The skies above Chennai darkened earlier than usual, clouds rolling in like a brooding promise. Rain tapped lightly at the windows as the last bell rang, announcing the end of the school day. Most students rushed out, eager to avoid the downpour.
But Karthik lingered.
He waited by the school gate, bag slung over his shoulder, fingers tapping his phone nervously. No reply from Ananya. She'd stormed out of class during the last period, and the memory still burned in his mind.
It started with a simple misunderstanding. A teacher had teased them both about always being "glued at the hip," and a few classmates added fuel. Karthik had chuckled awkwardly, not wanting to make a scene. But Ananya hadn't taken it lightly.
"I'm not just your sidekick, Karthik," she had snapped under her breath. "I have my own identity too."
He didn't know what to say. So, he said nothing.
And now, here he was—soaked, shivering, and waiting.
Finally, he saw her.
She stepped out of the side corridor, umbrella in one hand, expression unreadable. Her hair was a little wet at the edges, sticking to her cheek. She looked beautiful, even in irritation.
"Ananya!"
She paused. Didn't move closer.
"Look… about earlier," he began.
She looked at him, eyes sharp. "Do you know how frustrating it is? To feel like I'm just the girl in your story?"
"That's not—" he started.
"I know you don't mean to," she interrupted, her voice cracking. "But sometimes I feel invisible in your shadow."
He stepped closer, heart thudding. "Then maybe I should step into yours sometimes."
She blinked.
"I'm not the hero here," he said softly. "We're in this together. And if I ever made you feel less—then I'm sorry. Truly."
The silence between them was louder than the thunder rumbling above.
Then she sighed. "You're such a mess, Karthik."
"And you're always right," he replied.
She gave a small, reluctant laugh.
He reached out. She hesitated—then took his hand.
Rain began to fall harder, tapping against the umbrella above them as they stood close beneath it. Together, in the quiet storm of emotion and weather.
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End of Chapter 47