swirling in their depths. "It's okay, Ritu," he said, his voice gentle. "We're here for you." He leaned back, giving her space, but not taking his hand away from her cheek. "But maybe we should talk about this."
Ratika nodded, her gaze dropping to her hands in her lap. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice thick with unshed tears. "I didn't mean to... I just needed to feel something other than pain."
