A Letter To My Butterfly

chapter 9: The crossroads

Chapter 9: Crossroads

As autumn settled over the school, the days grew shorter, and the air turned crisp. The vibrant colors of the leaves mirrored the warmth of Vishwa and Tarini’s growing relationship. They had settled into a rhythm, balancing their studies with moments of joy, laughter, and connection. However, the impending pressures of college applications loomed large, casting shadows over their budding romance.

One afternoon, Vishwa found himself sitting in the school cafeteria, flipping through college brochures. His heart raced as he contemplated the weight of his decisions. Tarini had been focused on her coursework, and while he understood her dedication, he couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty that had begun to creep in.

As he scanned the cafeteria for Tarini, he noticed a group of their classmates gathered at a nearby table, animatedly discussing college choices. The buzz of excitement felt infectious, but Vishwa couldn’t help but feel a pang of anxiety. He wanted to share in that enthusiasm with Tarini, but he was also aware of the pressures they both faced.

“Hey, Vishwa!” a voice called from behind him. It was Riya, one of Tarini’s close friends. “Have you decided where you’re applying yet?”

“Not yet,” he replied, forcing a smile. “Still weighing my options.”

“You should talk to Tarini. She seems really focused on getting into her dream school. I heard she’s considering some big names,” Riya said, her tone light but with an undertone of seriousness.

“Yeah, she’s really dedicated,” Vishwa said, his heart sinking. He had always admired Tarini’s ambition, but he also felt a growing pressure to match her intensity.

When Tarini finally arrived, she spotted Vishwa and rushed over, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Sorry I’m late! I was at the library working on my application essays,” she said, sliding into the seat beside him.

“No worries,” he replied, trying to hide his growing unease. “I was just talking to Riya about college.”

“Oh? What did she say?” Tarini asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.

“She mentioned you were considering some big schools,” Vishwa said, carefully gauging her reaction.

Tarini nodded, her smile faltering slightly. “Yeah, I’ve been working really hard to get my applications just right. I want to make sure I stand out.”

“I get that,” Vishwa replied, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. “But it’s a lot of pressure, isn’t it?”

“It is,” she admitted, her brow furrowing. “I just want to make the right choice for my future.”

Vishwa hesitated, wanting to voice his feelings but unsure how to approach the topic. “What if we both applied to schools we genuinely love, rather than just the ones we feel we’re supposed to go to?”

Tarini looked at him thoughtfully. “You’re right. I’ve been so focused on the names and rankings that I haven’t really thought about what truly makes me happy.”

Encouraged by her openness, Vishwa continued, “Let’s promise each other we’ll support each other through this. We don’t have to lose what we have while trying to figure everything out.”

“Absolutely,” Tarini agreed, her expression softening. “I want to enjoy this process with you, not let it consume us.”

With that agreement, they both felt a wave of relief wash over them. They spent the rest of lunch discussing their dreams and aspirations, sharing what truly excited them about their futures. It was a refreshing conversation that reminded Vishwa of why he had fallen for Tarini in the first place—her passion, her determination, and her kindness.