FROM AUTUMN TO SPRING - 9

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Aarav leaned slightly toward Khushi as they sat on the quiet bench, his eyes fixed on her face. The streetlamp above them buzzed faintly, casting a soft yellow glow over their conversation. The world around them was hushed, but the weight of what she was about to reveal made the silence feel heavy.“So?” he prompted gently.Khushi hesitated, biting her lower lip. “Listen… I promised Ishika I wouldn’t tell anyone about this.”Aarav’s expression fell. “Khushi.....”She looked at him—his worried eyes, his sincerity—and nodded slowly. “But I’ll tell you.”Aarav exhaled with relief. “Yeah?”She took a moment, gathering her thoughts before speaking.“Okay, so…