The morning sun streamed through my curtains, casting a golden glow across my room. As I stretched and slowly opened my eyes, reality settled in—I had a long day ahead. College formalities, shopping with Isha, and most importantly, planning the farewell party for my friends and our group.

I rolled onto my side, staring at the ceiling for a moment, letting the weight of the day sink in. Everything was changing so fast. The comfort of school life was slipping away, and soon, we'd all be stepping into a different world. Some of us into college, others into responsibilities handed down by their families. It felt strange—exciting yet daunting at the same time.

I finally got out of bed and stretched, letting out a tired sigh. My phone buzzed on my nightstand, the screen lighting up with messages. Unsurprisingly, the group chat was already flooded with discussions about the party. Everyone wanted it to be grand, the kind of farewell we'd remember for a lifetime.

After a quick shower, I threw on a casual yet stylish outfit, ready to face the day.

As I made my way downstairs, the familiar scent of breakfast filled the air. Mom was already in the kitchen, helping the servants prepare, while Papa and Bhai sat at the dining table, engrossed in their usual discussions about work and politics.

"Good morning, beta," Mom greeted with a warm smile, placing a glass of juice in front of me.

"Morning, Mom," I mumbled, taking a seat next to Bhai, who barely acknowledged me as he scrolled through his phone.

"So, when does your college formalities process start?" he asked after a few minutes, glancing up briefly.

"Around noon," I replied, taking a sip of my juice. "After that, Isha and I are going shopping, and then there's the farewell party to organize."

Papa hummed in approval. "Good, good. You should enjoy these moments. Once college starts, you'll have new responsibilities."

I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. The thought of stepping into college, leaving behind the familiarity of my school life, my friends, and even my home, left a bittersweet taste in my mouth.

Excusing myself from the table, I headed back to my room to get ready for the long day ahead. As I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, a small smile played on my lips. Today wasn't just about endings - it was also about new beginnings.

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By noon, I arrived at the college with all the necessary documents, my heart pounding slightly as I walked through the grand gates. The reality of it all hit me—I was really stepping into this new phase of life. The campus buzzed with students, some as lost as I felt, others already settled into the energy of the place.

After a long wait and multiple signatures, I finally completed the formalities. Just as I stepped out of the administration office, my phone rang.

"Hurry up, slowpoke! I'm already waiting outside," Isha's excited voice rang through my ears.

Laughing, I responded, "Calm down! I'm on my way."

I spotted her leaning against her car, sunglasses perched atop her head, looking effortlessly stylish as always. "Took you long enough," she teased as I approached.

"Oh, please! You didn't have to sit through endless paperwork," I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

She grinned and linked her arm through mine. "Come on, let's go splurge before we become broke college students!"

We spent the next few hours hopping from one boutique to another, trying on outfits, laughing, and catching up. As we sifted through racks of dresses, Isha nudged me with her elbow. "So, tell me, any new prospects on the horizon?"

I groaned, tossing a dress at her playfully. "Seriously? That's your question?"

"Yes! I mean, college is starting! New people, new boys. You're single and ready to mingle," she wiggled her eyebrows mischievously.

I laughed, shaking my head. "I'm not looking for anything, Isha. You know that."

She sighed dramatically. "Ugh, Shanaya! You can't just stay stuck in the past. You need someone who makes you swoon, someone who gives you butterflies."

I smirked. "Like how Veer gives you butterflies?"

Her cheeks turned pink instantly. "Oh, shut up!" she whined, swatting my arm.

"You totally like him," I sing-songed.

"Okay, fine! Maybe I do. But we're talking about you! Do you think you'll meet someone in college?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shrugged. "I don't know, Isha. Right now, I'm just focused on adjusting to all these changes. Boys can wait."

She sighed but dropped the subject. "Fine, but if some gorgeous guy walks into your life and sweeps you off your feet, don't come crying to me!"

I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Deal."

As we carried our shopping bags back to the car, she suddenly turned to me with a bright grin. "By the way, we're totally going to be roommates, right?"

I blinked in surprise. "You're serious?"

"Of course! Who else would I tolerate snoring next to me?" she joked.

"I do not snore!" I exclaimed, laughing.

She winked. "You do, but I love you anyway. So, roommates?"

I smiled, the thought of sharing this new experience with my best friend making everything feel a little less daunting. "Roommates."

As we carried our shopping bags back to the car, she suddenly turned to me with a bright grin. "By the way, we need outfits for the farewell party."

I grinned. "Obviously! We need to look jaw-droppingly stunning."

She dragged me into another boutique, this one specializing in party wear. We both sifted through the racks, pulling out glamorous dresses. Isha held up a deep red bodycon dress with a daring slit. "This. You need to wear this."

I eyed it, hesitating. "It's... a little too much, don't you think?"

She scoffed. "No, it's perfect. You need to channel your inner goddess, Shanaya. Besides, all eyes will be on you."

I laughed. "Fine, fine. And what about you?"

She smirked, holding up a black sequin dress with a plunging neckline. "If I'm going down, I'm going down looking like a queen."

We burst out laughing, finally deciding on our outfits. As we checked out, Isha looped her arm through mine. "Tonight is going to be unforgettable."

I smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia. "Yeah, it really is."

And with that, we walked out of the store, ready to say goodbye to our past and step into the future—one last party before everything changed forever.

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Flashback starts

The night was calm, the sky a canvas of twinkling stars as Shanaya lay on the terrace, her head resting on Rohan's arm. A gentle breeze swayed the wind chimes, filling the silence between them with a soft melody. The world felt smaller, quieter, just the two of them under an endless sky.

"You're really leaving," Rohan murmured, his voice unusually quiet, laced with something she couldn't quite place.

Shanaya sighed, staring up at the vast sky. "Not leaving. Just... moving forward."

He scoffed. "Moving forward? Or leaving everything behind?"

She turned her head to look at him, an amused smile tugging at her lips. "Are you going to miss me, Rohan Malhotra?"

His smirk faltered, replaced by something raw, something real. "I already do."

Shanaya felt her heart clench. He always did this—left her breathless with words that carried more weight than he ever admitted.

"I don't want you to go," he confessed, his fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on her wrist. His touch was warm, familiar, like home. "I know I don't have the right to ask you to stay, but that doesn't mean I don't want to."

Her breath caught in her throat. "Rohan..."

"I don't care how selfish it sounds," he continued, his voice rough, his eyes locked onto hers. "You're the only thing in my life that's ever felt right. And now, you're slipping away."

She swallowed hard, her throat tight. "I'm not slipping away, Rohan."

"Then why does it feel like you are?" His fingers finally intertwined with hers, their hands fitting together like they were always meant to. His grip was desperate, like he was holding onto something already breaking.

"Because sometimes, we don't get to choose what we leave behind," she whispered. "Sometimes, life makes the choices for us."

He exhaled sharply, his forehead resting against hers. "Then promise me something."

Her voice was barely a breath. "What?"

"Promise me you won't forget this," he murmured, his lips hovering just inches from hers. "Promise me that no matter where you go, who you meet, you'll always remember us."

Tears stung her eyes. She nodded, barely able to find her voice. "I promise."

And before she could second-guess it, before reality could steal the moment away, he closed the distance. His lips met hers in a kiss so soft, so breathtaking, that it sent shivers down her spine. It wasn't just a kiss. It was a confession, a goodbye, and a thousand emotions tangled into one.

When they pulled away, he searched her eyes, his own filled with an ache that made her chest tighten. "I love you, Shanaya."

Her heart shattered, because she knew—some love stories weren't meant to last.

And some promises were impossible to keep.

Flashback ends

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Thank you all for reading this chapter! Shanaya and Rohan's love is one of passion, heartbreak, and unspoken words, and I can't wait to take you deeper into their journey.

I know the story is progressing slowly, but trust me, every piece of Shanaya's past is essential to understanding her future.

 And for those waiting to meet our main protagonist, Kabir, he will be introduced soon.

Drop your comments below—I'd love to hear from you! ❤️

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