Chapter 11: The Last Night
After evening self-study, the class teacher handed me my transfer paperwork, her voice unexpectedly gentle. "All the best, Meera. Don’t forget to email sometimes, haan?" The city lights blurred past the auto window on my way home, familiar landmarks slipping away.
That night, Rohan barely looked at me. At dinner, my deskmate sent me a screenshot of Sneha’s WhatsApp status: [If I have to spend my birthday alone again this year, I won’t celebrate next year.] The attached photo showed Sneha on a bridge, legs dangling over the river. My stomach twisted with worry.
Across the table, Rohan’s spoon clattered to the floor. He grabbed his jacket, voice hoarse, "I have something to do. I’ll go out first. You eat." But at the door, he paused. "Meera," he said, eyes shining with emotion. "I’ve thought it through. Getting engaged after graduation isn’t a bad idea. When I come back, let’s have our parents settle it, all right?" I nodded, knowing he wouldn’t return before I left. After he was gone, I quietly finished eating, packed my suitcase, and set my alarm for dawn. As thunder rolled outside, I hugged my pillow and whispered a silent goodbye to the only home I’d ever known.