Together Forever

Chapter 13

Anika's POV

I frowned, trying to recall. "Before?"

"School," he murmured, his eyes still closed but a small smile tugging at his lips. "We were in the same class for a year when we were kids. You probably don't remember... you were quiet, always reading under that big tree during lunch."

My heart skipped a beat as the memory hit me like a tidal wave. I did remember that. It was so long ago, I had almost forgotten, but now it was flooding back. The shy, quiet girl I was, always with a book, trying to stay unnoticed. And the boy who had once tried to share his lunch with me because he thought I looked lonely.

"You-" I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "That was you?"

Uday opened his eyes, locking them with mine. "Yeah. That was me. I always wanted to talk to you more, but you seemed so... distant. Like you were in your own world."

I was speechless, the realization swirling in my mind. How had I not connected the dots before?

He laughed softly, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "I never thought I'd see you again after that. But when I saw you at the engagement, I recognized you instantly. I guess... I was hoping you'd recognize me too."

I swallowed hard, the weight of the moment sinking in. "I didn't. I'm sorry."

He shook his head, smiling softly. "Don't be. I was just a silly boy back then. I guess I've been trying to catch your attention ever since."

I offered him an awkward smile, unsure of how to respond. Before I could say anything, the door creaked open, and Nitya entered.

"Anika!" she greeted warmly, a bright smile on her face.

I quickly stood up, relieved to see her. "Nitya!" I hugged her tightly, feeling the familiar comfort of her presence.

"What a surprise," she said, pulling back but still holding onto my hands.

"I came to see Uday," I replied, glancing over at him.

"That's good!" she nodded approvingly. "Now we will have a chat."

"No, no," I protested. "I should be going now, it's getting late."

Nitya raised an eyebrow, her expression playful but firm. "What do you mean you're leaving? You're leaving just when I got here?" She crossed her arms, looking at me as if I had just said something outrageous.

"Umm, I... I..." I stammered, caught off guard.

"Stay for a while, please?" she asked, her voice softening. There was no way I could say no now.

I sighed lightly, giving her a small smile. "How can I say no to you?"

Nitya grinned in satisfaction and sat down beside me, clearly happy with my answer. "Acha, did Aunt tell you about the wedding?"

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What?"

"It's postponed," she said casually, but her words hit me like a brick.

"No," I whispered, shaking my head. "No one told me."

"Well, it is," she replied. "Next month now."

"Oh... okay," I said, but my chest tightened, and my face fell as guilt washed over me. "I'm so sorry, Nitya. It's postponed because of me."

Nitya's expression shifted immediately, her playful demeanor gone. "What are you saying?" she asked, her voice more serious now.

"Uday..." I swallowed hard. "Uday tried to save me, and then he got hurt. And now the wedding... It's all my fault."