HEALING MIRRORS

13

As the days passed, my bond with Kyra and Mihika grew stronger, solidifying into a beautiful friendship that I cherished. I found myself deeply caring for both of them, as though they were my true loves.

Sitting in the basketball court area, I couldn't help but marvel at how it brought me peace. It was a strange yet welcoming sensation. With the league set to start next week and a college fest approaching, excitement bubbled within me.

As I made my way to class, I spotted Kyra and greeted her with a warm smile. "Hey," I said softly. She returned the smile, her eyes filled with kindness. However, Mihika was absent today.

Deciding to confide in Kyra, I drew her attention away from her work. "Hey, can I share something with you?" I asked, grateful for her constant presence and willingness to listen. "There's a boy in the commerce campus that I have a crush on. He seems really nice."

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier, Eshana?" Kyra's eyes lit up with curiosity and cheer. "You should confess your feelings to him. He'd be lucky to have you."

I hesitated, my insecurities creeping in. "But what if he doesn't feel the same? I'm nothing compared to him. I'm not even that pretty."

Kyra's words of reassurance were like a balm to my soul. "Eshana, you're beautiful just the way you are. Don't doubt yourself," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "Confessing your feelings could be the start of something wonderful. You never know until you try." She gave me confidence, and I'm thankful to have her as a friend.

Lost in my thoughts, I was brought back to reality by Kyra's voice. "Eshana, what are you thinking about?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice.

"Nothing much," I replied, trying to push away my doubts. "Just about... important things maybe ."

Kyra's words lingered in my mind, giving me the courage to make a decision. "Okay, Kyra, I've made up my mind. I'm going to confess my feelings to him at the fest," I declared, a newfound fire of determination in my body. "Do you think it's a good idea? I'll dress up in a traditional outfit, with jhumkas and everything, for a desi look." My excitement grew as I envisioned the moment, and I knew I was ready to take this leap of faith.

"Sure, Ana, that sounds perfect," Kyra replied, her enthusiasm contagious. "He'll be mesmerized by you. After all, who can resist my Ana?"

As we continued our conversation, planning the perfect moment for me to confess, I couldn't help but feel confident because of Kyra's unwavering support,With her by my side. I felt ready to take a leap of faith and confess my feelings to the boy I had a crush on.

Her enthusiasm and encouragement were infectious, and I found myself growing more excited about the upcoming fest. Together, we brainstormed ideas for my outfit and how to make the confession memorable. With Kyra's friendship, I knew I had someone I could rely on no matter what.

***

Meanwhile Mihika sat alone in her house, tears streamed down her face, her heart aching with loneliness and despair. She felt as though everything in her life was slowly slipping away.

"That girl Kyra," Mihika thought bitterly, "she's snatching my Eshh away from me. These days, Eshana doesn't even ask about me or how I'm doing. Everything is falling apart."

Despite her efforts to stay strong, Mihika couldn't shake off the thoughts of being left behind. She missed those days when she and Eshana were inseparable, sharing everything from secrets to dreams. Now, it seemed like Eshana's world revolved around Kyra, leaving Mihika disconnected like an outsider in her own life.