“She Was the One I Loved”

I still recall the day I entered college for the first time, filled with nervous excitement, vivid dreams, and a thousand questions. At the time, I had no idea that I would meet someone who would become an enduring part of my life story right here on campus.

She was called Sneha. On my first day, she was sitting on the bench in front of me. White salwar kameez, a black bag slung across her shoulder, and a calm, serene expression on her face. I felt something shift in me when our eyes met for a brief moment.

At first, it was nothing more than stealthy glances and shy smiles. However, conversations began gradually through informal gatherings in the college's canteen, library, and corridors. After that, friendship took off. She requested a bite of my lunch one day as we were sitting in the canteen. I realized that this girl had become the center of my world after seeing that small gesture.

Sneha was extraordinary yet simple. She was happy about the smallest things, like taking in the earthy scent of the first rain or laughing when she showed me her silly doodles after class. With each passing day, I was falling more and more in love with her.

However, expressing my emotions? That was difficult. Our friendship was so pure, so precious—I was terrified of losing it. Nevertheless, there came a time when I could no longer contain it.

We sat under the old tree behind the college one afternoon. When I saw her, I said,

— "Sneha, I treasure you. Sincerely, deeply."

She was quiet for a moment. She then responded with a faint smile,

"I knew... I've known for a while," he said.

I was taken aback.

"Then why did you not speak up?" I inquired.

She raised her eyes. —

"Because I know there's no future for us. My marriage has already been set up by my family. I can't oppose them."

In that instant, time stopped. It felt like someone had placed a stone on my chest. I was unable to speak. I just stared at her.

Sneha went on, -

- "You are incredible. I didn't want to hurt you for that reason. You ought to be with someone who will give you her full attention and affection. I can’t be that person."

Things started to change after that. Our exchanges became shorter. Despite the waning warmth, we continued to meet. We were both aware that the end was near.

Things started to change after that. Our exchanges became shorter. Despite the waning warmth, we continued to meet. We were both aware that the end was near. Our final year was that one. A friend told me one day that Sneha was getting married soon. It was unbelievable to me. I had the impression that everything I had worked toward—a future with her, shared moments, and quiet evenings on a terrace—had vanished.

She came to the college to get her certificates two days before her wedding. She saw me and paused. She stated, after a prolonged silence, "I'm aware that you're in pain. So am I. However, love does not suffice in this world. There are obligations and realities. We can't get everything we want out of life."

When I saw her, I said,

"Why did you not say no?" Why didn't you inform me that we should flee? She sadly smiled, I couldn't, as you know. Additionally,

I don't want you to ruin my life for you."

I responded,

"Just know this: I will love you for the rest of my life," she said. If you ever feel lost, if you ever want to come back—I’ll be here."

She said nothing at all. Just sighed and walked away. I stood at the college gate, watching her disappear.

The time has passed. Now that I work for a company, my days are full of meetings, deadlines, and stress. Thoughts of Sneha, on the other hand, come back in the peaceful evening when the sky becomes softer. I remember whispered jokes in the library, half-eaten samosas in the canteen, and the corridor we shared. Everything seems so vivid and new.

I have stopped contacting her at this time. On social media, I've seen pictures of her with her beautiful family and a child in her arms. She seems happy. A part of me also hurts for her, but I'm happy for her. because I once loved her in a way that was like the moon—distant, inaccessible, but constant.

I know that she loved me as well. Her eyes showed it to me. But not all love stories conclude. Some stay incomplete, like unfinished letters or unsent texts.

Even today, when someone asks, “Have you ever truly loved someone?”

I picture her face as I close my eyes.

Then, with a grin, say,

— “Yes. I cherished her. I continue to. But… she was never mine.”

The concluding paragraph is: ____

Some tales never end. Some affections never change; rather, they simply fade away as time passes. I carry her in my heart even now, quietly, secretly. I loved her the most. She might also be the one I get to keep in another life.

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