The morning sun cast golden rays over the school courtyard. Students rushed in and out of classrooms, laughter and chatter filling the air. But for Sanya, the world felt strangely muted. Her palms were damp, her heart pounding faster with each step she took toward the school gate.
Today, she had decided, she would tell Akhil.
She spotted him near the entrance, walking casually with a couple of friends. The tall, confident stride, the easy smile that seemed to brighten everyone around him—it made her chest tighten with nervous excitement.
"Go on," she whispered to herself, clutching her notebook for courage.
A few meters away, Ram had just stepped out of the library, his eyes immediately finding Sanya. He frowned at the way she stood, her whole body trembling with anticipation. And then he saw it—Akhil. His chest tightened as realization struck.
"No… she's really going to do it."
Sanya forced herself forward. Each step felt like walking through water, but when Akhil's eyes met hers, the world seemed to still.
"Hi, Sanya," he greeted warmly.
She almost lost her nerve. But then she remembered Ram's words the previous night—If he makes you this happy, then yes, you should. That gave her strength.
Taking a deep breath, she blurted out, "Akhil… I don't know why, but you're always on my mind. I like your kindness… and—" she faltered, cheeks flushing crimson, "—and your smile. You look like you came straight from heaven. An angel."
Gasps and murmurs rippled among a few nearby students. Akhil froze, surprise flashing across his face before a soft blush colored his cheeks.
He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Sanya… that's… really sweet. But… I need some time to think. Can you give me that?"
Her heart leapt with hope. She nodded quickly, her face burning with both embarrassment and relief. "Of course. Take all the time you need."
A few steps away, hidden near the corner of the building, Ram stood frozen. His vision blurred as hot tears welled in his eyes. He bit down hard on his lip, willing himself not to make a sound.
He wanted to scream. To run up and tell her the truth—that it was him, not Akhil, who had stood by her through every storm. That it was him who loved her more deeply than words could express.
But instead, he wiped his tears roughly, muttering to himself, "It's just dust… nothing else."
Just then, Akhil glanced around, his gaze accidentally meeting Ram's. For the first time, Akhil saw something unfamiliar in Ram's usually calm eyes—a raw sadness, deep and unspoken.
But before either could speak, Sanya's laughter rang out as she shyly thanked Akhil again. Ram quickly turned away, forcing himself to walk in the opposite direction, each step heavier than the last.
That night, while Sanya replayed the moment in her head, hugging her pillow with a hopeful smile, Ram sat alone in his darkened room. His dinner lay untouched on the table.
Hands clasped tightly, he whispered a quiet prayer:
"God… just let her be happy. Even if it's not with me."