A Smile He Chose

Aarohi was sitting in the college library, reading a book. She was so lost in the book that she didn’t notice someone coming close. Suddenly, she felt a light tap on her shoulder.


She turned around and saw her best friend, Abhi sitting beside her.


“Hey! How are you?” She said with a bright smile.


Abhi nodded but didn’t say much. He looked quiet and a little strange. He took out a book and pretended to read, but Aarohi could tell something was bothering him.


“Abhi, are you okay?” She asked softly.


Abhi let out a long sigh and finally looked up, though he didn’t meet her eyes. “Mira… she said she likes me,” He said quietly.


Aarohi’s eyes widened in surprise hearing Mira had proposed to him. She didn't know how to react. On one hand, she was happy for her friend, but on the other hand, she couldn't shake the twinge of disappointment. She had secretly feelings for Abhi, he was her crush but now he was with Mira now, the girl everyone admired and wanted to be with her.


“Oh,” Aarohi said, trying her best to smile even though she felt sad.


“Yeah… I didn’t expect it,” Abhi said in a low voice.


Aarohi stared at her book, not knowing what to say. She didn’t want to tell him about her feelings. He was her friend, and she didn't want to ruin that. Now it seemed too late.


"So… are you going to say yes?" She asked quietly, almost afraid of the answer.


Abhi shook his head slowly. "No."


Aarohi looked up, confused. "Why not? She's perfect."


Abhi finally looked at her, really looked at her, and his eyes held something she had never seen before something soft and honest.


"Because," He said, his voice barely above a whisper and looked into her eyes, “Because… she’s not you.”