Zoya returned to her dorm quietly.
Everything felt different now.
Lighter… yet heavier at the same time.
That evening, her phone rang.
Her best friend.
"After TWO months, madam remembers me?" the teasing voice came.
Zoya smiled instantly.
"Shut up… you're the one who disappeared!"
They talked for a long time.
Laughed.
Shared small things.
Just like before.
And then—
Zoya told her everything.
From the past few days.
Meeting him.
His apology.
Everything.
Her friend stayed silent for a moment.
Then spoke softly—
"If he's truly regretful… then forgive him."
Zoya didn't reply.
"You don't have to go back," her friend added,
"but don't hold onto pain either."
The call ended.
Zoya lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Somewhere deep inside—
she knew.
Maybe…
this wasn't over.
"Destined…" her friend whispered to herself after cutting the call.
That night—
everything changed again.
Zoya's phone rang.
Her heart dropped the moment she heard her sister's voice.
"Didi… Ammi has been admitted again."
This time—
her condition was worse.
Zoya didn't wait.
She rushed out, informing her classmates quickly, and ran toward the bus stop.
Her breath was uneven.
Her hands trembling.
While waiting—
she called Armaan's father.
"Uncle… I won't be able to come tomorrow."
"Take care of your mother," he replied gently.
The bus felt too slow.
Time felt cruel.
When she reached the hospital—
the doctor's words hit harder than anything.
"She needs surgery. Immediately."
Zoya's world froze.
She submitted the initial deposit.
But it wasn't enough.
The remaining amount—
too big.
Too urgent.
"Please arrange it quickly," the doctor said firmly.
Zoya stood there.
Helpless.
Then suddenly—
a familiar voice—
"Zoya!"
She turned.
Armaan.
Running toward her.
"What happened? How is she?" he asked, breathless.
Before she could answer—
her younger sister spoke,
"She needs surgery…"
At that moment—
the doctor returned.
"We need the full payment now."
Zoya stepped forward.
"I will arrange it… please start the surgery—"
"First submit the fees," the doctor said strictly.
Silence.
Then—
Armaan stepped ahead.
"I'll pay."
Zoya turned instantly.
"No… I'm sorry, but—"
"Zoya."
His voice stopped her.
"Your mother is more important than our past."
Her words faded.
Before she could argue again—
he had already made the payment.
The surgery began.
Hours passed.
Heavy.
Endless.
Finally—
"Operation successful."
Zoya's eyes filled instantly.
Relief.
When they went inside—
her mother smiled weakly.
Zoya held her hand tightly.
Her sister stood beside her.
Then her mother's eyes shifted slightly.
"Who is he?" she asked softly.
Before Zoya could answer—
her sister smiled.
"He's an angel," she said innocently.
"He helped with your surgery… Zoya's friend."
Zoya froze for a second.
Friend.
The word felt unfamiliar.
Later, outside the room—
Zoya faced him.
"I'll return all the money," she said quietly.
Armaan nodded.
"I know."
No pressure.
No expectations.
Just understanding.
The days passed.
Zoya stayed in the hospital.
By her mother's side.
And every morning—
Armaan came.
Quietly.
Sometimes with fruits.
Sometimes just to ask—
"How is she?"
No unnecessary words.
Just presence.
A week later—
her mother was better.
The day to leave arrived.
As evening approached, Armaan spoke—
"I'll drop you."
"No, it's okay," Zoya replied immediately.
But her mother interrupted gently—
"It's already late. Go with your friend."
Zoya hesitated.
Then nodded.
The car ride was silent.
Heavy.
Yet calm.
Finally—
Armaan spoke.
"You said you forgave me…"
Zoya looked outside.
"…can we be friends?" he asked softly.
Silence.
Moments passed.
Then—
"…Okay."
Her voice was low.
"Let's keep it as friends."
Armaan nodded.
A small, real smile forming.
When they reached—
he stepped out, opening the door for her.
Zoya walked toward the dorm.
He stood there—
watching—
until she disappeared inside.
Only then—
he left.
That night—
he told everything to his father.
His father listened quietly.
Then said—
"Don't mess it up again."
Armaan smiled faintly.
"I won't."
The next day—
reality returned.
A call from the office.
Important work.
He had to go back.
But before leaving—
he wanted to see her.
He couldn't.
Her exams had started.
And just like that—
without meeting her again—
Armaan left the city.
Sometimes—
life brings people together…
Only to test—
if they can stay connected even in distance.