This is the story of two friends of mine, Aakash and Nilima, whom I have known since childhood. Like me, Aakash had a reputation for being indifferent to love. However, fate had other plans. He experienced love at first sight when he met Nilima, a young woman who would change his life forever. This is the story of how Aakash fell in love with Nilima.
After completing our School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations, Aakash and I joined Highland Educational Consultancy for a bridge course. I pursued management studies, while Aakash enrolled in the science stream. On the second day of classes, as I remained inside for an extended session, Aakash waited for me outside. Unexpectedly, Nilima approached him and greeted him with a friendly "hi." She asked if he recognized her, but Aakash, taken aback, could not recall who she was. Seeing his confusion, Nilima playfully reprimanded him and nearly slapped him. Meanwhile, I exited my class, engaged in a discussion with my teacher, oblivious to their interaction. Later, Aakash recounted the incident to me, and I could not help but smile at his bewilderment.
As the bridge course progressed, our friendship with Nilima deepened. During this time, I also became acquainted with Shivanya, another friend of Nilima, who soon became a close friend of mine as well. The four of us often walked home together, as our residences lay in the same direction. Shivanya and I engaged in playful sparring matches along the way, while Aakash and Nilima immersed themselves in conversation. Over time, Aakash developed feelings for Nilima, and his initial fondness gradually blossomed into love. He spent hours chatting, messaging, and talking with her, yet he hesitated to confess his feelings, fearing it might jeopardize their friendship.
One memorable incident that underscored Aakash's feelings occurred after our SLC results were published. We visited our old school to distribute sweets in celebration. Having completed the distribution in one section of the school, we prepared to move to another, only to be hindered by heavy rain. To navigate the school grounds, we climbed over a back wall. Aakash and I assisted the girls in scaling the wall before proceeding. However, we soon encountered a flooded alley. As we waded through, Aakash instinctively held Nilima's hand to help her cross. Later, he confided in me that he cherished every moment of that brief connection.
In the year 2072 B.S., all students from the management, science, and humanities streams were placed in the same building. Nilima attended the morning shift, while Aakash was in the day shift. Despite their differing schedules, Aakash arrived early each day just to see and talk to Nilima, sometimes even during her ongoing classes.
Following our higher secondary education, Aakash and Nilima saw each other less frequently but remained in touch through social media platforms like Facebook and Viber. Over time, Aakash's love for Nilima only deepened, prompting him to eventually confess his feelings. However, Nilima, still recovering from a previous heartbreak, was unwilling to enter a relationship. Her reluctance created a brief strain in their friendship, but as time passed, they reconciled after Aakash assured her that he would not bring up the topic again.
A significant test of their friendship arose when Aakash and I took a trip to Pokhara. Upon returning, we brought gifts for a few friends, including Nilima. Aakash entrusted Shivanya with the responsibility of delivering Nilima's gift. However, in doing so, Shivanya also revealed to Nilima that Aakash harbored romantic feelings for her. This revelation upset Nilima, who felt frustrated that the subject had resurfaced. She confronted Aakash, leading to a temporary rift. Eventually, Aakash managed to calm her, and they agreed to maintain their close friendship.
To this day, Aakash and Nilima remain good friends. Though their relationship did not evolve into romance, I sincerely hope that one day Nilima will reciprocate Aakash's love and that they will find happiness together.
"Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit."
- Peter Ustinov