InkAndStories

It was Khushi's wedding day, and the air buzzed with excitement and the sweet chaos of celebration. Colorful marigold garlands decorated every inch of the hall, and the aroma of sandalwood incense mingled with the fragrance of fresh jasmine in her hair. Khushi sat by the sacred fire, her smile radiant, eyes sparkling beneath her veil as the wedding rituals continued in the mantap. The groom, seated next to her, looked equally overjoyed, sharing shy smiles with her in between the chants of the priest. But at the far end of the hall, almost hidden behind the crowd, a pair of eyes sat fixed upon her, not with joy, but with quiet despair. It was Ayush, her best friend, the one who had always been by her side. Today, as Khushi prepared to embark on a new chapter of her life, Ayush's heart ached, each chant striking his soul, wrenching it with bittersweet pain. Ayush had loved Khushi for as long as he could remember. It was a love that had started innocently enough—a protective feeli...

The school’s parent-teacher meeting was in full swing, and as I wrapped up a conversation with Arjun’s parents, my heart felt light. Arjun had shown such progress over the term, and his mother beamed, thanking me as she said, “He’s always talking about you, Anika Ma’am. You’ve inspired him so much.” Smiling, I assured them, “It’s my pleasure. Arjun’s hard work deserves all the praise. I’ll keep supporting him.” After they left, I called the next name on my list. "Mr. Pathak and Sargun." As they entered, I glanced up—and felt my breath hitch. Beside the sweetest girl in my class stood a man in a sharp suit, tall and composed, his gaze reserved yet attentive. Aarav. The memories surged back like a tidal wave. He had been my first everything—first love, first heartbreak, my best friend. The one I left behind. He looked at me with a polite smile, not a flicker of recognition at first. “Please, have a seat, Mr. Pathak.” His eyes studied my face for a moment, and then something shi...