Whispers of the Summer Sky

The days that followed were quieter but held an underlying warmth that neither Arjun nor Naina dared to break. Conversations no longer felt forced; they spoke of trivial things, letting laughter sneak back into their lives like an old friend who had been gone too long.

Arjun wasn't naïve—he knew Naina's struggles hadn't disappeared. Her shoulders still bore the weight of her mother's illness, but there was a new resolve in her posture. She wasn't running anymore—not from him, not from herself.

On the third afternoon that week, Arjun got a text.

Naina: Meet me. Usual place. Don't be late.

A smile tugged at his lips. He grabbed his keys, leaving his house in a hurry. The bench felt different that day—the warm breeze, the dappled sunlight peeking through the leaves—all of it held an unfamiliar stillness, as though the world itself were pausing to listen.

When Arjun arrived, Naina was already there, leaning against the back of the bench, her face turned to the clouds. Her fingers clutched something small—a paper. Arjun slowed as he approached, noticing how deep in thought she was.

Didn't expect you to be early, he teased lightly.

Naina looked at him with a small smile. Told you not to be late. I meant it.

Arjun joined her, sitting on the bench while she remained standing. Something about her demeanor made him cautious. "What's that?" he asked, gesturing toward the folded paper in her hands.

It's a letter, Naina said, exhaling softly. She finally looked down at him. From my mom. She wrote me a few, actually, for when she... when she's gone. But I found this one early.

Arjun's expression softened as the realization hit. He searched for words but found none that wouldn't feel empty. Do you… want to talk about it?

Naina looked back toward the sky. Not everything. Just part of it.

Arjun stayed quiet, letting her decide.

Her voice was steady, though tinged with emotion. 'You are stronger than you think, Naina. Life will test you, sometimes to the breaking point, but never let the darkness take the parts of you that shine brightest. Let people in, even when you don't want to.' She paused, swallowing hard. 'Because when the world feels too heavy to carry alone, those are the people who will lift it with you.'

Arjun's heart clenched as he listened, feeling the weight of Naina's pain in every word she spoke.

She always knows the right thing to say, even now, Naina murmured, folding the letter with trembling fingers.

She sounds like someone pretty incredible, Arjun said softly.

She is, Naina whispered. But I'm scared, Arjun.

For what?

For what happens after, she admitted, finally sitting down beside him. Her voice dropped to a fragile whisper. I don't know how to live in a world without her.

Arjun's chest ached at the hopelessness in her words. You're not alone in this, he said gently. Even if it feels like the world is collapsing, you'll get through it. Piece by piece. And I'll be there with you every step of the way.

Naina looked at him, her eyes uncertain. You don't have to, Arjun.

I know I don't have to, he replied firmly. But I want to.

A faint breeze rustled the leaves above them as they fell into silence. For Naina, hearing those words, knowing someone was choosing to stand beside her, made all the difference. She hadn't realized how much she needed someone to hold her together until now.

I think… I think I'm starting to believe you, she said finally, a ghost of a smile on her lips.

That's progress, Arjun teased, nudging her arm.

Naina let out a soft laugh—real and unrestrained. It was a small crack of light breaking through her gloom. For now, it was enough.

As evening fell, they stayed longer than usual. The bench had become more than just a place to meet—it was a small sanctuary where the world's burdens felt a little lighter.

And though neither of them said it, they both understood one thing: sometimes, just knowing someone would stand beside you through the dark was enough to give you strength to face it.

--END--