"We Never Said Goodbye" by Riya Ranabhat

Forgetting things and me? We are like twins, inseparable, but I will never forget the day that you texted me. I don’t know why that moment is carved into my memory so clearly. I was returning from dinner, sitting in the back of the Uber, enjoying the view of the city as always. It was my birthday that day, I was happy, but also a little mad. Mad at life, mad at myself maybe. But then your message came, out of nowhere, like a ghost from the past. 

Two years. You had disappeared for two years after that kiss, just one kiss that changed everything in my life. And then silence from your side. I never stopped wondering why. Why would you leave without saying anything? Did I really mean nothing to you? Why didn’t you say goodbye?

But that night, somehow, everything changed again. We started talking. Slowly, hesitantly at first. It was like testing the water after the storm. And then something steady began to grow between us again. But this time it was different. I was double questioning about everything. Should I reopen the chapters again? But at that, I didn't think about much and let it flow. 

Then came the day you told me you were coming to visit. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that kind of excitement before. I rushed home that day from school. I cleaned everything, each and every corner. I cooked your favourite dish and was wondering if it was still your favourite. I made sure the kitchen didn’t smell of anything too strong; the whole place felt warm but calm. I even double-checked my sheets, the way my pillows were set. I washed myself carefully, my hands were shaking a little and I was waiting. I waited for you. 

The text said 12 min, but that 12 min felt like a long ride. My heart was beating too fast, I was all red from nervousness, I was thinking what if you don't like the apartment, or the meal I cooked. My heart was pounding so loud I could hear it echoed through the apartment. And that’s where the story really begins.