lt a weight had been lifted from her heart. She awoke early, determined to make the most of the day. Slipping into the kitchen, she

e she could react, her grandmother, Meera, rushed into the room, shaking her head with a mix of amusem

know her, Dadi. That

twinkling with amusement. "Leena is a bubbly, live

oss her face. "Yeah, that's true. Mahi,

echoed through the house. "No need, Dadi! I'm already here. The

for Leena. "You have a nose like a bloodhound," she teased a

nt smile and infectious enthusiasm, brought a burst of joy to the morning. After thei

let it affect her friendship with Mahi. To those who didn't know them, they seemed like twins. Th

d, drawn by her beauty, intelligence, and kind heart. She was the epitome of perfection. However, Mahi had

hem with a warm smi

, grinned mischievously. "Hey Vihaan, you're loo

"Stop it, Leena. Your jokes have no li

ad. "No worries, Mahi. Leena's

he country. Handsome, smart, and kind, he was destined to take over the family business. Despite his wealth, he had earned his place in

haan noticed the dark circles under Mahi's eyes. "Mahi, did

ahi, you look haggard. Mr. Eyes-Only-

eena's direction. "I'm fine.

nvolved someone who had left a long time ago. Despite his deep feelings for her, he respected her space

ay and headed home. As Leena dropped Mahi at her gate

er stopped loving him. He gave me the brightest hope when I

hi, sometimes the brightest stars have to fade for a while bef

hopeful. "Maybe. But until then

on for her friend's strength. "And you will

h and turned toward her house, feeling a renewed sense of determination. Her grandparents, her friends, and her dreams we

easy. But surrounded by love and support, she was ready to face whatev