One evening, Arjun went to the café where she used to wait.
To his surprise… she was there.
Not waiting for him.
Just sitting alone, reading a book.
He walked slowly towards her.
"Riya…"
She looked up. Calm. Strong.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"No excuses. No lies. I was wrong. I hurt you. I thought you would never leave. I forgot that love needs effort."
Riya's eyes filled with tears.
Not of weakness—but of relief.
"I loved you," she said softly.
"But I can't beg for attention."
"You don't have to," he replied.
"I want to earn your love again. This time properly."
There was silence.
Then she said,
"One last chance. But this time, respect matters more than love."
Arjun nodded.
And this time… he showed up.
On time.
With effort.
With honesty.
He stopped taking her for granted.
And Riya?
She finally felt chosen, not optional.