“We can’t decide who Reyansh should love or why he doesn’t see you that way.”
“Some things are simply beyond our control.”
I mumble them aloud as the truth finally settles in. How did I miss it all this time? Reyansh doesn’t love me; he never did. To him, I’m just his best friend, the one who’s been avoiding him without explanation.
From his side, it must feel confusing, a sudden distance with no fight, no reason, no closure.
While I was drowning in heartbreak, he was probably struggling to understand why I pushed him away…even as he began a new relationship. Oh God. While I mourned my unrequited love, hemust’ve been anxious, blaming himself for something he never did.
That’s unfair.
He doesn’t even know I ever loved him.
Dad was right. I need to accept reality instead of letting it destroy the sanity of everyone I care about, especially my parents. It’s time to steady myself, to bring back the old me. I grab my phone, type a message, and hit send before doubt creeps in.
Amyra:
Let’s meet tomorrow.
It isn’t his fault that he doesn’t love me. And if I truly love him, then I need to support him, with all the grace my heart can offer, even if that tears me apart inside.
Chapter 10
Reyansh
Finally, the distance between Amyra and me is about to end. I never imagined a simple reply of “let’s meet tomorrow” could bring so much comfort to my restless mind.
I’m waiting in the indoor library of the Thakur Estate, our hangout spot since childhood, because of our shared love for books. It has always been our haven for heartfelt conversations, playful fights, exam prep, and all the moments we spent just being together. I asked if we could meet outside, but she insisted on our usual spot.
My anticipation is impossible to contain. I need to understand the reason behind her sudden indifference.
This is the longest we’ve ever gone, ten full days without seeing each other. And even though I started dating Aditi, I couldn’t focus on our new relationship because my mind kept circling back to the distance with my best friend. Every time Amyra ignored my messages, cut my calls, or avoided me in Bajaj Mansion, it stung like losing a piece of myself. The anxiety and distress made me restless, almost obsessive, always exhorting me to try to close the gap between us. My days turned melancholic without her, and that dulled whatever bond I was trying to build with Aditi. I felt disinterested in everything.
I even called Amyra’s other best friend, Sanchi, hoping for a clue. I couldn’t recall any clash, disagreement, or exchange of taunts between us, so I was clueless about what went wrong. The last time we spoke, she reassured me about Aditi approving my proposal… and then silence.
So when she texted yesterday asking to meet, it felt like I could finally breathe again with Amyra by my side. My phone rings, snapping me out of my thoughts. I quickly pull it out, expecting to see her name, but my smile fades when it’s my girlfriend.
You’re being crazy, Rey.
“Hey, Aditi! What’s up?” I try to sound casual.
“Did you meet my sister?” she asks, confusing me.
“Not yet. She must be on her way. Did you see her leave the mansion?”
“No.”
“It’s okay. I can wait.” I slump into the swivel chair near the row of books. She sighs on the other side.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Just realised how you’ve been unreachable since we started seeing each other. It’s my vacation and your break period before joining the company, and so I thought we’d spend time exploring our bond. But we met only once in the past ten days. Even in that meeting, you were distant, lost in your own world, looking… sad. It felt unfair, Reyansh. Didn’t you promise to give your best to make this relationship work?”
Disappointment laces her voice. And honestly, I have no defence. I really was disturbed. I couldn’t be myself with her. Ifailed to keep my promise because no matter how hard I tried, my strained friendship with Amyra clouded everything. This one’s on me.
“I’m so sorry, my darling. You know things haven’t been okay between Amyra and me. It’s taken away my peace and made me lose my mind. I couldn’t focus on anything.”
“But why? You should have given her some space and waited. Instead, you were losing patience and even ignored your girlfriend. Didn’t I try to cheer you up so many times? You never cared!” This is a new side of her, but I’m glad she cares about us. And she’s right. She literally dragged me out of the Estate to get some fresh air, trying to distract me. But I couldn’t escape the weight of Amyra’s silence.
