Just Friends

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...

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