Finding you in the crowd

After the school's complaint, Deepika's parents decided to talk to Manish.

They weren't angry at first — just concerned. They sat down with him one afternoon. Their faces were serious but calm.

"Manish," Deepika's father said, "we know you've been talking to our daughter. We're not here to insult you. But this is not the age for all this. Focus on your studies. You both have a long life ahead."

Her mother nodded, speaking softly, "She's still a student. There's time for love later. Right now, her future is more important."

Manish listened quietly. Then he looked at them and said with all honesty:

"Uncle… Aunty… I respect you both a lot. And I respect Deepika even more. I'm not playing any games. I truly care about her. I won't do anything that would hurt her studies or your trust. But I can't lie — I want to stay in her life. Not just now… forever. One day, I want to marry her."

There was silence for a moment.

Deepika's parents didn't expect such mature words from a school-going boy. They didn't agree right away — but they didn't say no either. They simply said, "If your intentions are true, we hope you'll also respect her future. Let her study, let her grow."

⸻

Things Slowly Moved On

After that day, things changed — not completely, but slowly.

Deepika's parents didn't stop her from talking to Manish, but they reminded her every now and then to stay focused. Deepika also became more careful — she didn't want to disappoint her parents, but her bond with Manish was still strong.

They met only when necessary, smiled from a distance in school, and mostly talked through short notes or quiet conversations after class.

Their friend Renu, who had always supported their friendship, helped them stay connected. She would pass on messages sometimes and always cheered them up when things felt heavy.

Renu wasn't just Deepika's best friend — she was like a bridge between their feelings and the outside world. She understood both sides and always reminded Deepika, "If it's true, it will last. Just don't lose yourself in it."

⸻

A Small Plan to Breathe Again

One day, their group of close school friends, including Renu, decided to go for a small outing — just to relax and take a break before the final exams.

It wasn't anything big — just a simple day at the nearby lake and park. They laughed, played games, shared snacks, and took pictures with their school uniforms still on.

Manish and Deepika were both there.

They didn't sit too close, didn't talk too much — but they looked at each other and smiled. That was enough.

It was one of those peaceful days that felt like a memory being made in real time — full of laughter, sunlight, and quiet understanding.

⸻