The next few days passed by a blur. I abided by my routine as if following a rule book. I hardly bothered to smile, except when it was necessary. I did my chores, did my office work, burnt cigarettes, filled my ears with music, numbed my senses with alcohol— just about anything to get him off my mind.

I knew. I knew the moment I thought of Rithik, I'd lose my shit. It didn't help how his absence lingered in every hour, in every minute of the day. His shadow stuck to me like glue, all the way to the empty bed besides me. Those were the only times I failed, resulting in quiet breakdowns in the darkness of my room. His memories rendered me prisoner, reminding me of what I lost. What was he, marijuana? For some sick reason, this breakup stung me more than the previous one over the letter. Much, much more. Maybe because it wasn't face-to-face like this.