I picked up my coffee, trying to act like I was completely fine. Normal. Unbothered. Just another girl talking about random news about some businessman.

"Matlab, it's not a big deal, guys." I shrugged, taking a sip. “Everyone gets married, right? It’s life.”

Rhea snorted. "Haan haan, bilkul"

I groaned, placing my cup on the table a little too forcefully. "Guys, please! He was just a crush."

Jia added fuel to the fire. "And if we search your phone right now, how many photos of Reyansh Khurana will we find?"

I pressed my lips together, pulling my phone closer. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Rhea leaned in, smirking. "Tara, you need a break."

I rolled my eyes, but my fingers clenched around my coffee cup.

Jia nodded eagerly. "Yes! Take a trip, go somewhere you can focus only on you. Why don't you go to Goa?"

I scoffed. "I'm fine, I don't need any Goa trip."

Anika gently placed a hand on mine. "No, we just want you to relax."

Jia smiled. "Goa is really nice... trust me, you'll feel better."

I bit my lip. "Should I seriously go to Goa?"

Rhea smirked, “Yeah, otherwise I can totally see you wandering the streets of Mumbai on his wedding day, singing ‘Main Royiyaan Royiyaan.’”

Jia laughed, “Poor bride would be in total shock—‘Bhaiya, who is this?’”

I groaned, shaking my head. "You guys are impossible!"

Anika smiled. "So... are you agreeing?"

I sighed dramatically. "Fine. One trip."

Rhea clapped. "Yes! Now get ready for Goa, because heartbreak season officially starts!"

I took a deep breath, staring at my phone screen.

Instagram -Deactivate Account? Yes.

Twitter -Yes.

Facebook -Yes.

Reyansh Khurana? Who? I don't know him.

Jia looked at me like I had just committed a crime. "Wait, so you're officially an ex-stalker now?"

I groaned. "Are you here to support me or make sure I never heal?"

Rhea grinned mischievously. "We're here to bid farewell to your feelings for him."

Anika sighed. "Please, guys, stop teasing her."

I needed an escape. From my routine, from my silly heart, and most importantly-from him. So I did the most logical thing:

Booked a solo trip to Goa.

✿✿✿✿✿✿

I stepped into the house quietly, the way I always do when I'm not sure what mood Papa will be in. The smell of jeera tempering drifted from the kitchen-Maa was making dinner, humming under her breath like she always does when she's trying to keep the house calm

I stood there for a second, clutching my bag, rehearsing the same line in my head: "I need to go to Goa for the meeting. It's important. They can't replace me."

My heart was racing. I knew he wouldn't like it. I knew the answer before I even asked... but I still had to try.

"Papa?" I said softly.

He didn't look at me, too busy in the news "Haan?"

I swallowed. "I... I need to go to Goa. It's work. A meeting. Very important."

For a moment, there was silence, the sound of the remote was sharp enough to make my stomach twist.

"You're not going anywhere," he said flatly. "This job is already taking up too much of your time."

I felt my throat tighten. I opened my mouth to explain-to beg a little if I had to-but the words tangled.

Maa turned slightly, giving me that tiny look... the one that says try again beta, I'm here.

"Let the girl go, ji," she said softly. "office ke liye hi toh poora din mehnat karti hai. If they need her, she should go."

Papa shot her a look, but Maa held her ground quiet but firm, like a shield that doesn't look strong until you stand behind it.

"I'll be careful, Papa," I whispered.

He didn't say yes. He didn't say no. He just grumbled something under his breath. Maa gave me a tiny nod. My chest loosened just enough to breathe again.

"Fine," he muttered.

I nodded quickly before he could change his mind.

"Thank you, Papa. I'll handle everything."

Maa smiled at me-small, relieved, proud-and I swear that smile fel

t like a warm hand on my back telling me to keep moving.

Goa..Now you are my only sahara!!