I should have known.
I should have realized nothing this perfect lasts forever.
But that morning?
That morning, I let myself believe it could.
That Mehul and I could have something simple.
Something warm.
Something that didn't come with fear or loss or pain.
I was wrong.
When Mehul finally woke up properly, he looked like he had lost a battle.
Hair a complete mess.
Eyes still sleepy.
Wrapped in the blankets like he wasn't planning on moving.
I grinned. "Feeling better?"
He groaned, shoving his face into the pillow.
"Never letting you touch me again."
I laughed. "You said that last night, too."
Mehul grabbed a pillow and threw it at my face.
Weakly.
I caught it easily and set it aside, watching him.
His lips were pouty.
His face was warm.
And even though he was complaining—
He was still curled up on my side of the bed.
Like he didn't actually want to be anywhere else.
Something in my chest tightened.
I reached over, brushing my fingers through his hair.
Soft. Slow.
And Mehul?
He let me.
No teasing.
No sharp comebacks.
Just him, melting into my touch like he belonged there.
I swallowed hard.
Because he did.
I pulled him closer, letting him rest against my chest.
Mehul exhaled deeply, completely relaxing into me.
"You're weirdly gentle today," he mumbled.
I smirked. "You're just weirdly accepting it."
He hummed. Didn't even deny it.
We stayed like that for a long time.
No words.
No teasing.
Just warmth.
Just this.
And I should have realized.
Should have known that peace like this always comes before the storm.
By the time I got out of bed, the morning was slipping into noon.
Mehul had stolen my hoodie, still lounging on my couch, scrolling through his phone.
I stood at the door, helmet in hand.
"I'm heading out," I said casually.
Mehul didn't even look up. "Hmm? Where?"
I shrugged. "Just to clear my head. Need a ride."
His brows furrowed.
"Take the car."
I smirked. "Since when do you care how I drive?"
Mehul scowled. "Since I know how reckless you are on that bike."
I rolled my eyes.
I walked over, leaning down slightly.
Pressed a quick kiss to his forehead.
Mehul froze.
His fingers twitched slightly on his phone.
I grinned. "Relax. I'll be back before you miss me."
Mehul sighed. "I already miss you."
My heart stopped.
For a second—**just a second—**I almost stayed.
Almost canceled my ride.
But I didn't.
I just smirked.
"Keep saying things like that, and I might never leave."
Mehul rolled his eyes.
"Just come back in one piece, idiot."
I winked. "Always."
Then—I walked out.
And that was the last time Mehul saw me whole.
It happened too fast.
One second, I was on the road.
Wind in my hair. Breathing easy.
And then—
Headlights.
Screeching tires.
Pain.
Sharp. Blinding. Unforgiving.
I hit the ground hard.
My body twisted wrong.
Something cracked.
Something snapped.
And then—
Everything went dark.