Episode 3 - The Smile That Was Never Mine

Arjun was the kind of boy people rarely noticed. He always sat on the last bench, spoke only when necessary, and spent most of his free time reading books or listening to music. He wasn't lonely because he had no friends—he was lonely because the one person he wanted to talk to never really saw him.

Her name was Aisha.

She was everything Arjun wasn't. Cheerful, friendly, confident, and always surrounded by classmates. Wherever she went, laughter followed. She had a smile that could brighten the dullest day, and everyone admired her kindness.

The first time Arjun saw her, he felt something he had never experienced before. It wasn't just a crush. It was a feeling that quietly settled in his heart and refused to leave.

From that day on, his mornings had only one purpose—to see Aisha walk into the classroom.

He memorized the little things without even trying. The way she tied her hair before class. The way she smiled while helping others. The way she laughed so freely that everyone around her started laughing too.

But Arjun never had the courage to speak.

Every night he opened his notebook and wrote letters he never planned to give her.

"Today you looked happy. I hope life always gives you reasons to smile."

"I don't know if you'll ever know my name, but seeing you every day is enough for me."

Page after page, his notebook filled with words that would never reach her.

His best friend, Kabir, knew the truth.

"You've loved her for two years," Kabir sighed. "Just tell her. Even if she says no, at least you'll know."

Arjun looked out of the classroom window and smiled sadly.

"What if my confession makes things awkward? I'd rather stay invisible than become a reason for her discomfort."

Days turned into weeks.

Weeks became months.

The final year of college arrived.

Everyone was talking about farewell preparations, future dreams, and graduation.

Arjun secretly hoped that before everything ended, he would finally find the courage to tell Aisha how he felt.

Then one afternoon, something happened that changed everything.

The classroom door opened.

Aisha entered with a bright smile, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Behind her stood a senior student.

She looked at everyone and said happily,

"Everyone... I want you to meet someone special. He's my boyfriend."

The room exploded with cheers, applause, and congratulations.

Kabir slowly turned toward Arjun.

Arjun smiled.

He even clapped with everyone else.

No one noticed that his hands were trembling.

No one noticed the tears he refused to let fall.

That evening, he walked home alone under the silent sky.

He opened the notebook that held every unsent letter.

For a long time, he stared at the pages.

Then he closed it gently.

"Maybe," he whispered, "some people are meant to become beautiful memories... not happy endings."

As he looked at the sunset, his phone suddenly vibrated.

It was a message from an unknown number.

"Hi... Is this Arjun? I need to tell you something important."

To Be Continued... 💔

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