The weekend passed all too quickly, leaving Aditi with a bittersweet feeling as she watched Rohit pack his bags for his return to Delhi. Their time together had reignited the spark between them, and she cherished every moment they had shared.
"Promise you'll call me when you get home?" Aditi asked, her voice laced with anxiety.
"Of course," Rohit replied, giving her a reassuring smile as he zipped up his bag. "And I'll FaceTime you later. We'll make this work, I swear."
As they stepped outside, the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over Panipat. Aditi took a deep breath, trying to savor the moment before he left. "I can't believe how much has changed in such a short time," she said, glancing around at the familiar streets that held so many memories.
"It feels different now that we're adults, doesn't it?" Rohit observed. "But some things never change, like this place and us."
They shared a knowing smile, and Aditi felt her heart flutter. It was moments like these that reminded her of their childhood bond.
---
**Once Rohit returned to Delhi, the reality of their long-distance relationship set in again.** The initial excitement faded, replaced by a familiar sense of longing. Aditi immersed herself in work and the renovation project, but her heart often felt heavy.
Late one night, while working on the living room decor, she received a video call from Rohit. The sight of him brought a smile to her face. "Hey, you!" he greeted, his eyes lighting up as he saw her.
"Hey! How was your week?" Aditi asked, her heart warming at the sight of him.
"It was hectic, but I made it through. I was thinking about you the whole time," he replied, leaning closer to the camera. "How's the house coming along?"
"It's coming together slowly. I feel like I'm juggling a million things, but it's getting there," Aditi said, feeling proud. "I can't wait for you to see it!"
"I can't wait either. You're doing an amazing job," Rohit said, his voice filled with admiration. "I'm so proud of you."
His praise made her heart swell, and she felt the weight of her worries lift slightly. They spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and reminiscing about their childhood adventures. As the call ended, Aditi felt a renewed sense of determination.
---
**Days turned into weeks, and Aditi continued to pour her energy into the renovation project.** She found solace in decorating each room, transforming their childhood home into a beautiful blend of old memories and new beginnings. Karan helped with the heavy lifting, and Ananya provided valuable input on design choices.
One evening, as they painted the kitchen, Karan looked over at Aditi and asked, "So, how are things with Rohit?"
Aditi paused, contemplating her answer. "We're good. It's tough, but we're working on it."
"Do you think it'll last?" Karan probed, setting down his brush.
"I hope so," Aditi replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love him, and I want to make this work. But it's hard not being together."
Karan nodded, sensing her vulnerability. "You deserve to be happy, Aditi. Just make sure you're both committed. It's a two-way street."
"I know," she said, a wave of gratitude washing over her for her brother's support. "I just hope he feels the same way."
---
**One rainy evening, Aditi sat by the window, watching the raindrops race down the glass.** She felt a sudden surge of nostalgia and decided to call Rohit. As she dialed, her heart raced with excitement and apprehension.
When he answered, she could see the rain-soaked streets behind him. "Aditi! Just the person I wanted to talk to," he said, his voice cheerful despite the gloomy weather.
"I was just thinking about you. It's pouring here!" Aditi replied, feeling warmth spread through her chest.
"Same here! Perfect weather for a cozy chat. What are you up to?" he asked, settling in for their usual catch-up.
"I'm working on the kitchen. It's almost done, but I could use your expertise," Aditi said, biting her lip. "I really want your opinion on a few things."
"Let me see what you've done! I'm sure it looks amazing," Rohit encouraged, and Aditi felt a rush of happiness as she showed him around via her phone.
"I can't wait for you to come back and see it in person," she said, her heart swelling with anticipation.
"I can't wait either. How about I come next weekend? I want to help you finish everything," Rohit suggested.
"Really? You'd do that?" Aditi asked, her eyes brightening.
"Absolutely! I want to be part of this project with you. Plus, I miss you like crazy," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.
Aditi felt her heart flutter at his words. "I miss you too, Rohit. This is going to be great."
---
**As the weekend approached, Aditi felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.** She busied herself with the final touches in the kitchen, ensuring everything was perfect for Rohit's arrival. Karan helped her prepare, teasing her about how she was acting like it was their wedding day.
"Just don't burn anything while he's here!" Karan joked, chuckling.
"Very funny, Karan," Aditi replied, rolling her eyes but smiling.
---
**When Rohit finally arrived, the moment felt electric.** Aditi rushed to the door, and they embraced tightly, their bodies fitting together as if no time had passed. "I missed you," Aditi murmured, feeling his warmth envelop her.
"I missed you too," Rohit replied, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. "It's good to be home."
They spent the day together, working side by side in the kitchen, laughter echoing through the house as they painted and decorated. The chemistry between them felt palpable, and Aditi couldn't help but steal glances at him when he wasn't looking.
As evening fell, they shared a simple dinner, the air filled with comfortable silence punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter. Afterward, they settled on the couch, Aditi leaning against Rohit as they watched a movie.
During a particularly romantic scene, Aditi felt a surge of emotion. "Do you think we can ever get back to where we were?" she asked, her voice soft.
"Better than that," Rohit replied, turning to face her. "We're not just friends anymore. We're building a future together, even if it's a bit rocky right now."
Aditi's heart raced at his words. "I want that, Rohit. I want us to be together."
"Then let's keep working at it. I'm not going anywhere," he said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Their eyes locked, and the world around them faded.
---
**As their lips met, Aditi felt a rush of warmth and familiarity.** It was a kiss filled with promise and hope, sealing their commitment to each other. When they pulled away, both breathless, Aditi couldn't help but smile.
"Wow," she whispered, her heart soaring.
"Yeah, wow," Rohit echoed, a playful grin spreading across his face. "I've been wanting to do that for a while now."
"I guess we're on the same page," Aditi replied, feeling lighter than ever.
As the night wore on, they talked and laughed, reminiscing about their childhood and dreaming of the future. In that moment, Aditi felt a sense of belonging she hadn't realized she was missing.
---
**However, as the night drew to a close, reality crept back in.** The pressure of their long-distance relationship loomed over them, and Aditi couldn't shake the nagging doubts that lingered in her mind.
"Rohit," she began hesitantly, "what happens when you go back to Delhi?"
"We'll make it work. We always have, right?" he replied, his expression serious.
"Yeah, but what if we start drifting apart again?" Aditi asked, fear creeping into her voice.
"We won't. I promise," Rohit reassured her, pulling her closer. "We just need to keep communicating and supporting each other. I'm in this for the long haul, Aditi."
His words provided some comfort, but Aditi knew they still had a long way to go. They spent the rest of the night wrapped in each other's arms, trying to hold on to the moment before reality set in.
---
**As Aditi drifted off to sleep, she felt a sense of peace.** They had faced their challenges together, and their bond had grown stronger. She knew they could make it work, no matter the distance.
With a heart full of hope, Aditi closed her eyes, dreaming of the future they could build together.