The Summer Break

By Saloni Jain

It was the first day of my second year in

college. I sat alone in my usual spot in the

classroom, feeling the familiar sense of

detachment. Suddenly, I heard the sound

of footsteps—click-clack, click-clack—

growing louder as they approached. My

curiosity piqued, I turned my attention to

the doorway. Someone was coming, even

though class wasn’t due to start for a

while.

🙂🙂🙂

The footsteps drew nearer, and then I saw

her. A girl with short, messy hair and

glasses, burdened with a heavy backpack

and wearing a loose college uniform.

Earphones dangled from her ears, the

cords swaying with each step. She walked

in without glancing around, heading

straight to the front row. She sat down,

placed her head on the desk, and seemed

to retreat into her own world.

She ignored me completely, like I was

invisible.

"Have I become invisible?" I

wondered. Who was she? It was our

second year, yet I had never seen her

before. Questions swirled in my mind, but

my heart was caught on one detail—those

innocent eyes I glimpsed as she walked in.

Her eyes made me skip a beat.

😒💕😟

I was always known as the rowdy guy in

college—the leader of the gang, a

backbencher, and the stud involved in

almost every fight. My reputation

preceded me, but beneath the rough

exterior lay a soul that was honest and

straightforward, qualities that seemed

out of place in this world of pretense. This

authenticity, in a way, painted me as the

bad guy in a society that thrived on masks

and facades.

😒🙂

I kept myself separate, not because I didn't

like people, but because I didn't trust their

intentions. Though I interacted with many,

forming superficial connections, I didn't

truly believe in them. The fakeness I saw in

others made it hard for me to forge real

friendships.

🙌🤞🙂

Despite the fights and the tough guy

image, there was a part of me that

longed for genuine connection. I have never

felt any genuine connection with anyone,

but now, something was different. For the

first time, I felt something new. I couldn’t

stop thinking about her eyes. I knew

nothing about her, but my heart felt like it

had found a home, a happy place, in those

eyes.

💕💕💕

One day, I decided to break the ice. After

class, I saw her sitting alone under a tree,

reading a book. My heart pounded as I

approached her, feeling an unfamiliar

nervousness.

🤞💕🤞

“Hey,

” I said, trying to sound casual,

though my voice betrayed my anxiety.

She looked up, her eyes meeting mine. For

a moment, I felt like I could see into her

soul.

“Hi,

” she replied softly, her voice

tinged with uncertainty.

“I’m Havish ,

” I said, extending my hand,

hoping she wouldn’t notice the slight

tremor.

“Hi, Havish. I’m Suhana,

” she said, shaking

my hand lightly.

“New here? I haven’t seen you around

before.

”

She nodded.

“Yeah, transferred from

another college.

”

We talked for a while, about everything

and nothing. I found out she loved reading

and was passionate about making a

change.

💘💖💘

In no time, she became very famous in

college. Quiet and introspective, yet an

excellent all-rounder, she topped the class,

won debates, speeches, and a bunch of

competitions one after another. Her

achievements were impressive, but what

stood out the most was her down-to-

earth nature. Despite excelling in

everything she did, she was always ready

to help others.

She was the kind of person who would

tutor struggling students, even the

backbenchers like me, to help them pass

their exams. Her guidance made a

significant difference, not just in my

grades, but in how I viewed myself and my

potential.

But it wasn’t just academic help she

offered. She went out of her way to assist

anyone in need, whether it was lending a

hand with personal problems or offering a

kind word when someone was down. Her

innocence was her defining trait; she

genuinely believed everyone was as honest

and genuine as she was. It was a beautiful

yet heartbreaking quality, given how

often people took advantage of her

kindness.

💝💗💝

I watched her, amazed by her ability to

see the good in everyone, even when they

didn’t deserve it. Her presence made me

question my own outlook on life and

people. How could someone so pure and

unguarded navigate through a world filled

with pretense and deception?

💭😔💭

This contrast between her genuine nature

and the world around her fascinated me.

It drew me closer to her, and slowly, I

found myself wanting to protect that

innocence, to be a part of her world.

I started caring for her but never showed

it. I respected her more than I loved her,

so I never let my feelings be known to

anyone in the college. I knew people loved

judging girls and bringing them down, and

she was already at the top, with many

looking for a chance to criticize her.

🙂🤞🙂

We had a two-month summer break, little

did i know it is going to be my life changing

summer break and fav summer memory.

But, what I get was she blocking me for

the whole break. It was heart wrenching

but also made me realize how much I had

started to love her. I never thought

anything bad about her; all I could think

about was if she was fine, if she was okay.

😔🥺😔

I knew she went for an internship with our

mutual friend Arohi, so I tried to contact

Arohi indirectly just to see if they were

doing well.

Two months passed, the summer break

ended, and Pheww... I got unblocked.

I never had the courage to ask her about

it, but one day she brought it up herself.

"Did you know I blocked you?" she asked,

her eyes searching mine.

I felt nervous but managed to respond,

"Yes, I know. Were you bored of me? Is

that why you blocked me?"

🙂🤞🙂

She shook her head, her expression

earnest.

"No, Havish! I blocked you because

I started to think that you love me, and I

don't want that because I'm not a good fit

for you. I'm just a naive girl that everyone

takes for granted and uses. I don't want

you to waste your time on someone like

me.

"

I interrupted her, my heart aching at her

words.

"You are the best thing that has

ever happened to me, Suhana. You are the

purest soul, and I want to protect that if

you allow me. The best thing that

happened to me was you blocking me. It

made me realize my love for you is divine. I

never thought of any personal touch, but

always your soul. I want to continue that.

"

💖💞💖

Suhana looked at me, her eyes filling with

tears.

"You really mean that?"

"Yes, Suhana. I mean every word. You have

changed me, made me see the world

differently. I love you for who you are, and

I want to be there for you, always.

"

🥹🥹🥹

Eight years passed, and we remained the

same for each other. Suhana became a

motivational speaker and a great author,

touching lives with her words and inspiring

countless people.

I became an international cricket player,

achieving my dreams on the field.

Together, we started a foundation for the

community and kids, giving back and

making a difference.

💖💞💖

Our love, rooted in respect and

understanding, grew stronger with each

passing day, and we continued to support

and uplift each other in every way

possible.

💞🤗💕

Looking back, every moment, every

challenge led us here. From college

acquaintances to lifelong soulmates, one

summer memory made it all happen..

❣️💓❣️

By Saloni Jain