Riva walked into her room, gently closing the door behind her. She stood there for a moment, staring at the soft glow of fairy lights wrapped around her window frame. Her heart was racing. Permission was granted. Bags needed to be packed. But it wasn't just a trip anymore—it felt like something bigger was waiting for her in New York.
She exhaled sharply and whispered to herself.
Riva (to herself):
"Okay... this is real now. No turning back."
She pulled out her silver suitcase from under the bed, dusted it off, and placed it on the mattress. The room filled with soft rustling sounds as she opened her closet and began choosing clothes. She wasn't just packing for a summit. She was packing to escape something unnamed… and to step into something unknown.
She folded her favorite jacket, the one Devyansh once said made her look like a warrior. A black dress she never wore. A pair of heels she never felt brave enough to use.
As she zipped one side, she sat down and picked up her phone.
---
[CALL: Devyansh Roy]
Devyansh (picking up):
"Riva... is everything okay?"
Riva (smiling):
"Everything's perfect. I'm leaving for New York tomorrow."
Devyansh (after a pause):
"So it's happening. You're really going."
Riva:
"Yeah. I still can't believe it. But… it feels right."
Narrator:
He closed his eyes. His heart wanted to ask her to stay, but his lips said something else.
Devyansh:
"You'll shine there. Like always."
Riva (softly):
"You're the only one who says that and means it."
Devyansh (forcing a laugh):
"Just don't forget us little people when you're managing Hollywood weddings."
Riva (teasing):
"As long as you bring the champagne, I'll book you as my assistant."
Narrator:
Behind his smile was a storm. But he wouldn't let her see it—not tonight.
---
[CALL: Avira Sharma]
Avira (groggy voice):
"Why are you calling me at 1AM? Did you burn the kitchen again?"
Riva (laughing):
"Worse. I'm flying to New York tomorrow."
Avira (sitting upright):
"What? Are you serious? When did this happen?"
Riva:
"Ten minutes ago. Parents said yes. Now I'm packing and calling my two favorites."
Avira (after a moment):
"You're really going… wow. I'm so happy for you, Riva."
Riva:
"You don't sound happy."
Avira (covering her feelings):
"I'm shocked, okay? You're going to kill it. And Dev will be heartbroken."
Riva:
"He's stronger than he acts."
Avira (quietly):
"Yeah… maybe too strong sometimes."
Narrator:
They both smiled through the call, but under the surface—jealousy, fear, and love curled like smoke in the dark.
---
Narrator:
Riva ended the call and placed her phone beside her. She looked around at the half-packed suitcase, the photos on her wall, the wind chimes by her window. A world she knew. A world she was leaving behind.
She didn't know that someone had already written her name into his plans.
And her flight to New York… would be the beginning of a trap carefully laid.
One she'd never see coming.
---
To be continue....