An Unexpected Encounter - Love, Regret, and Letting Go

The city lights sparkled as Mahesh and Shivani strolled through the shopping mall. Shivani was excitedly checking out some new arrivals, while Mahesh absentmindedly followed, his mind elsewhere.

Ever since his conversation with Supriya, he had been restless. Her words kept echoing in his head. "It's not love, it's just guilt."

But was it?

Just then, Mahesh's gaze landed on a familiar figure near the bookstore.

Supriya.

She was standing there, laughing, looking carefree-but not alone.

Next to her, Kevin stood, holding a book, a teasing smile on his lips. Supriya playfully rolled her eyes at something he said, swatting his arm lightly.

Mahesh felt something twist painfully inside him. Why... why does this hurt so much?

Shivani, who had been watching him, sighed softly. She had seen that look before-the longing, the heartbreak.

She had always known.

Turning to Mahesh, she gave him a sad smile and said, "If you don't feel love for me, it's okay. Just go."

Mahesh snapped out of his thoughts, startled. "Shivani-"

She shook her head. "No, Mahesh. You don't have to explain. I already know."

Her voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the pain in her eyes.

Mahesh lowered his gaze. He wanted to deny it, to tell her that he had moved on. But as he watched Supriya-**truly happy, without him-**he knew he couldn't lie anymore.

Shivani took a deep breath. "I deserve someone who loves me the way you love her. And you... you need to figure out what you really feel."

For the first time, Mahesh felt completely lost.

As Shivani turned and walked away, he looked back at Supriya one last time.

Had he truly lost her forever?

Mahesh stood frozen in the middle of the mall, watching as both the women in his life walked away from him-one towards a new future, the other towards her own freedom.

His heart ached in a way he couldn't understand. Had he truly lost them both?

Supriya's words echoed in his mind: "It's not love, it's just guilt."

And then Shivani's: "I deserve someone who loves me the way you love her."

But did he really love Supriya? Or was it just regret?

Did he ever truly love Shivani? Or was he just holding on to the comfort of familiarity?

For the first time, Mahesh didn't know what he truly wanted.

All he knew was that he stood alone-watching two roads that no longer had space for him.

A Silent Breakdown

Mahesh walked aimlessly, his vision blurred with unshed tears. His heart felt like it was being pulled in two different directions-toward a past he couldn't change and a future he didn't understand.

With shaking hands, he pulled out his phone and called his mother.

The moment she answered, her warm, familiar voice filled his ears. "Mahesh? What happened, dear? Why do you sound like this?"

But Mahesh couldn't speak. His throat tightened, and the words refused to come out. A silent tear rolled down his cheek.

"Mahesh? Talk to me! Are you okay?" his mother's voice was laced with concern.

But he couldn't. He didn't even know what to say.

Without another word, he cut the call.

And for the first time in a long time, he let himself cry.

_______

On the other side, Supriya was having the time of her life with Kevin. Their relationship? Oh, it was chaotic!

"Kevin, I told you NO pineapple on pizza!" Supriya huffed, arms crossed.

Kevin smirked, holding up the offending slice. "Oh? But what if I say this is my way of testing your love?"

Supriya gasped dramatically. "Love?! If love means tolerating pineapple on pizza, then I'd rather be single!"

Kevin chuckled. "Fine, fine! But you have to admit, I am the cutest person you've ever fought with."

Supriya rolled her eyes. "Excuse me? You think you're cute? Have you seen me?"

Kevin leaned in with a grin. "Every single day. And yet, I still don't understand how someone so small can cause this much trouble."

Supriya gasped again. "Did you just call me small? Oh, that's it! WAR!"

And before Kevin could react, Supriya had already grabbed a pillow and smacked him on the head.

Kevin groaned dramatically, falling onto the couch. "I've been attacked! Someone call the authorities! I need justice!"

Supriya laughed, sitting next to him, clearly victorious. "Next time, don't mess with me, Dr. Pineapple Lover."

Kevin shook his head with a smile. "Fine, fine. But at least admit one thing... You're happy with me, aren't you?"

Supriya paused, then playfully bumped his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah... don't get too full of yourself."

And just like that, their day continued-full of fights, laughter, and a love that was anything but ordinary.