Star-Crossed Yet Not Aligned

Shadows Within

Subh lay on the terrace, surrounded by the velvety darkness of the night. The cacophony of cricket chirps and distant city sounds created a soothing melody, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within him.

He gazed up at the sky, where clouds shrouded the full moon, casting an ethereal gloom.

As he lost himself in the celestial canvas, Subh's thoughts wandered to the harsh realities of life.

"This world is cruel," he mused. "People only lend a hand if they expect something in return. Their kindness is a transaction, not a genuine gesture." He thought of all the times he'd seen people change, their behavior shifting like the wind, based on what they could gain or lose.

"Possessions, wealth, status - these are the currencies that dictate our worth," Subh reflected, his mind racing. "

But what about the moments that truly make life worth living?
The laughter, the adventures, the quiet moments of connection?"
He felt a pang of sadness, realizing how often people sacrificed their dreams and desires for the sake of material security.

As he pondered, Subh's gaze returned to the moon, now partially obscured by the clouds. Yet, he knew that with time, the clouds would pass, and the moon would shine brightly once more. "Why can't we see that life is like this too?" he thought. "Our struggles, our doubts - they're just temporary clouds. If we hold on, the sun will break through, and our true selves will shine."

Subh's perspective shifted, like the clouds drifting across the moon. He saw that life wasn't about accumulating possessions or seeking validation from others. It was about embracing the present, taking chances, and fulfilling his deepest desires.

The night air seemed to vibrate with possibility as Subh sat up, his eyes locked on the moon. He felt an urge to rise above the shadows, to let his true self shine. The clouds would pass, and his light would break through.

Subh stood at the Ganga ghat, watching the sun rise over the sacred river. He pondered why people prayed to her, seeking forgiveness and solace. Amidst his thoughts, Aditi's memory surfaced, and he felt a pang of guilt.

"River Ganga," Subh whispered, "forgive me, and forgive her too. One day, my ashes will merge with your holy waters.

What is life, if not to be part of the struggles that bind us together for seven lifetimes?"

He gazed into the river's flow, reflecting on the fleeting nature of human connections. "Even if we can't spend a lifetime together, a single year can teach us more about love and loss than a lifetime of solitude."

As the river's gentle currents carried his words away, Subh felt a sense of liberation washing over him.

Subh abandoned the college routine, seeking solace in nature's embrace. He'd often wander along the Ganga, watching sunsets paint the sky with vibrant hues.

As for Aditi, her life remained a mystery to Subh. He never sought her out, remembering Mahmoud Darwish's words: "You won't find the same person twice, not even in the same person."

Aditi had transformed - new glasses, clothes, and an aura that no longer resonated with Subh. Their paths had diverged, leaving behind only memories.

Subh remained a simple soul, living a humble life. He'd realized that true beauty lay in authenticity, not pretenses.

"Social media lives are mere facades," he'd think. "Filtered smiles and curated images hide the truth. What's real is the unedited moment, the genuine connection."

Whenever Subh yearned to see Aditi, he'd close his eyes and conjure her presence. He'd recall the soft cadence of her voice, the melodic laughter they shared, and the subtle fragrances that lingered on his skin.

In those moments, time stood still. Memories of their past swirled around him, a bittersweet reminder of what could never be again.

That's what we call love - the ache of absence, the weight of memories, and the longing for a presence that's no longer there. For Subh, love transcended physical boundaries; it was the emptiness that echoed through his soul when Aditi was gone. It was the recollection of laughter, the warmth of her hand in his, and the gentle breeze that carried her fragrance.

Love, to Subh, wasn't something to be defined by words or confined within boundaries. It was the accumulation of moments, the whispers in the night, and the silences that spoke volumes. Love was the story of two souls, intertwined in a dance of joy and sorrow. And when the music stopped, the memories remained, a bittersweet reminder of what once was. Subh's heart still held onto those moments, cherishing the pain and the beauty that Aditi had brought into his life.

In Subh's perspective, love shouldn't be bound by definitions or explanations. It was the lived experience, the stories that got buried deep within the heart. The moments they shared, the tears they dried, and the smiles they exchanged - these were the testimonies of love. And even though Aditi was no longer by his side, Subh knew that their love story would continue to unfold, etched in the recesses of his soul, a reminder of the transformative power of love. For in the end, it's not the words that matter, but the silence that speaks volumes, and the emptiness that feels like home.

Subh loved Aditi deeply, but destiny had other plans. He often wondered if it was God's will, a divine script he couldn't alter. The thought both comforted and tormented him.

"You can't control the winds, but you can adjust your sails." Yet, Subh felt helpless against the gusts of fate.

One day, as he sat by the Ganga, Subh realized:

"Perhaps, it's not about changing the course of events, but about embracing the journey. Maybe Aditi was a chapter in my story, a lesson in love and letting go."

He opened his eyes to the river's gentle flow, symbolizing life's unstoppable current.

Subh's simplicity became his strength. He found joy in watching sunrises without an alarm, drinking chai by the river, and conversing with strangers who became friends.

His life wasn't about projecting an image; it was about living truthfully.

The End