The rain had finally stopped.
Small drops of water were still falling from the trees, and the cool evening breeze made everything feel calm.
Aarav and Anaya were still walking slowly on the quiet road near the college.
Neither of them wanted the moment to end.
After a few minutes, they reached a small park near the campus. The place was almost empty because of the rain.
"Let's sit for a while," Anaya said.
They sat on a wooden bench under a large tree.
For a few moments, both of them were silent.
Aarav looked at the ground, thinking about something very seriously.
Anaya noticed.
"You're very quiet today," she said softly.
Aarav took a deep breath.
"There's something I want to tell you."
Anaya looked at him curiously.
"What is it?"
Aarav's heart started beating faster.
He had never felt this nervous before.
For days he had been trying to ignore his feelings, but after hearing that Anaya might leave the city… he knew he couldn't stay silent anymore.
He looked into her eyes.
"Anaya… since the day I met you, my life has changed."
She listened quietly.
"I used to think college was boring," he continued. "But now every day feels special… because I know I'll see you."
Anaya's heart started beating faster.
Aarav continued speaking.
"When you smile, my whole day becomes better. When you're sad, I feel like something is wrong with the world."
He paused for a moment.
"Anaya… I don't know when it happened."
"But I think… I'm in love with you."
The words finally came out.
The world suddenly felt silent.
Anaya looked at him, completely surprised.
For a few seconds she didn't say anything.
Aarav became nervous.
"I'm sorry if this is too sudden," he said quickly. "I just didn't want to hide my feelings anymore."
Anaya looked down at her hands.
Her heart was beating so fast she could hear it.
She had always enjoyed spending time with Aarav.
His kindness.
His honesty.
The way he cared about her.
But hearing those words made everything feel more real.
After a long moment, she slowly looked up at him.
"Aarav…"
"Yes?"
"You really mean that?"
Aarav nodded.
"More than anything."
Anaya smiled softly.
"You're a very honest person."
Aarav laughed nervously.
"I hope that's a good thing."
She looked at him for a moment.
Then she said quietly,
"I don't know if I'm ready to say those same words yet…"
Aarav's smile faded slightly.
But before he could say anything, Anaya continued.
"…but I do know one thing."
"What?"
She looked into his eyes.
"You are very special to me."
Aarav felt his heart relax again.
Anaya smiled.
"And maybe… if you give me some time… my answer might become the same as yours."
Aarav smiled widely.
"That's enough for me."
They both laughed softly.
The evening sky was slowly turning orange as the sun started setting.
Anaya looked at the beautiful sky.
Then she looked at Aarav again.
For the first time in a long time…
She felt truly happy.
But somewhere far away, a new problem was slowly coming into their lives.
Because very soon…
Someone from Anaya's past would return.
And that person could change everything.