“What are you saying?” I exclaim in shock as Aditi walks in and stops in front of him.
“Amyra loves me?” I add, my mind spiralling into a daze.
Is this really true? If not, why would Amyra preserve the flowers I gave her, guard our memories in a scrapbook, call me ‘My Rey, and write ‘my love’ beside it?
“It must be ironic that everyone around both of you can clearly see how deeply you’re into each other, yet you remain blind, especially when it comes to noticing Amyra Di’s eyes, always brimming with love for you.”
A sarcastic smile curves her lips, but I can’t fully grasp what she’s implying about us.
Or maybe I do, and I’m simply unable to digest it.
“I don’t remember her ever acting differently around me, like she had a crush or was in love. We were always just best friends, pure, uncomplicated, without any romantic tension. At least, that’s how it felt to me. I never once questioned our bond until I realised my own feelings, when she started pulling herself away from me. So how could I ever guess she loved me? She was flawless at hiding it all these years.”
Goosebumps ripple through me as the realisation sinks deeper. Amyra loved me all along and I never had a single clue.
Was she truly that good at pretending, or was I simply too clueless to notice?
“Oh, Reyansh,” Aditi sighs. “How can you be so clueless to her love? Haven’t you seen the way she looks at you, as if you’re the most precious thing in her world?”
“Really?” I whisper. “Does she look at me like that?”
I always thought it was only me, stealing glances filled with fondness and admiration. I never knew I had a secret admirer all along.
But if she loved me, why didn’t she ever confess? And when I finally reciprocated, why did she reject me?
Wait, when did Aditi even find out about this?
“When did you know?” I ask, my voice thick with confusion. “And how did you find out?”
Her expression falters, unease flickering across her face.
“There’s no specific moment,” she says carefully. “My family, your family and everyone guessed Di’s feelings for you. To be honest, when you came here for the announcement nine months ago, we all assumed it would be your confession or a marriage proposal to Amyra Di. But you shocked everyone by taking my name instead.
I was truly surprised as well as elated. Even though I wanted to say yes immediately, I was hesitant. I needed to know how Amyra Di truly felt. So before giving you my answer, I met her to clear a few things.”
“What?” I gasp. “You actually discussed her feelings for me?”
My head spins. Aditi knew about Amyra’s love and still agreed to date me. There had to be a reason behind it.
“Yes. And that’s when I confirmed her unrequited love for you. I didn’t want to stand between you and her, but she made sure you’d always see each other as nothing more than friends. She even urged me to listen to my heart, saying people who like each other deserve to be together. That’s how I overcame my dilemma and agreed to date you.”
My throat tightens as the truth sinks in. Amyra buried her pain, never allowing her feelings to get in the way of her sister’s happiness—or mine.
How much strength must it have taken for her to offer such selfless advice?
“Don’t get me wrong,” Aditi continues softly. “At one point, I worried she might come between us. But she never crossed a line or tried to sabotage our relationship. Honestly, I trusted your feelings for me. I was even glad that you chose me over your long-time best friend. I never imagined our relationship would fall apart because of your feelings for my sister. I certainly never expected to find out that, all this time, you were slowly falling for Amyra Di.”
My expression twists with discomfort, a sharp ache piercing my heart as I think about the unbearable weight Amyra must have carried within her.
“I’ve come to realize that Amyra Di’s pain is far more profound than mine, Reyansh,” Aditi says softly. “Sure, I was hurt and disappointed when you broke up with me after eight months. But when I consider what she went through, it terrifies me. Justimagine the mental turmoil she faced for nine long months, watching the man she loved date another woman, losing hope in him, only for him to suddenly show up and confess his love for her. Doesn’t that feel like she’s been misled all along? A promise tied to her heart, one that has been broken again and again, hangs in the air, accompanied by a lingering excuse that he couldn’t recognize his feelings earlier. It feels as if everything she once believed in might soon be revealed as a lie. And complicating matters further, her own sister is involved. How will she navigate this maze of emotions? It’s as if every choice could lead her further away from both of us.”
Aditi's face is a canvas of emotions, fluctuating between concern for her sister and the remnants of her own heartbreak. This internal conflict reveals the depth of her love for Amyra, even as challenges loom ahead. As Aditi speaks, I can feel the weight of her words sinking in, and tears begin to stream down my face. Each statement resonates painfully true, stirring a sense of urgency within me.
“I can’t predict how you’ll untangle this mess, Reyansh,” Aditi says thoughtfully, “but you need to understand that she’s endured more than you can imagine. Soon, it will be your turn to hold on to her tightly. Don't wait for her to find her way back; instead, move forward with genuine effort. You need to fight for her. That’s all I hoped to convey when I saw you here earlier. Please, take a moment to really think about it. The future holds possibilities that could hinge on your next steps.” She turns to leave, but I stop her with one last question.
“But Aditi, why don’t you talk to Amyra? She must be drowning in guilt for ruining your relationship with me.”
“She has to be the one to initiate it, Reyansh,” she replies softly. “She’s the one avoiding me, and I’m simply waiting for her toshow up. She’ll come when she’s ready, when she’s prepared to decide her future and confront her emotions.” With that, she leaves the room, silence settling heavily around me. And I know she’s right.
