When Love Finally Knocked

Chapter 6 - Love Has Terrible Timing

Two weeks later, John called her on a quiet Sunday morning. "Hey," he said, his tone hesitant.

''Hey," she replied cautiously. I have some news. '' Big news," he informed her.

"Oh?" Tinu replied to him.

"I've been offered a lead architect position in Dubai." Her heart sank before he even finished the sentence. "That's incredible," she said, forcing a smile into her voice. "Congratulations."

He hesitated. "It's a two-year contract. It's everything I've worked for."

"Wow,'' she said softly. " That's amazing, John."

But her chest felt hollow. Because she already knew what came next. They met later that evening at their favorite café, the one where she'd first spilled coffee on her blouse. He looked at her with that same gentle steadiness she had fallen for. " I want you to know, this doesn't change how I feel about you."

She smiled sadly. '' Of course, it does. It changes everything."

He reached across the table, taking her hand. "We can make it work, Tinu. Long-distance calls and visits. She shook her head. " You know me. I don't do halfway. Not with work. Not with love."

"Tinu"

I'm proud of you, John. Really. You should take it." He was quiet for a long time, eye searching hers. Then he squeezed her hand gently. " You're sure?"

She nodded. " Go build something amazing. That's who you are.'' He smiled a little broken, a little grateful. "You know, I thought I'd be the one designing grand things. Turns out, you're a masterpiece."

Her throat tightened. "The line probably works on all the women."

"Only the one that matters"

They both laughed, but it was soft, sad laughter, the kind that comes when you love someone but know you have to let them go.

When he finally stood to leave, he kissed her on the forehead again, just like that first night after dinner. "Don't overthink this," he whispered.

This time, she didn't. She just let him go.