UNSPOKEN BONDS

9. Long Gone

© archanaj1308 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

DISCLAIMER -

1. The Japanese course in Osaka, the job opportunities, and the details about the Korean song K-pop singer Jisoo Han are all fictitious elements created for the purpose of this story.

2. These details are not based on real programs, opportunities, or individuals, and any resemblance to actual events or persons is purely coincidental.

3. The intention is solely to enhance the narrative and provide an engaging context for the characters and their journey. No offense or misrepresentation is intended.

AMRITHASHREE SRINIVASAN

2 YEARS LATER

Over the past two years, I had consciously maintained a healthy distance from Samarth. I refrained from initiating conversations, letting him take the lead. When he messaged or called, I responded warmly, indulging in conversations that filled my mind and heart with conflicting emotions. My feelings for Samarth had only deepened, despite keeping them tightly restrained. He is happy, and I am happy to see him happy.

It often hurt to witness Sam and Kriti together, but I would endure any pain to see Samarth smile. What stung even more was how Sam's friends had subtly sidelined me, no longer treating me as an integral part of his life.

Despite coming from an equally affluent family, my simplicity and somewhat traditional values & principles seemed out of sync with Sam's more cosmopolitan circle.

I wasn't the kind to seek attention, but the gradual fading of our friendship left an intense ache in my heart. The Sam I knew was fading, replaced by someone I struggled to recognize.

My parents and I had been to Singapore a year ago for a special event. Sam's family band, 'The Family Crescendo,' was performing at the 'Esplanade.' This time, the program was on a grand scale, featuring original songs written and composed by Venkat Mama and Priya Mami.

The lineup included Sam, Ashwathy, Ashwin, Sejal, and Sam's mom Usha, and even gave Kriti an opportunity to sing. Ashwin and Ashwathy, being skilled sound engineers, handled the sound impeccably. Sam had personally invited us to attend, insisting on our presence.

Kriti's talent as a singer was undeniable; her performance was so mesmerizing that she became the talk of the event. Her powerful voice and stage presence set a solid impression, winning over Sam and Ashwin's family with ease. She left a lasting impression on just Sam's family but on the audience as well, probably securing her place in the Raghavan family's musical legacy.

I still remember that painful day when I just wanted to run back home. The girl who had always run off to be with Sam, spend time with him, rant in front of him, and do crazy things with him, wanted to be away from him. This wasn’t my friend Sam. This was 'The Samarth Raghavan Mehta.'

FLASHBACK: SINGAPORE TRIP

During my trip to Singapore, Sam and I had enjoyed moments of genuine connection amidst the glittering skyline and bustling streets.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at a quaint café in Tiong Bahru, followed by a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens where we enjoyed a leisurely walk amidst lush greenery. After that we headed to Haji Lane as I wanted to buy some stuff.

“Remember how we got lost in Chinatown after visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and ended up having the best vegan dumplings?” Sam reminisced, laughter bubbling up.