Sejal and Ken had slowly started adjusting to life in a foreign land.
New classrooms, new people, a completely different rhythm of life—
Yet in the midst of it all, their relationship was growing stronger, at least on the surface.
Sejal still wasn't truly happy, but Ken had become like her shadow—always beside her.
They attended classes together, walked through the campus hand in hand, even cooked dinner side by side each evening.
It looked like the perfect companionship from the outside.
But somewhere deep within, Sejal's heart still carried the weight of an untold longing…
A name she had buried within her silence—Dean.
---
Meanwhile, in another part of the world, Dean was still stuck in his past.
Day and night, his mind wandered back to Sejal.
The memories they had created together, the love, the pain—it haunted him relentlessly.
Until one day, he found himself pouring everything out to Suzy—
The girl who had always been just a friend.
Sitting on a quiet evening, Dean finally opened up.
His eyes filled with silent pain as he said,
> "Suzy, I don't know how to let her go. I loved her more than anything."
Suzy didn't interrupt. She just listened, patiently.
When Dean finally went silent, Suzy gave him a soft smile and said,
> "If you want, I can be by your side. Let's make a plan."
Dean looked up, surprised.
> "You said Sejal is abroad now. So why don't you go near her? You don't have to meet her… just go and see her once, quietly. No drama."
Suzy leaned closer and whispered with a smile—
> "Take me with you. Show the world I'm your wife—no one will doubt you. I'll act like your support system, your shadow... your fake spouse, if that's what it takes."
Dean stared at her, stunned.
But deep inside, he knew—he wasn't ready to let Sejal go.
He agreed.
He applied for a job transfer and soon rented a small apartment close to where Sejal was staying.
Suzy joined him, and the two of them started their new life—side by side—in the same foreign city.
---
A few weeks later...
One fine afternoon, Sejal and Ken were sitting inside a cozy little café.
The bell above the café door rang as a new customer walked in.
And there she was—Suzy.
Ken looked surprised.
But Sejal froze for a moment.
Her heart skipped a beat.
> "What is Suzy doing here?" Sejal wondered.
Suzy walked up to their table with her usual cheerful smile.
> "Hi Sejal, hi Ken... what a lovely surprise! I never thought I'd run into you two here."
Sejal sat silently. Her eyes were wide with disbelief.
Ken looked at her—his gaze full of questions.
Before either could speak further, Suzy added casually,
> "Dean's on his way. He'll be here soon."
And just like that, Sejal's past was about to walk into her present...
---
To be continued...