Ananya and Kabir had been best friends since childhood. They lived in the same neighborhood and went to the same school. Every afternoon after school, they would meet under the old banyan tree near the playground.
As children, their world was simple and full of laughter. They shared lunch, played cricket with the neighborhood kids, and talked about their dreams. Kabir wanted to become a writer, while Ananya dreamed of traveling the world.
Everyone around them believed their friendship would last forever.
Years passed, and the two friends slowly grew up. School became harder, responsibilities increased, and life started changing around them. But one thing remained the same—Kabir and Ananya still spent time together whenever they could.
However, something had quietly changed in Kabir's heart.
Somewhere between childhood and growing up, he had started seeing Ananya differently. Her smile made his day better, and every moment with her felt special. But Kabir never told her how he felt.
He was afraid.
Afraid that if he confessed, their beautiful friendship might break.
So he stayed silent.
One evening, while sitting under their favorite banyan tree, Ananya said softly, "Kabir, my father got transferred. We're moving to another city next month."
Kabir felt his chest tighten.
"Oh… that's great," he forced a smile. "A new city, new adventures."
Ananya looked at him carefully. "You don't sound very happy."
"I am," he replied quickly.
But the truth was, Kabir felt like his world was slowly falling apart.
During the last few weeks before Ananya left, they spent as much time together as possible. They visited their favorite places, laughed about old memories, and tried to pretend nothing was changing.
Yet Kabir still couldn't gather the courage to confess his feelings.
Finally, the day came when Ananya had to leave.
Kabir stood at the railway station with her, surrounded by the noise of people and trains.
"I'm going to miss this place," Ananya said.
Kabir nodded. "I'll miss you too."
For a moment, they stood in silence.
Kabir wanted to say the words he had hidden for so long. He wanted to tell her how much she meant to him.
But the words never came out.
The train whistle blew.
Ananya hugged him tightly. "Don't forget me, okay?"
Kabir smiled softly. "That's impossible."
She got onto the train and waved goodbye as it slowly started moving.
Kabir stood there, watching until the train disappeared from sight.
Only then did he whisper the words he had kept inside for years.
"I love you, Ananya."
But by then, it was too late.
Sometimes, the saddest love stories are not about heartbreak or betrayal.
Sometimes, they are simply about the words we were too afraid to say. 💔