The last day of school had arrived, and with it came a strange hush that settled over the corridors like dust in sunlight. Even the most talkative students spoke in softer tones, aware that the pages of their school lives were coming to an end. Desks had been cleared, uniforms ironed one final time, and memories shimmered behind every glance exchanged between classmates.
Karthik stood by the third-floor railing, watching the school courtyard buzz with emotion. Students hugged, laughed, cried—and took countless photos, hoping to capture something they couldn't name. A part of him wanted to join them. Another part, the quieter part that had grown with him over these years, was simply still.
He wasn't alone.
"You're not crying?" Ananya's voice rang gently behind him.
He turned. She was wearing her uniform just like everyone else, but somehow, she still stood out—maybe it was the soft way she smiled, or the quiet pride in her eyes.
He shook his head. "I think I'm too overwhelmed to cry."
She nodded and leaned beside him against the railing. "Same. I thought I would, but now that I'm here… it doesn't feel real."
A long pause.
"I used to hate this place," Karthik said, voice distant. "Every day felt like a punishment. I'd count minutes until I could leave. I didn't think I'd make any friends. I didn't think anyone would see me."
Ananya turned to him, but didn't interrupt.
"And now," he continued, "this place gave me the best thing that's ever happened to me."
Ananya's eyes softened. "Karthik…"
"You," he said simply.
Her breath caught for a second, and then she smiled.
"I used to feel invisible too, you know?" she replied. "Everyone saw me, but no one really saw me. I felt like I was always trying to live up to what they expected."
"You don't have to anymore," he said, inching closer. "From now on, you get to be whoever you want."
"So do you," she said, looking up at him.
They stayed that way, the moment drawing out, while the noise of celebration continued below them. Around them, other students were saying goodbye with loud voices and group selfies. But Karthik and Ananya's goodbye was quieter—less about parting, more about holding on.
"We should go," Ananya finally whispered.
He nodded. "One last walk?"
They walked slowly down the hall, taking in every detail—the worn-out posters, the chipped paint on the staircase, the names carved on desks. As they passed their classroom, they both paused.
Ananya touched the doorframe lightly. "So many memories."
"Too many," Karthik said with a soft chuckle.
She glanced at him. "Do you think… we'll be okay?"
He took her hand. "I don't think. I know we will."
She didn't answer with words, just squeezed his hand in return.
As they stepped out of the school gates for the final time, the clouds above parted just enough to let sunlight through—just enough to feel like a blessing.
They didn't look back.
They didn't need to.
Because what mattered most wasn't what they were leaving behind.
It was what they were carrying forward.
Together.
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End of Chapter 115