Summary
In this chapter, Ayan finds himself intrigued by a new girl, Khwaish, whom he meets through an Instagram group chat. Still recovering from his past heartbreaks, Ayan feels an instant connection with her, unlike anything he has experienced before. Despite some initial obstacles, including her religious differences and a playful ultimatum he gives her, they form a tentative bond. However, as their relationship progresses, it becomes clear that Khwaish's priorities lie elsewhere. The chapter ends with another painful lesson for Ayan as Khwaish ultimately decides to end things, leaving Ayan to reflect on the fleeting nature of young love and the importance of finding someone truly compatible.
Characters
Ayan: A seventeen-year-old who continues to navigate the ups and downs of teenage relationships. Still reeling from his past experiences, Ayan seeks a genuine connection, learning to balance hope and caution in his pursuit of love.
Khwaish: A mysterious yet charming girl from Delhi who initially captures Ayan's interest. Her reluctance to commit due to religious differences and her eventual decision to end things highlight the complexities and uncertainties of young love.
Khwaish's Family: Briefly mentioned; includes her deceased mother, government-employed father, sister, and brother. Their background provides context to Khwaish's life and decisions.
WRITTEN BY AYAN
Genre: Young Adult, Slice-of-Life, Drama, Romance, Coming-of-Age.
Ayan couldn't believe his luck. After the emotional rollercoaster of his past relationships, he thought he was done with love—or at least with looking for it online. But here he was again, scrolling through Instagram, stumbling into a group chat where, out of nowhere, a girl named Khwaish had been added.
At first, she was just another name in the chat, another face he didn't think much about. But as days passed, something about her intrigued him. Maybe it was the way she responded to his questions, always quick, witty, with a hint of mystery. Or perhaps it was how she seemed different from all the others he had met—a breath of fresh air in the suffocating digital haze.
So, Ayan decided to try his luck. He started a conversation, asking her random questions, trying to gauge her interest. To his surprise, she replied, sharing tidbits about her life—how she didn't have a male best friend, and how her previous boyfriend had been a cheater with multiple girlfriends. Ayan could sense a hint of hurt in her words, a shared experience of betrayal that connected them on some level. But there was a catch. When Ayan finally mustered the courage to propose to her, she refused. "It's because of my religion," she explained. The rejection stung, but Ayan wasn't ready to give up just yet. For some reason, he felt a pull toward her, something that made him want to keep trying.
Days went by, and Ayan continued to share reels with her, hoping to keep the connection alive. But after the rejection, he stopped sending them, deciding to give her some space. He remained active in their group chat, however, occasionally throwing in a comment or two, hoping she would notice.
Then one day, Ayan decided to take a bold step. He proposed again, but this time with a twist: "Reject or get blocked," he told her. To his surprise, she accepted his proposal, albeit with a caveat—"Yeh wala zyada nahi chalega." She wasn't looking for anything serious, and Ayan, eager to take whatever chance he could get, agreed to her terms.
Ayan couldn't help but admire Khwaish. She was different from anyone he had ever met. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her spirit, her story, that captivated him. She had a sister and a brother, and she was from Delhi. Her mother had died giving birth to her sister, and her father worked a government job. Despite the challenges she had faced, she carried herself with a grace that drew Ayan in even more.
Things seemed to be going well. She even called him once, and they talked for forty minutes straight. Well, she talked, and he listened. She had a way of filling the silence with stories, and Ayan was more than happy to be her audience. He was falling for her, but he kept it to himself, afraid of scaring her away.
Then, one day, Ayan made a mistake. While promoting the group chat in the comments section of a reel, he jokingly wrote, "GC Anyone? Mommy(Gf na dekhle)." He didn't think much of it, but Khwaish saw it. She didn't talk to him for six hours after that. It was her birthday that day, and in his panic, Ayan forgot. It wasn't until 12:04 AM, when he realized his mistake, that he quickly wished her and called to apologize. She forgave him, but from then on, she began to tease him with the word "mommy," turning the tables on him.
Everything seemed fine again, or so Ayan thought. But then, four days later, she went somewhere with her aunt and became busy. They barely spoke for two days. When she returned, their conversations became less frequent, dwindling down to just "good morning" and "good night" messages. A week passed like this, and then she told him to find someone else who could give him more time.
Ayan refused, asking her why. "what will you do?" she asked. Ayan hesitated, not knowing what to say. "Breakup," she finally said.
The word hit Ayan like a punch to the gut. He hadn't seen it coming, and now, it was all he could think about. After she left, he cried, the weight of another failed relationship pressing down on him.
It was another hard lesson for Ayan, another reminder of the fleeting nature of young love. But as he wiped away his tears, he knew he had to keep moving forward. Life was unpredictable, filled with ups and downs, but he was learning. Slowly, surely, he was learning.
All rights reserved by Ayan.
End of Chapter 4
This chapter highlights the bittersweet nature of teenage romance, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compatibility in relationships. Ayan's journey continues as he learns from each encounter, striving to find a connection that truly aligns with his values and desires.