Memories

1

Shivani

Hi, I'm Shivani —though everyone just calls me Shivani. And here's something no one knows: I'm in love with Karthik. Karti. My best friend. My biggest secret.

It all began three months ago...

Three Months Earlier (Flashback)

The annoying buzz of my phone pulled me out of the best part of my sleep. Half-asleep and cranky, I fumbled for it and answered without looking.
"What?" I mumbled irritably.

"Good morning to you too," came that unmistakable voice. Karthik. Of course. My bestie. The boy who somehow managed to make me blush even when I was half-dead from sleep.

"Karthik? It's one in the morning! Do you even know how much I value my sleep?" I groaned.

"I know, I know," he said quickly, his tone unusually serious. "But Shivani, I need to see you. Right now. Bring Anjali. I'm waiting in the hostel garden. Please, hurry."

There was something in his voice that made me sit up straight. No jokes, no teasing. Just urgency. With a sigh, I nudged Anjali awake. She was practically my sister, so she didn't complain much—just rubbed her eyes and followed me down the hall as we tiptoed out.

The garden was empty when we reached. A wave of irritation rushed over me. If this is one of his stupid pranks, I swear—

Before I could finish the thought, a pair of strong arms circled my waist from behind. I gasped, heart racing, and turned—only to see Karthik grinning at me.

Even in the dim glow of moonlight, he looked unfairly good—his hair a mess, his eyes glinting with mischief. My heart did that stupid little flip it always did around him.

We just stood there for a moment, caught in each other's gaze, until Anjali squealed. She'd spotted Rahul—her boyfriend, Karthiktik's older brother, and our unofficial group senior. The two of them rushed to each other, and for a second, it felt like I was watching a scene from someone else's love story.

But reality snapped back when the harsh beam of a flashlight swept across the garden. Security. Without thinking, I grabbed Karthik's hand, then Rahul's, pulling them into a run. Anjali trailed behind, her laughter barely muffled. We finally ducked into the shadows behind the hostel, breathless and trying not to giggle.

When the coast was clear, I turned to Karthik, whispering fiercely, "What on earth was so important?"

His expression was serious now, his eyes searching mine. "I needed to tell you something."

"And it couldn't wait till morning?" I hissed.

"No," he said softly. Then, after a pause: "Shivani... I love you."

The world tilted. For a second, I just stared at him, my heart hammering so loudly I was sure he could hear it. The words I'd been holding in for so long—he had just said them first.

"Shivani, I know this is sudden," he continued nervously, "but I can't stand it when other guys flirt with you. At first, I thought it was just protective best-friend stuff, but then I realized... I want more than that. I had to tell you. I couldn't keep it in anymore. You don't have to answer right away—"

I didn't let him finish. I pressed my hand over his mouth, my eyes stinging with tears. "Karthik, all I know is... I love you too. I've loved you from the very first day we became friends."

For a moment, he just stared, like he couldn't believe it. Then his lips curved into the softest smile, and he whispered, "I love you too."

And just like that, everything changed.