Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha~ Short Stories Collection

4

Author's POV 

5 YEARS AGO

The medical college buzzed with its usual energy, students darting between classes and study groups. Rajveer and Mihika had grown closer, their camaraderie blossoming in secret. They laughed at each other's jokes, shared study notes, and spent long hours in the library discussing everything under the sun. Their friendship, however, was not unnoticed by everyone.

Simran, Rajveer's girlfriend, felt a pang of jealousy every time she saw them together. While the other juniors enjoyed their newfound closeness with the seniors thanks to Rajveer and Mihika's bond, Simran chose to ignore it, masking her feelings behind a façade of indifference.

"Rajveer, are you free this evening?" Simran asked one day, her tone casual but her eyes searching his.

"Sorry, Simran, I've got plans with Mihika and the group," Rajveer replied, his voice light.

Simran's smile faltered for a moment. "Okay, maybe another time," she said, turning away.

As days turned into weeks, Rajveer and Mihika's bond only strengthened. They were secretive about their growing feelings, aware that it would cause a stir. One evening, after a particularly intense study session, Rajveer decided it was time to end things with Simran.

"Simran, can we talk?" he asked, his tone serious.

Simran looked up from her book, sensing the gravity in his voice. "Sure, Rajveer. What's on your mind?"

He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I think we should break up. Our relationship... it was always kind of forced, and I didn't really think about it much before."

Simran stared at him, her expression unreadable. "You want to break up?" she echoed, as if testing the words.

"Yes," Rajveer said firmly. "I don't think it's fair to either of us to continue like this."

Simran sighed, a mixture of relief and resignation in her eyes. "I guess I saw this coming," she admitted. "Alright, Rajveer. If that's what you want."

Rajveer nodded, grateful for her understanding. "Thanks, Simran. I hope we can still be friends."

Simran gave a small smile. "Maybe. Let's see how things go."

With the breakup behind him, Rajveer focused on his growing feelings for Mihika. They continued their secret courtship, growing closer with each passing day. One evening, as they sat on a secluded bench on campus, Rajveer decided to take the plunge.

"Mihika, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his heart pounding.

Mihika looked at him, curiosity and a hint of apprehension in her eyes. "What is it, Rajveer?"

He took her hand in his, his touch gentle but firm. "I've fallen for you, Mihika. I know it seems sudden, but I can't ignore my feelings any longer."

Mihika's eyes widened in surprise. "Rajveer, I... I don't know what to say."

"Just tell me how you feel," he urged, his voice earnest. "I want to be with you, but only if you feel the same."

Mihika hesitated, her mind racing. "It's not that simple, Rajveer. We've got so much going on, and Simran..."

"Simran and I have broken up," Rajveer interrupted gently. "It was never right between us, and she understood that."

Mihika's heart skipped a beat. "You really mean it?"

Rajveer nodded. "I do. I want us to be together, but I understand if you need time."

Mihika looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. "Okay," she said finally. "Let's take it slow and see where it goes."

Rajveer's face lit up with a smile. "That's all I ask."

5 YEARS LATER

Rajveer leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he scrolled through old photos on his phone. His heart skipped a beat when he stumbled upon a picture of him and Mihika from five years ago. They were on a date, both laughing, captured in a moment of pure happiness. The memory hit him like a tidal wave.

He threw his phone onto the bed in frustration, running his hands through his hair. "How did it all go wrong?" he muttered to himself, the weight of the past pressing down on him. The memories of their secret courtship, the nights spent talking about dreams and fears, and the promise of a future together—all of it seemed so distant now.

Sighing, Rajveer sank into his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling. The pain of their separation still felt fresh, the unresolved tension gnawing at his soul. He reached for his laptop, needing a distraction. As he opened it, his mind wandered back to that evening at the café, the conversation replaying in his head.

Determined to focus on something else, he pulled up his email and began typing a message to Neha, his ex-assistant.

"Subject: Urgent Work

Hi Neha,

I hope you're doing well. I need some assistance with a few projects that need immediate attention. Can we discuss the details over a call? Let me know your availability.

Best, Rajveer"

He hit send and closed his laptop, feeling a strange mix of relief and lingering sadness. As he sat there in the quiet of his room, the past and present seemed to blur, leaving him with an unsettling sense of unfinished business. 

5 Years Ago

The night was calm as Rajveer and Mihika strolled down the quiet, tree-lined path of the park, the soft glow of streetlights casting a warm hue on their surroundings. It had been weeks since their courtship began, and tonight was their first official date. Rajveer, dressed in a casual shirt and jeans, looked at Mihika, who was stunning in a simple floral dress.

Rajveer paused, taking Mihika's hand in his. "You know, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Mihika smiled, her eyes twinkling with a mix of shyness and excitement. "I'm glad we're here, Rajveer. It feels...right."

They reached a small café nestled at the corner of the park. Rajveer held the door open for Mihika, and they found a cozy table by the window. As they sat down, the ambiance around them faded, leaving only the two of them, lost in each other's company.

Rajveer unlocked the door to his apartment, the comforting scent of wooden spices wafting through the air as they stepped inside. Mihika looked around curiously, taking in the minimalist decor and the peaceful ambiance of his living space.

"So, why do you live alone?" Mihika asked, her voice breaking the comfortable silence.

Rajveer glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "I enjoy the solitude," he replied. "But having you here... I wouldn't mind that much."

Mihika raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Even Simran wasn't allowed here?"

Rajveer shook his head, a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "No, she wasn't."

"Why me, then?" Mihika's voice was soft, almost hesitant.

Rajveer moved closer, his gaze intense. "Because I really care for you, Mihika."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, the sincerity in his voice resonating deeply within her. Without another word, she pushed him gently against the wall, her lips capturing his in a passionate kiss. Rajveer was momentarily startled but quickly responded, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer.

The kiss deepened, filled with unspoken emotions and desires, as they lost themselves in the moment. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them, intertwined in a dance of newfound love and raw emotion.

Breaking the kiss, Mihika looked into Rajveer's eyes, her breath coming in short gasps. "I care for you too, Rajveer."