Priya and Ram stood near the hospital's exit, the world around them winding down. Priya adjusted her hair a little, her mind still preoccupied with the events that just happend, while Ram lingered for a moment, his gaze far away, as if searching for something just out of reach.

"Let's go back upstairs," Priya said gently, her tone professional but tinged with fatigue.

Ram's eyes shifted to her, and for a moment, there was a vulnerability in his expression that caught her off guard. "Dr. Priya," he began, his voice soft yet earnest, "can you bring Peehu sometimes? So I can meet her again?"

The question hung in the air, and Priya felt her chest tighten. She hesitated, her heart warring between her instincts as a mother and her empathy as a caregiver. Ram's request was simple, almost childlike, but the implications were far more complex.

Priya exhaled, her gaze steady as she replied, "I will try." Her words were measured, leaving room for possibility without making promises she wasn't sure she could keep.

Ram nodded, a faint smile brushing his lips, though his eyes betrayed a wistful longing. He straightened his posture, trying to mask the hope that had briefly surfaced. "Thank you," he murmured, his gratitude genuine yet subdued.

"Now, let's go," Priya said, her voice firmer this time as she motioned for him to follow.

The soft hum of conversations filled the warm, ambient restaurant, casting a golden glow over the quiet booth where Priya and Aryan sat. Their plates were half-empty, the remnants of a meal shared in comfort, as their conversation flowed from work to lighthearted anecdotes. It felt effortless, like a refuge from the chaos of their individual lives.

As Priya swirled her drink absentmindedly, Aryan hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Your mom called me yesterday," he said, his voice measured but curious.

Priya's brow furrowed slightly as she looked up, the unexpected statement catching her off guard. "Mom called you? About what?" she asked, her tone cautious yet composed.

Aryan offered a small, sheepish smile, leaning back in his seat. "She wanted to meet me. She... mentioned something about us thinking over our relationship," he said, his words slow and deliberate, carefully watching Priya's reaction.

For a moment, Priya froze, her fork pausing mid-air. Her eyes flickered with a mixture of surprise and unease, but she quickly composed herself, setting her fork down. "Oh, she was here last week," she explained lightly, though her tone betrayed a hint of discomfort. "She's always... persistent when it comes to this stuff."

Aryan leaned forward, resting his arms on the table as he looked at her intently. "I told her that maybe you still need time," he said gently. "I told her I'm not here to push you into anything."

Priya's gaze softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Aryan," she began, her voice quiet yet firm, "I know my mom can be overwhelming. She means well, but that doesn't mean you have to take her seriously."

Aryan didn't respond immediately, his eyes studying her carefully as he waited for her to continue.

Priya drew a steady breath, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "The truth is, I don't know if I'll ever be ready to think about having a partner again," she admitted, her words heavy with honesty. "There's just... so much history, so many layers to unravel."

Aryan nodded slowly, his expression understanding. "I know it's not easy," he said softly.

Priya's eyes met his, gratitude flickering in their depths. "What I do know," she said, her voice growing firmer, "is that you've been an incredible friend. Ever since I moved here, you've been by my side, through every rough patch, every moment of uncertainty. You've been my anchor."

Aryan smiled at her words, his gaze steady yet warm. "You don't need to thank me for that, Priya," he said sincerely. "I care about you, and I'll always be here. Whatever you decide, however long it takes, I'm not going anywhere."

Priya felt a lump rise in her throat, her chest tightening with emotion. She smiled back, her heart filled with gratitude for the man sitting across from her. "I don't know what I would've done without you, Aryan," she said softly, her voice tinged with genuine affection.

For a moment, the weight of the conversation hung between them, unspoken but understood. Then, with a mutual smile, they shifted back to lighter topics, their laughter soon mingling with the warm hum of the restaurant, a testament to the bond they shared—a friendship that felt unshakable amidst the uncertainties of life.

The night breeze carried a soft chill as Aryan and Priya stepped out of the restaurant, the warm glow of the city lights casting gentle shadows around them. The dinner had been a pleasant escape, filled with easy conversation and laughter that Priya hadn't realized she needed so much. It felt like a reprieve from the weight of her usual worries.

As they reached the curb, Aryan turned to her, his smile kind and reassuring. "Let me drop you home, Priya. It's late, and you've had a long day."

Priya shook her head gently, her own smile faint but appreciative. "No, Aryan, I've already booked a cab. Your house is just across from mine—it doesn't make sense for you to go out of your way. You should head home and rest."

Aryan hesitated for a moment, concern flickering in his eyes, but he knew Priya well enough not to argue. "Alright," he said, relenting. "But you'll text me once you're home safely?"

"Of course," Priya replied, her tone light. "And thank you for tonight. It was... wonderful. It's been a while since I had a night like this."

Aryan's expression softened, and a genuine smile lit his face. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Priya. You deserved it."

For a brief moment, they stood there, a comfortable silence settling between them as the faint hum of the city filled the air. Then, almost instinctively, Priya stepped forward and hugged him. It was quick and unspoken, but it conveyed a warmth and gratitude she couldn't put into words.

Aryan hugged her back lightly, then pulled away with a chuckle. "Take care, Priya. Get some rest."

"You too," she replied, watching him walk toward his building. She stood there until he disappeared inside, a small smile lingering on her face.

The city lay under a blanket of stillness, its usual buzz replaced by the quiet hum of streetlights and the occasional rustle of leaves in the night breeze. Priya leaned her head against the window of the cab, her exhaustion catching up with her. The day had been long, and the gentle sway of the car combined with the blurry glow of passing lights was almost lulling her to sleep.

Her gaze drifted lazily to the street outside, taking in the deserted sidewalks and the faint shimmer of neon signs in the distance. And then, amidst the emptiness, a figure caught her attention. A man, walking aimlessly along the road, his head tilted upward as if he were searching the stars for answers. Something about his posture, his movements, tugged at her memory.

Priya sat up straighter, her heart skipping a beat. "Is that... Ram?" she murmured, narrowing her eyes to get a better look. The man's silhouette came into focus, and her breath hitched. It was him.

"What the hell is he doing here alone?" she muttered, her voice edged with concern and disbelief. Without a second thought, she leaned forward and instructed the driver, "Stop the car! Right there!"

The cab jerked to a halt, the brakes squealing slightly in the quiet night. Priya's pulse quickened as she opened the door and stepped out onto the pavement. The cool air nipped at her skin, but she barely noticed. Her eyes were fixed on Ram, who seemed oblivious to her presence, lost in his own world as he trudged along the empty street.

For a moment, Priya stood frozen, torn between calling out to him and observing him from afar. There was something hauntingly fragile about the way he moved, as if the weight of unseen burdens was pressing down on him. Her concern overpowered her hesitation. Taking a deep breath, she called out, "Ram!"

The sound of her voice cut through the stillness, and he stopped in his tracks, slowly turning toward her. His expression, a mix of surprise and weariness, struck her like a bolt.

Her heart tightened as she approached. It was unmistakably Ram, clad in his pajama bottoms and a loose sweatshirt, his hair disheveled. He stood under the soft glow of a streetlamp, staring absently at the sky, his expression a blend of confusion and melancholy. His presence in such a state, at this hour, in such an odd place, unsettled her deeply.

"Ram!" Priya called out, her voice cutting through the quiet of the night. He blinked and turned toward her, his eyes hazy as if pulled from a dream. It took him a moment to register her presence.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice edged with concern and a tinge of frustration. "And in your pajamas, no less?"

Ram glanced around as though realizing his surroundings for the first time. "I wasn't feeling well," he said softly, his voice hoarse. "I stepped outside to clear my head... but I guess I walked further than I thought."

Priya exhaled sharply, closing her eyes for a moment to steady her rising anxiety. "Does Mrs. Mehra know you're out here?"

Ram furrowed his brows, looking down as if searching his memory. "I don't remember if I told her," he admitted, his tone almost childlike, tinged with guilt and confusion.

Priya pinched the bridge of her nose, exasperation mixing with worry. "Ram, you shouldn't be wandering around like this at night. You have no idea how dangerous it could be. You're not... yourself right now." Her voice softened toward the end, her heart aching at how lost he looked.

Ram stared at her, his expression unreadable. The man who once exuded authority and confidence now seemed a shadow of his former self, his vulnerability laid bare. "I just needed some air," he murmured.

Priya stepped closer, her arms folded as though to shield herself from the chill of the night—or perhaps the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "You should've called someone or at least stayed close to the house," she said firmly, though her tone carried more concern than reproach.

Ram glanced down at his feet, his posture slumped. "I didn't want to bother anyone."

Priya sighed deeply, shaking her head. "Come on," she said, her voice softening despite herself. "I'll get you back home." She gestured toward the waiting cab.

Ram followed her silently, his gaze occasionally darting toward her as if searching for reassurance. Priya kept her focus straight ahead, her thoughts racing. As they walked, she couldn't help but wonder how someone who once seemed so invincible could now appear so utterly lost.