Eight years ago, when Nila was ten years old, she met the boy who would eventually become the most important person in her life. It was a quiet evening at school, and most of the children had already gone home. While a few students were still playing on the playground, Nila sat alone on a wooden bench with her schoolbag beside her, trying hard to hide the sadness on her face.

A boy who had been playing nearby noticed her. His name was Arjun. He had seen Nila several times at school, but they had never spoken before. Curious about why she was sitting alone, he walked toward her and asked, “Why are you sitting here alone?” Nila didn't even look up. “Go away.”

Arjun was surprised by her answer, but instead of getting offended, he simply shrugged and turned around. “Okay.” He had barely taken a few steps when Nila suddenly called him back. “Wait.” Arjun turned around and looked at her. “What?”

Nila's eyes fell on the small chocolate in his hand. Arjun noticed her expression and held it out toward her. “Want this?” Nila looked at him suspiciously. “Why?” He smiled. “Because you look sad.” She immediately shook her head. “I'm not sad.” Arjun shrugged. “Okay.”

He started putting the chocolate back into his pocket, but Nila quickly reached out and took it from him. “I'll take it.” Arjun smiled. “What's your name?” Nila quietly answered, “Nila.” He pointed toward himself. “I'm Arjun.”

They sat together on the bench for a while. Arjun didn't ask what had happened, and Nila didn't feel the need to explain. Somehow, she felt comfortable sitting beside him even though they had only just met.

After a few minutes, Arjun held out his little finger toward her. “Friends?” Nila looked at his hand and shook her head. “No.” Arjun's smile disappeared slightly, but before he could pull his hand away, Nila slowly held out her own little finger. “Best friends.”

Arjun looked at her in surprise before a bright smile appeared on his face. He hooked his little finger around hers. “Promise?” Nila nodded. “Promise.” Neither of them knew that the little promise they made that evening would stay with them for the next eight years.

Eight years later, Nila's home was filled with the sounds of a busy morning. Her bags were already packed near the entrance while her mother, Lakshmi, continued checking everything for the last time. Her father, Ravi, sat at the dining table with his newspaper, quietly watching his wife fuss over their daughter.

“Nila, did you pack your medicines?” Lakshmi called from the other room. Nila came out carrying her handbag and sighed. “Amma, I'm going to college, not another country!” Lakshmi smiled and walked toward her. “I know. But you're still my daughter.” She gently fixed Nila's hair before adding, “Let me worry a little.”

Ravi laughed from the dining table. “Lakshmi, if you keep checking everything, she'll miss college before she even gets there.” Nila smiled at her father while Lakshmi gave him an annoyed look. “Easy for you to say. You're not the one sending her away.”

A few minutes later, Vikram arrived to help with the bags. As they drove toward the apartment, he gave Nila one piece of advice after another—eat properly, don't stay up too late, keep her phone charged, and call him if she needed anything. Nila laughed. “You're behaving exactly like Amma.” Vikram smiled. “Someone has to.”

After a moment, his expression became more serious. “You're really okay with living with Arjun?” Nila looked at him, confused. “Why wouldn't I be?” Vikram sighed. “You're eighteen now. College is different.” Nila smiled reassuringly. “Arjun is still Arjun. We've been best friends since we were ten. You don't have to worry.”

Vikram knew there was no point arguing. Arjun had always been the one person Nila trusted completely. He had watched the two of them grow up together, and he knew that if Nila had to choose one person to have beside her in an unfamiliar place, it would always be Arjun.

At Arjun's house, Revathi was having her own final check of his luggage while Suresh watched from the dining table. “You're taking too many clothes,” Revathi complained. Arjun looked at his suitcase. “Amma, I need them.” She shook her head. “You're going to college, not moving permanently.”

After finally closing his suitcase, Arjun looked at his mother proudly, only for her to immediately start checking everything again. “Documents?” she asked. “Yes.” “Charger?” “Yes.” “Food?” “Yes.” She paused for a moment before asking, “Enough food?” Arjun laughed. “Nila will probably bring enough for both of us.”

Revathi smiled knowingly. “Of course she will.” Suresh shook his head. “You two are going to live together, study together and probably argue every day.” Arjun immediately protested. “We don't argue every day.” Both his parents stared at him. He sighed. “Okay. Maybe sometimes.”

Before leaving, Revathi hugged him tightly. “Take care of Nila.” Arjun smiled and hugged her back. “I always do.” He didn't think much about the words. To him, taking care of Nila had always been as natural as breathing.

When Arjun reached the apartment with Vikram, Nila was already waiting near the entrance. The moment she saw him, she looked at the clock and frowned. “You're late.” Arjun looked at his watch. “I'm five minutes late.” Nila crossed her arms. “Exactly.” Vikram laughed from behind them. “Nothing has changed.”

Both families had gathered to help them settle into the apartment. Vikram's wife, Meera, was there as well, helping everyone arrange the rooms and unpack the things they had brought.

As soon as they entered the apartment, Arjun looked around and pointed toward the larger bedroom. “The bigger room is mine.” Nila immediately turned toward him. “No. I'm taking it.” Arjun frowned. “Why?” She answered without hesitation, “Because I want it.” He shook his head. “I want it too.”

Vikram looked at Meera and quietly said, “Here we go.” Meera smiled. “They haven't even started college and they're already arguing.” After a few more minutes of bickering, Nila finally got the room she wanted, leaving Arjun standing outside with an offended expression.

Later, while the mothers were arranging things in the kitchen, Lakshmi turned toward Arjun. “Make sure Nila eats properly.” Arjun nodded. “I will.” Revathi immediately looked at Nila. “And make sure he doesn't survive on instant noodles.” Nila laughed. “I'll take care of him.”

Ravi exchanged an amused glance with Suresh before saying, “You see? They already sound like an old married couple.” Nila immediately looked embarrassed. “Appa!” Arjun turned toward his father. “Dad!” Everyone burst into laughter while Nila and Arjun exchanged awkward looks.

Eventually, it was time for the families to leave. After one final round of hugs and reminders, everyone headed toward the door. Vikram looked at Arjun before leaving. “Take care of her.” Arjun smiled. “Always.” Meera pointed at him. “And don't trouble her.” Arjun looked offended. “Why does everyone think I'm the problem?” Nila immediately answered, “Because you are.”

The apartment filled with laughter one last time before the door finally closed behind them. For the first time, it was completely quiet. Nila stood near the window, watching their cars disappear down the road. The excitement of college was still there, but the sudden silence made her realize how far she was from home.

Arjun noticed her expression and quietly walked toward her. He handed her a bottle of water and asked, “You okay?” Nila nodded. “Yeah.” He looked at her for a moment before asking, “You miss them?” She gave a small nod. “A little.”

“You'll get used to it,” Arjun said gently. Nila looked at him and smiled. “At least you're here.” Arjun smiled back. “Of course I'm here.” Somehow, those simple words were enough to make the unfamiliar apartment feel a little more like home.

The next morning, they left for college together. The campus was crowded with unfamiliar faces, and groups of students were already laughing and talking among themselves. Nila looked around nervously. “There are so many people,” she whispered. Arjun looked at her and smiled. “You'll get used to it.”

“I don't know anyone,” Nila admitted. Arjun shrugged. “You know me.” Nila looked at him for a moment before smiling. “That's enough.” Arjun smiled back. “Always.”

They continued walking when a student passing by glanced at them and smiled. “Cute couple.” Nila immediately turned around. “We're not a couple!” The student gave an awkward smile and quickly walked away.

Arjun burst out laughing. Nila turned toward him irritably. “What?” He tried to control his laughter. “You looked so angry.” Nila frowned. “Because we're not a couple.” Arjun nodded. “I know.” She crossed her arms. “Then stop laughing.”

Nila walked ahead, annoyed, while Arjun followed her with a smile. But after a few steps, his smile slowly faded.

We're not a couple.

Of course they weren't. Nila was his best friend, his childhood friend, and the girl who had been beside him for eight years. There was nothing strange about that.

So why did those words suddenly leave a strange feeling in his heart?

Arjun quickly pushed the thought away and continued walking beside her. He didn't know it yet, but something between them had begun to change.

They had entered college as best friends.

But sometimes, love doesn't arrive all at once. Sometimes, it begins quietly—with a childhood promise, a familiar smile, and the comfort of having one person who has always been there.

And perhaps...

one of them had already fallen first.

To be continued...

The first day of college was nothing like Nila had imagined. By the time she and Arjun reached their classroom, most of the students had already settled into their seats. Some were talking with people they had met that morning, while others were quietly looking around the unfamiliar classroom. Nila observed everyone for a moment before choosing a seat near the window, with Arjun taking the seat beside her.

Arjun looked at the neatly arranged notebooks on her desk and raised an eyebrow. “You brought five notebooks?” Nila glanced at him. “Yes. I like being prepared.” He smiled. “You're going to be the topper, aren't you?” Nila simply shrugged. “Someone has to.” Arjun laughed softly. “I knew it.”

Their professor soon entered the classroom, and the first lecture began. Nila listened carefully, writing down the important points while Arjun tried his best to follow the lesson. After a few minutes, he leaned toward her and whispered, “What is he talking about?” Without looking at him, Nila replied, “Listen.” Arjun smiled. “I am listening. I just understand it better when you explain it.” Nila finally looked at him. “We're not even halfway through the first lecture.” He quietly turned back toward the professor.

A few minutes later, Nila noticed Arjun's eyes slowly closing. She nudged his elbow. “Don't sleep.” Arjun immediately opened his eyes. “I wasn't sleeping. I was thinking.” Nila raised an eyebrow. “With your eyes closed?” He smiled. “It's easier.” She shook her head and went back to her notes, already wondering how she was going to survive four years of college with him.

During the lunch break, most of the students gathered in small groups and started getting to know each other. Nila stayed at her seat and opened her lunch box. Since they were still settling into their apartment, Lakshmi had prepared food for both of them that morning. She had packed enough for the first few days because she knew they were not yet used to cooking for themselves.

Arjun opened his lunch box and immediately looked at Nila's. “What did your mother make?” he asked. “Lemon rice.” He looked down at his own vegetables and sighed. Nila noticed his expression and laughed. “You want some?” Arjun quickly shook his head. “I wasn't going to ask.” Nila pushed her lunch box toward him. “Take some.” He smiled. “You're the best.” Nila smiled back. “I know.”

After eating, Nila reminded him that the food would soon run out. “Once this is finished, we're going to have to cook for ourselves.” Arjun immediately looked worried. “Cook? You know I don't know how to cook.” Nila laughed. “I know. That's why I'll teach you.” Arjun stared at her. “You actually expect me to cook?” Nila nodded. “Yes.” He sighed dramatically. “I suddenly miss home.”

The afternoon classes passed quickly. By the end of the day, Nila had already written down every assignment and important date while Arjun had somehow managed to lose his timetable. As they walked out of the college building, he suddenly stopped. “Nila, where's our classroom tomorrow?” She stared at him. “Block B, second floor.” He nodded before asking, “What time?” Nila sighed. “Eight-thirty.” He thought for a moment. “What subject?” She looked at him suspiciously. “Did you lose the timetable?” Arjun gave her an innocent smile. “Maybe.” Nila took out her phone. “I'll send it to you.” He smiled. “You're a lifesaver.” She shook her head. “I know.”

They continued walking toward the apartment. The evening breeze blew Nila's hair across her face, and she tried to move it away. Before she could, Arjun gently reached out and moved a loose strand away from her eyes. Nila looked at him for a moment, slightly surprised. Arjun immediately pulled his hand back. “What?” he asked casually. Nila shook her head. “Nothing.” She continued walking beside him, while Arjun quietly wondered why that simple moment had suddenly made him feel strange.

When they reached the apartment, Nila changed into comfortable clothes and went into the kitchen to check what they had left. Arjun followed her and looked inside the refrigerator. “We still have food.” Nila nodded. “For a few more days.” Arjun smiled. “Good.” Nila closed the refrigerator and looked at him. “After that, we're cooking.” His smile disappeared. “You mean I have to cook?” Nila laughed. “Yes.” Arjun sighed. “I don't know how.” Nila smiled. “Then you'll learn.”

She took some vegetables from the refrigerator and placed them on the kitchen counter. “Come here. I'll show you.” Arjun walked over reluctantly. Nila handed him a knife and some vegetables. “Start cutting these.” Arjun looked at the knife suspiciously. “Like this?” Nila immediately stopped him. “No, hold it properly. You're going to cut your finger.” She showed him how to hold it and demonstrated the right way to cut the vegetables.

Arjun carefully followed her instructions. Nila stood beside him, watching every movement. “Slowly,” she reminded him. Arjun nodded. “I got it.” After a few attempts, Nila smiled. “Better.” Arjun immediately looked proud. “See? I'm a fast learner.” Nila laughed. “Don't get too confident.” A moment later, one of the vegetables slipped from his hand and fell to the floor. Nila burst out laughing. Arjun pointed at it. “It slipped!” She smiled. “Of course it did.”

Dinner took much longer than either of them expected, but they finally managed to prepare something edible. Arjun took the first bite and looked surprised. “This is actually good.” Nila smiled. “You sound surprised.” He shook his head. “I'm surprised because I helped.” Nila laughed. “You only cut vegetables.” Arjun nodded proudly. “That's still important.” She shook her head, smiling. “Fine. I'll give you credit.”

After dinner, Nila started washing the dishes, but Arjun immediately stood beside her. “You cooked. I'll wash.” Nila looked at him. “Are you sure?” He nodded confidently. “Yes.” Unfortunately, within a few seconds, water had splashed across the counter and onto the floor. Nila stared at the mess. “Arjun.” He looked at her innocently. “What?” She pointed toward the floor. “You're making a mess.” Arjun laughed. “I've never done this before.” Nila sighed and stepped closer. “Move. I'll show you.” He smiled. “Then help me.”

They stood beside each other at the sink, washing the dishes together. Their shoulders occasionally brushed against each other, and Nila didn't seem to notice. Arjun, however, suddenly became aware of how close she was. He quickly looked away and focused on the dishes, wondering why something so ordinary suddenly felt different.

Later that night, Nila sat at the dining table with her laptop open, already working on their first assignment. Arjun walked past her and stopped when he saw the amount of notes spread across the table. “You're studying already?” he asked. Nila looked at him. “We have to submit it next week.” Arjun pulled out the chair beside her. “Next week is far away.” Nila gave him an unimpressed look. “That's exactly why you think everything is easy.” He laughed before opening his notebook. “Fine. Teach me.”

Nila began explaining the topic to him. She was patient even when he didn't understand something the first time, explaining it again until he finally got it. Arjun listened carefully, occasionally asking questions. After a while, he leaned back and smiled. “You should become a teacher.” Nila laughed. “You should become a student first.” He looked offended. “I am a student.” She raised an eyebrow. “Barely.” Arjun laughed, and after another few minutes, he finally understood the lesson.

“Thanks,” he said quietly. Nila looked at him. “For what?” Arjun smiled. “For always helping me.” Nila closed her notebook and looked at him. “You've helped me plenty of times too.” Arjun raised an eyebrow. “When?” She thought for a moment before answering, “Every time I needed you.” His expression softened. “You know I'll always be there.” Nila smiled. “I know.”

It was almost midnight when Nila finally closed her laptop. She stood up from the chair, but suddenly felt slightly dizzy. Arjun immediately reached out and held her arm. “Hey, are you okay?” Nila steadied herself. “Yeah. I just stood up too quickly.” Arjun didn't let go immediately. “Sit down.” Nila shook her head. “I'm fine.” His expression became serious. “Nila, sit.” She listened.

Arjun quickly brought her a glass of water and handed it to her. “Drink.” Nila took a few sips before looking at him with a small smile. “You worry too much.” Arjun sat beside her. “Someone has to.” She looked at him quietly. He had always been like this. Whenever she needed him, he was there without asking too many questions. “Thank you,” she said softly. Arjun smiled. “Always.”

The next morning, Nila walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Most of the food her mother had prepared was already gone. She looked at Arjun, who was sitting at the dining table, still half asleep. “The food is almost finished.” Arjun looked inside the refrigerator and sighed. “Already?” Nila nodded. “We ate it.” He looked at her helplessly. “What do we do now?”

Nila crossed her arms and smiled. “We cook.” Arjun immediately shook his head. “I don't think I'm ready.” She laughed. “You wanted to learn yesterday.” He sighed. “I changed my mind.” Nila picked up a frying pan and placed it on the stove. “Too late.” Arjun watched her for a moment before smiling. “Can I help?” Nila handed him a bowl. “You can start by washing those vegetables.” Arjun took the bowl and smiled. “Yes, chef.” Nila rolled her eyes. “Don't call me that.” He grinned. “Yes, chef.”

Neither of them knew it yet, but that little kitchen would soon become one of their favorite places in the apartment. Between burnt food, stolen bites, late-night conversations and countless arguments over who should wash the dishes, they would slowly create memories that neither of them would ever forget.

For now, they were simply two childhood best friends learning how to live on their own.

Nothing more.

At least, that's what they both believed.

To be continued...

The next morning, Nila's alarm rang at seven. She opened her eyes, turned it off and immediately checked the time. They had less than an hour before college, so she quickly got out of bed and started getting ready. After finishing, she walked toward Arjun's room and knocked twice, but there was no response. “Arjun, wake up. We're going to be late.” When he still didn't answer, she slowly opened the door.

Arjun was still fast asleep, completely unaware of the time. His blanket had slipped down while he was sleeping, leaving his upper body exposed. Nila immediately looked away and cleared her throat. “Arjun!” she called louder. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at her sleepily. “Hmm?” Nila pointed toward him without looking directly at him. “At least cover yourself properly and get up!” Arjun looked down, realized what had happened and quickly pulled the blanket back up. “Oh.” Nila turned toward the door, trying not to laugh. “Get ready. We have college.” Arjun smiled sleepily. “Good morning to you too.” Nila shook her head. “Just get up!”

Nila walked away, but she could feel her face getting slightly warm. She didn't understand why she was suddenly feeling embarrassed. Arjun had been her best friend for eight years, and she had seen him in countless situations before. Still, something about that moment felt different. She quickly pushed the thought away and went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

A few minutes later, Arjun came into the kitchen after getting ready. Nila was already checking the ingredients they had at home. She handed him a bowl and said, “Wash these vegetables.” Arjun stared at the bowl. “Again?” Nila smiled. “You said you wanted to learn.” Arjun sighed before taking the bowl. “I said I wanted to learn slowly.” Nila laughed. “Then start slowly.”

While Arjun washed the vegetables, Nila began preparing breakfast. He watched her for a moment before asking, “What are you making?” Nila looked at him. “Upma.” Arjun immediately made a face. “Again?” Nila shook her head. “You complained about yesterday's food too.” He smiled innocently. “I wasn't complaining. I was giving feedback.” Nila laughed and continued cooking.

After a while, she handed him the knife. “You can cut these, but don't make them too big this time.” Arjun nodded confidently. “I learned from yesterday.” He carefully started cutting the vegetables while Nila watched him. After a few minutes, she smiled. “You're getting better.” Arjun looked at her proudly. “Really?” Nila nodded. “A little.” He smiled. “I'll take that.”

While they were cooking, a small strand of Nila's hair fell across her face. Before she could move it, Arjun reached out and gently moved it behind her ear. Nila looked at him in surprise. Arjun immediately realized what he had done and pulled his hand back. “It was bothering you.” Nila touched her hair and nodded. “Oh... okay.” For a moment, neither of them said anything. Nila turned back toward the stove while Arjun quietly continued cutting the vegetables.

Breakfast was finally ready, and they sat together at the dining table. Arjun took a bite and nodded approvingly. “This is good.” Nila smiled. “You sound surprised.” Arjun shook his head. “I'm just impressed.” Nila laughed. “You helped this time.” He smiled proudly. “Exactly. Maybe I'm becoming useful.” Nila looked at him and smiled. “Maybe.”

After breakfast, they quickly got ready and left for college together. On the way, Nila checked her phone and reminded Arjun about the assignment they had received the previous day. “We have to submit it tomorrow.” Arjun looked worried. “Tomorrow?” Nila nodded. “Yes.” He looked at her hopefully. “You'll help me, right?” Nila smiled. “Only if you actually do the work.” Arjun nodded immediately. “I promise.”

When they entered the classroom, Nila immediately took out her notebook while Arjun dropped his bag beside her. He looked at her and sighed. “You're studying again?” Nila looked at him. “We have an assignment.” Arjun shook his head. “You really don't waste any time.” Nila smiled. “Someone has to make sure we pass.” During the lecture, Arjun tried to follow the professor's explanation but soon became confused. He quietly leaned toward Nila and whispered that he didn't understand one of the concepts. Nila continued writing for a moment before promising to explain it to him later.

During the break, a few students approached Nila and asked for her notes. She politely shared them with them before returning to her seat. Arjun watched the interaction and smiled. “You know, you're already becoming popular.” Nila shook her head. “They're only asking for notes.” Arjun looked at her. “You should make some friends.” Nila was quiet for a moment before saying, “I don't really know how.” Arjun smiled. “You have me.” Nila looked at him and smiled. “That's enough.” Arjun smiled back, but for some reason, those words stayed in his mind.

After college, they walked home together. Nila noticed that Arjun was unusually quiet and looked at him. “What's wrong?” He shook his head. “Nothing. I'm just tired.” Nila didn't ask again. Instead, she quietly took his bag from his shoulder. Arjun looked at her in surprise. “What are you doing?” She continued walking. “You said you're tired.” He reached for the bag. “I can carry it.” Nila shook her head. “Just let me.” Arjun smiled and followed her. He knew Nila didn't usually express her feelings through words. She showed them through small things like this.

When they reached the apartment, Nila placed his bag on the sofa. Arjun smiled. “Thanks.” Nila shrugged. “Don't mention it.” Later that evening, Nila sat at the dining table with her books open and continued working on her assignment. She had been studying for a while when she suddenly stopped and rubbed her forehead.

Arjun noticed her from the kitchen and walked toward her. “What happened?” Nila shook her head. “Nothing.” He looked at her tired expression. “You've been studying since we came home.” Nila sighed. “I just want to finish this.” Arjun quietly took the book from her and placed it on the table. “Then take a break.” Nila looked at him. “Arjun.” He smiled. “Five minutes.” After a moment, she gave in. “Fine.”

Arjun went to the kitchen and brought her a glass of water. He placed it beside her and said, “Drink.” Nila took the glass and looked at him with a small smile. “Since when did you become so responsible?” Arjun smiled. “Since I started living with you.” Nila laughed softly. “Maybe I'm having a good influence on you.” Arjun nodded. “Maybe.”

After taking a short break, Nila returned to her assignment. This time, Arjun sat beside her and helped organize the information. He wasn't as good at the subject as she was, but he genuinely tried to make things easier for her. Nila looked at him and smiled. “You actually helped.” Arjun looked offended. “Why are you surprised?” Nila laughed. “Because usually I'm the one helping you.” He smiled. “We're even now.” Nila nodded. “Okay. We're even.”

That evening, they went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Nila started cooking while Arjun stood beside her, ready to help. She handed him some vegetables to cut, and he confidently took the knife. “I know what I'm doing now.” Nila smiled. “Let's see.” Arjun started cutting carefully while Nila stirred the food.

For a few minutes, everything went smoothly until one of the vegetables slipped from Arjun's hand and fell onto the floor. Nila looked at him, then at the vegetable, and finally back at him. Arjun immediately said, “Don't say anything.” Nila burst out laughing. “I didn't say anything!” He smiled. “You were about to.” Nila continued laughing while he picked it up. “One day, I'll cook something without making a mistake.” Nila smiled. “I'll be waiting for that day.”

After dinner, they cleaned the kitchen together. This time, Arjun was much more careful while washing the dishes. Nila watched him for a moment and smiled. “You're improving.” Arjun looked at her proudly. “Because I have a good teacher.” Nila laughed. “Maybe.” He smiled. “Definitely.”

Later that night, they sat together on the balcony. The apartment was quiet, and the cool night air made them both feel relaxed after a long day. Nila leaned against the railing and looked at the lights outside. “College is actually not that bad.” Arjun smiled. “You were nervous yesterday.” Nila nodded. “I still am.”

Arjun looked at her. “Why?” Nila was quiet for a moment before answering, “Because I don't have anyone else here.” Arjun looked at her seriously. “You have me.” Nila smiled softly. “I know.” She slowly rested her head on his shoulder. Arjun became still for a moment but didn't move away.

“I'm tired,” Nila murmured. Arjun smiled. “Then rest.” She closed her eyes for a few minutes while Arjun quietly stayed beside her. For him, the moment felt different from all the other times she had leaned on him. He didn't know why, but he found himself wishing that the moment would last a little longer.

After a few minutes, Nila lifted her head. “Good night.” Arjun smiled. “Good night.” She stood up and walked toward her room, but before entering, she turned around. “Arjun?” He looked at her. “Hmm?” She smiled softly. “Thanks for today.” Arjun smiled back. “Always.”

Nila disappeared into her room, leaving Arjun alone on the balcony. He sat there for a while, thinking about everything that had happened that day. He had known Nila for eight years. He had laughed with her, argued with her, studied with her and been there whenever she needed him.

But lately, something felt different.

He couldn't understand when it had started or why he was noticing every little thing about her now. Maybe it was just because they were growing up.

Or maybe...

his feelings for his best friend were slowly becoming something more.

To be continued...