Anaya and Aarav had known each other since they were toddlers. Their parents had been best friends long before they were born, so naturally, the two of them grew up together. Their bond was effortless—late-night family dinners, summer vacations at the same hill station, and birthday parties where they always cut the cake together.

They weren't just childhood friends; they were practically family.

But somewhere along the way, Anaya's feelings changed.

She wasn't sure when it happened—maybe it was when Aarav stood up for her in middle school when a boy made fun of her, or maybe it was when he sneaked her extra fries during lunch. Or maybe it was the way he laughed, carefree and unbothered, as if the world couldn't touch him.

She had never planned to fall for him. But she did. And she fell hard.

The only place she could admit her feelings was in her diary. It was her safe space—where she poured out every stolen glance, every moment that made her heart race, and every wish she was too scared to say out loud.

Until the day she left it behind.

It happened so fast. One moment, she was gathering her books, rushing to the next class, and the next, her diary was gone.

A classmate found it. And instead of returning it, he opened it.

The words she had written in secret—her deepest emotions—were now in the hands of someone who had no right to them.

By lunchtime, the entire school knew.

"She likes Aarav?""She's been in love with him for years?""Did he know?"

Anaya could feel the stares, hear the hushed giggles, and see the curious glances. Everywhere she walked, people whispered.

Then came the moment she dreaded most.

Aarav found her after school, his expression unreadable. "Is it true?"

Anaya's heart pounded. She could deny it. Laugh it off. Say it was just a joke.

But she didn't want to lie.

"Yes," she whispered.

Aarav exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. He looked away for a moment before finally meeting her eyes. "Anaya… I don't feel that way about you."

The words stung more than she expected.

"I'm sorry," he added, his voice softer.

She forced a smile. "It's okay."

But as he walked away, she knew nothing would ever be the same again.