The Romance We Made Up

Shehnaaz stood on her balcony, the bustling streets of Mumbai stretching out before her. The cacophony of honking cars, lively street vendors and the distant sound of children laughing provided a backdrop to her swirling thoughts. With a cup of steaming masala chai in hand, she took a deep breath, trying to dispel the heaviness in her heart. Memories of Arnav danced through her mind, the bittersweet taste of their relationship lingering like an unfinished melody.

It had all begun a few months ago, during a reunion of their college circle. They had met through mutual friends, a gathering that felt like a trip down memory lane. He was the kind of guy who turned heads effortlessly. He possessed a certain charm that radiated confidence, his laughter infectious and his smile captivating. Their connection had sparked instantly, igniting conversations filled with shared jokes and dreams. She remembered how they would sit in coffee shops, discussing everything from their favorite movies to their aspirations for the future. He was ambitious, with a plan to settle in a metro city after completing his Master's degree abroad. The vision of a successful life together danced tantalizingly in her mind.

For her, he had been an escape from the relentless pressure her parents placed on her. The hunt for a suitable groom had become a sport for her family, with every family gathering turning into a matchmaking event.

At 28, the societal clock was ticking and every glance from her relatives felt like a reminder of her single status. Arnav had represented a way out, a partnership that could save her from those awkward conversations about her future.

Their relationship blossomed over coffee dates and long walks. He appreciated her career as a freelance interior designer, recognizing her independence and passion. He admired her creativity, encouraging her to take on more significant projects. But as time passed, she realized that while they shared laughs and dreams, there was an underlying tension. He was focused on his ambitions and despite their connection, he seemed hesitant to make long-term commitments.

The turning point came during one of their conversations about the future. They were sitting in a small café, the air thick with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. As they spoke about their plans, he hesitated before revealing his thoughts. "Shehnaaz, I don't know if I can handle a long-distance relationship. I have my studies, my career... I just don't see how it would work. I'm sorry yaar."

His words struck her like a thunderclap. She felt the ground beneath her shift, as if the foundation of their relationship had suddenly crumbled. "Tu sirf US ja raha hai. I can- I mean, I don't think that we have to- mai tujhe poora poora support karti hu Arnav! Humesha karungi." she insisted, desperation creeping into her voice.

"Janta hu, samajhta hu. Tu itni achi hai, tu humesha support karegi mujhe. Lekin, I just have to prioritize my ambitions as of now. It's not fair to either of us if I can't give you what you deserve." he replied softly, his eyes filled with regret.

The conversation ended with an unspoken understanding that they were standing at a crossroads. She felt a mix of anger and sadness. It was as if the universe had conspired to pull them apart, leaving her feeling abandoned and questioning her worth.

When they finally parted ways, it was under a veil of unfulfilled promises and broken dreams. His departure for the U.S. was inevitable and it marked the end of what could have been. She spent weeks in a haze, replaying their moments together, questioning everything from their connection to her own self-worth. Did he really care? Was he just another man who couldn't see the value in a partnership?

Now, 2 months later, the weight of his absence felt lighter but not unforgettable. She looked down at the street below, watching couples stroll hand in hand and felt a twinge of envy. The noise of the city faded as she lost herself in thought. She longed for that connection again, yet she knew that pursuing it further would only lead to more heartbreak.