After clearing the misunderstanding, things between Riya and Aryan felt lighter again.
They started talking normally like before, and the awkward distance between them slowly disappeared.
But something had changed.
Both of them were now more aware of their feelings.
One afternoon they were sitting together in the college garden.
The cool breeze moved gently through the trees while students walked past them laughing and chatting.
Aryan looked quieter than usual.
Riya noticed it immediately.
"You look worried," she said.
Aryan stayed silent for a moment.
Then he said slowly, "My father called me this morning."
Riya looked at him.
"And?"
Aryan looked down at the ground.
"He might get transferred again."
Riya felt her heart sink.
"What does that mean?"
Aryan gave a small sad smile.
"It means we might have to move to another city again."
The words felt heavy in the air.
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
Riya tried to stay calm.
"When will you know for sure?" she asked.
"Maybe in a few weeks."
Riya nodded slowly.
But inside, she felt a strange fear.
She had just started getting close to Aryan.
And now there was a chance he might leave.
Aryan looked at her.
"You see why I try not to get close to people?"
Riya didn't respond immediately.
Instead, she looked directly into his eyes.
"You can't stop living your life just because you're afraid something might end."
Aryan looked surprised.
Riya continued softly.
"Even if someone leaves, the memories still stay."
Aryan didn't say anything.
But her words clearly affected him.
After a moment, he smiled.
"You always say the right thing."
Riya laughed a little.
"I try."
The sun slowly began setting behind the college buildings.
The sky turned orange and pink.
Aryan stood up.
"Let's go," he said.
As they walked out of the campus together, both of them knew that something important was happening in their lives.
Their friendship had already changed into something deeper.
But now they had to face an uncertain future.
And neither of them knew what decision fate would make next.