Take: Ajo Bhulte Parini (I Still Haven't Forgotten)
Winter evenings have a strange way of bringing back memories. As the golden light slowly fades into darkness and a cold breeze touches my face, I am taken back to a time I can never forget—the time when you were still a part of my life.
My name is Rahul. I live a simple life, just like any ordinary person. But there was a chapter in my life that was far from ordinary. That chapter was you—Piyali.
We first met in college. It was an ordinary day, and I was wandering around the library searching for a book. Suddenly, I bumped into someone, and a few books fell to the ground. I quickly bent down to pick them up, and when I looked up, I saw you for the first time.
You smiled slightly and said,
"Thank you… but you should walk carefully."
That small moment changed everything. I didn't know why, but your smile stayed with me long after that day ended.
After that, seeing you became a part of my daily routine. Sometimes in the library, sometimes in the corridor, sometimes at the canteen—we kept running into each other. Slowly, we started talking.
You were someone who loved to talk about dreams, future, and life. I was someone who loved to listen. And somehow, in between those conversations, I found myself getting closer to you.
One day, you asked me,
"Rahul, do you know what I want in life?"
I smiled and said,
"No, tell me."
You looked at the sky and said,
"I want to become someone people will remember."
I laughed and replied,
"I don't think I'll ever be able to forget you."
You smiled and softly said,
"Let's see…"
At that time, I didn't understand the depth behind those words.
Days passed. Our friendship grew stronger. But somewhere inside me, something changed. I started feeling something more than friendship. I realized that I had fallen in love with you.
But I never said it.
Maybe I was afraid. Afraid of losing what we already had. Afraid that you might not feel the same.
I kept my feelings hidden, hoping someday I would find the courage.
And one day, I finally did.
I called you to meet me at the small park behind our college. It was evening, and the sky was painted in shades of orange and pink.
You came, just like always, with that calm smile on your face.
I took a deep breath and said,
"Piyali, I want to tell you something…"
You looked at me and said,
"Tell me…"
But before I could speak, you stopped me.
There was something different in your eyes that day—something heavy, something sad.
"Rahul, can I tell you something first?"
I nodded.
You looked down for a moment and then said,
"My father has been transferred. We are leaving next week."
For a second, I felt like everything around me had stopped. The sound of the wind, the voices around, everything faded away.
I just stood there, unable to speak.
You continued,
"You are a very good friend, Rahul. I will never forget you."
Friend.
That word echoed inside my heart.
I wanted to say so many things. I wanted to tell you how much you meant to me. I wanted to stop you from leaving.
But I said nothing.
I just smiled and said,
"Take care."
And just like that, you walked away from my life.
Years have passed since that day. Life moved forward, as it always does. I met new people, built new relationships, and tried to move on.
But some things never change.
Every winter evening reminds me of you. Every soft smile reminds me of yours. Every quiet moment takes me back to those days.
I tried to forget you many times. I told myself it was just a phase, just a memory.
But the truth is—you were never just a memory. You became a part of me.
One day, I found your profile on social media. You are far away now, living your dreams. You look happy.
I stared at your picture for a long time.
I thought about sending a message. I thought about asking how you are, telling you everything I never said.
But I didn't.
Because I realized something important—
Not all stories are meant to be completed.
Some stories remain unfinished, and that is what makes them beautiful.
If someone asks me today,
"What is your biggest regret?"
I would smile and say,
"I never told her that I loved her."
Maybe you have forgotten me.
Maybe I was just a small part of your life.
But for me, you were everything.
And even today…
I still haven't forgotten.
Author's Thought – Parikshit Halder
This story is not just about Rahul and Piyali. It is about all those people who have loved someone deeply but never had the courage to express it.
In life, we often wait for the "right moment." We think there is still time. But life doesn't always give us that chance. Sometimes, the moment passes, and all we are left with is regret.
Through this story, I wanted to show that love is not always about being together. Sometimes, love exists in silence, in memories, and in the spaces between words that were never spoken.
Unfinished love stories are painful, but they are also beautiful. Because they stay with us forever. They become a part of who we are.
I believe that some people enter our lives not to stay, but to change us. To teach us something. To leave behind a memory that we carry forever.
So if you love someone, don't wait too long. Speak your heart.
Because the words you don't say today might become your biggest regret tomorrow.
— Parikshit Halder
Village: Saradana