Target Vote 🎯 - 5

The week flew by in a blur of deadlines and assignments for Alizeh. Her internship was proving to be more intense than she had imagined. Long hours at work left her utterly drained, and by the time she got home, she was running on fumes. Yet, every night, no matter how exhausted she was, she would text Vikram, their conversations now an unmissable part of her day.

But more often than not, she would find herself dozing off mid-chat, phone slipping from her hand and landing unceremoniously on the pillow beside her.

The next morning, it became routine: Alizeh would wake up, see Vikram’s last message, and immediately text him.

Alizeh: I’m so sorry for falling asleep again. I swear I tried to stay up this time.

His reply was always teasing but kind.

Vikram: What’s new? You’re basically a professional napper at this point. Maybe you should add that to your résumé.

Alizeh: Not funny. I’m just overworked!

Vikram: Oh, I know, Ms. Workaholic. Maybe one of these days, you’ll actually prioritize sleep over late-night chats with me.

Alizeh: Never. Besides, our chats are the only thing keeping me sane.

He never pushed her, though. Instead, he made it a point to check in every morning, asking how her day was shaping up and whether she was eating enough. Alizeh had grown fond of the way Vikram always seemed to care, even if it was wrapped in playful teasing.

By Friday, the days had bled together into a single exhausting week. Alizeh found herself counting down the hours until the evening, when she and Vikram would leave for their much-anticipated hiking trip.

That night, as she finished packing her small backpack, her phone buzzed.

Vikram: Ready yet? Or are you still overpacking like the responsible overthinker you are?

Alizeh: Hey! I’m only bringing the essentials. Don’t start.

Vikram: Essentials, huh? That explains why your bag probably weighs as much as you do.

Alizeh: You’ll find out soon enough. I hope your car has enough room.

Vikram: Oh, it does. But you better not bring an entire wardrobe. This is a hike, not a fashion shoot.

Alizeh: I’ll have you know, I’m very prepared for outdoor adventures. Just wait and see.

He sent her a laughing emoji and a picture of his hiking boots already by the door.

By 10 p.m., Vikram’s car pulled up outside her apartment. Alizeh stepped out, her backpack slung over her shoulder. Vikram got out of the driver’s seat, leaning casually against the car as she approached.

“You’re late,” she said, narrowing her eyes at him playfully.

“You’re lucky I showed up at all,” he shot back with a grin. “Let me guess, that bag’s full of things you don’t need?”

“Not a chance,” she replied, sticking out her tongue. “This is all carefully planned.”

He shook his head, opening the trunk for her to stash her bag. “We’ll see about that. Get in, Ms. D’Souza. The adventure begins.”

As they drove out of the city, the streets growing quieter and the air cooler, Alizeh felt a sense of excitement bubbling within her. This was the first time in a long while that she was doing something purely for herself.

And with Vikram’s infectious energy beside her, she had a feeling this weekend would be unlike anything she’d experienced before.

Author Note

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