Chapter 16: chapter 16

Chapter 16The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the city as Sourabh pedaled toward Nitya ma'am’s flat. His heart raced—not from the physical exertion but from the anticipation of finally confronting his feelings. After spending time with Nikita, he felt a shift within himself. He was ready to face Nitya ma'am, to share everything he had been holding back.Rohan’s words echoed in his mind: “You’ve got to make peace with it.” Today, he wanted to do just that.As he reached the building, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. What would he say? How would he express everything that had been building inside him since that fateful day? He took a deep breath and stepped inside, climbing the familiar staircase with a mix of excitement and trepidation.He knocked on her door, his heart pounding in his chest. After a brief moment, the door swung open, and there she stood—Nitya ma'am, looking even more radiant than he remembered. Her hair fell softly around her shoulders, and a gentle smile graced her lips.“Sourabh! What a pleasant surprise!” she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.“Hi, ma'am,” he said, forcing a smile despite the nervous flutter in his stomach. “Can I come in?”“Of course! Please, make yourself at home,” she replied, stepping aside to let him in.As he entered, the familiar scent of her favorite vanilla candle filled the air. He took a seat on the couch, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach. Nitya ma'am settled across from him, her expression warm and welcoming.“What brings you here today? Everything okay?” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly in concern.Sourabh hesitated, searching for the right words. “Yeah, um... I’ve been meaning to talk to you about some things.”“Sure! What’s on your mind?” she encouraged, leaning in slightly, her attention fully on him.He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his emotions pressing against his chest. “It’s about… well, everything that’s been happening. I’ve been struggling with how I feel about you.”Nitya ma'am’s expression shifted to one of surprise, her eyes widening slightly. “Sourabh, you know I care about you as a student, but…”“No, it’s not like that,” he interrupted, his voice more urgent than intended. “I mean, yes, I admire you, but it’s more than just that. I’ve had this crush on you, and when I saw you with Kartik, it broke my heart.”Her gaze softened, and she nodded slowly. “I appreciate your honesty, Sourabh. It’s not easy to talk about feelings like this.”“I know it’s complicated, and I shouldn’t feel this way, but I do. I’ve been trying to move on, and I thought I could do it by throwing myself into my studies. But it’s hard when I see you. I realized I can’t keep pretending everything’s fine when it’s not,” he admitted, feeling a rush of relief as the words tumbled out.Nitya ma'am sighed, looking thoughtful. “Sourabh, I never meant to lead you on or make you feel uncomfortable. I value our relationship as teacher and student, but I also want to be clear that I’m in a different place in my life.”“I get that, ma'am. But seeing you with someone else—it felt like a punch to the gut. I didn’t want to feel like this, but I do,” he confessed, the emotion rising in his voice. “I thought maybe if I told you how I felt, it would help me move on.”Nitya ma'am regarded him with a mixture of compassion and understanding. “It’s completely natural to have feelings for someone you look up to. But I want you to know that I’m with Kartik, and while that may be difficult to accept, it’s important for you to focus on your future and the people who truly appreciate you for who you are.”“Yeah, I know,” he said, frustration creeping back in. “But seeing him with that girl... it just made me realize he’s not good for you. He’s a jerk.”She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “What do you mean?”Sourabh felt emboldened by his earlier conversation with Nikita. “I saw him with another girl the other day. They looked like they were together, and it made me think he’s just playing games with you. You deserve better.”Nitya ma'am’s expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Sourabh, I appreciate your concern. But my relationship with Kartik is my business. I’m a grown woman who can make her own choices.”“I know that. I just... I care about you, and it hurts to see you with someone who doesn’t appreciate you the way you deserve,” he said, his voice earnest.Nitya ma'am paused, her gaze softening as she looked at him. “Thank you for being honest with me. It means a lot that you care. But I need you to understand that I’m trying to navigate my own life, and I want you to focus on yours.”Sourabh nodded, feeling a mix of disappointment and understanding. “I get it, ma'am. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”“You didn’t,” she assured him, her tone gentle. “It’s good to express how you feel, even when it’s hard. I want you to find happiness and someone who makes you feel special.”He felt the heaviness in his heart begin to lighten. “I’m trying. I met someone new, actually. Her name is Nikita. She’s funny and… well, a bit wild. I think it might help me move on.”Nitya ma'am smiled, the warmth returning to her expression. “That’s great to hear, Sourabh! It’s important to surround yourself with positive influences.”“Yeah, she’s definitely a change of pace from what I’m used to,” he admitted, feeling a sense of excitement about the possibility of new experiences.As their conversation continued, Sourabh felt the tension ease. While his feelings for Nitya ma'am might not completely disappear, he realized he could appreciate their relationship in a new light. He could admire her without the weight of unrequited love holding him back.“Thank you for listening to me, ma'am,” he said sincerely. “I really appreciate it.”“Anytime, Sourabh. You’re a bright young man, and I’m proud of you. Just remember, it’s okay to have feelings, but don’t let them define you,” she replied, her smile genuine.As he stood to leave, he felt a newfound sense of closure. He might still have feelings for Nitya ma'am, but he was ready to embrace the future, to explore new relationships, and to find joy in the journey ahead.“Take care, and don’t hesitate to come by if you need to talk again,” she said, her voice warm as he stepped toward the door.“I will, ma'am. Thanks for everything,” he replied, stepping out into the evening light.As he rode home, the weight of uncertainty had lifted, replaced by a sense of hope and possibility. The road ahead might be challenging, but he was ready to face it—one pedal stroke at a time.