"I knew from the start she was never mine to keep. Still, every smile she gave me felt like a borrowed piece of heaven, and I held on to those moments as if they could last forever.
I met her on a day I wasn't expecting anything special. She laughed at something I said—just a small thing, really—and in that moment, something in me shifted. It wasn't love at first sight, not exactly. It was quieter than that. But it stayed.
She talked about someone else the way I wished she would talk about me. I listened, smiled, even gave advice. Because being near her meant more than being right or being chosen.
Some nights, I'd lie awake wondering why I couldn't just let it go. Why I kept hoping, even when I told myself I didn't."
This is the story of a boy who came to Ernakulam for a one-year course after his graduation.His name was Arjun. Quiet by nature, with a smile that showed more kindness than words ever could. He had just finished his graduation and moved to Ernakulam for a one-year course, carrying more dreams than luggage. New city, new faces—but the same heart that still believed in love, even when it had no promises.
Before coming to Ernakulam, Arjun had already known what it meant to fall in love. Back in his Plus Two days, there was someone—someone who made him believe in all the things love songs talked about. It was young love, innocent and quiet, the kind that never asked for much but left a deep mark when it ended. That story never really had a proper goodbye, and a part of Arjun carried it with him, like an old letter tucked away in a book he couldn't throw out.After that tragic chapter of his life, Arjun retreated into himself. The heartache from his first love had left a scar deeper than he cared to admit. He spent his graduation years avoiding anything that might remind him of that feeling. Talking to girls became something he couldn't bring himself to do—not out of bitterness, but out of fear. Fear that any new connection might hurt too much, or worse, lead to another goodbye. So, he kept to his moblie, his friends, and his own thoughts, never allowing anyone to get close enough to stir the memories he wasn't ready to face."
Arjun knew he needed a part-time job to pay for his one-year course. Living in Ernakulam on his own, with a tight budget and the weight of tuition fees hanging over him, he set out to find work. After a few attempts, he landed a job at MedPlus, a chain of medical stores with several branches around Ernakulam and beyond. It wasn't glamorous, but it was steady work. He was hired as a purchase and delivery staff, responsible for getting supplies in and out of the store.
She had already been working there for a while—a pharmacist who managed the prescriptions with a calm precision. Arjun noticed her immediately during his first few days. There was something about her quiet confidence that made her stand out from the rest of the staff.
It wasn't until a week later, as he was delivering some new stock, that their paths crossed. She looked up from her work and met his gaze for a brief moment. It was a fleeting connection, but for Arjun, it felt like time had paused. He quickly turned his focus back to the task at hand, pushing the feeling aside. He had learned long ago to keep his distance, to not let anyone in.From that day on, Arjun couldn't help but notice her more. It started with small things—her easy smile when she greeted customers, the way she moved with a quiet confidence behind the counter. Slowly, as the days passed, he found himself looking for reasons to pass by the pharmacy section, hoping for another brief exchange. It wasn't just admiration anymore; there was something deeper, something he hadn't felt in a long time. He had a crush on her—though he wouldn't admit it to anyone, not even to himself.
But one afternoon, while he was stocking some shelves near the counter, he overheard a conversation that froze him in his tracks. She was talking to a colleague, casually mentioning how she'd been with her boyfriend for seven years.
Seven years.
It hit him like a cold wave. The words barely registered at first—her boyfriend, a man she had been committed to for so long. A man who had been a part of her life through its most important years. Arjun felt the weight of it, the finality in her tone, and a bitter knot formed in his chest. He had known, deep down, that she wasn't available—but hearing it, hearing her talk about him so openly, made it real in a way that no passing glance or brief smile ever could.The moment Arjun heard her talk about her boyfriend, a part of him snapped back to reality. The crush he had been nurturing, however quietly, began to feel like a foolish, fleeting thing. He tried to push the thoughts of her out of his mind, focusing on the tasks at hand. He reminded himself that it was never meant to be.
Each time she passed by, Arjun's heart would briefly skip, but he quickly shut it down—forcing his mind to focus on something else, anything else. He started avoiding the small exchanges, no longer lingering near the counter or making idle conversation. He kept his head down, his eyes focused on the deliveries or the stock.
But no matter how hard he tried, the feeling didn't completely fade. It was as though he was fighting a tide that kept pulling him back, each glance, each smile, each brief interaction only adding to the weight of something he could never have.As Arjun began to distance himself from the feelings he knew he couldn't act on, something unexpected happened. She, unaware of the turmoil in his heart, started to see him differently. Slowly, over the weeks, she began treating him less like a colleague and more like a brother.
It started with little things—casual conversations that felt more like sibling banter than anything else. She would laugh at his awkward attempts to help around the shop or give him advice on how to handle the customers with more confidence. She'd even tease him about his shyness, calling him 'bro' in the same way a sister would.
Arjun, despite the quiet ache in his chest, found himself enjoying these moments. He had no choice but to accept it, though each friendly gesture seemed to bury his earlier hopes deeper. She had unknowingly drawn a clear line in his heart, a line he couldn't cross. To her, he was just the guy who delivered supplies, someone who had become part of her routine. To him, it was a painful reminder that his feelings would always remain unspoken.
As the days passed, and her gestures became more openly affectionate—calling him 'brother,' sharing snacks, confiding little stories from her day—Arjun slowly began to accept the place she had given him in her life. At first, it stung. But something inside him began to change.
If he couldn't love her the way he once hoped to, then he would love her the way she saw him—as a brother. And in that role, he found a strange kind of peace.
He started caring for her with genuine warmth, protecting her in small ways—making sure her tea was never cold, offering to cover her shifts when she looked tired, walking her to the bus stop when it was late. There was no expectation, no hidden desire—just care, quiet and constant.
What once was a crush slowly transformed into something deeper, something more selfless. She might never know the love he once held in his heart, but the love he gave her now—as a brother—was just as real.
Around that time, just as Arjun had begun to settle into his role—as a responsible staff and a caring younger brother in her eyes—a new staff member joined the shop. She was a recent appointment, another female employee brought in to assist with the growing workload.
She was different from the pharmacist—not as quiet, not as reserved. She was friendly, talkative, and had a spark that caught the attention of everyone in the store, including Arjun.
Her presence brought a shift in the atmosphere. There were more conversations, occasional laughter, and slowly, she began to fit into the daily rhythm of the team.
At first, Arjun didn't pay her much attention. His heart was still steady in its quiet role beside the pharmacist. But time, as it always does, had its own plans.
At first, Arjun didn't think much about the new staff member. She was cheerful, always chatting, with a warmth that naturally drew people toward her. Her talkative, lively nature slowly began to catch Arjun's attention, even though he kept a quiet distance.
One afternoon, after returning from a delivery, Arjun was just settling back into the shop when the manager called him aside.
'One of our staff has been hospitalized,' he said. 'I'm caught up here—can you go check on them at the hospital and see how they're doing?'
The request sounded routine, and Arjun assumed it might be one of the senior staff or someone from another branch. Without asking further, he agreed and left for the hospital, carrying only a name and a room number.
But when he stepped into the hospital ward, he was caught off guard.
It was her. The new girl. The one who had just begun to light up the store with her presence. She lay there on the bed, a bit weak but still smiling faintly, trying to lighten the mood even in that moment.
Something shifted quietly in Arjun's heart. He hadn't expected it—but life, once again, had its own plan.
Arjun stepped into the hospital room and saw her lying on the bed, a little pale but still wearing that familiar, gentle smile. To his surprise, another staff member from the store was already there, sitting beside her, keeping her company.
They exchanged a few words—nothing too serious, just small talk to lighten the moment. Arjun didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable, so he kept it casual. But even in those few minutes, he felt a quiet concern blooming inside him.
Just then, a nurse walked in with a prescription slip in hand and handed it over, saying, 'These medicines need to be bought from the pharmacy downstairs.'
Without waiting for anyone to ask, Arjun took the slip. 'I'll go get it,' he said quickly.
He didn't think twice. It wasn't about duty anymore—it was something else, something soft and unspoken. As he made his way to the pharmacy, holding the crumpled prescription in his hand, he felt a sense of purpose growing inside him.
He had come just to check on a colleague. But something told him this visit was only the beginning.
After buying the medicines, Arjun handed them over to the nurse without making a big deal out of it. He gave her a small nod before leaving, careful not to linger. She smiled at him—tired, but grateful.
There was nothing dramatic in that moment, no long conversation or emotional exchange. Just a quiet act of care, and a soft glance that said enough.
Arjun walked out of the hospital and headed straight back to the store. There was still work to finish, and he didn't want to fall behind. He picked up where he left off, like nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, she was discharged that evening and went home to rest.
The day passed like any other—but something had quietly changed. In both of them.
The next day, after taking rest at home, she returned to work. Though she looked a little tired, her smile was as bright as ever. When she saw Arjun, there was a different kind of warmth in her eyes—subtle, but unmistakable.
From that day onwards, something shifted between them.
They started talking more—not just about work, but small, everyday things. She would joke with him like they had known each other for months, and Arjun, who was usually reserved, found himself laughing more, opening up bit by bit.
Their bond grew naturally, without force or intention. A simple 'Did you have lunch?' or a shared joke while arranging stock slowly became part of their routine.
It wasn't love—not yet—but there was something forming between them. A comfort. A connection. A silent thread pulling them a little closer with each passing day.
As the days passed, their friendship grew deeper. What started as casual conversations slowly turned into long chats during breaks, playful teasing while working, and moments that made time in the store feel lighter.
Soon, Arjun found himself spending more time with her outside work too. One evening, she casually mentioned needing to buy a few things, and before he even thought about it, he offered to go along. To his surprise, she agreed.
That first shopping trip felt simple—just two friends walking through stores, laughing at silly things, sharing opinions on random items. But for Arjun, it meant more than he could say.
Afterwards, he dropped her back at her hostel on his bike. The road was quiet, the wind brushing past as they rode through the city lights. She sat behind him comfortably, chatting all the way, completely at ease.
Moments like those became more frequent. Small plans. Shared rides. Inside jokes.
Arjun wasn't sure where this was heading—but he knew one thing for sure: she was becoming a part of his world in a way he hadn't expected.
Not every day, but on the days she returned from home, Arjun would make the trip to the metro station to pick her up. Her home was far in another district, and the journey back always seemed long for her. But it became a routine—one he was more than happy to be a part of.
She'd step off the train, looking a little tired but smiling when she saw him. Their small chats during the ride back to the store became something they both looked forward to, a little piece of peace in the middle of busy days.
And on some nights, when her shift ended late and the roads were quieter, Arjun would drop her back at her hostel. The bike ride through the night felt different—a quiet kind of intimacy that didn't need to be spoken of, just felt in the way the cool air rushed past them, and the city lights flickered on the horizon.Though Arjun had started spending more time with the present girl—picking her up from the metro station, dropping her off at her hostel—his connection with the first girl, the one he had loved, remained a constant in his life.
Their bond, though shaped by time and unspoken understanding, was still strong. He would often find moments to check in on her, to talk with her, to care for her in the quiet ways he always had. It was as if nothing had changed—his heart still held the space of affection, but now it was filtered through the lens of brotherhood.
While his relationship with the present girl was evolving into something else, a deeper friendship and care, the first girl held a different place in his heart—one that was gentle, bittersweet, and forever anchored in the past.
Arjun balanced both connections carefully. With the first girl, he remained her brother, offering his support whenever she needed it. But with the present girl, he found something new—a lightness, a possibility for something deeper, though still undefined.
Despite the changes around him, one thing remained clear: his heart had room for both, even if those two relationships were worlds apart.At that point, Arjun had started to believe that the present girl—always so cheerful, talkative, and friendly—might be developing feelings for him. Her lighthearted teasing, the easy way she joked around, and the way she seemed to care about his well-being made him think she might be interested in him too.
But what Arjun didn't realize was that it wasn't love that she was offering. It was simply her nature—a warm, talkative personality that made everyone around her feel special, including him.
He misunderstood it. Her laughter, the little gestures of kindness, and the way she interacted with him made him believe there was something more. So, with time, his feelings for her deepened.(386363863886)
Arjun didn't see it as just friendship anymore; he had begun to think that maybe she felt the same way, and that thought made his heart swell with something new—hope.One evening, as they were driving together, she casually asked, 'Arjun, can you drop me at the turf? My friend's playing football, and I want to watch his match.'
It was just another one of those small requests that felt natural. Arjun nodded, not thinking much of it. He had gotten used to these little rides, these moments together.
As they drove along the route, passing the old church, she suddenly turned to him, her smile a little more mysterious than usual. 'I'll introduce you to my friend when we get there,' she said.
Arjun didn't think anything of it. 'Sure,' he replied, his thoughts elsewhere.
But then, a few minutes later, she said something that made his heart skip a beat.
'Actually,' she added, 'my marriage is fixed with someone.'
For a moment, the words didn't register. Arjun blinked, trying to process what she had just said. She wasn't just talking about a friend—she was talking about something else entirely.
They drove a little further, the words hanging in the air between them. And then she continued, almost casually, 'The one we're going to meet… he's the guy I'm going to marry.'
The world seemed to stop for a moment. Arjun's grip on the bike tightened, and everything around him blurred, the sound of the engine growing distant.
The truth hit him like a sudden storm. The girl he had grown so close to, the one who had made him believe that there was something more between them, was already committed. And the person she was about to introduce him to… was the one she was marrying.
He didn't know what to say. What could he say? His heart ached in that moment, but all he could do was nod silently, the weight of the revelation pressing heavily on him.Arjun's heart was in pieces, and his mind was racing, trying to make sense of the chaos inside him. He had driven her to the turf, where she introduced him to the guy she was going to marry. The moment felt surreal, like a cruel twist of fate.
He watched them walk away together, her smile brighter than ever, as she joined him on the field. Arjun felt like an outsider, standing in the shadows of his own broken heart.
Without a word, he turned and left, his emotions a whirlwind of sadness and confusion. His hands gripped the handlebars tightly as he drove away, faster and faster, trying to outrun the feelings that threatened to consume him.
But then, as if the universe was echoing his pain, the rain began to fall—first as a light drizzle, then a torrential downpour.
As the rain poured harder, Arjun sped off from the turf, leaving her behind with the man she was going to marry. His thoughts were spinning, his heart heavy with a mix of disbelief and pain.
The road blurred under the falling rain, and in that storm of emotions, he nearly lost control of the bike. For a second, the wheels slipped—but somehow, he steadied it, avoiding what could've been a serious accident.
No one was hurt. But inside, Arjun felt like he had already crashed.
He didn't head back to the hostel, even though his instincts told him to. Instead, he took a different turn—a turn that led him away from everything familiar. He rode through the rain until he reached an old theatre where one of his friends worked.
It wasn't planned. It wasn't a place of comfort. It was just… somewhere else. Somewhere he could sit, drenched in silence, away from the noise in his head.
He parked the bike, still shivering from the cold and the weight in his chest, and walked inside, his soaked shirt clinging to his skin. His friend was surprised to see him in that state but didn't ask questions—maybe he saw the answer written all over Arjun's face.
And for a while, Arjun just sat there in the dim light of the theatre, the world continuing around him, as he quietly tried to gather the broken pieces of what he had just gone through.
The rain had slowed to a drizzle by the time Arjun reached the theatre. He parked his bike and sat on the steps outside, water dripping from his clothes, heart still heavier than the clouds above.
A few minutes later, his friend stepped out from the side entrance, surprised to see him sitting there in the rain.
'Da, what happened?' the friend asked, walking over.
Arjun looked up slowly, managing a faint, tired smile. 'Can you sit for a while?'
Without a word, his friend sat beside him on the cold, damp steps.
Arjun stayed quiet for a moment, then spoke, voice low and shaky. 'She told me today… her marriage is fixed. With the guy she took me to meet. I thought... I thought she felt something for me too.'
The friend didn't interrupt.
Arjun went on, pouring out everything—the small moments that made him feel special, the way he read into her words and laughter, the rides, the metro station pickups, the late-night drops, and how he thought maybe it was turning into something real.
'But I was wrong. It was just her nature. I made it something more in my head.'
The friend nodded slowly. 'You cared, da. That's never wrong. But sometimes we end up in a story where we aren't the main chapter in someone else's book.'
Arjun sighed, eyes fixed on the quiet road ahead. 'I dropped her off there. With him. And I left. I didn't even know where I was going. Just kept riding… and I ended up here.'
His friend placed a hand on his shoulder. 'You needed to be somewhere. I'm glad you came here.'
For a few minutes, they sat there in silence, two friends under a grey sky, with only the soft patter of rain and the weight of unspoken emotions filling the air.From the next day onwards, Arjun went to work with an empty mind. The usual energy he carried was gone. His steps were slower, his face quieter. He wasn't angry or upset outwardly—just blank. Silent.
He did his duties, went for deliveries, organized stocks—everything just as before, but without the spark. Without emotion.
Those around him began to notice the change.
Even his 'sister' at the shop—the first girl in his story, who once filled the air with teasing and laughter whenever he was around—grew silent toward him. She stopped her usual playful comments, choosing instead to watch him quietly.
There was a shift in the air.
The other staff too, who were once used to his easy smile or random jokes, started looking at him differently. They didn't ask much, but they knew—something had happened.
And so the days passed. Arjun, heart heavy and mind foggy, went on with his work like a machine. Only he knew what he had lost. But the silence around him slowly echoed with understanding.Days kept passing, but the weight in Arjun's heart didn't.
He tried to move on—kept himself busy, stayed quiet, smiled when needed. But the truth remained, buried under the routine: he had fallen for her, deeply. And no matter how much he told himself to forget, it stayed.
So one evening, after all the deliveries were done and the shop was beginning to close, Arjun made up his mind.
Enough of holding it in. Enough of pretending it didn't hurt.
He didn't want to confess expecting anything in return—he just wanted to let it go. To speak the truth that had been living inside him for too long.
With a deep breath, he looked at her—this girl who unknowingly became a chapter in his life.
That day, Arjun fixed his heart and decided:
'I will tell her everything. Not to change her life, but to free mine."Arjun finally gathered the courage to speak.
It was after work, just the two of them outside the shop under the dim streetlight. The evening breeze was soft, but his heart was loud.
He looked at her and began, slowly, carefully choosing every word.
'I know this might sound sudden… but I just wanted to say it. I've developed feelings for you. I know you may not feel the same, and that's okay. I just couldn't keep it inside anymore.'
There was a pause.
She looked at him, surprised—not with anger or awkwardness, but with something softer. A kind of understanding.
Then, she spoke, gently:
'Arjun… I didn't know you felt that way. But it wasn't like that for me. I never meant to give you that impression. I was just being myself. This is how I am—with everyone. I talk a lot, I try to make people feel comfortable. It's just my nature… nothing more.'
The words didn't come with cruelty. They weren't sharp.
But they were still heavy.
Arjun stood there, nodding slowly, trying to smile even as something cracked quietly inside him.
He had hoped, somewhere deep down. And now, he knew.
He didn't say much after that—just thanked her for being honest.
And with that, the conversation ended.
Not with anger. Not with drama.
But with silence… the kind that stays with you for a long time.For the next few days, Arjun was in a fog of sadness, trying to move through the motions of work but feeling completely lost inside. Every moment he spent at the shop felt like a reminder of what he couldn't have. His thoughts were consumed with her—how he had fallen for someone who never saw him that way.
It didn't go unnoticed.
His 'sister,' the first girl in the shop, could see the shift in him. She saw the quietness in his demeanor, the way he seemed more distant. One afternoon, after they had finished the day's work, she called him aside.
'Arjun,' she said softly, 'What's going on with you? I can tell something's bothering you. You've been different.'
Arjun hesitated for a moment before speaking. He didn't want to admit it, but the words tumbled out anyway. 'I told her. I told her how I feel. And she told me… it's just the way she is. I misunderstood everything. And now… now I don't know what to do. I feel so lost.'
The first girl paused, her expression thoughtful but kind. She didn't judge him or dismiss his feelings. Instead, she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
'Arjun,' she said, 'It's okay to feel this way. But listen to me—you can't hold on to something that's already gone. If she's not meant to be in your life that way, then let her go. Don't cry over something that was never yours to keep. Don't waste your heart on someone who doesn't feel the same.'
Her words were gentle, but they carried the weight of truth.
Arjun sat quietly for a moment, feeling the warmth of her support, and slowly, a sense of clarity began to return. He didn't need to chase something that wasn't his. He could let it go and find peace within himself.
'You're right,' he finally said, his voice softer. 'Thanks… I needed to hear that.'
She smiled and gave him a small, encouraging nod. 'I'm always here for you, Arjun. You'll get through this, just like you've gotten through everything else.'
And with those words, a small weight lifted from Arjun's heart. The road ahead would still be difficult, but for the first time in days, he felt a flicker of hope.Just when Arjun thought things couldn't get any more complicated, another surprise came his way.
Arjun's friend, still adjusting to life in the city, had brought another friend along—a guy who was also looking for a job. This new guy quickly became a part of their hostel life, settling into the room with Arjun's friend. He was easy-going and had a carefree attitude, much like his friend.
Before long, the new guy had also managed to land a job at the same medical shop. Arjun couldn't help but notice how quickly he adapted to the routine, joking around with the staff and making everyone feel at ease.
Arjun wasn't sure what to make of him at first. His presence was a little too much to handle, especially since Arjun was still dealing with his emotions. But the new guy's carefree nature slowly began to inject some much-needed energy into the hostel.
'You'll get used to him,' Arjun's friend told him one evening. 'He's the kind of guy who won't let you stay sad for long.'
And indeed, Arjun found himself laughing more in the days that followed, even if it was just for a brief moment of relief from the heavy thoughts he couldn't seem to shake.
The hostel, once quiet and filled with Arjun's thoughts, now had an added energy. It wasn't just his old friend who brought life into the place—it was the new guy as well. And while Arjun wasn't fully ready to move on, there was something comforting about the small distractions they provided.As Arjun spent more time with the second girl, his friend, who had quickly settled into their routine, began to bond with the first girl—Arjun's 'sister.'
At first, it seemed innocent enough. They would chat about work, share jokes, and laugh together. But slowly, Arjun began noticing their growing closeness.
It wasn't anything overt, but the small moments started to add up—how his friend would linger by the counter, asking her questions, or how they would laugh at something silly during their breaks.
Arjun wasn't sure how to feel about it. A part of him felt happy for his friend, who had a way of making anyone feel comfortable, and the first girl, who was like family to him. But another part of him, buried deep down, felt a little uncomfortable.
He didn't say anything at first, thinking it was just his mind playing tricks on him, but as time went on, he couldn't ignore it.
Was this something more than just friendship? Or was he overthinking it?
Arjun pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on his own relationship with the second girl, even as his heart still carried the burden of unspoken feelings for the first. But in the back of his mind, he couldn't help but wonder—what would happen if this bond between his friend and his 'sister' grew even closer?One quiet evening, the first girl, Arjun's 'sister,' approached him with a serious expression, something weighing on her mind.
'Arjun,' she said softly, 'I need to tell you something.'
Arjun looked up, sensing that this wasn't going to be an easy conversation. 'What's on your mind?'
'I... I think I've fallen for someone,' she admitted, her voice wavering just slightly. 'And I don't know how to handle it.'
Arjun's heart sank. Was it someone he knew? Could it be his friend, the one who had recently started getting close to her?
'Is it him? The new guy at the shop?' Arjun asked, bracing himself.
She nodded, a hesitant smile spreading across her face. 'Yes, it's him. I didn't expect it, but it just... happened.'
Arjun couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had suspected something might be going on, but he hadn't known she had developed such feelings. And yet, a part of him already knew this wasn't going to end well.
'But, there's something you don't know,' Arjun said slowly, his voice firm. 'He's already in a committed relationship. He's engaged to someone else, and their marriage has already been arranged by their families.'
Her eyes widened, confusion spreading across her face. 'What? He's already...?'
Arjun nodded, his heart heavy with the truth he was now revealing. 'Yes. He's been with someone for years, and they're set to marry. He's been pretending with you. He's been cheating on her.'
A look of disbelief crossed her features, quickly replaced by a quiet sadness. She sat down, her head in her hands. 'I didn't know... I had no idea.'
'I know you didn't,' Arjun said, his voice softening. 'He's been lying to both of you.'
'But... I thought he was different. I thought...' She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
Arjun placed a hand on her shoulder, offering her comfort as best as he could. 'I'm sorry. I know this isn't easy to hear. But you have to let him go. You deserve someone who will truly be there for you, not someone who's already promised to someone else.'
She looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes. 'I didn't know how to feel, how to handle this. But now, it's like everything's falling apart.'
'It's not falling apart,' Arjun said gently. 'It's just the truth coming out. And sometimes, that's the first step in moving forward.'
For a long moment, they sat in silence, both of them processing the weight of what had just been said. It wasn't just her feelings that were shattered, but Arjun's as well. He had wanted to protect her, to shield her from the hurt, but now he realized that it was his turn to help her heal.After that difficult conversation, Arjun found himself caring for her more than ever. He started calling her more often in the evenings and late at night, checking in on her, offering comfort whenever she needed it. In return, she started calling him whenever she felt sad or overwhelmed by everything that had happened. The bond between them grew stronger, and it was clear they were there for each other in a way that went beyond friendship.
Their conversations became a daily routine. Arjun would be out running errands or on deliveries, and sometimes, she would call just to hear his voice. It was as if, in those moments, she needed the reassurance that he was there—someone she could rely on.
'Where are you, Arjun?' she'd ask when she noticed he was missing. 'You're not at the shop again. Come back soon.'
And he would. Every time. She'd miss him more than she realized, and Arjun couldn't help but smile at how much their bond had shifted. What started as small talk during work had transformed into something far deeper.
It wasn't long before their calls became a constant in their lives—daily, sometimes even more than once a day, and at night before bed. They laughed, shared thoughts, and comforted each other when life got tough. Arjun found himself looking forward to these late-night talks, where he could forget about the world and just be himself with her.
In a way, their friendship had evolved into something entirely new—a deeper connection, one built on understanding and the shared pain of love and loss.Though their bond had grown stronger, and they spoke every day like the closest of friends, for her, it was always rooted in the affection of a sister toward a brother. Her nature had always been warm, talkative, and full of care—a personality that made others feel seen and valued. Arjun, too, believed in that bond, until one day something shifted.
He happened to see her with the same friend—the one who had deceived her, the one whose truth he had already revealed to her. They were talking again, standing closer than what Arjun could accept. In that moment, a wave of confusion and pain surged through him. Had she forgiven him? Was she still in touch with him despite knowing everything?
Unable to hold it in, Arjun confronted her.
'After everything, you're still talking to him?' he asked, his voice trembling between anger and hurt.
She looked back, surprised. 'We were just talking… there's nothing more.'
'But how can you talk to someone who lied to you like that? Who played with your feelings?' Arjun fired back.
Her face tightened. 'You don't get to decide who I talk to. Just because I shared things with you doesn't mean you control me.'
And just like that, a rift formed between the two. Misunderstanding clouded everything that once felt so comforting. The girl who once called him every night, the one who checked on him when he was away from the shop, now stood distant. Arjun, too, stepped back, unsure of how to make sense of what he saw versus what he felt.After a few days of silence and distance, she finally realized the truth about Arjun's friend—the one who had cheated her. The weight of that betrayal settled in, and slowly, she began to return to her old ways, talking to Arjun as before. The bond started to rebuild, piece by piece, as if they both knew it was meant to last.
One day, during a quiet moment at work, she turned to Arjun and said,
'I've been thinking… maybe I should go back to my old relationship. The one I was in for seven years. I don't know… maybe that's where I belong.'
Arjun looked at her, calm but honest.
'It's okay,' he said gently. 'You can be with him… but only if you don't hurt him again.'
It was a simple sentence, but it carried so much meaning. He wasn't trying to stop her, or question her decision. He only wished that, wherever she went, she stayed true and didn't cause the kind of pain he knew too well. That moment showed his selfless care—he was always the one standing behind, just wanting her to be okay, even if it wasn't with him."Just when things started feeling like old times again, another storm rolled in. A fresh wave of misunderstanding brewed between Arjun and his sister—again because of the same person, the friend who had once broken her trust. Maybe it was a misheard word, or a misread expression—but something triggered the past to resurface.
That night, over a phone call that started like any other, everything changed.
Her voice trembled—not out of sadness, but frustration.
'You always doubt me, Arjun. Am I such a bad sister to you?'
He tried to explain, but she didn't let him. Her words came fast, like arrows aimed straight at his heart.
'Why do you always bring him up? Don't you trust me at all? Why are you always like this?'
There was a long silence. And then, she said something that pierced deeper than anything before:
'I don't want to talk to you anymore. I'm leaving from your life. Be happy with yourself. Don't ever wait for me.'
And just like that, the bond that once felt like family was shattered by words spoken in pain and anger. Arjun sat there in the silence that followed, with nothing but her last sentence echoing in his mind.That night, after the call ended, Arjun sat frozen in silence. Her final words—'I'm leaving from your life'—echoed again and again in his heart. The pain was unbearable. It wasn't just a friend or a colleague—it was someone he saw as family, someone he had protected, cared for, stood by in her lowest times.
The weight of her words crushed him. For the first time in a long while, he broke down completely. Tears rolled down his face as he tried to understand what went wrong. Out of instinct and emotion, he called her—once, twice, again.
She didn't pick up immediately. But then, his phone lit up—she was calling back.
There was silence at first. Then, her voice came through—shaky, soft, and filled with regret.
'I didn't mean to hurt you, Arjun… I was just angry. I misunderstood you.'
He exhaled deeply, still choked with emotion.
'Even I didn't mean to doubt you. I was just scared of losing you again…'
There was no need for long explanations after that. Both of them realized it was just a misunderstanding, twisted by past pain and emotional scars.
After their hearts calmed and their bond was mended once again, Arjun ended the call, walked back to the hostel with a heavy—but slightly healed—heart. The night felt quieter than usual, but at least, he wasn't carrying the burden of a broken bond anymore."That night, after their misunderstanding was cleared, Arjun lay on his hostel bed, staring at the ceiling—but his thoughts were nowhere near sleep. The tears he shed weren't just because he almost lost a sister. No. It was something more.
He thought of their routine calls…
The way she looked for him when he wasn't around…
The way his heart felt lighter whenever he heard her voice.
That constant bond, the care, the comfort—it wasn't just a brother-sister connection anymore. It had grown into something deeper, something he could no longer hide from himself.
He realized the truth: he had fallen for her.
The days passed, but the feeling didn't fade. And on the night before Christmas, with lights flickering in the streets and celebrations all around, Arjun chose to speak his truth.
He called her. Voice trembling, heart pounding, he said,
'What I feel for you… it's not just sisterly love anymore. It's something more than that. I don't know when it happened—but I've fallen for you.'
There was silence on the other end. Not rejection. Not acceptance. Just silence—as if even time paused to listen.
He continued, 'I know… you may not feel the same. I knew it long before I realized my feelings. But I just needed to tell you. Whatever happens, please don't let this change the bond we have. I don't want to lose you… not again.'
She was silent for a moment. Then, softly, she replied, 'Arjun… I won't let it break us. I promise. You're too important to me for that.'
From that day onward, things didn't fall apart. They still spoke every night. They laughed, shared stories, teased each other—just like before. And to Arjun's surprise, she never made him feel rejected. She never made him feel awkward. She respected his feelings and still gave him space in her life.
But peaceful days didn't last long. As they continued like this, slowly, cracks began to appear—because of her past.
Her relationship of seven years—though long, had its own ghosts. The boy she once loved, the one who promised her a future, started becoming a reason for her pain again. Misunderstandings, emotional distance, and unresolved wounds began resurfacing in her life.
And through all of it, Arjun stood by her, quietly, hurting inside—but never stepping away.Even though he had confessed his feelings, Arjun never crossed the line she had drawn. But one promise he made—and kept—was this: to be there for her. Every night, after their shifts, especially on those late 9 PM closings, he would follow her at a distance as she walked to her hostel, just to make sure she reached safely.
He never asked for anything in return. It wasn't about love—it was about care, concern, and a silent responsibility he had taken up for someone he deeply valued.
Not a single night did he break that promise.
But not everyone understood that bond.
Her lover—the one she had been committed to for seven years—began to notice. He couldn't accept that another boy was always there, quietly waiting, making sure she was safe. To him, it wasn't just care—it was a threat. A challenge to his place in her life.
And thus, began another storm.Arjun had always known—deep inside—that she would never be his. From the very beginning, he had prepared his heart to accept her decision to stay loyal to her seven-year-long relationship. And he respected it. Genuinely.
He never tried to come between them. In fact, he silently stood by her side, supporting her through the cracks in that bond. Helping her heal. Helping her believe in love again, even if it wasn't meant to be with him.
But the reality from the other side was very different.
Her lover couldn't stand him.
Despite Arjun's silence, his boundaries, and his respect—he became the villain in the eyes of someone who had never even tried to understand him.
One day, she told a mutual friend at the medical shop, 'My guy really doesn't like Arjun. He hates him being around me.'
And when those words reached Arjun's ears, it hurt.
Not because he wanted her lover's approval—but because even while doing everything right, his presence alone became the reason for conflict in her life. And that, more than anything, broke him quietly from within.One night, as usual, Arjun was waiting outside the shop—just like he always did. Quiet, loyal, and steady. It was never about love anymore. It was about a promise. A care he had nurtured beyond boundaries. Ensuring she reached her hostel safely had become a part of him.
But that night was different.
As he waited in the shadows, her lover showed up.
The moment Arjun saw him, he quietly stepped away, not wanting to trigger any scene. He didn't want her to face any more questions. No more arguments because of his presence. He thought disappearing into the background would protect her peace.
But that silent act was misunderstood.
Her lover saw it. She saw it too.
And instead of calming things, it sparked something worse.
Later, a conflict erupted between the two lovers—loud words, accusations, mistrust.
In the heat of it, her lover crossed a line.
He said something about her—something Arjun never would have, even in his deepest pain.
That was it.
She snapped.
That night, she ended the seven-year relationship. Not for Arjun. Not for revenge. But because she finally realized—respect was more important than history.The fight with her lover had torn through her heart. Anger was still simmering, the heat of betrayal fresh in her chest. As she walked away from him, her thoughts were chaotic. She didn't expect it to be easy, but she didn't expect this either.
Then, in the middle of the storm, she called Arjun.
"Why did you leave?" she asked, her voice sharp with anger.
Arjun, ever the protector, replied calmly, "I didn't want to cause more problems. So I moved."
But instead of understanding, her frustration grew. Her voice cracked with emotion, "You moved just because you saw him! Why should you have moved?"
The words hit Arjun harder than he could have imagined. That question, that blame—everything that had been building up inside her broke through in that moment.
And then it all came crashing down.
Angry and hurt by everything that had happened, by both the conflict with her lover and now Arjun's actions, she said something that shattered him completely.
"I don't want to hear from you again. Don't ever call me. Don't ever try to contact me again. I'm blocking you. You're out of my life."
The finality in her voice was more painful than any rejection. It wasn't just the end of a relationship—it was the end of a connection that had once been so strong. And just like that, the door closed.Arjun, heart heavy with sadness, couldn't just walk away. He couldn't accept this finality without at least trying to explain. He went after her, hoping that maybe, just maybe, she would listen. But she was done.
With every step closer, her anger only grew.
"Why are you following me?" she snapped, turning on him with a face full of fury and hurt. "You've done enough already. You've ruined everything. Because of you, we're broken up. Now, are you happy?"
Her words hit him like a slap. He never wanted to be the reason for her pain. He never meant for things to end like this, but the damage was done, and she couldn't see past it.
"Please," she pleaded through gritted teeth, tears brimming in her eyes, "leave me alone. I never want to see you again."
Her rejection cut through him like a blade. He had never felt more alone than in that moment. The person he cared for most in the world, the one he thought he understood, was now telling him to disappear from her life.
He stood there, unable to say a word, his heart breaking even more with each passing second. With a heavy heart, he turned around and walked back to the hostel.
He didn't know how he was supposed to keep going. His whole world had been shattered in those few words.
Back in his room, the silence was deafening. He couldn't escape the sadness that clung to him, pulling him deeper into despair. The tears he had fought to hold back finally fell.
Arjun was lost.The weight of her words haunted Arjun as he lay awake, torn between the decision he had made and the hope that maybe, just maybe, she would be willing to listen. He had promised himself not to disturb her again, but the ache in his chest wouldn't let him forget her. Perhaps, he thought, she was just angry the night before, caught up in the heat of the moment. Maybe now, after a little time, things could be different.
So, the next night, he waited for her. He had to speak to her, had to try again. He didn't expect everything to be fixed, but he needed to know if there was any hope left.
As she walked by, he called out to her softly, his voice filled with the uncertainty and hope he hadn't allowed himself to express until now. "Can we talk?"
But her response was colder than he could ever have imagined. Her words sliced through him like ice.
"What did I tell you yesterday?" she snapped, her voice harsh and unyielding. "I told you not to follow me, not to contact me. Why are you still here, trying to come into my life?"
The anger and hurt in her voice hit him with full force. His heart sank deeper than ever before. All the pain he had felt before now seemed insignificant compared to the weight of her rejection. There was no room for him in her life.
He stood frozen, unsure of how to respond, knowing that nothing he said could fix this. The walls between them had grown higher, thicker, and now he saw for the first time that they might never come down.
Arjun, crushed by the finality of it all, simply turned and walked away, each step feeling like the heaviest he had ever taken.From that day onward, Arjun kept his word. He never again tried to talk to her, never again tried to step into her life. The pain of her final words was still fresh, still echoing in his ears. But even in the silence, a part of him couldn't stay far away.
Before everything happened, Arjun had already given his resignation. The decision had been made, maybe unknowingly, at the right time. After resigning, he no longer had a reason to enter the shop where she worked. But his heart still wandered there.
So, every day, he came and sat at the nearby shop—silent, unnoticed, lost in thought. He didn't go there to see her, no. He went there to meet his friend who still worked in the same store. But deep inside, there was always a hope… a quiet wish to just catch a glimpse of her.
He never crossed the line. He never disturbed her. He just sat there—facing the shop but facing his emotions more. Every time she stepped out, he felt both alive and broken. He watched the person he once cared for so deeply walk by, now as a stranger.
No matter how much she hated Arjun now, he couldn't bring himself to hate her back. He simply didn't have it in him. Because what he felt for her wasn't just a passing emotion—it was sincere. Pure. He had truly cared for her, loved her deeply, without expecting anything in return. She may have shut him out, told him never to come near her again, but even then, he couldn't erase the bond they once shared.
He missed their friendship. He missed the late-night calls, the casual laughter, the comfort of having someone who made his days feel lighter. She was not just someone he loved—she had become his best friend, his person. And losing that hurt more than anything.
Now, even though she didn't want him around, even though she probably wished him out of her life, Arjun still sat nearby. Quiet. Hoping. Not for love—but for that one moment where things might go back to how they were. Maybe one day she would speak again. Maybe one day she would forgive him. Maybe…
And until that maybe came—or even if it never did—he kept waiting. Wasting time, they would say. But to Arjun, it wasn't a waste. It was a hope he still wasn't ready to let go.After that, she became normal. She started smiling and living her days like nothing ever happened. But for Arjun, the pain didn't leave. It stayed in his chest, heavy and constant. He watched her laugh, move on, be okay—while he silently carried a storm inside.
Life had taken Arjun through a maze of emotions—love, misunderstanding, friendship, betrayal, and heartbreak. In the city where he came just for a course and a job, he ended up experiencing stories he never imagined. He fell for someone who never loved him, and loved someone who could never be his.
Yet, even after all the tears and the unanswered questions, he didn't hold anger in his heart. He chose to love in silence, with respect and care, never letting bitterness define him. He had lost many things—feelings, people, and promises—but he never lost himself.
Arjun walked away with scars that wouldn't fade easily, but also with lessons that would shape the man he was becoming. He realized that not every story ends with the one you love staying in your life, but sometimes, the truest kind of love is the one that lets go—with peace.
And so, Arjun kept walking forward... quietly, gracefully, and with the hope that someday, someone would see the love he carries—not as a burden, but as a gift.
To be Continued....