Prologue

"She was the girl he mocked. She was the only one who saw through him. And the one he could never forget."

Ayushi Shrimali always believed in love, even when it never believed in her. As a chubby, awkward schoolgirl, she was an easy target for Neel Shah's cruel teasing. But despite his words, she loved him-first as a crush, then something deeper.

For Neel, love was just another lie. Growing up in a Gujarati family that was always too busy fighting or working to notice him, he learned early on that emotions were a weakness. He spent most of his time at his mama's house, avoiding the chaos of his home.

But Ayushi? She was the only one who saw past his arrogance.

And that terrified him.

So, he kept pushing her away until she finally left.

Seven years later. Another country. Another life.

Now, fate has brought them together again, but Ayushi is no longer the same girl who used to love him. For the first time, Neel feels what she once did longing, regret, and an ache that refuses to fade.

"You used to follow me around back then," he smirks.

"And you used to run," she whispers. "What changed?"

Now, it's Neel's turn to chase her.

But can a story that started in pain ever find its way to love?

Because some people are destined to walk together... but never to be one.