The days after their conversation in the garden felt quiet.
Both Riya and Aryan tried to behave normally, but deep inside they knew that the scholarship decision was getting closer.
Every time they met, the thought of separation stayed in the back of their minds.
One evening, they met in the library like they used to before.
The library was almost empty.
Riya was reading a book while Aryan sat across from her, staring at the same page for several minutes.
"You're not reading," Riya said without looking up.
Aryan smiled slightly.
"You noticed?"
"Of course."
Riya closed her book.
"So… did you decide?"
Aryan stayed silent for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"I accepted the scholarship."
Riya felt her heart tighten for a second, but she forced herself to smile.
"That's great."
Aryan looked at her carefully.
"You don't look happy."
"I am," she said quickly.
"You deserve this opportunity."
Aryan leaned back in his chair.
"But it means leaving."
Riya looked down.
"I know."
The silence between them felt heavier than before.
Finally Aryan said something that surprised her.
"Riya… can I ask you something?"
She looked up.
"What?"
"Do you believe people can stay connected even when they're far away?"
Riya thought for a moment.
"Yes."
"How?"
Riya smiled softly.
"Because distance doesn't erase memories."
Aryan looked at her seriously.
"Then promise me something."
"What?"
"Promise that this won't be the end of our story."
Riya felt her eyes become slightly wet.
She nodded slowly.
"I promise."
Aryan smiled for the first time that evening.
"No matter where I go… I won't forget the girl who changed my life."
Riya laughed softly.
"And I won't forget the boy who almost let me fall on a rainy day."
Both of them laughed quietly.
But deep inside, they knew the hardest part of their story was about to begin.