Chapter 1: The Beginning
The late afternoon sun bathed the bustling college campus in a warm golden hue. Students moved in groups, laughter echoing through the corridors. Among them walked Ayan, his confident stride and easygoing smile catching the attention of everyone around. He was the kind of boy people noticed—handsome, witty, and always at ease, like he owned the world. For Ayan, life was a game, and he played it well.
“Bro, check her out,” whispered his friend Rohit, nudging Ayan and pointing towards a group of girls sitting under a large banyan tree. Among them was Ananya, a girl with bright eyes and an infectious laugh. She wore a simple yellow kurta, her long hair braided neatly over one shoulder.
“She’s cute,” Ayan muttered, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. “Innocent types. Easy target.”
Rohit chuckled. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”
Ayan grinned mischievously. “Time for some fun.”
Ananya was known around campus for her kindness and sincerity. She wasn’t the type who sought attention; instead, she focused on her studies and cherished her small circle of friends. That day, as she sat with her friends, discussing an upcoming exam, she noticed Ayan approaching.
“Hi, Ananya, right?” Ayan said, flashing his trademark charming smile.
Ananya looked up, a little surprised. She had seen him around but had never spoken to him before. “Yes?” she replied hesitantly.
“I’m Ayan. We’re in the same Economics class,” he said smoothly. “I was wondering if you could help me with the notes. I missed a few lectures.”
Ananya’s natural instinct was to help. “Sure. I can give you my notes,” she said, offering a polite smile.
“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver,” Ayan said, sitting down beside her. He pulled out his phone. “Why don’t I give you my number? You can text me whenever you’re free, and we can meet up.”
Ananya hesitated for a moment but then nodded. She didn’t see any harm in helping a classmate.
That simple exchange marked the beginning of something Ananya could never have imagined. Over the next few weeks, Ayan made sure he was always around—whether it was borrowing notes, walking with her after class, or sharing jokes that made her laugh. Slowly but surely, he became a part of her daily life.
“You’re really sweet, you know that?” Ayan said one evening as they sat on a bench in the college garden.
Ananya blushed. “I’m just being myself.”
“And that’s what makes you special,” Ayan replied, his voice soft and sincere.
For the first time in her life, Ananya felt something stir in her heart. She had never been in love before, but with Ayan, everything felt right. He made her feel seen, appreciated, and cherished. Little did she know, Ayan’s intentions were far from genuine.
Chapter 2: Falling Deeper
Days turned into weeks, and Ananya found herself falling deeper into what she believed was love. She began to trust Ayan completely, sharing her dreams, fears, and secrets with him. Her friends noticed the change in her.
“You’re spending a lot of time with Ayan,” said Priya, her best friend. “Are you sure he’s serious about you?”
Ananya smiled, brushing off Priya’s concerns. “He’s not like other guys, Priya. He really cares about me.”
Priya wasn’t convinced but didn’t push further. She hoped Ananya wouldn’t get hurt.
Meanwhile, Ayan’s friends noticed his growing disinterest. “So, what’s the plan, Ayan? Are you going to keep this act up forever?” Rohit asked.
Ayan shrugged. “I’ll end it when I get bored. For now, it’s amusing. She’s head over heels for me.”
Rohit laughed. “Poor girl has no idea what’s coming.”
As time passed, Ananya’s love for Ayan grew stronger. She did everything she could to make him happy—whether it was staying up late to help him with assignments, skipping family gatherings to spend time with him, or defending him when her friends raised doubts.
But for Ayan, it was all a game. He enjoyed the attention and the control he had over her, never thinking about the impact his actions would have on her.
Chapter 3: The Betrayal
The morning air was crisp, and the college grounds were quieter than usual. Ananya waited near the canteen, clutching a small gift bag. It was Ayan’s birthday, and she had spent hours the night before making a handmade card and choosing a thoughtful gift.
When Ayan finally arrived, he looked distant, barely acknowledging her. “Hey,” he said casually, glancing at his phone.
Ananya smiled nervously and handed him the bag. “Happy birthday! I hope you like it.”
Ayan took the bag without much enthusiasm. “Thanks,” he muttered, tucking it into his backpack without even looking inside.
Ananya’s smile faltered, but she tried not to let it show. “Are you free this evening? I thought we could celebrate.”
Ayan sighed, clearly annoyed. “Look, Ananya, I’ve been meaning to tell you something. This… whatever we have, it’s not working out. I think we should stop seeing each other.”
For a moment, Ananya thought she had misheard him. “What? Ayan, what are you saying?”
“I’m saying it’s over,” he said coldly. “It was fun while it lasted, but I’m done. Don’t take it personally.”
Tears welled up in Ananya’s eyes. “You said you loved me. Was it all a lie?”
Ayan shrugged, indifferent. “I never meant it seriously. You were just… convenient.”
Ananya felt like the ground had been pulled from beneath her feet. The boy she had loved, trusted, and sacrificed so much for had just shattered her heart without a second thought.
“How could you?” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Ayan didn’t respond. He simply turned and walked away, leaving Ananya standing there, broken and alone.
Chapter 4: The Aftermath
The world around Ananya seemed to blur as she stood frozen in place, the gift bag still clutched in her trembling hands. Tears streamed down her face as memories of their time together flashed before her eyes—his smiles, their long conversations, the moments that had made her believe in love.
Her friends found her hours later, still sitting on the same bench, her eyes swollen and red. Priya rushed to her side, concern etched across her face. “Ananya, what happened? Are you okay?”
Ananya tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat. All she could do was hand Priya the unopened gift bag.
Priya took one look at her and understood. Wrapping an arm around her friend, she said softly, “Come on, let’s go home.”
The next few days passed in a haze of pain and disbelief for Ananya. She couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, and every attempt to focus on her studies ended in tears. Her parents grew worried but didn’t push her to talk. They knew something was wrong but trusted that she would open up when she was ready.
Priya, however, was determined to help her friend heal. “Ananya, you can’t let him ruin you like this. He wasn’t worth it. You deserve so much better.”
“I loved him, Priya,” Ananya whispered, her voice barely audible. “I thought he loved me too.”
Priya’s eyes softened. “I know, but people like Ayan don’t understand love. They only care about themselves.”
Meanwhile, Ayan moved on with his life as if nothing had happened. He enjoyed his newfound freedom, spending time with friends and flirting with other girls. But deep down, something gnawed at him—a feeling he couldn’t quite name.
One evening, as he scrolled through his phone, he came across a photo of him and Ananya, taken during one of their many outings. For a moment, he stared at it, a flicker of guilt passing through him. But he quickly shrugged it off.
“She’ll get over it,” he told himself. “They always do.”
Chapter 5: A New Beginning
Weeks turned into months, and slowly, Ananya began to heal. With the support of her friends and family, she started finding joy in little things again—her morning walks, her favorite books, and even her studies. She realized that life didn’t stop for anyone, and she had to move forward.
Priya noticed the change in her friend and smiled. “You’re getting there, Ananya. I’m proud of you.”
Ananya nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. “It still hurts, Priya, but I know I’ll be okay.”
One day, while walking through the campus, Ananya bumped into someone she didn’t expect to see—Ayan. He looked at her, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
“Ananya, hey,” he said, attempting a casual tone.
Ananya met his gaze, calm and composed. “Hi, Ayan.”
For a moment, they stood in silence. Ayan opened his mouth to say something, but Ananya cut him off.
“I hope you’re doing well,” she said politely, but there was no warmth in her voice. “Take care.”
With that, she walked away, leaving Ayan standing there, realizing too late what he had lost.
Ananya didn’t look back. She had found her strength, and this time, she wasn’t going to let anyone take it away from her.
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