Beyond the Books: A Love to Last

A New Beginning

Anushka sat under the large banyan tree at the back of the school one afternoon, lost in her thoughts. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the empty courtyard. Kabir approached her slowly, his footsteps soft but steady.

"You okay?" His deep, calm voice interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with regret and a hint of affection she hadn't allowed herself to feel until now. "Kabir, I... I never really noticed how much you cared," she said quietly, the words hard to get out. "I've been so blind."

He knelt beside her, his gaze sincere and full of warmth. "I've always been here, Anushka. And I'll always be here. No matter what."

Her heart fluttered. His honesty, his kindness—it was all so overwhelming. She realized now that Kabir had always been the one who truly saw her, who respected her for who she was, with all her flaws and quirks.

"But there's one more thing," she said hesitantly. "Suhani... she has feelings for you too. I don't want to hurt her."

Kabir sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Suhani's my friend. But it's you, Anushka. It's always been you."

Her breath hitched at his words. It felt surreal, standing at this crossroad, realizing she had finally found someone who would love her in ways she never thought possible. Someone who had always put her first, even when she didn't know it.

Anushka smiled softly, her heart warming. For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to let go of the past, to forget Rahul, and to fall for the boy who had been by her side all along.

Kabir.

Maybe love didn't always start as fireworks. Sometimes, it was quiet and patient, waiting for you to see what was right in front of you.

And now, she was ready to take that chance.