The week moved slowly, like pages of a novel Karthik couldn't quite put down. Every glance from Ananya, every small conversation—they weren't just moments anymore. They were weights pressing gently on his heart.
Friday arrived with a hush in the air, as though the world itself was holding its breath. The sky was pale with streaks of gold as the sun dipped lower, and Karthik knew—he couldn't keep it in anymore.
Ananya sat alone in the courtyard after school, flipping through her sketchbook. The same one Karthik had gifted her weeks ago. A faint breeze stirred her hair, and the orange light of sunset made her look surreal—like she belonged in a dream.
He walked up slowly.
She looked up, smiling. "You look like you're about to either faint or say something very important."
He chuckled nervously. "Maybe both."
He sat beside her, knees brushing. His palms were sweaty, heart hammering in his chest.
"Ananya…" he began.
She turned toward him, curious.
"I don't know how people usually say these things. And maybe I should've said it a long time ago. But…" He paused, swallowing hard. "You make the dark parts of me feel less heavy."
Her eyes widened, lips parting just slightly.
"I used to think love was for someone louder. Braver. Happier. But then you came along. And suddenly… it wasn't about being loud. It was about feeling. And I feel everything when I'm with you."
For once, Ananya didn't tease. She didn't smile, or laugh, or raise an eyebrow.
Instead, she reached out and held his hand.
"I was waiting," she whispered.
Karthik blinked. "What?"
She nodded. "I was waiting for you to realize it. I've known for a while."
His breath caught.
"I didn't want to push you," she said softly. "You had to find your own way to this. And I'm glad you did."
Silence wrapped around them again—but it wasn't empty.
It was full.
Of emotion. Of the unspoken. Of understanding.
And in that silence, Karthik smiled.
Really smiled.
---
End of Chapter 77