The morning sun spilled cold light across the lab windows as Dev walked through the hallway with a resignation letter clutched in his hand.
He wasn't trembling.
He was decided.
Until his professor, Dr. Malhotra — a man whose silence often spoke louder than his lectures — called him into his cabin.
Dev handed over the letter without a word.
The older man scanned it, then removed his glasses and looked up.
"You're one of the finest research minds I've had in years, Dev. Why are you doing this?"
Dev hesitated.
He could have said nothing.
But the silence felt like drowning.
So he spoke — just enough.
"I think I left something behind. Someone. And I'm not sure I still… have her."
Malhotra studied him for a long moment, his lined face softening.
"I've lived long enough to know," he said, "that those we love don't leave… unless they don't feel seen."
"I do see her," Dev said, almost brokenly.
"Then go remind her of that."
The resignation letter was slowly folded, set aside.
"You're not going anywhere permanently. Take fifteen days. Come back with peace in your heart."
Dev nodded slowly. "Thank you."
By evening, he was packing.
His mind restless. His chest heavier than he expected.
Devika, his lab partner, noticed the storm in his silence.
"You're leaving for India?"
He nodded, not elaborating.
Her brows furrowed, but she didn't ask much.
They weren't close in that way.
She had feelings, perhaps.
But Dev never let anyone past the perimeter of Hiya.
He zipped his bag, checked his documents, and reached for his charger.
Just then, his phone rang.
Bhaiya.
He picked it up.
"Dev? Did Hiya reach there?"
Dev frowned. "What?"
"We've been trying her number since morning. It's off. She left us a letter — said she couldn't wait more so she is going. But she should've reached by now…"
Dev stood frozen.
Blood drained from his face.
"She left alone?" His voice cracked.
"Yeah. The letter was in her room. We thought she'd already be with you."
The room spun slightly.
Dev stared at the floor, his heart beating out of rhythm.
Then the call went silent for a moment…
"Dev… did Hiya reach there?"