The days before Aryan's departure passed faster than either of them expected.
Only one week was left before he had to leave for his new university.
Every morning when Riya woke up, the first thought that came to her mind was the same.
Only a few days left.
She tried not to think about it too much, but it was impossible.
Meanwhile, Aryan was also feeling the pressure of time. Even though he had accepted the scholarship, part of him still wished things could stay the way they were.
One afternoon after classes ended, Aryan waited for Riya near the college gate.
When she arrived, he smiled.
"Ready?"
"For what?" Riya asked.
"For a walk."
They began walking slowly across the campus.
The weather was pleasant, and the soft wind moved through the trees. Students were sitting on benches, laughing and talking.
Everything looked normal.
But for Riya and Aryan, the moment felt different.
They both knew this week was special.
As they reached the college garden, Aryan stopped walking.
"Do you remember this place?" he asked.
Riya smiled.
"Of course. This is where you told me about your father's transfer."
Aryan laughed lightly.
"Not the happiest memory."
"But it was important," Riya said.
They sat on a nearby bench.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Aryan suddenly said,
"I'm going to miss this place."
Riya looked at him.
"You'll come back."
Aryan smiled.
"Maybe during vacations."
"That's enough."
Aryan looked at her curiously.
"You're handling this better than I expected."
Riya laughed softly.
"What did you expect? Tears every day?"
Aryan shrugged.
"Maybe."
Riya looked at the sky.
"I won't lie. It's hard."
She paused before continuing.
"But I also know this is the right decision for you."
Aryan felt a deep respect for her words.
Most people would have asked him to stay.
But Riya was supporting his dreams.
After a few minutes Aryan stood up.
"Come on," he said.
"Where?"
"I want to show you something."
They walked toward the library.
When they entered, Riya looked confused.
"Why are we here?"
Aryan smiled.
"This is where we had our first real conversation."
Riya laughed.
"You mean when you asked why I was always reading?"
"Exactly."
They sat at the same table where they had studied together many times before.
The memories of those moments filled the quiet room.
Finally Aryan said softly,
"No matter where I go, I don't want to forget these moments."
Riya looked at him.
"You won't."
"How do you know?"
Riya smiled.
"Because some memories are too special to forget."
Aryan nodded.
Deep inside, he knew she was right.
The next few days would be difficult.
But their story was stronger than distance.
And neither of them was ready to let it end