The city had a way of reminding me that no matter how much you tried to control your life, the past could catch up with you.
I had just left work, my bag slung over my shoulder, when I saw her.
Riya. But she wasn't alone.
Two men were standing a few meters away, their posture casual but with a subtle weight of authority. Riya noticed them too. Her smile faltered for a brief second, and I caught it.
My heart tightened. Something felt off.
The Unexpected Encounter
I walked closer, keeping a casual pace, though inside I felt the need to rush.
"Riya!" I called softly.
She turned, a mixture of surprise and apprehension on her face. The two men noticed me and immediately gave a polite nod, but their eyes flicked toward Riya in a way that didn't sit right with me.
"Tom…" she whispered, her voice low.
I looked at the men. "Do you know them?"
Riya shook her head slightly, but her hand brushed against mine, a silent plea. "It's… complicated. They're from… before. From a time I'd rather forget."
I felt a surge of protectiveness. The city suddenly felt less familiar, less safe.
One of the men stepped forward slightly. "Riya, it's been a long time. We should talk."
She shook her head firmly. "Not now. Please. Can we not?"
The tension in the air was palpable. I could see the fear in her eyes—subtle but unmistakable.
Tom Steps In
I stepped closer, feeling a strange mix of anger and resolve. "Is there a problem?" I asked, my voice steady but firm.
The men glanced at me. One raised an eyebrow, almost amused. "Just a conversation," he said lightly. "No harm intended."
Riya looked at me, eyes wide. "Tom… it's better if you stay out of this."
I shook my head. "No. Not this time. Not when you don't want to face it alone."
Her lips parted as if she wanted to argue, but then she simply stayed silent.
I turned to the men. "She said no. So whatever you want to discuss, it can wait. Understood?"
They exchanged glances. Then, after a moment, nodded. "Fine. But this isn't over," one of them said, voice low.
And just like that, they walked away, leaving us alone.
Processing the Moment
Riya exhaled, a mix of relief and lingering tension. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Of course," I said, taking her hand gently. "You don't have to face this alone. Ever."
Her grip tightened for a moment. "I'm not used to… people standing by me like this. Usually, I handle things myself."
"I know," I said softly. "But maybe it's time you didn't have to."
We walked together through the park, the familiar trees and benches suddenly feeling like safe zones in a city that could sometimes be harsh.
The city hum faded around us. Just for a moment, it was quiet. Safe.
Coffee and Reflection
We ended up in our usual café. Riya was quieter than usual, lost in thought as she stirred her coffee. I didn't press her to speak. Sometimes, silence was better than words.
After a while, she finally looked up. "I didn't tell you everything," she said softly. "About them. About my past. But I think… I want to. Soon. Just… not today."
I nodded. "Whenever you're ready. No rush."
Her lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Tom. For being… patient. For not walking away."
I felt a warmth spread in my chest. "I'm not going anywhere. Not for the city, not for anything."
We spent the rest of the afternoon talking about lighter things—books, music, the little things that made us laugh. But beneath it all, the shadow of her past lingered, subtle yet present.
Walking Home
The city was turning golden as the sun set. Streetlights blinked on, reflecting in puddles. I walked with her to the corner where we usually parted.
"Tomorrow?" I asked, hoping she'd say yes.
She nodded. "Tomorrow."
And then she was gone, melting into the crowd.
I stood there for a moment, thinking. The city was unpredictable, full of challenges, and now I understood that Riya's past could surface at any time. But one thing was clear: I wanted to be there for her, no matter what.
At Home That Night
I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. The city outside hummed with life, but inside my head, I was replaying every moment. The fear in her eyes. The tension in the air. The relief after the men left.
The city wasn't just a backdrop anymore. It was part of our story. Its chaos, unpredictability, and hidden corners mirrored the challenges that love could face.
And I realized something important: love wasn't just about smiles, laughter, or shared coffee. It was about being there when life got complicated. When shadows of the past appeared. When the city reminded you that nothing was guaranteed.
I didn't know what tomorrow would bring. But I knew one thing: I wouldn't walk away.
Episode 9 Hook:
What secrets from Riya's past will surface next?
Will Tom be able to help her face them, or will the city's chaos create a distance they can't easily cross?