Title: "Love That Stayed, Even When They Couldn't"
It was Valentine's Day — the day of red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and promises of forever.
Ayaan stood under the soft glow of the streetlight, holding a small bouquet of white lilies. White — because Meera once told him white flowers felt "honest, like love without lies."
They had met three years ago in college. She was quiet but strong, the kind of girl who carried storms in her eyes and sunshine in her smile. He was careless but kind, the type of boy who laughed loudly but loved silently.
They were different. Yet somehow, they fit.
Every Valentine's Day, Ayaan would write her a letter instead of buying expensive gifts. And Meera would tease him, saying, "One day, I'll keep all your letters and show our kids how dramatic you were."
But life doesn't always follow the promises lovers make.
Meera's family had plans for her — plans that didn't include Ayaan. When they found out about him, everything changed. The phone calls became shorter. The smiles became weaker. The "I love you" started to sound like goodbye.
On their last Valentine's Day together, they met at their favorite place — the small café where they had their first fight, first apology, and first "I love you."
She wore the blue dress he loved. He noticed her hands were trembling.
"I don't want to leave," she whispered.
"I know," he replied, forcing a smile that broke inside his chest.
They didn't argue. They didn't beg. They just held hands like two people trying to memorize warmth before winter.
When she walked away that evening, she didn't turn back.
Ayaan never gave those white lilies to anyone else. And Meera kept his letters hidden inside her old diary.
Years later, on every Valentine's Day, they both looked at the sky — in different cities, different lives — wondering if the other was thinking the same thing.
They didn't end up together.
But they never stopped loving each other.
Because sometimes, love doesn't need a happy ending.
Sometimes, it just needs to be real.