Kiana's feet seemed to move of their own accord, her friend's enthusiastic tug on her arm propelling her forward. "Come on, Ki! You have to see this guy!" her friend whispered, eyes sparkling with mischief.

As they turned a corner, Kiana's gaze swept across the bustling quad, her mind still on the mountain of coursework awaiting her. But then, like a sudden jolt of electricity, Kiana's feet halted, her toes curling over the edge of the pavement as her friend's enthusiastic tug on her arm pulled her toward the unsuspecting danger zone. Her eyes, once scanning the quad with casual interest, snapped into focus, locking onto the unmistakable figure leaning against a weathered stone bench.

Siddharth Raghavendra Modak.

Her high school home tutor and childhood crush, stood leaning against a weathered stone bench, his eyes locked onto hers with an unmistakable spark.

Kiana's mind screamed warning signals, but her body betrayed her. Her face burned, heat radiating from her cheeks like a beacon. She felt her lips parting, mouth drying, as if the very air had been sucked out of her lungs.

No, no, no. This can't be happening.

Her internal protest was lost in the cacophony of student chatter and laughter. Sid's gaze, once warm and encouraging, now pierced hers with an unnerving intensity.

Time seemed to slow as Kiana's brain struggled to process the unexpected encounter. Her feet rooted to the spot, her friend's grasp on her arm the only thing keeping her upright.

"Kiana!" he called out, his deep voice low and smooth, like honey dripping on a summer day, still it sent shivers down her spine.

Her heart skipped a beat. Or three.

Her face burning, Kiana's instincts screamed at her to flee. But her legs refused to cooperate, rooted to the spot like twin statues. Her arms hung limp, hands curled into fists, as if preparing for battle.

Why now? Why here?

Her mind reeled, memories of night lectures at home after school, secret glances, and forbidden crushes flooding back. The same butterflies that once danced in her stomach now wrestled with anxiety.

"Hey, isn't that...?" her friend started, voice trailing off as she followed Kiana's line of sight.

Kiana's mortification deepened. She didn't need her friend's confirmation; every cell in her body recognized the man who had once held her heart captive.

In a desperate bid to escape, Kiana turned to leave, but Sid's voice stopped her. "Kiana, wait!"

The command was gentle, yet authoritative, sending a shiver down her spine. She hesitated, her heart racing, as Sid pushed off from the bench and closed the distance between them.

Sid's smile, once her solace, now seemed to hold a hint of amusement. Did he know? Could he see the turmoil brewing inside her?

"Kiana?" Sid repeated, his tone laced with curiosity and a hint of annoyance.

For a moment, they stood there, locked in a silent standoff, the world around them melting away. Then, with a forced nonchalance, Kiana shrugged. "I have work, Sid. Nice seeing you."

The words tumbled out, stilted and awkward, but effective. Sid's expression faltered, his eyes narrowing as he searched her face for answers.

Don't look at me like that. Don't see me.

Kiana's internal plea went unanswered. Sid's gaze lingered, probing the depths of her soul.

With a hasty smile, Kiana turned, almost ran, desperate to escape the suffocating tension. disappeared into the crowd, leaving Sid staring after her, his expression a mixture of confusion and intrigue.

Kiana stepped out of the cozy coffee shop, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingering around her. Sid's unexpected encounter still swirled in her mind like the froth on her latte. She pushed aside the thoughts and headed to her apartment, a thoughtful gift from her father.

Kiana's mind was still in turmoil. She couldn't shake the feelings of seeing Sid again. He has become a man now, more handsome, more attractive. That smile didn't change either - it still lit up his face, making her heart skip a beat. Those dominating gazes that always made her legs tremble were still there, sending shivers down her spine. But something had changed - his mindset, perhaps? For Sid, Kiana didn't know what he thought or if he even remembered her anymore, like before. But for her, she was determined; she would move on.

As she walked into the spacious living room, memories flooded her. The cream-colored walls, adorned with vibrant artwork, seemed to whisper stories of her family. She missed her parents, especially her dad, her rock, her comfort zone. His reassuring smile and warm hugs had always made her feel safe.

Her gaze drifted to the old photograph on the mantle. It was taken on her 18th birthday, with her parents and Sid. He had been her home tutor for her board exams in India, and his guidance had made all the difference. She remembered the way he explained complex concepts, his patience and smile putting her at ease.

"Kiana, you're a brilliant student," Sid would say. "You just need to believe in yourself."

Those words still echoed in her mind, inspiring her to push beyond her limits.

But everything shattered when Sid announced he was leaving for Cambridge, UK, to pursue his PhD. Her heart was in turmoil, her dreams crushed. Unable to express her emotions, she distanced herself.

"I'll always be here for you, Kiana," Sid had said, his eyes filled with concern.

But she couldn't bear the thought of losing him, of watching him leave, though she didn't confess.

"I'll be fine, Sid," she had replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Memories of the past lingered, refusing to fade. One year ago, after Sid left for the UK, he had tried to call her several times, but she never answered. She didn't know what to say or how to talk to him then. In just a few days, he became a stranger to her, and those playful banters were lost. Kiana wondered - had he ever thought of her in another way, or had he just seen her as his student?

Had he ever felt the same flutter in his chest when she was near? Or was she just a fond memory, a reminder of his tutoring days?

The uncertainty gnawed at her, making her question every moment they shared. She recalled the way he explained complex concepts, his patience and smile putting her at ease. But now, his gaze seemed different, more intense.

Determined to move forward, Kiana joined Cambridge University, her dream university, leaving her family behind. It wasn't easy, but she vowed to excel.

"I won't meet him," she promised herself. However, her heart wasn't that easy to convince. It wouldn't let her move on.

Fate, however, had other plans.

As she settled onto the couch, memories continued to flood her mind.

"Kiana, focus on your strengths," Sid's voice echoed.

She recalled the way he smiled at her when she solved a difficult problem.

"Your persistence is inspiring, Kiana," he would say.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She had concealed her feelings for four years, never revealing her emotions.

"Why did you have to leave, Sid?" she whispered, her voice cracking.

The silence that followed was deafening.

With a deep breath, Kiana wiped away her tears. She couldn't change the past, but she could shape her future.

Kiana's thoughts swirled, a mix of nostalgia and longing. She knew she had to move forward, but her heart remained anchored in the past, refusing to let go.

Handling three story platform at a same time is such a handful. I don't know how far I will go. But yeah.... Trying hard.