The night sky stretched endlessly above, calm and deep like a black ocean without shores. Stars shimmered softly, scattered like tiny diamonds on velvet. A silver moon hung high, pouring its cool glow over the sleeping world below. Thin clouds drifted lazily, like dreams moving through the dark. A gentle breeze carried the scent of damp earth and distant flowers.
The sky felt peaceful — as if the universe itself had paused to rest.
It was the kind of night that made even silence feel beautiful.
Beneath that tranquil sky, a black Mercedes glided smoothly down a quiet road. Its polished surface caught the moonlight, reflecting silver streaks that flowed like water. Inside sat Abhimanyu — handsome, composed, and sharply dressed in a dark-blue suit. His neatly styled hair and steady gaze gave him an air of quiet confidence.
The dashboard lights glowed softly against his face.
He was on his way to a reunion with old college friends. To him, it was just another evening — a familiar gathering, a chance to laugh and remember the past.
He didn't know this ordinary night…
…would soon stir memories he thought he had buried.
The house was alive with warm light and laughter when he arrived. Music floated gently through the air. People gathered near the entrance, talking and smiling like time had never passed.
Abhimanyu stepped out of the car, adjusting his coat. He took a steady breath and walked toward the door.
Then he saw her.
Meera.
His steps slowed without him realizing.
She stood near the entrance, speaking to someone. Her beauty wasn't loud or flashy — it was soft, natural, and effortless. Her long black hair flowed smoothly down her back. A red dress moved gently with the breeze, wrapping her in quiet elegance. Under the porch light, her skin glowed faintly, and a small silver bindi rested on her forehead like a delicate star.
Her lips curved into a polite smile.
But her eyes — deep and filled with unspoken emotion — widened when they met his.
Time seemed to pause.
Beside her stood a tall man with blonde hair and kind features. His light grey blazer and relaxed posture gave him an easy charm. He looked European, warm and approachable.
Leonard.
Meera and Abhimanyu looked at each other. A fragile silence stretched between them.
"Hi," Meera said softly, her voice steady but uncertain.
"Hey," Abhimanyu replied. His smile was polite, but careful. "It's been a while…"
She nodded. "Yes… it has."
There was so much they could say — years of words trapped behind their eyes — yet neither found the courage. Their gazes drifted away, heavy with memories neither dared touch.
Leonard sensed the tension and stepped forward with a friendly grin.
"Hey! I'm Leonard," he said, offering his hand. "Nice to meet you."
Abhimanyu shook it firmly. "Nice to meet you too."
"Come on," Leonard added lightly.
"Everyone's upstairs."
He guided Meera gently forward. Abhimanyu followed, his expression calm — but inside, something stirred like distant thunder.
Eight years earlier.
Rain tapped steadily against a small apartment balcony. The city lights below blurred through the wet glass, glowing like distant stars. Abhimanyu and Meera sat close together beneath a worn brown blanket, sharing warmth and sipping hot tea from steel cups.
Her head rested lightly on his shoulder.
"Do you ever get scared?" she asked quietly
.
"Of what?" he replied.
"Of losing something that feels too good to last."
He didn't answer with words. Instead, he pulled the blanket tighter around her and kissed her hair.
"Then don't let it go," he whispered.
But life doesn't always listen to promises.
Her parents never truly accepted him. Behind polite smiles, they called him ordinary, not of our league — not one of us. His own family wasn't kinder, saying she was too modern, too different.
They tried to fight it. Months passed with forced smiles and hidden tears, convincing themselves love would be enough.
But pressure has a way of wearing even strong hearts down.
One quiet afternoon, they sat across from each other in a café. No shouting. No blame. Just a silence thick with truth.
"I'm tired," Meera whispered.
"I know," he said gently.
That was all.
The memory faded like steam in cold air.
Now she walked just a few steps ahead of him, her hand resting lightly on Leonard's arm.
And Abhimanyu was no longer wrapped in that warm blanket — only walking into a reunion with a piece of his past still breathing in front of him.
The party hall welcomed him with warmth and light.
Golden fairy lights draped across the ceiling like a second sky, casting a soft glow that touched every face. Tall windows framed the city beyond, its lights blinking like distant memories. Smooth jazz drifted through the air, blending with quiet laughter and the gentle clink of glasses.
The room felt alive yet graceful — a space meant for stories, nostalgia, and reunion.
And yet, inside Abhimanyu, a faint emptiness lingered.
He picked up a glass of refreshners and stepped inside.
"Abhi!"
He turned to see Aarav charging toward him with the same messy hair and unstoppable grin from their college days. They hugged tightly.
"I thought you disappeared forever!" Aarav laughed.
"Not yet," Abhimanyu replied.
Soon others gathered.
Rhea teased him about still looking serious. Neha greeted him warmly. Emily recognized him from literature class. Carlos joked about his water-only habit. Léa waved with her usual clever smile. Naina observed he looked the same — just more tired. Isha laughed about his late arrival. Teahoon grinned and challenged him to spar. Zara introduced herself kindly.
Laughter filled their circle as memories resurfaced — exams, hostel chaos, late-night coffees, and shared struggles.
For a while, Abhimanyu felt light.
Until his gaze drifted across the room.
Meera stood near the window, Leonard beside her.
But her eyes…
They were on him.
Quiet.
Still.
Carrying echoes of everything they once were.