Days passed, and we became inseparable, sharing moments of happiness that only strengthened our bond. As we sat together, he turned to me with a hesitant smile, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve.

"May I ask you something?" he asked, his voice gentle but tinged with uncertainty.

"Yeah, don't be so formal," I replied casually, not fully grasping the gravity of his question.

"I couldn't help but notice that you seemed uneasy around me before. Is everything alright?" His concern was evident in the way his brows furrowed, and he reached out, his hand hovering near mine.

Suddenly, sweat broke out on my forehead, and my hands began to shake uncontrollably. I struggled to maintain composure, but my trembling legs gave me away.

"Are you okay?" he asked, leaning in closer, his eyes searching mine for answers.

My throat tightened, and I felt tears welling up, betraying the facade I tried so hard to maintain. "Why are your eyes brimming?" he asked softly, his concern only amplifying my turmoil.

Unable to contain my emotions any longer, I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor as I backed away, avoiding his gaze. "Look, Aparna, unless you say anything, I won't know what's wrong," he said, following me as I retreated.

"I don't want anyone to know, please," I pleaded, my voice trembling as tears blurred my vision. Without waiting for a response, I fled to the girls' restroom, locking myself in.

Inside, I collapsed against the cold tile floor, my sobs echoing off the...