Me: Yes, but what if she ends up feeling hurt?

Kiana: Oh! She won’t. Just take my advice and break up with her. What’s the point of moving in with someone who doesn’t love you and doesn’t want a serious relationship with you? You’ll just waste each other’s time before you eventually move on. So, just move on already!

Me: How do you know that?

Kiana: Been there, done that!

Me: But what if I don’t?

Kiana: I wouldn’t want to take things further with you.

Me: I guess I had to hear it from someone today. I thought my best friend would tell me to stop, but he didn’t. I suppose you’re right. I need to break up ASAP.

Kiana: You’re not even her boyfriend, so technically, you can’t break up. Just move on. Haha!

Me: Thank you for your kind encouragement, ma’am!

Kiana: You’re welcome. I would also suggest that you continue apartment hunting, but try living alone now.

Me: But why? I have it all sorted out in Delhi.

Kiana: Stepping out of your comfort zone can teach you so much. You’ll have to deal with being homesick at times, but it’ll help you in your personal growth journey.

Me: I’ll give it a thought. But enough about me. What are your plans for the day?

Kiana: Well, it’s nighttime here, so I have no big or exciting plans. I’ll just go to bed now. Planning to wake up early and hit the road for a jog.

Me: All right! Sounds good to me. I keep forgetting the time difference between us, sorry! You have a great day tomorrow, Kiana. And good night for now!

Kiana: Thanks! And you have a lovely day ahead. All the best for the apartment hunting! And for your ‘breakup’!

With that, another lively chat session comes to an end. I let out a long sigh. Kiana’s words play around in my mind. I understand that living on your own can be incredibly empowering. Nothing can match the feeling of being so fiercely independent that even goddamn God stays out of your way. But I’m also afraid of this feeling of independence. What if I’m never able to allow my heart to love again? What if I’m never able to experience the euphoria of coming back home to someone? Would I die alone?