The news about the scholarship stayed in Aryan's mind for days.
Every time he thought about it, he felt confused.
On one side, it was a huge opportunity for his future. Studying at that university could change his life.
But on the other side, it meant leaving everything behind again.
Leaving the college.
Leaving the city.
And most importantly… leaving Riya.
One evening, Aryan sat alone on a bench in the college garden. The same place where he and Riya often talked.
The sky was slowly turning dark, and the cool wind moved through the trees.
Aryan looked at his phone.
He had received another message from the university asking him to confirm the scholarship soon.
He sighed.
At that moment, Riya walked toward him.
She had been looking for him everywhere.
"You're here," she said.
Aryan looked up.
"Yeah."
Riya sat beside him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Finally, Riya broke the silence.
"Have you decided?"
Aryan looked at the ground.
"Not yet."
Riya smiled gently.
"You should accept it."
Aryan turned toward her.
"You really want me to go?"
Riya looked at him calmly.
"I want you to follow your dreams."
Aryan stared at her for a moment.
"You're not even thinking about yourself."
Riya laughed softly.
"I am."
Aryan looked confused.
"How?"
Riya looked up at the sky.
"Because if you give up your dream because of me, you might regret it someday."
Her words were honest.
Aryan knew she was right.
But the thought of leaving still felt painful.
After a few seconds, Aryan said quietly,
"I wish things were easier."
Riya smiled.
"If life was easy, it wouldn't be interesting."
Aryan laughed a little.
"You always know what to say."
But deep inside, both of them knew the truth.
Soon, Aryan would have to make the most important decision of his life.
And that decision would change everything between them.