A few months later, the results of the college entrance exams were announced. James got accepted into a prestigious university in Delhi, while Sophie was offered a scholarship at a medical college in Mumbai.
The news hit them like a ton of bricks. They had always known this day might come, but facing it was harder than they had imagined.
On the day of their departure, James and Sophie stood at the railway station, holding each other tightly.
"Promise me we'll stay in touch," Sophie said, her voice trembling.
"I promise," James replied, his eyes filled with tears. "No matter where we are, you'll always be in my heart."
As the train pulled away, James watched Sophie disappear into the distance, feeling a piece of his heart go with her.