The roar of engines had faded, replaced by cheers and applause echoing across the launch site. The satellite was in orbit—successful, flawless. Aarav's dream had finally touched the stars.
But amid the celebration, Aarav slipped away, his heart pounding for a different reason. He found Kiara standing alone on the observation deck, her hair dancing in the evening breeze, her eyes still shimmering with tears of pride.
"You did it," she whispered when he approached, her voice trembling with emotion. "Aarav… you really did it."
He smiled faintly, but his chest ached with something deeper than triumph. "We did it," he said softly. "Because you believed when I couldn't."
Kiara shook her head, her lips curving in a tender smile. "I didn't just believe in the project. I believed in you."
His breath hitched. For a moment, he simply stared at her—the woman who had stood by him through storms, who had fought for his dream as fiercely as her own. Slowly, he reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek, his touch reverent.
"Kiara," he murmured, his voice raw, "I've chased the sky my whole life. But you… you're my gravity. You're what keeps me from drifting away."
Her eyes shimmered, her throat tight with emotion. "And you're my stars," she whispered. "The reason I look up."
Aarav pulled her into his arms, holding her like he'd never let go. His lips found hers—slow, deep, full of everything words could never say. The kiss wasn't just passion; it was a promise, a vow written in the language of hearts.
When they broke apart, breathless, Aarav pressed his forehead to hers. "From this moment," he said softly, "I'm done running. You're my home."
Kiara smiled through tears, her fingers curling against his chest. "Then let's go home."
And as the stars glittered above, Aarav realized that conquering the sky was nothing compared to the miracle of finding her.