Later that evening, Meera sat by her window, her thoughts still swirling after the conversation with Aditi. The uncertainty about college and Kabir hadn't disappeared, but it no longer felt like it was swallowing her whole.
Then her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen. It was a message from Kabir:
Kabir:"Hey, I know you've been thinking a lot today. How about we go for a walk? I'll wait for you outside."
Meera stared at the message, her heart fluttering. Maybe this was exactly what she needed—to clear her head, to talk face-to-face without the noise of her overthinking.
She typed back:
Meera:"Okay, I'll be there in 10 minutes."
She got up, changed quickly, and stepped out into the cool evening air. There he was, standing by the gate, hands in his pockets, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
"You ready?" he asked.
Meera nodded. "Ready."
They walked side by side, the world around them quiet and still. It wasn't an awkward silence—it was calm, comfortable.
After a few minutes, Kabir glanced at her. "You've been a little distant today. I know something's on your mind."
Meera drew in a deep breath. It was time.
"I have been thinking," she began. "And I'm scared, Kabir. I love you, but I'm scared of what it means to be at the same college. I don't want to lose myself, and I don't want to feel like I'm always tied to you. I need space. Space to grow. To figure things out."
Kabir stopped walking, turning to face her. His expression softened.
"Meera, you don't have to be scared. I never want you to lose yourself for me. I love who you are. And if being at the same college means giving you space, I will. I'll respect that."
Her eyes welled up. "I don't want to lose us. But I also don't want to lose me."
"You don't have to choose," he said, reaching for her hand. "You can have both. I want us to grow together, and also as individuals."
Meera felt the last of her tension dissolve. This—this was what she needed. Not a perfect answer, but a promise of balance.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Always," he replied.
They continued walking, and though the silence returned, it felt different. Peaceful. Honest. Safe.
And for the first time in a long while, Meera believed that she could have both love and freedom.