Riya didn't let go of my hand…
but there was something different in her grip.
It didn't feel like she was holding me…
it felt like she was trying to hold herself together.
I said softly,
"We'll be okay… I'm here."
But this time…
even I didn't believe my own words.
For a moment… we just sat there in silence.
Then suddenly, Riya spoke—
"Today… is the day."
My heartbeat almost stopped.
"You feel it too…?" I asked.
She nodded slowly—
"Yes… the same restlessness… the same fear…
just like in my dream."
It was clear now…
the accident was meant to happen today.
I stood up immediately—
"Riya… you're not going anywhere today.
We'll stay right here… together."
She stood up too…
"If this is fate… how will running away change anything?"
Her question hit deep.
But this time…
I wasn't going to give up.
"We'll try… till the very end," I said.
She looked at me for a long moment…
then softly said—
"If something happens…
you won't leave me, right?"
My breath caught.
Without thinking, I said—
"Never."
She smiled faintly…
and for the first time…
she rested her head on my shoulder.
That moment...
was the most peaceful…
and the most dangerous.
Because...
the closer we were getting to each other…
the closer that fear was getting too.
Suddenly…
Riya tightened her grip on my hand.
"I… I can hear it…" she said, panicking.
"Hear what?" I asked.
Her eyes filled with fear—
"The sound of brakes…
a fast car…
and…"
She stopped.
My heart started pounding.
I looked around…
everything seemed normal.
But the fear on her face kept growing.
And then…
in the distance… a loud screech of brakes echoed…!