The girls started discussing their plan to explore Udaipur for one last time before leaving.
"Let's visit City Palace first" Riva suggested.
"And then the lake!" Meher added.
Lavika, sipping her coffee, hesitated. "You guys go ahead... I'll join a little later."
Her friends exchanged knowing looks.
"Ahem, ahem" Riva coughed dramatically. "Tera kahi aur plan ban gaya hoga?"
Lavika rolled her eyes. "Kuch bhi."
The elders chuckled, approving their outing. "Bas jaldi aana, kal nikalna bhi hai."
As everyone dispersed to change, Lavika went back to her room.
She slipped into a white floral midi dress, paired with dainty heels and soft curls. 
The dress was simple yet elegant—perfect for the evening.
Meanwhile, Ishaan opted for a black button-down with the sleeves rolled up, paired with beige trousers and his signature watch. 
Effortlessly handsome.
✮⋆˙
They drove to a secluded lakeside spot—away from the city's buzz. 
The golden hues of the sunset reflected on the calm water, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
Ishaan parked the car and turned to her. "Perfect place, hmm?"
Lavika hummed, stepping out and walking toward the lake. 
The breeze played with her hair as she gazed at the view.
Ishaan leaned against the car, watching her. "What are you thinking?"
She turned slightly. "That I'll miss this."
A flicker of something passed through his eyes, but before he could respond—
Her phone buzzed.
Lavika frowned, checking the caller ID. 
It was an unknown number.
Ishaan noticed her expression. "Who is it?"
She shook her head. "I don't know."
Before she could decide, the call ended. 
But a message popped up.
Unknown: Miss me?
Her heart skipped.
Ishaan's jaw clenched as he noticed the shift in her expression. "Lavika?"
She forced a smile, locking her phone. "It's nothing."
Ishaan wasn't convinced. He stepped closer, his voice low. "You know I don't like lies, sweetheart."
Before she could answer, the phone buzzed again. 
This time, another text followed.
Unknown: I know you're back in India. We need to meet.
Her stomach twisted slightly.
Ishaan reached for her phone instinctively, but she pulled it back, shaking her head. "It's not important."
His jaw clenched. "Then why do you look so uneasy?"
She exhaled, debating for a moment.