The next day felt heavy for Aarav.
Anaya's secret kept repeating in his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about the danger her family was facing.
When he reached college, Anaya was already waiting for him near the gate.
But today she looked even more worried.
"Aarav," she said quietly.
"Hey… did something happen?" he asked.
She nodded slowly.
"My father wants to meet you."
Aarav was surprised.
"Me?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
Anaya looked a little nervous.
"I told him about you."
Aarav felt both happy and anxious.
"You told him… about us?"
Anaya smiled slightly.
"Yes."
Aarav scratched his head.
"I hope he's not planning to scare me."
Anaya laughed softly.
"He's actually a very kind person."
"Then why do I feel nervous?" Aarav said jokingly.
"Because you're meeting your girlfriend's father for the first time," Anaya replied with a teasing smile.
That evening, Aarav went to Anaya's house.
It was a simple but beautiful home.
Anaya opened the door and welcomed him inside.
Her mother greeted him politely and offered tea.
After a few minutes, a man walked into the room.
He looked serious but calm.
"Dad," Anaya said. "This is Aarav."
Aarav stood up respectfully.
"Hello, sir."
Anaya's father nodded.
"Sit down, Aarav."
They all sat together in the living room.
For a moment, the room was quiet.
Then Anaya's father spoke.
"Anaya tells me you are a good friend."
Aarav looked at Anaya for a second.
"Yes, sir."
Her father looked directly at him.
"And more than a friend?"
Aarav felt nervous but answered honestly.
"Yes, sir. I care about her a lot."
Anaya's father stayed silent for a moment, studying him carefully.
Then he sighed.
"Aarav, I don't have any problem with you."
Aarav felt relieved.
"But," her father continued, "this is not the right time for Anaya to get close to someone."
Aarav understood what he meant.
"Because of the problems your family is facing?" he asked.
Her father looked surprised.
"She told you?"
Aarav nodded.
"Yes."
Her father leaned back in his chair.
"Then you already know the situation is dangerous."
"Yes, sir."
He looked serious.
"That is why we are leaving this city soon."
Aarav felt a small pain in his heart hearing those words again.
"How soon?" he asked quietly.
"Maybe within a few weeks."
Anaya looked sad.
Her father then said something unexpected.
"Aarav, if you truly care about my daughter… the best thing you can do is stay away from this problem."
Aarav stayed silent for a moment.
Then he spoke calmly.
"Sir, I understand your concern."
"But I can't pretend I don't care about her."
Anaya looked at him with surprise.
Aarav continued.
"I'm not afraid of helping her."
Her father looked at him seriously.
"You're brave… but bravery alone is not enough."
Just then—
Someone knocked loudly on the door.
Everyone in the room froze.
Anaya's father stood up slowly.
Another loud knock came.
The tension in the house suddenly became very heavy.
Anaya whispered nervously,
"Dad… who could it be?"
Her father's expression became pale.
And in that moment…
Aarav had a strong feeling that the people causing trouble for Anaya's family had finally arrived.