KABIR’S POV

She stood in front of me, eyes soft, lips curled into the faintest smile, as I dropped the question on her like a storm.

“Come with me to the US tomorrow.”

I saw the hesitation instantly. Her eyes flickered—towards the couch, towards the kitchen, towards the messily unpacked boxes lying around like open secrets of a life just starting. She bit her lower lip.

“I want to, Kabir… God, I really want to,” she said slowly, her fingers trailing over the counter. “But I can’t. I’ve just moved in, college, and there’s so much I need to figure out here. I’m sorry.”

The words didn’t hurt—no, that wasn’t the emotion. They cut. Not because she didn’t want to be with me. But because for the first time, I realized I had someone I wanted to be around 24/7. And she couldn’t.

I smiled a little, brushed her hair behind her ear, and whispered, “You don’t have to be sorry. But I'll feel empty without you.”

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Later that night, I held her against my chest as she slept peacefully—unknowing, soft, mine.

Then my phone rang.

It was a secure line. One of my men.

“Sir… we received a threat,” the voice on the other side said. “Against Ms. Singh. Word’s out that she’s your girlfriend. There are people watching. Some of them are looking to get to you… through her.”

I froze.

Everything inside me stilled for a second, like the entire world hit pause.

Not her. Anyone but her.

After a long silence, I said only one thing—“Strengthen her security. Triple it. I want men posted in every possible location she might visit. I want an inner circle she doesn’t even see.”

“Yes, sir.”

I hung up and quietly slid out of bed. She stirred, but didn’t wake up.

My bare feet padded silently to my study, the moonlight filtering in through the tall glass windows. I sat there, fingers steepled together, my jaw clenched.

She had no idea who I was.

What I did.

How far I’d go to protect what’s mine.

But one day… one day, she’d know.

I reached out to our head of security. Repeated the instructions. Even had our team set up panic buttons around the penthouse. I customized every damn contingency plan to her needs. Because if I couldn't be here, I needed every assurance she’d be protected.

Still… I couldn’t sleep.

I returned to bed, kissed her temple, and watched her for what felt like an eternity before I finally passed out beside her.

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THE NEXT MORNING

I didn’t want to wake her. But I had to leave.

I scribbled a quick note.

> "I had to leave early for the flight.

Please stay safe and stay in the penthouse as much as you can.

I’ll explain everything soon. Just trust me, okay? There’s a lot I wish I could tell you.

I love you,my shanaya—be safe.

Yours,

K"

I placed it beside the breakfast I’d asked the staff to prepare. Everything was plated perfectly. Her favorite coffee. Extra cinnamon.

She meant everything to me. And it scared the living hell out of me.

Before leaving, I leaned down and kissed her forehead… then her cheek… and then finally her lips. Soft, deep, lingering.

“Stay safe, Shanaya,” I whispered. “Please… stay safe for me.”

She stirred lightly, but didn’t wake up.

And then I walked out with the heaviest heart I’d ever carried.

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SHANAYA'S POV

The cold side of the bed was the first thing I noticed.

I reached out with my arm, my fingers instinctively searching for the warmth of his skin, the comfort of his presence—but all I found was a neatly tucked blanket and the faintest scent of his cologne lingering in the air.

My heart dipped.

He was gone.

A pang of emptiness crept up in my chest. We had been sleeping beside each other every night since I moved in—his arms, my pillow, his heartbeat, my lullaby. Waking up without him felt like someone had pulled away a layer of my soul. But I swallowed the ache and pulled myself together.

He had told me. He warned me he might have to leave early. It’s not like I didn’t know…

Still. Knowing and feeling were two very different things.

Dragging myself out of bed, I noticed something on the side table. A folded note resting beside a neatly plated breakfast.

My lips curved into a soft smile.

I clutched the paper to my chest, my heart swelling in a strange mix of longing and love. I freshened up, letting the warm water of the shower bring me back to reality, and then sat at the counter, eating the breakfast he left me—something simple, yet perfect. Just like him.

Before leaving for college, I texted him:

Me: “You left without a kiss. That’s criminal, Kabir Singhania.”

Seconds later, my phone buzzed.

Kabir: “Come with me next time, and you’ll get a thousand kisses. Everywhere.”

I giggled.

Me: “Behave, Mr. I’m in my towel.”

Kabir: “Don’t tempt me, Miss Trouble. Now go ace your day. Security will be with you, don’t argue.”

I raised a brow. Security? As I stepped out of the penthouse, two black SUVs waited for me. My usual driver opened the door, and I got in—confused, but silent.

Maybe he’s just being extra careful.

I didn’t know the truth behind the guards, but I trusted him enough to know he’d only do what was best for me.

College was a blur. I couldn’t help but miss him constantly—thinking about his smirk, the way he tucked my hair behind my ear, how he looked at me like I was the only thing that ever made sense.

After my classes, I returned home, exhausted but oddly excited. As soon as I reached, I dropped my bag and pulled out my phone.

Me: “Home. Missed you. Did you eat anything or just survive on coffee and sarcasm?”

His reply came almost instantly.

Kabir: “Coffee and sarcasm is my brand, love. But yeah, I ate. You better have too.”

We talked for hours. I laid in bed, phone on my ear, hearing about his meetings, his new business proposals, and annoying clients.

I told him about university—how my professors seemed extra nosy today, how Kartik was overprotective as always, and how the girl from my economics class tried to flirt with one of my bodyguards.

He chuckled.

His laughter—God, I missed that sound.

And then, as the night settled in and our voices turned soft, he whispered, “Sleep now, jaan. I’ll be home soon. You’re stronger than you think… but don’t get too used to my side of the bed being empty.”

And just like that, even miles away, he made me feel whole again.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE :

Ugh, waking up without Kabir? Shanaya's pain = our pain.

This chapter was all soft love, longing, and those flirty texts.

Kabir might be away, but his presence? Still strong as ever.

Let me know if you missed him too… cuz I definitely did!

See you guys in the next chapter ✨

Love you guys ❤

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