Author Note:
Dear readers,
Life often puts us in moments where the heart and mind are at odds. In this story, Ryu navigates friendship, love, and the courage to speak the truth, all while bonds are tested and emotions run deep. Through every misunderstanding, every stolen glance, and every confession, I hope you feel the intensity, the warmth, and the raw honesty of growing connections. Thank you for joining me on this journey of hearts, choices, and the delicate threads that tie us to the people we cherish most.
Blurb:
At the sacred Sangam, Ryu's heart is caught between truth and feelings she can't yet name. A confession from Ravi shakes her world, while Rey's silent, unwavering gaze stirs something deeper inside her. As friendships are tested and emotions collide, Ryu must find the courage to follow her heart-without losing the people she holds dear. Can love, honesty, and trust survive the turbulence of a tangled heart?
Everyone walked eagerly toward the Sangam, but my mind kept replaying Ravi's confession. I couldn't figure out what to say without breaking his heart. My breaths grew uneven, my steps slower. Maya noticed immediately and, without hesitation, gently pulled me aside. Even the holy chants echoing in the air couldn't soothe my restless heart.
Maya POV:
Ryu looked breathless, lost in her thoughts. Something heavy weighed on her, and I could sense it. She's my friend, and though she couldn't share this with everyone, maybe she would share it with me.
I asked softly, "Ryu, what happened?"
She sighed, eyes clouded. "Ravi... he confessed his feelings to me today. I was so shocked-I ran away before I could even reply."
My eyes widened. "What? Ravi did that?"
She nodded. "Yes. But I don't know what to say. I see him only as my best friend. I... I don't love him."
I raised an eyebrow gently. "Then you have to be honest with him, Ryu. Don't carry this alone. Do you know what you'll tell him?"
Ryu POV:
Her words pierced through me. I had always believed Ravi considered me just a friend-like I did him. Now, everything felt awkward, heavy. Why did I run away without giving him an answer? Guilt and sadness coiled in my chest as I folded my hands in prayer. I whispered to Goddess Nanda Devi, my protector:
"Devi Maa, you know my heart. You know I don't feel for Ravi that way. Please guide me... give me the strength to do what is right without hurting him."
Turning to Maya, I whispered, "I've decided... I'll tell him the truth." She squeezed my hand reassuringly, and together, we walked back toward the Sangam.
The sound of rushing waters grew louder, mingling with the chants of pilgrims. Arjun called out, "Ryu, come take a dip in the river." Slowly, I stepped into the cold, sacred water. Shivers ran through me, yet a strange calm followed. When I emerged, I opened my eyes-Rey stood silently on one side, Ravi on the other. My heart thudded, caught between two gazes, like the very rivers meeting at the Sangam.
Every time I saw Rey, memories of moments we'd shared flooded back. From enemies to friends, every quarrel, laugh, and shared secret felt precious, like threads weaving us closer together.
I immediately called Ravi aside. His eyes sparkled, expecting a different response. I glanced at Rey, who gave Ravi a sharp look, as if he already suspected something.
"Ravi, I wanted to say something..." I started.
Ravi's eyes lit up.
I hesitated, then continued, "Ravi... you're so important to me, and I never want to hurt you. But my heart... it doesn't feel the same way. I hope you can still see me as a friend, because I don't want to lose you."
I left him there, my chest heavy, my heart aching.
Ravi POV:
Ravi's chest tightened, a storm raging inside. Every laugh, every glance Ryu shared with Rey-it burned like fire in his veins. How could Rey just exist there, calm and effortless, while he poured out his heart and got nothing?
Anger and jealousy twisted within him. He imagined Rey laughing at a joke, Ryu leaning closer-moments that should have been his. His jaw ached from clenching so tightly.
A quiet, simmering threat burned in his eyes. He would make Ryu notice him, make her realize what she was risking with Rey. And if Rey thought he could just stand there... he'd be very wrong.
Ryu :
I left the place, startled, when someone suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him.
When I opened my eyes, Rey's gaze held mine-steady, intense, unyielding. For a moment, the world blurred, and all I could feel was the pull of his stare, warm yet electrifying.
"Why are you holding me?" I asked, flustered.
Rey POV:
I wanted to ask her so many things, to tell her everything in my heart-but my lips froze. Her eyes... so alive, so clear, kept pulling me in. And yet, Ravi had confessed. Anger and helplessness churned inside me. I wanted to confront Ravi, to scream my feelings, to make Ryu see... but something held me back.
Old fears whispered that I had no right. My heart ached, torn between desire and restraint. I just stood there, silent, wishing courage would come.
"Have you accepted Ravi's proposal?" I asked finally.
Ryu :
Shocked, I stammered, "How... how do you know?"
Rey's glare sharpened. "Doesn't matter. Answer my question."
I glared back. "Why do you care who confessed to me? For your information, I've rejected him. Now leave me alone."
I was startled by his sudden closeness, my heart fluttering and cheeks burning. I didn't want him to see me like this.
Just then, my cousin Arjun and Maya called us as we were leaving. I quickly ran off, hiding my blush.
Everyone gathered around the bus. I avoided Rey and Ravi, but the tension between them grew-though they were best friends. Excitedly, I took my seat, knowing we were just minutes from my village.
Kabir and Avyaan slept, snoring loudly like Mr. Kumbhkaran. Rey and Ravi sat apart. Siya Di sat with Ravi; Arjun, Aakash, and Rey were together. I called Aarav and Anika for a selfie, and we clicked one with Maya, then another of Kabir and Avyaan, captioned Mr. Kumbhkaran.
As the bus descended the winding mountain road, Ryu's eyes widened at the sight of the village ahead. Tiny houses dotted the hillside, smoke curling from chimneys, and fields stretched in neat patches, golden under the afternoon sun. Children ran along narrow paths, their laughter echoing through the valley, while the distant sound of a river flowing added a serene rhythm to the scene. Her heart raced with excitement-this was her first time here, and everything felt so alive, so new. Stepping off the bus, the earthy scent of soil and wildflowers filled her senses, and she couldn't help but take a deep breath, letting the beauty of her first glimpse of home sink in.
RYU POV:
I was bubbling with excitement-it was my first time visiting my village, and every corner felt like a new adventure waiting to be discovered. My eyes roamed over the narrow lanes, the quaint houses, and the fields stretching as far as I could see. I wanted to explore every nook and cranny, to wander down the winding paths, peek into little courtyards, and see the village life up close. The scent of fresh earth and wildflowers filled the air, and I felt an irresistible pull to immerse myself in everything this place had to offer. My heart raced with anticipation-I knew that every step I took would uncover stories, secrets, and memories that belonged uniquely to this village.