Graduation Day:
It looked like the college management had a practical mindset too, scheduling Graduation Day 15 days before the last day of college. They probably assumed no one would return after the exams.
The air was filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia as the engineering students celebrated their graduation. The campus was abuzz with laughter and cheer, but amidst the joy, he felt a pang of sadness. The girl he had admired for so long stood just a few steps away, surrounded by friends and well-wishers. He had a nickname for her—"Bijli," meaning lightning. His friends tried to push him to talk to her, but he resisted. He watched her from a distance, her traditional attire and graceful presence only intensifying his feelings. Her laughter rang out, a sound that both comforted and tormented him.
As the ceremony ended, he began to think again—practicality or overthinking; only fate would tell.
Post-Graduation:
With a degree in hand, he plunged into the job market. His intelligence and determination paid off as he secured a well-paying job. His family's financial situation improved, and for the first time in years, they felt a sense of stability. However, amidst his professional success, he couldn't shake off the memories of her.
Every night, as he lay in bed, her image surfaced in his mind. He remembered the way her bangles clinked softly with each movement, the way her bindiya shimmered under the sunlight, and the warmth of her smile. His heart ached with the weight of unspoken words and missed opportunities.
Her Journey:
The girl, on the other hand, embraced her own journey. She continued her education and pursued her passion for Bharatanatyam. Her performances were described as heavenly, mesmerizing audiences with each step. Dance became her solace, a way to express herself and find joy amidst the pressures of life.
Within a year, she moved on from the unspoken connection she once felt. She built new relationships, both personal and professional, and embraced new experiences. Her life was fulfilling, and she felt a sense of peace and happiness.
A Year Later:
He couldn't resist the urge to reconnect. Despite his belief that social media was a waste of time and his concerns about personal data being used by these platforms, he created a Twitter account under the name "anonymous" just to follow her. He began to engage with her indirectly, admiring her posts, defending her in discussions, and feeling a sense of connection, albeit one-sided.
Eventually, he decided to reach out directly but made the mistake of using her professional account. His desire to reconnect with her had momentarily overshadowed his caution, leading him to this misstep.
Her Reaction:
She was taken aback. The text on her professional account felt intrusive and unprofessional. Frustrated, she tweeted, "How unprofessional people can become, using a professional account for personal texting." It was a clear signal that she had moved on and valued her boundaries.
His Response:
Seeing her tweet, he felt a deep sense of regret. He slapped himself, thinking he was the most foolish person in the world. He immediately apologized, promising not to contact her again, and deleted his Twitter account. He realized his actions were misguided and had only created more distance between them.
Ongoing Obsession:
Despite his promise to move on, he found himself checking her professional account weekly or monthly. He couldn't completely let go, and his heart remained tethered to her, even if only through the digital world.
Reflecting and Moving On:
He tried to move on, focusing on his career and family. Yet, he couldn’t completely erase her from his mind. He often wondered about the life she was leading and hoped she was happy. His heart ached with the knowledge that he had lost his chance, but he respected her decision and the boundaries she had set.
Her Perspective:
Meanwhile, she reflected on their past. She acknowledged the unspoken connection but felt it was best left in the past. Her life was full, with new relationships and achievements. Dance continued to be a significant part of her life, bringing her joy and fulfillment.
Life’s Continuation:
Life meandered like a river, connecting old streams in unexpected ways. He continued to grow professionally, and his family’s situation improved further. She thrived in her career and personal life, her Bharatanatyam performances gaining acclaim.
Home Visit:
After the online misunderstanding and feeling overwhelmed, he decided to visit home for a few days. The familiar surroundings and the comfort of being with his family helped soothe his troubled mind. He spent time with his mother, whose unwavering support had always been his anchor.
Park Encounter:
One day, while roaming in a park with a school friend, he unexpectedly encountered his first crush from school. The mutual crush that had never progressed due to his practical thinking was now standing before him. Her eyes lit up with recognition, and they exchanged smiles.
"Hey, it's been so long! How have you been?" she asked warmly.
He wondered, "Why is this happening? Does God have some different plans for me?"
They spoke for some time, reminiscing about school days and catching up on each other’s lives. She had followed a career as a dentist and was also a beautiful dancer.
When it was time to say goodbye, something stirred within him, and he boldly asked for her number...
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