**Chapter 29: Boundaries and Beginnings**
Aanya wasn't used to the silence.
Especially not from Arjun.
He had always been relentless—calling, texting, showing up without warning. But since that night and the quiet conversation by the Thames, he'd held back.
No unexpected visits. No messages. No desperate pleas.
Instead, she received an email.
Just one line:
_"Your name came up today in a pitch. They were impressed."_
Attached was a forwarded message from a senior investor Arjun had spoken to, who'd apparently seen Aanya's internship report from a previous consulting gig.
No flirting. No manipulation. No pressure.
Just... professional. Respectful.
For the first time, she didn't know what to feel.
---
Over the next few weeks, Aanya buried herself in classes, presentations, and weekend assignments. She found herself excelling—her professors took notice, and a few even mentioned she had the potential to graduate with distinction.
But every time she hit a milestone, her mind wandered to Arjun.
It wasn't that she missed *him*—at least, that's what she told herself.
But she couldn't forget the way he'd looked at her by the river. Calm. Sincere. Not the possessive husband she'd married in haste, but a man standing still for once.
And that… bothered her.
Because it was easier to hate the man who tried to control her.
Harder to stay angry at someone who might actually be learning.
---
It was Shruti who broke the tension.
She video-called Aanya one Sunday afternoon.
"Aanyaaa," she beamed, her voice bright. "You look... sharp! London's definitely giving CEO energy."
Aanya laughed, surprised at how light the conversation felt.
They talked about classes, food, weird British habits, and even the lack of decent Indian snacks nearby.
But eventually, Shruti's tone shifted.
"So… Arjun's been different lately."
Aanya stiffened. "Has he?"
"Yeah," Shruti said, twirling her hair. "He's... less reactive. Quiet. Working more. And not the sulky, brooding kind of working. Focused."
Aanya didn't reply.
"I think he's trying to grow up," Shruti added softly. "But I know that doesn't fix everything."
Aanya looked down.
"It doesn't," she said, "but… it's something."
---
That evening, Aanya ran into Arjun at the university library.
He was seated near a corner table with his laptop open, scribbling notes on a presentation draft.
Their eyes met. She stopped mid-step.
He stood slowly.
"You okay?" he asked, voice gentle.
"I… didn't expect to see you here."
"I've been using the public business wing on weekends," he explained. "They have good resources."
She nodded awkwardly. "I won't disturb—"
"You never do," he interrupted. Then caught himself. "But I can leave if you want space."
Aanya hesitated. "It's fine."
She walked past him and settled at a table on the opposite side.
For the next hour, neither of them spoke. But both were acutely aware of the other's presence. The quiet hum of printers, rustle of pages, and the soft clicking of keys became the soundtrack of a strangely comfortable silence.
At one point, she looked up.
He was already looking at her.
She quickly glanced back at her laptop screen, cheeks warming.
---
That night, she dreamt of him.
Not the controlling Arjun.
But the one from the library.
Focused. Respectful. Kind.
She woke with her heart pounding.
---
The next week brought an unexpected surprise.
Her internship placement results arrived—and she had secured a role with a renowned consultancy firm in London. A position highly sought after by many.
Overwhelmed, she stepped out for air. Her phone buzzed again.
Another message from Arjun.
_"Congratulations. I heard through one of the placement mentors. Told you you'd build something amazing."_
She didn't reply. But a small smile tugged at her lips.
Later that evening, she walked into a tiny café near her flat—only to find a familiar bouquet waiting at her table.
A single sunflower in the center.
Her favorite.
The note simply read:
_"No expectations. Just proud of you. — A"_
She looked around, but he wasn't there.
---
That weekend, Aanya met Neeta and Nikhil on a video call. She hadn't told them about the night with Arjun, but they sensed something had shifted.
"Beta, you look calmer," Neeta noted. "Settling in?"
Aanya nodded. "The program's been intense. But yes, I'm okay."
Nikhil leaned in, teasing. "You sure you're not hiding something?"
She smiled faintly. "Just focusing on me for now."
"That's good," Neeta said firmly. "No matter what happens, remember—this is *your* life. Don't get swayed by guilt or pressure."
Aanya nodded, grateful.
She had come here to find herself.
And maybe, just maybe… she was starting to.
---
A few days later, an unexpected message from Raj popped up on her LinkedIn.
_"Hey, congrats on the internship. If you're ever free, let's catch up. Also, Arjun isn't the only one who believes in you."_
Aanya stared at the message for a while.
It reminded her of something Arjun had said a long time ago.
_"Even if you leave me one day, I'll still cheer for you from the shadows."_
She hadn't believed it then.
But now?
Now, she wasn't sure what to believe.
---
On the last day of the week, Aanya was leaving campus when she saw him again.
Arjun, waiting outside the gates—not in a stalker-ish way, but leaning casually against a street lamp, dressed down in a navy hoodie and jeans.
She stopped in her tracks.
"You following me now?" she asked.
He smiled. "No. I was actually hoping to run into you. Thought maybe… coffee?"
"I have plans," she lied.
He nodded, unfazed. "Another time then."
She paused. "Actually… five minutes won't hurt."
They walked to the café nearby. No fanfare. No tension.
He let her speak about her internship.
She let him talk about his next tech event.
It was… nice.
When they parted ways, he didn't reach for her hand. Didn't ask for anything.
Just smiled and said, "Good night, Aanya."
And for once, she didn't walk away angry or confused.
She walked away wondering.
---
**End of Chapter 29**