The sunlight was fading, casting a golden glow all around. Lata stood in a corner, twisting her fingers nervously. She had made up her mind, no matter what, today she would say it! But how? Where should she start? Her heart was pounding in her chest.
Suddenly, a familiar voice from behind—
“Hey, Lata! What are you thinking about all alone?”
Lata jolted and turned around. Ankur was standing there with a wide grin, completely unaware of what was going on in her mind.
“Nothing!” Lata tried to keep her voice steady, but it sounded too normal.
Ankur frowned. “I can tell just by looking at your face that something’s up! Are you going to tell me, or should I just guess?”
Lata thought to herself, “Ugh! If only this idiot understood on his own, I wouldn’t have to worry so much!” But she said nothing.
Ankur kept looking at her, waiting. Lata’s mind screamed, “Just say it! Say it! What are you so afraid of? It’s not like he’s going to eat you alive!”
Finally, she took a deep breath and made a silent decision.
And without any warning, she looked straight at Ankur and blurted out—
“I’m in love with you!”
One second… two seconds… three seconds…
Ankur froze! He stood completely still, not uttering a single word. Even his eyelids didn’t blink.
Lata’s heart pounded wildly. “Oh no! Did he just go into shock and turn into a statue?”
Ankur opened his mouth as if to say something but stopped. Then, he scratched his head lightly, looking like he had no idea how to react.
Lata, now getting annoyed, snapped—
“What’s taking you so long? If you want to say no, just say it! Why all the drama?”
Ankur finally smiled. He was clearly enjoying the whole situation. Then, he took slow steps toward Lata, gazed deeply into her eyes, and…
He didn’t say a word. Instead, he gently… very slowly… tucked a loose strand of hair away from her forehead.
Lata’s heartbeat doubled.
Ankur was still looking at her, smiling softly. For a moment, time seemed to freeze. The air felt both warm and cool, Lata couldn’t tell the difference.
Then, in the softest, most tender voice, Ankur said—
“I’ve loved you from the very first day, you silly girl!”
There was nothing more to say.
For a moment, Lata forgot everything. There was no noise, no crowd, just two people and their silent confessions.
A gentle breeze passed by, ruffling their hair. Time didn’t stop, but the moment stayed with them forever.
To be continued…
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