The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the palace grounds. Meera stood in her chambers, her heart racing as she prepared to return to her own time. She had gathered everything she needed—the pendant that had been her only connection to the 1700s, the small token she had kept hidden away, and the memories that weighed heavily on her heart.

She had made up her mind to go back, to leave behind the life she had built in the 1600s, and to return to the responsibilities, family, and friends she had left in her own time. But as she stood there, holding the pendant in her trembling hands, doubt gnawed at her.

Meera took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “This is the right thing to do,” she whispered, as if trying to convince herself. “I belong in the 1700s. My family needs me. I have to go back.”

But no matter how much she tried to convince herself, the weight in her chest wouldn’t lift. The thought of leaving Shivaan, of walking away from the love and friendship they had shared, felt like an unbearable burden. She had told herself that she could leave, that she could return to her old life, but the truth was, her heart was torn in two.

The pendant in her hand glowed faintly, as if sensing her inner turmoil. It was the key to her return, the object that had brought her here and could take her back. But every time she looked at it, she felt a pang of sorrow so deep that it made her question everything.

As she stood there, teetering on the edge of a decision that would change her life forever, the door to her chambers opened quietly. Shivaan stepped inside, his eyes filled with concern as he saw the distress on Meera’s face.

“Meera,” Shivaan said softly, approaching her with care. “Are you alright? You look like you’ve been crying.”

Meera quickly wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself. “I… I was just about to leave,” she admitted, her voice shaky. “I was ready to return to my own time, but… I can’t do it, Shivaan. I can’t.”

Shivaan’s eyes softened with understanding. He took a step closer, gently taking her hands in his. “What’s stopping you? You were so sure before.”

Meera looked down at the pendant, her tears threatening to fall again. “I thought I could do it. I thought I could just leave everything behind and go back to my old life. But the truth is, I can’t bear the thought of leaving you. Leaving everything we’ve built together. It hurts too much.”

Shivaan’s heart ached at her words, but he remained calm, his voice gentle. “Meera, you don’t have to leave if you’re not ready. I know how much your past means to you, but your future is just as important. And if that future is here, with me, then I’ll support you in whatever you choose.”

Meera’s tears spilled over as she looked up at him, her emotions overwhelming her. “I don’t know what to do, Shivaan. I’m torn between my duty to my family and my love for you. How can I make a decision like this?”

Shivaan cupped her face in his hands, his touch warm and comforting. “You don’t have to decide right now. We can take it one day at a time. Whatever happens, I’ll be here for you, Meera. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Meera’s resolve crumbled as she broke down, sobbing into his chest. “I thought I was stronger than this. I thought I could just go back and be the person I was before, but everything has changed. I’ve changed.”

Shivaan held her close, his arms wrapped tightly around her as she cried. “It’s okay to feel this way, Meera. You’ve been through so much, and it’s only natural to be conflicted. But whatever you decide, know that you are loved and valued—no matter where you are.”

Meera clung to him, feeling the warmth and safety of his embrace. In that moment, she knew she couldn’t leave. Not yet. The pull of her old life was strong, but the bond she had with Shivaan was stronger.

“I can’t go back,” Meera whispered through her tears. “I can’t leave you, Shivaan. Not now.”

Shivaan kissed the top of her head, his voice filled with tenderness. “Then stay with me, Meera. We’ll face whatever comes together. There’s no rush to return to the past. You can choose your own path, and I’ll be by your side, no matter what.”

Meera nodded, the decision settling in her heart. She would stay. For now, she couldn’t leave behind the love and life she had found in this time. The past could wait. For the moment, all that mattered was the present—and the man who held her so dearly in his arms.

As the night deepened, Meera and Shivaan stood together, wrapped in each other’s warmth. The pendant that had once symbolized her return to the past lay forgotten on the table, its glow fading as Meera chose to stay in the world she had come to love.

In that moment, Meera knew she had made the right choice, even if it meant delaying her return to the 1700s. For now, she would live in the present, with Shivaan by her side, and let the future unfold as it may.