The next morning arrived quietly, but Aarav's mind was anything but calm.
All night, he kept thinking about Anaya.
Her smile.
Her voice.
And the strange sadness hidden in her eyes.
Something about her felt mysterious.
At college, Aarav reached early. He sat on the bench near the big banyan tree where he usually met Anaya.
Students were walking around, laughing, talking… but Aarav's eyes were searching for only one person.
Then suddenly—
"Good morning, Aarav."
He turned quickly.
It was Anaya.
She was wearing a light blue kurti today. Her hair was tied loosely, and the morning sunlight made her look even more beautiful.
Aarav smiled.
"Good morning… you're early today."
Anaya laughed softly.
"Actually, I couldn't sleep well."
Aarav raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Anaya looked away for a moment.
"Just… thinking about things."
Aarav noticed something again—the same sadness.
He finally decided to ask.
"Anaya… can I ask you something?"
She looked at him.
"Yes."
"Why do you always look… a little sad?"
For a few seconds, she didn't say anything.
The breeze moved gently through the trees.
Finally she spoke, but her voice was softer than usual.
"Aarav… everyone has some stories they don't tell."
Aarav felt curious.
"But you can tell me."
Anaya looked into his eyes.
"You really want to know?"
Aarav nodded.
She took a deep breath.
"My family… is planning to move to another city."
Aarav felt like the ground moved under his feet.
"Move…? When?"
"Maybe in two months."
Two months.
Only two months.
Suddenly Aarav realized something.
He had just met her… but the thought of her leaving already hurt.
He forced a small smile.
"Well… that's still time."
But inside his heart, a strange fear started growing.
Anaya noticed his expression.
"Why are you quiet?"
Aarav shook his head.
"Nothing."
But the truth was…
He was starting to realize something very important.
He didn't just like spending time with Anaya.
He was slowly…
falling in love with her.
And the thought of losing her was already terrifying.
Anaya suddenly stood up.
"Come on, class will start."
They started walking toward the building.
But neither of them knew that soon…
A secret from Anaya's past would change everything between them.
And their story was about to become much more complicated.