Chapter 1 Whispers of Change

The day had begun with the promise of celebration, yet as the sun dipped below the horizon, it morphed into one of the darkest moments of my life. My birthday, a day I had anticipated with joy, was shattered by a heartbreaking breakup.

The park near my old school, once a sanctuary of love and laughter, now felt like a prison of memories. It was here, in this cherished place, that I had poured my heart out in a proposal, dreaming of a future together. But today, that dream lay in ruins, echoing only the pain of what once was.

As I stood there, grappling with the enormity of my loss, I fumbled my phone and watched helplessly as it fell, the screen cracking upon impact. It was a fitting metaphor for my life—damaged, shattered, and rendered unusable.

At first, I tried to convince myself that being single would allow me to focus on my studies. Perhaps I would emerge stronger, more determined. Yet, the spark I once felt for my dreams quickly faded. What I thought was the ignition of a new chapter soon revealed itself to be a suffocating weight, extinguishing the fire within me.

In the hours that followed, I retreated to my room, shutting out the world. I turned off every electronic device, seeking solitude in the silence. I sank into my study chair, a sanctuary turned battleground. The session began with a scream of frustration, the air thick with unexpressed emotions, and ended in a sigh—a deep exhale that seemed to carry my hopes away.

My mind was a jumbled mess, not working properly, trapped in a loop of memories and regrets. The echo of laughter from school days lingered, a spark contrast to the sombre reality I faced.

As darkness settled outside, I realised that this was just a moment in my journey—a chapter that would someday close, giving way to new beginnings.

I had always been a diligent scholar, consistently scoring above average and frequently earning a coveted spot on the top ten list. My academic achievements have been a source of pride, a testament to my hard work and dedication. However, upon completing my schooling, a flicker of disinterest began to shadow my passion for studies. It was a temporary lapse, a mere detour on my educational journey, as I soon found my way back to the path of learning.

One quiet afternoon, as I immersed myself in my books, the tranquillity of my study was abruptly interrupted by a knock at the main door. It was unexpected, as everyone in the house had either left for work or was out running errands. I felt a wave of reluctance wash over me; the thought of encountering someone at that moment was less than appealing. Yet, with no one else around, I had no choice but to answer the door.

I closed my books, my heart racing as I made my way toward the entrance. With every step, I could feel the tension mounting, my feet trembling and my face growing cold. I peered through the window beside the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of the visitor, but the view was obstructed. Who could it be?

With a deep breath, I reached for the doorknob, hoping to find an empty threshold. As I swung the door open, a familiar voice pierced the air, “What took you so long?” It was Shweta, my best friend. Her bright presence instantly dispelled my unease, and in that moment, I was grateful for the unexpected interruption.

She came to collect the notebook she once lent me. “What are you doing at this time?” she asked furiously.

“I was studying,” I replied.

“Whatever. You should have opened the door sooner! I was standing out there forever!”

“I’m so sorry for keeping you waiting,” I said, feeling guilty.

At that moment, I realised I had to apologise sincerely. I invited her into the living room, where I asked her to sit while I prepared some tea and fetched some snacks. After making the tea, I poured it into two cups and brought them over to her.