"From Childhood to Forever"
Riya and Aarav had been best friends for as long as they could remember. They grew up in the same neighborhood, went to the same school, and spent almost every evening together playing under the big mango tree near their houses.
When they were little, their friendship was simple and carefree. They raced their bicycles down the quiet street, shared snacks during lunch break, and helped each other finish homework. Everyone in the neighborhood knew them as the inseparable pair.
"Where's Aarav?" people would ask if they saw Riya alone.
"He's probably waiting for me somewhere," she would reply with a smile.
Years passed, and the two children slowly grew into teenagers. Their lives became busier with schoolwork, exams, and new responsibilities. Even then, they still found time to meet under the old mango tree where their friendship had started.
One evening, while watching the orange sunset through the leaves, Aarav suddenly said, "Do you remember when we tried to build a treehouse here?"
Riya laughed softly. "Yes! It collapsed in one day."
"Hey, it survived two days," Aarav said proudly.
Moments like that were always easy and comfortable. But over time, something had quietly begun to change between them.
Riya started noticing little things about Aarav—how he always waited for her after school, how he remembered her favorite chocolate, and how he tried to cheer her up whenever she looked stressed.
Aarav noticed things too—how Riya's smile brightened his entire day and how talking to her made every problem feel smaller.
But neither of them spoke about these feelings. Both were afraid that saying something might ruin their special friendship.
One day, during the school farewell party, soft music filled the hall while students laughed, talked, and took photos together.
Aarav noticed Riya standing quietly by the window.
"Why are you standing alone?" he asked as he walked toward her.
"I was just thinking," she said softly. "Everything is going to change after school ends."
Aarav nodded. "Yeah. College, new places, new people."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Aarav took a deep breath. "But there's one thing I never want to change."
Riya looked at him curiously. "What?"
"You," he said gently. "You've always been the most important person in my life."
Riya felt her heart beat faster.
"I've been scared to say this," Aarav continued, "but I think I like you… not just as a friend."
For a few seconds, Riya said nothing. Aarav began to worry he had made a mistake.
Then she smiled.
"Aarav," she said softly, "I was waiting for you to say that."
He blinked in surprise. "Really?"
She nodded. "Because I feel the same way."
Both of them laughed, feeling relieved and happy at the same time.
As they walked home together that evening, the sunset painted the sky with warm colors.
They were still the same two kids who grew up under the mango tree.
But now their friendship had grown into something deeper and more beautiful—love. 💖🌅