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Chapter 3 - Maybe Someday

 When Rohan confesses his love to Aaradhya, she denies him, but as they continue to grow closer, she must confront her true feelings and decide if their friendship can blossom into something more. A poignant exploration of the gray area between friendship and love, as two young souls navigate their emotions and discover the true meaning of connection in a virtual world. A story of courage, vulnerability, and the power of human connection, as Rohan and Aaradhya learn to embrace their feelings and take a chance on love. 

As the online classes continued, Rohan and Aaradhya's friendship deepened. They would often chat on Zoom, discussing everything from schoolwork to their personal lives.

Rohan, however, couldn't shake off his feelings for Aaradhya. He wanted to confess his love, but he was hesitant. What if she didn't feel the same way?

One day, during their English period, Rohan finally gathered the courage to ask Aaradhya the question that had been on his mind for weeks. "Aaradhya, can I ask you something?" he said, his voice trembling slightly.

Aaradhya, sensing what was coming, smiled mischievously. "Go ahead, Rohan. I know what you're going to ask."

Rohan took a deep breath and asked, "Do you love me?"

Aaradhya's expression turned serious, and she looked away for a moment before responding. "Rohan, my parents don't allow me to love anyone. I'm sorry."

Rohan's heart sank, but he tried to understand. "It's okay, Aaradhya. I just needed to know."

But to his surprise, Aaradhya began to apologize profusely. "Rohan, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. You're my best friend, and I don't want to lose you."

Rohan was taken aback by her apology. He realized that Aaradhya valued their friendship deeply, even if she didn't feel the same way romantically.

Rohan tried to move on from his unrequited love for Aaradhya. He focused on his studies, spent time with his friends, and even joined a new club to distract himself. But no matter what he did, he couldn't shake off the memories of Aaradhya. He would see her in his online classes, and his heart would skip a beat. He would try to avoid her, but she would always find ways to talk to him, to make him laugh, to make him feel seen.

Aaradhya, too, couldn't forget Rohan. She had denied his confession, but she couldn't deny the connection they shared. She found herself looking forward to their online classes, just so she could see him, talk to him. She loved the way he made her laugh, the way he challenged her to be her best self.

As the days turned into weeks, Rohan and Aaradhya's friendship deepened. They would talk for hours, sharing their dreams, their fears, their passions. Rohan knew he still had feelings for Aaradhya, but he tried to suppress them, to focus on their friendship instead.

But Aaradhya couldn't help but notice the way Rohan looked at her, the way he smiled when she was around. She began to wonder if she had made a mistake by denying his confession. Maybe, just maybe, she felt the same way.

One day, while they were studying together online, Aaradhya turned to Rohan and asked him about his favorite book. Rohan launched into a passionate speech about the novel, and Aaradhya found herself captivated by his enthusiasm.

As they talked, Aaradhya realized that she had been blind to Rohan's feelings. She saw the way he looked at her, the way he cared for her, and she knew that she couldn't deny her feelings any longer.

Aaradhya took a deep breath. "I've been thinking a lot about us, and I realize I made a mistake when I denied your confession. But I need time to figure out my feelings."

Rohan's face fell, but he tried to understand. "I get it. Take all the time you need. I just want you to be honest with me."

Aaradhya nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "I promise I will. Can we still be friends and hang out like we always do?"

Rohan smiled wistfully. "Of course, we can. I care about you no matter what."

As they continued their online class, the tension between them was palpable. Rohan couldn't help but wonder if Aaradhya would ever feel the same way.

Days turned into weeks, and Aaradhya struggled to sort out her emotions. She valued her friendship with Rohan but couldn't shake off the feeling that she might be missing out on something special.

One evening, as they were studying together, Rohan asked, "Hey, can I ask you something?"

Aaradhya looked up from her notes. "What is it?"

Rohan hesitated. "Do you think you'll ever be able to see me in a different light?"

Aaradhya's heart skipped a beat. She didn't have an answer.

Aaradhya looked away, her mind racing. She didn't want to hurt Rohan again, but she couldn't lie to him either. "I don't know, Rohan. I care about you deeply, but I need more time to figure things out."

Rohan nodded understandingly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment. "I get it. Just promise me you'll be honest with yourself and with me, okay?"

Aaradhya nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "I promise."

As the days went by, Aaradhya couldn't shake off the feeling that she was torn between her friendship with Rohan and the possibility of something more. She began to question her own heart, seeking answers that seemed elusive.

Meanwhile, Rohan continued to be his usual supportive self, never pressuring Aaradhya for an answer. Yet, she sensed a subtle change in his demeanor, a quiet resignation that tugged at her heartstrings.

One evening, as they were wrapping up their online study session, Aaradhya impulsively asked, "Rohan, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, what's on your mind?" he replied, his eyes locking onto hers.

Aaradhya hesitated, her pulse racing. "If I ever figure out my feelings and decide to take a chance on us... will you still be there for me?"

Rohan's expression softened, and he smiled wistfully. "Aaradhya, I'll always be here for you, no matter what."