Aman sat quietly on a wooden bench, the warmth of the chai in his hands contrasting with the chill of his thoughts. Across from him, Riya watched him with concern, her eyes reflecting the soothing morning light.
"Kya baat hai, Aman? Aaj kuch zyada hi chup ho."
Aman sighed, a cloud of breath escaping into the crisp air. "Kuch nahi, bas life thodi tough lag rahi hai. Har taraf competition, sapne adhoore lagte hain."
Riya smiled softly, reaching into her bag for a small notebook. She flipped to a blank page and began to write with deliberate care before tearing it out and handing it to Aman.
"Ek baat yaad rakh. Sapne poore karne ke liye kabhi kabhi sirf ek chehra chahiye hota hai jo hamesha saath ho."
In one memory, Aman was hunched over his desk late at night, textbooks piled high, frustration etched on his face. Through the window, Riya waved, holding up a sign that read, "You can do it!"
Another flashback showed the pair amidst a bustling city park, where Riya cheered for Aman as he completed his first marathon. Her voice, though drowned by the crowd, was a beacon of support that pushed him forward.
Aman's heart swelled with gratitude as he scanned the audience, finding Riya in the front row, her eyes glistening with pride.
"Yeh award meri sabse achhi dost, Riya ke liye hai. Usne mujhe woh yakeen diya, jo khud pe bhi nahi tha."
The spotlight cast a warm glow on Riya, whose smile radiated a mix of joy and humility. Tears of happiness traced paths down her cheeks, each droplet a testament to their shared journey.
"I couldn't have done it without you," Aman admitted, his voice a blend of gratitude and admiration.
"You had it in you all along. I just reminded you of it," Riya replied, her tone filled with warmth.
As they shared a comfortable silence, the promise of future dreams and unyielding friendship lingered in the air, a testament to the bond that had transformed their lives.
