I stepped onto the college campus, the familiar sounds and sights a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within. My brother's wedding, a joyful celebration, now felt like a distant memory. My focus had shifted to the impending confrontation with Aditi.
Determination coursed through my veins.
Investigate, confront, resolve.
If necessary, sacrifice.
The day arrived, and our paths crossed.
"Hey," Aditi said softly, her smile hesitant.
"Hey," I replied, my tone measured, neutral.
We exchanged pleasantries, discussing notes and lessons I'd missed. The conversation flowed effortlessly, a facade of normalcy.
"Want to grab lunch?" I asked, gesturing toward the canteen.
Aditi nodded, and we walked side by side, the tension between us palpable.
Inside the canteen, we found a quiet corner, surrounded by the hum of conversation and clinking utensils. We ordered our meals, the silence between us growing thicker.
"So, how was your break?" Aditi asked, breaking the silence.
"Good. My brother's wedding was great," I replied, my eyes locked onto hers.
Days blended together, Aditi and I maintaining a fragile facade of friendship. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, laughter and stories shared, but beneath the surface, tension simmered.
I sensed her unease, her attempts to create distance.
Subtle hints, carefully crafted.
New ideas emerged, manipulations disguised.
"I'm busy, let's catch up later."
"Can't talk now, exams are near."
Ignored messages, delayed responses.
Lies woven into conversations, seamlessly.
"I didn't get your message."
"I was just busy with my family."
I observed, silent and vigilant, aware of the shift.
My roommates were oblivious to my turmoil, so I wore a mask.
Basketball games, a temporary escape from the ache.
Sweat and adrenaline, a fleeting reprieve.
But questions swirled, relentlessly:
"What's happening, Aditi?"
"Why are you pushing me away?"
"Should I confront her?"
Fear of loss gripped me, a constant companion.
Fear of facing the truth, of shattering illusions.
Aditi's relationship with Rohan lingered, unseen.
Unspoken, yet palpable, a weight on my chest.
I struggled to find courage, to confront the reality.
Trapped in indecision, paralyzed.
"What should I do?"
"Should I let go?"
"Can I move on?"
The college ended and we headed at our PG, I remember it was a midnight texts from Aditi, sudden and unsettling.
"Where were you today?"
YOU ARE READING
Star-Crossed Yet Not Aligned
RomanceA mysterious event shattered their bliss, tearing them apart. Subh's desperate search for Aditi yielded only silence. Years passed, and the memories of their love began to fade like a ghost. Yet, the haunting question lingered: What really happened...
