Today, when I woke up, I saw Lavanya and me hugging each other the way we used to sleep in childhood. Her tears were frozen on her cheeks.
Sometimes I wonder why we are so unlucky in love—why we have to get hurt so much before we finally get it.
I brushed the thought aside and got up to get ready. Today wasn't an ordinary day.
Today, I was going to my company.
My law firm.
My dream.
My happiness was on another level. I looked at myself in the mirror and whispered, I did it. Then I rushed downstairs, singing softly, my heart light. I sat on the chair the same way I used to during school days. Everyone noticed and smiled.
"Why are you so happy, Sammy?" uncle asked, amused.
"I'm a CEO now," I said proudly. "My dream is fulfilled."
"Oh," papa smiled warmly, standing up. "I almost forgot. All the best, sweetheart."
He kissed my forehead and hugged me tightly.
"I'm going to the office now. Bye," I said, and left.
Outside the firm, memories flooded my mind. I had dreamed of this day years ago. People assume I got everything easily because I was born rich—but that's not true. I studied. I worked. I earned my place without shortcuts, without favors.
I walked in with my head held high.
Everyone bowed slightly to greet me.
"Don't bow your heads," I said calmly. "You're here to work, not to butter me."
They smiled and went back to work. I entered my office—it was the prettiest place I had ever seen. I sat on the chair, took a deep breath.
"Let's start the work now," I said to myself.
In the evening, as I was leaving, I saw Kartikey standing outside my company. His eyes were filled with the same tears I had seen the day I walked away from him.
"Hey… can we talk?" he asked quietly.
"Okay," I said.
I sat in his car, and we drove.
"I'm sorry," he said after a long silence. "I didn't know she was your brother's girlfriend. But I love her… and I broke up with her."
I stared at him, shocked.
"What? You broke up with her… for me?"
"Yes," he said softly. "You were my first friend. Junior KG. I was bullied—no one wanted me. Then you came. You changed my life. You introduced me to Manya, Jai, Anvi, Lavanya. You were light in my dark life, Samira."
He stopped the car and turned toward me.
"You smiled with me, fought with me, cried with me, hugged me whenever I broke down. Please forgive me. And I'm sorry… for stopping your hand that day."
I hugged him tightly.
"Don't cry," I said. "I forgive you."
We cried, smiled, and after a while, he dropped me home.
Inside, I saw Tina sitting and playing with the baby. I sat beside her, watching quietly.
"My baby will look like him, right?" I said softly.
She turned toward me, confused.
"Yes," I smiled. "I'm pregnant."
Her eyes widened.
"What… you're pregnant?"
I nodded, my voice gentle but steady.
"Yes, sister-in-law," I said, smiling.
She froze for a second—then her face lit up. She grabbed my hands.
"Oh my God, Samira," she whispered. "I'm so happy for you. You're going to be such a beautiful mother."
"And you already are," I smiled. "You're doing amazing."
She laughed through happy tears, holding the baby closer, her smile warm like sunshine.
Just then, Sarthak walked in.
I turned and ran straight into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"I missed you," I said softly. "The baby missed you too. I love you so much."
I cried, but he smiled, kissing my hair.
"Okay, okay," he laughed gently. Then he looked at Tina. "Who is this girl, Sammy?"
I pulled him to sit.
"Oh, she's Tina. Advait bro's wife."
He blinked.
"What? He got married? Did I time travel?"
"No nonsense. Sit," I laughed, and told him everything.
He picked up the baby and started playing with him happily, his eyes soft.
That night, after dinner, we went upstairs. We kissed gently and slept hugging each other, wrapped in warmth.
Just simple moments.
Just quiet love.
Just memories we made today.